What They’re Wearing in: London, England
What They’re Wearing in: London, England
By: Grace Logan
London is a melting pot of culture, cuisine, history, and fashion. As I hopped off the plane in May, I noticed summers in England are a bit different from Mississippi. Thereis a lovely chill in the mornings and it begins warming up in the evenings. The sun does not set until 10 p.m. and everything is pleasantly green. How does one dress for such a climate? The best answer is a simple one: it depends.
A blazer is a must have, and is treated as an everyday jacket for the London locals. Whether it is thrown over a white t-shirt and jeans for a day on the town or a full pantsuit ready for the work week, you simply cannot have too many variations of a blazer.
Sunny days in London mean summer dresses are out to play. Flowy dresses are in this season, with all types of bold patterns and colors represented. In Kensington and Chelsea, sneakers and dresses are at their peak, worn for all types of weekend events. If you are planning a stroll through Kensington Gardens, this is a must-try look.
Jackets are essential to the London lifestyle, with unpredictable weather meaning that a rainy morning can easily turn into a sunny afternoon. Londoners always have their favorite jacket, sweater, and umbrella with them to be prepared for whatever may come their way.
Before heading out in London, it is important to ask yourself a few questions. Where are you going? What are you doing? The perfect London wardrobe has variation among the staples. You must be prepared for an afternoon tea that can quickly turn into a night out. Afternoon tea is the perfect place to showcase your best summer dress — nothing pairs with high fashion quite like scones and finger-sandwiches. A night out in London, on the other hand, requires something a bit edgier. Locals tend toward the classic bodysuit and jeans combo when dancing the night away in Shoreditch clubs. Accessorize with funky jewelry and bags to showcase your personality.
For a more casual day out, ditch the American athletic wear and opt for trousers and a simple tee instead, with a canvas tote to round out the look.
Immediately after arriving in London, I knew my wardrobe needed a refresh. Zara is a staple in the UK much like in the U.S., but upon talking to locals further, I was introduced to brands like Mango, Reiss, and Hobbs. Department stores like Harrods, Selfridges, and John Lewis are one stop shops for clothes, shoes, accessories, making it easy to pick up any and all pieces you deem necessary for your wardrobe.
Summers in London are special. The city is buzzing, everyone is soaking in the sun and warm weather, and there is always something for someone to enjoy. Whether that be Sunday Roasts at the local pub, West End shows on a Tuesday night, high tea on a Thursday afternoon, or Shoreditch clubs on a Saturday, there is room for every type of fashion in the bustling city. No matter the weather or event, London’s fashion scene is always interesting and exciting, so take a piece out of the local’s handbook and dress for wherever the day takes you.
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All images belong to Grace Logan.