This past weekend, top designers, models, and journalists flew from all over the world to London for its biannual Fashion Week. Just by walking around the city, you could tell that Londoners were inspired by the fashion frenzy to bring their A-game when it came to their style, and the Tube became a public runway to show off their fits. The collective effort to be dressed to the nines –– not just this weekend, but always –– secures London as one of the fashion capitals of the world.
When I first arrived in London, I was conscious about what clothes I was bringing over with me and contemplated how “European” they seemed. Beforehand, I had always categorized London style as toned-down colors, chic layers, and overall “posh” looks (think Victoria Beckham). I thought my beloved sneakers and many graphic t-shirts were too “American” and would make me stand out as an expat. I wondered if I should swap out these staples of mine to black boots and simple, oversized sweaters.
Now that I’ve been in London for over a month, I’ve realized that London’s collective style is similar to New York City –– to feel and look like you belong, you have to dress for yourself and express your sense of style. On the streets of London, you’ll see somebody dressed in head-to-toe black walking with someone who’s sporting three different patterns or too many accessories to count. There are no real style “rules” here, and people love to converse about fashion and the individuality that’s showcased from it. The eclectic mix of styles really shouldn’t be surprising, as many counter-cultures have been founded in London, and some of the most groundbreaking designers in fashion –– Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, among many others –– were proud Brits.
When I say you can wear (mostly) anything here and blend in, I really do mean it. One fashion-related phenomenon that has struck me by surprise is the subgroup of Londoners who are fans of American sports. I’ve spotted many baseball caps, NFL toques, and NBA-inspired varsity jackets around the city. So, if you are worried that you can’t sport the Pats or Sox while abroad, think again (I’d advise that you do it subtly though!).
The one thing I’d advise visitors not to do is regularly wear athleisure and sweatpants around London. Although this comfort is normalized in Boston and is a staple in the style culture there, the entirety of Europe is more formal than the United States. Jeans and sneakers are normal (this has been my personal uniform over the past couple of years), but people usually don’t wear their gym attire to go shopping on Oxford Street.
Minus a couple of little “rules,” everything fashion-related is fair game in London. If fashion is a prominent motif in your life, you’ll love all that the city has to offer for outfit inspo. And if you don’t consider yourself a fashionista, the style-savvy streets of London may inspire you to revamp your wardrobe.
