Spring in the UK can be described with one word: unpredictable. You can wake up one day to find the sun shining and the birds chirping, then a few hours later it’s raining cats and dogs! Despite its surprises, it’s considered one of the best times of the year in the UK, so much so that many poets like Shakespeare often wrote about. Its charm and irregularity alike are welcomed after the months of storms, snow, and cold. It’s when the bees and butterflies start appearing and cuckoos start making their way back to the country. However, the unpredictability causes the daily problem of “what should I wear today?”. Here are some tips on how to dress for spring in the UK:

1. Work with What You Have

Many students think that because a new season is on the horizon, they have to go on an extensive shopping trip for spring and get a whole new wardrobe to accommodate the weather change. However, as an international student in the UK, you need to be mindful of your spending since you have other responsibilities including rent, food, and books. The smartest way to dress for the season is to style the clothes you already have and maybe only get one or two new pieces that could work with multiple outfits. Try to combine your winter and summer wardrobes to work well in the ever-changing UK weather without having to spend too much money.

2. Layering is the Answer

The concept of layering was most likely made for the British spring. When it’s warm and sunny one minute, then chilly and raining the next, you kind of get stuck on which weather to dress for. Layering helps with that since you can easily shrug off a layer when it’s warm then put it back on when it gets chilly. It also helps to have a scarf in your backpack in case it gets windy. An example of layering could be wearing a light sweater over a long-sleeved shirt with a cardigan; for boys, you can add your varsity jacket over a light long-sleeved shirt. You can also wear a cosy pullover with a rain jacket or a trench coat if it looks a bit cloudy! A common outfit for university students in the spring is the crewneck sweater worn simply with jeans or styled with a blazer to look more formal. Make sure to check the weather before replacing any light clothes for heavy ones or vice versa.

3. Prints are Always In

You might think it’s nothing new, but you can never go wrong with spring prints. A floral top with jeans or a printed dress with a cardigan makes for a cute look while keeping warm, and you can always lose the cardigan if it's too warm. If you’re wearing all plain pieces, adding a printed scarf will make the outfit stand out and fit the spring atmosphere. Spring prints for men are also very in-style, especially when you pair it with dark trousers and a blazer for a more sophisticated look. You can also style your plain pullover with a checkered or striped scarf. 

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Add Color

As the weather shifts from cold to warm, you should also move away from the dark colours of winter. Whether you’re picking out an outfit for class or a night out with friends, this is the time of the year to experiment with colours as much as you can. Even if it’s a bit chilly and you’re wearing your dark clothes, you can add one piece that can add life to it such as a colourful bag or a brightly-coloured jacket. Wearing white is actually a great way to ease into spring colours since it gives a fresh, fashionable look, for example, pairing white jeans with a cosy pullover or a sweater.

5. Comfortable Vs Stylish

Many students think that looking stylish will mean being uncomfortable all day, and that’s far from true. With busy days full of classes, socialising, and always moving around, you definitely don’t want to sacrifice being comfortable. Spring is the perfect time to figure out how to wear comfortable and fashionable outfits for university. The base for any comfortable outfit is a well-fitting pair of jeans, and the best thing is that they come in many shapes and colours, so it’ll always feel like you’re wearing something new. Another way you can ensure being comfortable and still looking great is by picking the perfect shoes for spring. Shoes are said to make or break an outfit, so even if you’re wearing a comfortable sweater and jeans, you can make them look stylish with the right pair of shoes. For example, if most of your wardrobe is plain, go for colourful or printed shoes, just make sure to pick whatever feels comfy, whether it’s open shoes, flats, sandals, or sneakers. 

At the end of the day, when it comes to fashion, the best thing about it is that it’s a way of self-expression and how you show your individuality. It’s also important to wear what makes you feel most comfortable and confident because looking confident is a never-fading trend.