Spring is here! Why are some people in flip-flops – and others in padded overcoats? | Emma Beddington

It’s the time of year that reminds us how very different we all are. Everyone is under the same sky, consulting the same weather app, but no one feels the same temperatureA walk in my neighbourhood the other day reminded me of one of my favourite spring phenomena. Not blossom, or birdsong, but the wild variation in what people consider seasonally appropriate clothing.I was dressed – in my opinion correctly – for the meteorological conditions (cold, windy, non-negligible threat of rain) in a woolly hat, jumper and padded jacket, a classic Yorkshire springtime combo. But a man heading towards me walking his dog apparently had a wholly different take: he was wearing a singlet, shorts and flip-flops. We glanced at each other in mutual incomprehension, then walked on. Continue reading...

Apr 21, 2025 - 11:55
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Spring is here! Why are some people in flip-flops – and others in padded overcoats? | Emma Beddington

It’s the time of year that reminds us how very different we all are. Everyone is under the same sky, consulting the same weather app, but no one feels the same temperature

A walk in my neighbourhood the other day reminded me of one of my favourite spring phenomena. Not blossom, or birdsong, but the wild variation in what people consider seasonally appropriate clothing.

I was dressed – in my opinion correctly – for the meteorological conditions (cold, windy, non-negligible threat of rain) in a woolly hat, jumper and padded jacket, a classic Yorkshire springtime combo. But a man heading towards me walking his dog apparently had a wholly different take: he was wearing a singlet, shorts and flip-flops. We glanced at each other in mutual incomprehension, then walked on. Continue reading...