A Selection of Phrases and Vocabulary in English for Clothing and Accessories

With the arrival of winter, the days are becoming colder and shorter. In some areas of Europe and the United States, the amount of rain has increased and we can witness suggestive snowfalls. However, thanks to climate change, the weather has become increasingly unpredictable and so it is not unusual to find ourselves in the middle of a violent storm that has caught us by surprise after a nice sunny morning. There are also some countries where unpredictable weather is common every month of the year. What would happen if you travelled to Ireland or the UK and found yourself with sun, rain, snow, and wind all on the same day? Would you be prepared to face every change of weather without catching a cold?

When travelling to places where the weather is capricious, it is always a good habit to bring an umbrella, a windbreaker, and a raincoat. Likewise, it is never a bad idea to take a look at the weather forecast as it can be very accurate! In the following, we will offer you the vocabulary and a selection of phrases to keep in mind for your autumn purchases or during sudden and unforeseen changes in the weather.

Vocabulary

Here is a list of clothing-related words for your winter purchases.

Clothing, Footwear, and Accessories

Anorak / windbreakerBeltBlazerBlouseBootsButtonCapCardiganCoatDressing gownGlovesHatHoody / sweatshirtJacketJumperLeggingsOvercoatPocketPulloverRaincoatScarfSizeSocksSweaterSunglassesTracksuitTightsTrousersWaistcoatUmbrellaZip

Fabrics

CottonLeatherWoolCanvasDenimLinenSilkSuedeSynthetic fibreVelvet

Verbs

To get dressedTo get undressedTo get dressed upTo get changedTo matchTo put onTo take offTo try onTo wearTo suitTo tieTo undoTo untie

Adjectives

BaggyBigCasualCheapElegantExpensiveFashionableFormalLoose / sloppyOrdinaryUnfashionableOversizeShabbyTight

Designs

CheckedSolidSpottedStripedTartanFloral

Phrases

This dress is too big. Can I try a smaller size?

I need a warm coat.

This skirt looks a bit sloppy on the side.

Do you also do tailoring?

Could you take measurements for the hem?

Do you have this shirt in another design?

I would like to try these shoes in size 5.

Emergency Phrases

This cotton shirt is too light for today’s weather. I feel very cold!

Do you know where I can buy an umbrella?

I forgot my raincoat.

Can I have some rain boots?

Ready for Your New Winter Wardrobe?