So long as you don’t show up in a swimsuit and stilettos you can pretty much wear whatever to want to university in Ireland. Most colleges don’t have a strict dress code (but do check out your university’s dress code if they have one).
Of course I’m not going to tell you what to wear! The beautiful display of individual styles is what makes college fashion so fun. However, you may want a few pointers so here are my most important pieces of advice when it comes to choosing a wardrobe for uni as well as a helpful season-by-season guide of what to wear to uni in Ireland.
Style Advice-Factors to Consider when picking out College Outfits
Comfort
You’re going to be sitting in lecture halls for hours on end, the last thing you want is to have your skinny jeans digging into your stomach or your collar scratching at your neck. It’s bad enough having to endure a boring lecture without the additional suffering of an uncomfortable outfit
Confidence
You want to wear something that makes you feel good about yourself. Power dressing will give boost your confidence to be more sociable, speak up in tutorials, say yes to new opportunities etc.
You Don’t Need to Buy a New Wardrobe
I probably should’ve started with this one (hopefully no one ran off to the shops after the second paragraph!) Of course it’s nice to get yourself a few new pieces for college but you probably have loads of perfectly good outfits already. Remember, no one at college has seen the clothes that you’ve been wearing on repeat for the last year. To every one else your old wardrobe will look just as new and fresh as a brand new one. So before you blow your bank on clothes try to view what you already have through fresh eyes.
You Do You
College is a time for self discovery and showing off who you are. Don’t get so het up about what everyone else is wearing. (Honestly the styles are all so different that it’s impossible to tell what’s ‘the norm’ if there even is one.) Wear clothes that you genuinely like. Staying true to yourself through your fashion choices will also help you attract friends who are on the same wavelength as you.
The Weather
Irish people constantly talk about the weather for a reason – it’s all over the place! When in Ireland you can usually expect slightly chilly temperatures along with at least a bit of rain. However, the weather fluctuates quite frequently (multiple times a day) so wearing layers is essential!
But have no fear! Read on as I guide you through what to wear in Ireland season by season so you can be prepared no matter what the weather.
Seasonal Guide to Dressing in Ireland
In this guide I’m going to tell you what most Irish people wear in each season. However, if you’re used to warmer climates you might want to add in some thermal wear (vests, thermal leggings etc). To browse thermal wear on Amazon click here for women and here for men. Note: as an amazon affiliate I earn a small commission if you buy this item.
I’ve included the average monthly temperatures so you can make your own judgement on how well you’ll be able to handle the (lack of) heat.
Autumn
| Month | Average temperature |
| September | 13C 61F |
| October | 10C 50F |
| November | 7C 45F |
Jeans & Cardigan
Jeans & Hoodie
Skirt & warm tights
Winter
| Month | Average temperature |
| December | 6C 42.8F |
| January | 5C 41F |
| February | 5C 41F |
Jumper & jeans
Warm jacket
Tracksuit
Don’t forget hats, scarves & gloves!
Spring
| Month | Average temperature |
| March | 6C 42.8F |
| April | 8C 46F |
| May | 11C 52F |
Jeans and knit
Light rain jacket
This is kind of a must throughout the year. However, it is especially essential in spring when the weather might be too warm for a heavy coat but you still want to be protected against the frequent rain showers. Even if the sun is shining when you walk out your door, thirty minutes later you could very well find yourself drenched in rain, so best to leave your house prepared. You can browse light rain jackets on Amazon here! Note: as an amazon affiliate I earn a small commission if you buy this item.
Jeans and jacket
Summer
| Month | Average temperature |
| June | 13C 61F |
| July | 15C 59F |
| August | 14C 57F |
Jeans & shirt
Shorts & t-shirt (if it’s sunny enough 🤞)
Summer dress (& tights if it’s a bit chilly)
Footwear
A pair of comfy shoes is all you need for lectures and day to day life.
If you plan on going to the gym a lot/joining a sports club you may want to get yourself some trainers. (Also a pair of flipflops would be handy for shared showers if you’re using the gym showers or in student accommodation)
Boots are quite popular in winter
Hope this post makes deciding what to wear in the morning a bit easier!
