Picking an outfit for Edinburgh in November is tricky as we can have some surprising weather. It’s the start of storm season, which I wrote a bit about back in the February edition of this article series. It is also the time we have a lot of my favourite days – sunny, clear, but slightly chill. Cape weather.
It’s the time of year where it’s a good idea to wear a jumper and bring a jacket. Larger style Winter coats also become necessary especially when you’re from a hotter country. A lot of visitors start to wear mountain gear. Basically, anticipate the weather you might stereotypically expect in Scotland but maybe a little better. (I hold that this country’s weather is less terrible than anyone thinks!)
Where to find clothes for Edinburgh in November?
‘Tis the season of Hairst, the Scots word for Autumn. This means warmth and cosiness. It means browns, reds, yellows, and oranges. It also means layers.
Primark, Fast and Affordable
Honestly this is where I have often found myself posttour in a downpour looking for anything dry. It’d say it’s a bit of a one-stop shop as even their shoes are broadly acceptable. And I would know, I go through four pairs a year.
As mentioned in the first post I wrote in this series, January, tights are a very good thing for any gender. Some of the manliest people alive wore tights. George Washington wore tights. Why do you hate George Washington?
Assuming a portion of the audience is American, for every other type of man, any great figure you can think of from the 1700s wore tights, just do it.
Higher end, get to St James
Not going to go into tremendous details because I don’t want to make this post a whole infomercial, but if you want clothes that cost more and look better but will probably last as long as Primark, go here. The St James Quarter, probably soon to be renamed as it’s been bought by Westfield, is a covered shopping street/centre/mall, and they’ve basically got the stuff from brands. Worth your time if you’re insistent on brands.
Mountain Warehouse
These are the folk for your hiking gear. For city wear they are maybe a little much. But still, the prices aren’t bad, they often have stuff on sale, and they’re well located on the Royal Mile near the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Bonus what to wear in Edinburgh in November: Sockitopus
If you want socks with fun patterns, Socktopus on the High Street are very good.
Conclusion for what to wear in Edinburgh in November
Generally, the advice is to wrap fairly well. You’ll want at least a couple of layers, with the potential for more, and I’d advise an underlayer. Regardless, it’s a great time to be here. It’s outside the main tourist season so a lot of businesses will be happy to see you, and definitely look into booking a walking tour.
The writer of this piece skipped October because it is a rubbish month which lies to you.
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