While most major cities have a clear uniform, London’s look can be categorised as unapologetically offbeat. The birthplace of fashion trends from punk to mod, and home to legendary designers Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and Stella McCartney, as well as fashion heavyweights Burberry and Mulberry, British style is experimental and boundary-pushing. Modern designers taking the helm – think Rejina Pyo and Jonathan Anderson – have continued to build on London’s position as a taste-maker capital. So while there may not be codes of style to follow, embrace eccentricity with prints and colour mixed with classic, old-world looks. And keep an eye on the skies – British weather calls for sunglasses and an umbrella at once.
The jeans
You can’t go wrong with a good pair of jeans. Initially adopted by the Teddy Boys of the 1950s, it was punks in the 70s that made denim synonymous with London style. Avoid styles that look polished and opt for rips, frayed, and baggy boyfriend cuts. For the summer months, look for interesting details such as two-tone denim or a more interesting cut, such as a high-waisted boyfriend style.
The ballet pump
This summer invest in the biggest shoe trend – the return of the ballet pump. Leave flimsy literal styles in the 2009s era, and look for fun colours such as these two-tone versions from Spanish label Flabelus, perfect for the homespun trend. For evenings, opt for a mesh or sparkly pair such as these fashion-forward styles from Highstreet Hero Mango.