Wet weather wear; these three words may summon PTSD linked to British summer holidays as a depressed eight year old visiting yet another National Trust site in a summer downpour. But dressing for our friend Boelo does not need to resemble that. Iconic photos of Kate Moss at Glastonbury show her single-handedly upgrading the humble Wellington boot that has just turned 20 years old.
In fact, the Welly has Edinburgh roots: after a request in the early 1800s from Viscount Wellington to his shoemaker for a more riding-appropriate boot, it wasn’t until 1856 that the Edinburgh-based North British Rubber Company made Britain’s first rubber boot. They were then later commissioned in 1916 for soldiers to prevent trench foot, creating the Welly we know today. From wars to farms to festivals to eventually the Main Library catwalk, it’s earned its place. So with a new storm named every week, here’s how to incorporate them.
First, sourcing. Vinted or one of Edinburgh’s copious charity shops is the perfect hunting ground for your dream pair. Glossy, matte, long or short, the world is your Welly!
Secondly: styling. For colder days, I like to wear mine under flared jeans so they peek out under a long trench with an umbrella. When it’s warmer but still wet, pairing them with some sailor-style shorts and a chunky cable knit jumper is unbeatably chic!
Dry feet and a piece of Edinburgh history on your feet? All in all, it’s a wear from me!
Photo by Lidia Nikole on Unsplash.
