LAYERS OF CLOTHES TO KEEP OUT THE CHILL

Each layer should hide the layer underneath

What to Wear on a Visit to Britain from Florida:
1. Don't LOOK bundled up. Everyone else is in shirt sleeves.
2. Dress in layers so that each layer hides the one underneath it.
3. Each layer should look like it was picked out to go with whatever else you have on.
4. One layer, usually the bottom one, should be long enough to keep your lower back warm. It will need to be tucked in, otherwise your layering technique will be revealed.
5. Preferably, one layer should have a decorative though actually functional hood.
6. Don't wear an insulated undershirt; there may be the odd occasion you have to peel down to that layer.
7. Three layers should be worn indoors, four or five outdoors (four by June, hopefully).

Each layer should match whatever else you are wearing,
just in case it warms up and one or even two layers are removed.

Invest in a white long sleeve T-shirt as the basic layer of your UK wardrobe

Please do not drop clotted cream off your scone onto your clothing, since it will then need to be laundered. This is a not an easy task in Britain, where resources of water and energy are taken more seriously than in the USA. Front loading washing machines use very little water, and dryers (if owned) are used only when absolutely necessary. The usual drying methods are:

1. On the line outside:

2. On the rack inside

Often both methods are used, since even a chilly day can take some of the moisture out of the clothes on the outside line, and they can finish drying indoors. As a child, I remember bringing in "the wash" and it was frozen enough that I could stand the trousers up on the kitchen floor.

The downside to either or both of these methods is that the clothes are crispy fresh and EVERYTHING HAS TO BE IRONED! Ironing also helps finish the drying process.  After being ironed, clothes are sometimes placed over a "horse" (wooden frame) to air before being put away. Linens and towels are often stored in an "airing cupboard" or small closet that houses the hot water heater and consequently has some occasional warmth.

So next time you do laundry - no complaining!!