Photos, words and infographic by Simran Gill
On a warm but unsettled afternoon outside King’s Cross, the relationship between weather and what people wear felt less predictable than ever. Conversations with passersby revealed a quiet but noticeable shift. While the British instinct to dress for the season still lingers, it is increasingly being challenged by the reality of sudden heat, unexpected downpours, and days that seem to contain multiple climates at once.
For many, the weather remains the single biggest influence on daily outfit choices. A 22-year-old student, Amy Nowak, described checking her weather app every morning before deciding what to wear, explaining that “you can’t rely on the time of year anymore, only the forecast.”
She admitted that even then, dressing for the say often feels like guesswork. Similarly, a middle-aged office worker noted that he now carries a lightweight waterproof jacket year-round, something he never did a decade ago.
Dress for the weather? Impossible!
There was a general consensus that the UK’s weather has become harder to dress for. Several people pointed to the increasing frequency of heatwaves, alongside persistent rain, as a source of frustration.
One retail assistant explained that she now avoids buying purely seasonal items altogether, instead opting for clothing she can layer. “Summer dresses don’t feel practical when it might be 18 degrees and raining in July,” she said.
When asked about clothing for extreme conditions, responses were mixed. A young fashion professional, Ezra Gill, 36, mentioned investing in breathable fabrics and loose silhouettes specifically for hotter days, while also keeping durable outerwear for heavy rain. Others, however, admitted they were unprepared for extremes. One man in his thirties laughed that he “just sweats through it” during heatwaves, suggesting that adaptation is not universal.
Shopping habits are beginning to reflect this uncertainty. Many people these days adapt their wardrobes regularly, prioritising versatility over trend. Items that can transition between temperatures, such as light jackets, knitwear, and adaptable footwear, are hits. One shopper described deliberately avoiding fast fashion cycles, arguing that “there’s no point buying for a season that doesn’t behave like it used to.”
Despite these individual adjustments, there was scepticism about whether fashion brands are keeping pace. Several interviewees felt that the high street still operates on outdated seasonal calendars, releasing collections that do not align with actual weather patterns. One respondent pointed out the disconnect of seeing heavy knitwear in stores during an unseasonably warm autumn. Another argued that while some brands gesture towards sustainability, few are addressing the practical realities of climate change in their designs.
What emerges is a tension between habit and adaptation. While people are becoming more aware of the need to dress flexibly, ingrained shopping patterns and limited retail options continue to shape behaviour. The result is a wardrobe in transition, one that reflects both the unpredictability of the climate and the slower pace of change within the fashion industry.
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