Like anywhere else in the world, London has its own identity that infiltrates everything from its food to its music scene. Of course, this is Who What Wear, so what we’re most interested in is the fashion and how the capital influences the wardrobes of its residents (many of whom, I might add, are very chic indeed).
If you walk down any London street, you’ll see a wide spectrum of outfits, and that’s one thing that makes London culture so rich: it’s unique and varied, and that’s something we should always celebrate. However, there are pieces that feel more intrinsically ‘London’ than others, and while some may sound cliché, there is merit in many of them. As a Londoner, these are pieces I regularly see when I’m downtown, worn by women who definitely know how to put together a chic outfit.
As I thought more about these city must-haves, I found it interesting how, when they come together, they create classic London outfits – looks that capture the essence of the British capital. As someone who always wants to dress more timelessly, I’ve put together seven elegant looks that feel so London, but also look chic all around. Form a capsule wardrobe of sorts and scroll on to see the classic London outfits that caught my eye.
7 classic London outfits to recreate this spring
1. Blazer + jeans + loafers
Style Notes: When it comes to classic London outfit combinations, they don’t ring truer than this look. A compromise between a relaxed fit blazer (more often than not a black blazer), a pair of timeless straight leg blue jeans and a loafer – the spring shoes of London girls – this is an ensemble I see countless times on the streets every day of the capital, but somehow it never loses its appeal.
Buy the look:
Arket
Oversized wool hop sack blazer
This will never, ever date. That’s a WWW guarantee.
COS
Sturdy leather Penny loafers
I know I would wear this from now until June.
2. Custom made set + slingbacks
Style Notes: Perhaps it has something to do with the heritage of Savile Row, just a stone’s throw from the city centre, but London style has long been synonymous with tailoring. This is something I see day in and day out (as mentioned above when discussing wind instruments). But as we head into the warmer months, I’m sure we’ll see more and more bespoke waistcoat combinations this season, as we do annually in London.
Buy the look:
Bottega Venetta
Classic wool Houndstooth vest
Also try wearing this with jeans and pencil skirts.
Massimo Dutti
Cold wool trousers with darts
If you’re as short as I am, you’ll want your tailor on standby to hem these for you, just like sister brand Zara, the Massimo Dutti trousers are long (which I appreciate, great for tall women) .
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Slingback leather pumps
A classic shoe style if I’ve ever seen one.
3. Cashmere sweater + mini skirt + knee boots
Style Notes: The miniskirt is another item packed with British heritage, invented here in the 1960s. Of course you see them being worn all over Europe and beyond, but even though we may not always have the right weather for them, mini skirts are a wardrobe staple for many London women. Kim Turkington’s ensemble, complete with a cozy and roomy cashmere knit, is now more likely to be paired with knee-high boots or loafers than spindly heels and perfectly demonstrates how to style a miniskirt the London way.
Buy the look:
H&M’s cashmere is selling like hotcakes; I’m sure this beige knit will follow suit.
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A-line mini skirt
This goes just as well with slingbacks and a blazer as it does with sneakers and a sweatshirt.
Tough
Wally leather knee boots
These are also available in brown suede.
4. Sweater + jeans + suede tote bag
Style Notes: If it wasn’t already clear, jeans are at the heart of many a classic London outfit. However, this look is less about the jeans and more about their color. Even at the risk of getting your clothes dirty on the commute, I see more all-white outfits in London than anywhere else, and not just in the form of a summer dress. Lois Sterling’s combination of a white knit, white jeans and a brown suede bag feels so fresh and current, yet classic at the same time.
Buy the look:
Massimo Dutti
100% cashmere sweater with round neck
I really appreciate the quality of Massimo Dutti’s knitwear.
Totem
Denim with barrel-shaped legs, off-white
I’ve heard great things about the fit of these jeans.
KHAIET
Lotus medium suede tote bag
Such a beautiful brown shade.
5. Trench coat + cardigan + wide leg trousers
Style Notes: You probably thought I’d made the biggest mistake by not mentioning the trench coat, but rest assured its influence is still very much felt in London, and I can’t imagine it ever won’t be. Easy to layer over any spring look for extra insurance if it rains (which we all know is quite likely in London). Absolutely timeless and elegant, whether you buy yours from Burberry or Arket, you know it will serve you well in your capsule, whether you live in London or elsewhere. Pairing it with wide-leg trousers and a cardigan only makes the garment feel even more British.
Buy the look:
Arket
Garment dyed trench coat
Arket has some of the best trenches on the market.
Reform
Clara Cashmere cardigan with round neck
This will serve you well during the inevitable cold snap we will have this spring.
These are available in a handful of chic colors and also in Reformation’s extensive sizing.
6. Leather jacket + tube dress + Mary Janes
Style Notes: The leather jacket is deeply rooted in British fashion and has been adopted by many people and aesthetics along the way. At the moment it’s a permanent part of the London style set, who wear it with everything from leggings to tailoring, skirts to dresses. Look for elongated biker shapes for a modern look. Finish with Mary Jane flats for an outfit that screams 2024.
Buy the look:
Whistles
Clean bonded leather jacket
The coolest leather jacket from a mile away.
SKIMS
Suits everyone with stretch jersey midi dress
A handful of our editors own this dress and they always say how great they feel when they wear it.
The row
Ava Mary Jane ballerinas
I would love to own these flats.
7. Oxford shirt + jeans
Style Notes: You might think the Oxford shirt is made in Oxford, but you’d be wrong. It was actually invented in Scotland by a tailoring company that named a range of shirts after the country’s most prestigious universities in an attempt to boost their credibility. I know, it sounds like modern marketing. The idea worked and soon the Oxford shirt infiltrated the London business world, where it became favored by bankers and the like. Now, however, the blue button-down is a universal favorite among fashion folk who have adopted it as their own and wear it all over the capital, not exclusively but most likely with jeans.
Buy the look:
COS
Oversized shirt with long sleeves
As versatile as any white shirt.
Arket
Cloud low loose jeans
If you’re looking for the perfect slouchy jeans, you just found it.
These have already been picked up by countless influencers.