XP: help me shop

[elleblue]

We're going to the UK in April for three weeks and I am in need of ideas for clothes and shoes.

So, hit me with your best versatile wardrobe options! Right now I'm primarily looking at how to style myself during this trip, so sizes and prices aren't that big of a deal. That said, if you want to be specific, I have a few thousand to spend (though obviously the less it costs, the better) and I'm hovering in plus size because of my giant rack. Unfortunately most plus size items hang on me weirdly, but I've got to fit the girls so tailoring is usually needed.

What would you take to wear in England, Ireland and Scotland?

[UnderProtest]

Layers, layers, layers and more layers. Most places aren't fancy so jeans are fine except for afternoon tea or fancy dinners. Your shoe wear will give you away as a tourist though. Avoid sneakers/tennis shoes and stick to comfortable boots or ballet flat type shoes (the Vince Camuto ballet flats have been my go to lately). Definitely bring a waterproof outer jacket as its always rainy and/or windy. Scarves are useful for layering and keeping you warm.

[pandora89]

Layers, lots of them. T-shirts, long sleeves, cardigans (this is a must!).

Maybe a raint coat? I would assume a lot of rain so lots of rain friendly clothing and shoes.

Bootties or flats?

Jeans.

[elleblue]

Not a sneakers running shoe person, so I was planning on boots/booties.

UnderProtest - any specific ideas for a jacket? I'm in SoCal nearish the ocean so I have tons of layering type clothes but no need for a raincoat, lol.

[littleduck]

Get a classic trench coat! I wore that with a black turtleneck and black lace up booties in Paris in March, it was perfect. Effortless and matches everything. I hope you have an amazing time! A good cashmere sweater in a neutral would be good too.

[UnderProtest]

Do you want a nice one or a functional sporty one?

My husband has a nice Hugo Boss one (no hood) that he wears with his suit. He loves it but it wasn't cheap. Because I just run the kids to and from school, I wear a Columbia ski jacket (with or without the fleece under jacket).

[elleblue]

Feb 24, 2016 15:32:39 GMT -5 UnderProtest said:

Do you want a nice one or a functional sporty one?

My husband has a nice Hugo Boss one (no hood) that he wears with his suit. He loves it but it wasn't cheap. Because I just run the kids to and from school, I wear a Columbia ski jacket (with or without the fleece under jacket).

I don't want to spend a ton on a jacket (not much use here) but I'd prefer something nicer/dressier. A classic trench is probably the direction I'm leaning.b

[UnderProtest]

Feb 24, 2016 16:15:12 GMT -5 elleblue said:

Feb 24, 2016 15:32:39 GMT -5 UnderProtest said:

Do you want a nice one or a functional sporty one?

My husband has a nice Hugo Boss one (no hood) that he wears with his suit. He loves it but it wasn't cheap. Because I just run the kids to and from school, I wear a Columbia ski jacket (with or without the fleece under jacket).

I don't want to spend a ton on a jacket (not much use here) but I'd prefer something nicer/dressier. A classic trench is probably the direction I'm leaning.b

I took a quick look and it seems Nordstrom has a lot of options that are decent and not too expensive.

[Nonny]

When I was in Ireland I wore jeans, t-shirts, a cardigan, and a ScotteVest jacket. I also wore running shoes -- my feet/joints need more support than flats can offer, and people will know I'm a tourist the second I open my mouth or whip out my camera anyway, so I always prioritize comfort. #NoRegrets.

Having a brimmed hat (mine was kind of a conductor style cap - so not a baseball cap, but still with a bill) and sunglasses were a must when we took a boat ride.  I also had a reversible beanie for the Cliffs of Moher where it was super windy (and I didn't have it with me but I wish I did when we were at an even windier lookout on the Ring of Kerry).

While there I bought some wool scarves and a zipper hoodie for a random Gaelic football team, and a snap front shirt-dress to use a cover up for the most ill-advised trip to the waterpark in Tralee.  Seriously, do not go there.  Rick Steves lies.