After 13 years spent working in this industry, I have seen firsthand that fashion has the power to create positive change, and his sentiment was evident at the annual #SheInspiresMe Charity Car Boot Sale, hosted by Women for Women International in Selfridges’s car park in Central London earlier this month. The event brings together sellers from across the fashion industry, offering thrifty shoppers the chance to get their hands on pre-loved pieces that oftentimes are special, of a high quality and that they may have had their eye on for a while already. I must stress, this is no regular car boot sale where you have to hunt for a gem, if you’re lucky enough to find one at all.
With contributions from editors, influencers, style experts, big-name brands, and celebrities (i.e. the people with the most impressive wardrobes and the labels you’ll find within them), the pieces on offer are of an entirely different caliber to your local end of month car boot. So, when the opportunity presented itself for us to be in attendance to support, we naturally leaped at the chance, not only to hopefully snag something we love and contribute to the overall funds raised (more on that in a second) but to also document the chic outfits that we’re also on display.
We’re always interested in capturing real-life style in action, and the #SheInspiresMe sale proved a slew of chic street style looks for us to admire and, ultimately, document, We sent a photographer down to the event to capture the action—that’s right, our summer street style series is finally back for 2024—and what a way to kick it off! The variety of outfits was striking, all sharing a common thread of effortlessness and that eclectic fashion flair all the city’s inhabitant’s seem to share. Jeans paired with unique separates, dresses worn with trainers—these ensembles were easy to put together yet intentional in their makeup. In terms of colour, there were neutrals, as dictated by the wider trend cycle, but also colour, and talking pieces that make the outfits we saw all the more unique and individual-looking.
The event wasn’t just a feast for the eyes; it also raised more than £365,000 with 100% of the proceeds going towards supporting women survivors of war. This is over 30% more raised than last year’s event. Needless to say, this is truly worthwhile Saturday out and one I recommend you mark in your calendar when the 2025 date is released. Until then, scroll on to see the standout outfits from London this May, which are sure to serve as a source of inspiration for your own looks over the coming months, too, along with some shopping suggestions on handy items for re-creating their ensembles.
17 STREET STYLE LOOKS WE SPOTTED IN LONDON THIS MAY
Style Notes: Our assistant social media editor, Annie Wheatland Clinch, stopped by to soak up the atmosphere at the event, and did so in a trending gingham-print minidress which she expertly layered over some near-perfect straight-leg jeans.
Key Buy:
REFORMATION
Lovella Linen Dress
£248
Style Notes: Sporting not just one excellent look between them but two, Lauren and Abbie’s roles as brand specialists at Selfridges mean they have an eye for a chic, statement-making piece. Between Ganni’s leopard jeans and that impressive Coperni floral heart bag, their looks are a proverbial roll call of cult pieces.
Key Buy:
COPERNI
Heart-Shape Rhinestone-Embellished Stretch-Cotton Blend Tote Bag
£590
Style Notes: Clashing your prints isn’t easy, but content marketer Candace makes it look so simple and stylish by sticking to a cohesive colour palette. No notes, just admiration. The colours themselves feel fresh and fun, which match Candace’s bubbly personality perfectly.
Key Buy:
STINE GOYA
Tamar Wrap-Effect Cloqué Mini Dress
£310
Style Notes: This look is only made cooler by TV producer Yasmin’s natural styling flair—just look at how she effortlessly echoes the subtle pink shade in her printed tee with her scrunchie. You’re watching a pro at work.
Key Buy:
WHISTLES
Clean Bonded Leather Jacket
£449
Style Notes: One minute it’s shorts weather, the next it’s a downpour. Take your current outfit cues from Eloïse by wearing a pair of longline denim shorts with a rain-resistant leather jacket and boots to carry you through this unpredictable period.
Key Buy:
ARKET
Loose Denim Shorts
£67
Style Notes: Just looking at Aurélie’s outfit and you can tell she’s a fashion stylist. Showing us just how impactful an all-black ensemble can be, she gives it dimension by opting for different tones and textures. Her unembellished bag choice and ballet flats only add to the polished feel.
Key Buy:
AEYDE
Delfina Bow-Detailed Suede Ballet Flats
£270
Style Notes: Why is it that London-based DJs always have the coolest style? Fiona’s look taps into the overarching bohemian trend we’re seeing this season, with the addition of her leather jacket and boots giving it an edge.
Key Buy:
ISABEL MARANT
Kiledia Printed Cotton and Silk-Blend Crepe Blouse
£555
Style Notes: I don’t know what I’d like to borrow (read: steal) from interior architect Rozan’s outfit more—her Louis Vuitton bag or her vintage Burberry miniskirt. Who am I kidding—I’d take both!
Key Buy:
BURBERRY
Pleated Check Wool Mini Kilt in Archive Beige
£840
Style Notes: As a brand that has long supported the Women for Women cause, it came as no surprise that fashion rental site By Rotation’s founder Eshita was also in attendance. Elegant as ever, Eshita’s satin dress and espadrilles outfit looks just as at home on the streets of London as it would in the South of France.
Key Buy:
REFORMATION
Casette Silk Dress
£348
Style Notes: The first thing we spotted and loved with solicitor Jan’s look was her Gucci bag. Then we clocked her incredible Tod’s mule loafers. Proof that elegant-looking accessories always make for a sound investment.
Key Buy:
GUCCI
Ophidia GG Shoulder Bag
£1340
Style Notes: Adding a pop of red to your look is just one way to ensure you stay firmly on-trend this season. i really ought to expect nothing less from Monika, who is the founder of her own namesake sustainable, slow fashion brand, Monika the Label.
Key Buy:
COS
Quilted Mini Bag
£45
Style Notes: Another profession that’s apparently inherently stylish? Makeup artistry, and Dee is no exception. MUAs are fond of black outfits as they can easily blend in when you’re backstage at shows or working on a busy set, but Dee’s look is anything but boring. From her Balenciaga bag to her well-cut cargos, she elevates her ensemble with her considered choices.
Key Buy:
ALEX MILL
Phoebe Recycled-Denim Straight-Leg Cargo Pants
£175
Style Notes: Continuing the pop of red theme is beauty PR Bethany, who expertly matched the colour of her Adidas trainers to that of her Gap baseball cap to instantly pull the look together. Not content with nailing just one key 2024 trend, she also checks off the double denim look. Bravo, Bethany.
Key Buy:
ADIDAS ORIGINALS
SL 72 Leather-Trimmed Suede and Nylon Sneakers
£80
Style Notes: As you probably could have guessed, anyone who works at Selfridges has great style. Well, anyone we scouted who works at Selfridges has great style! Take Anya, the brand’s circular coordinator, who’s combination of wide-leg jeans, yellow trainers and olive green leather jacket feels supremely current and cool.
Key Buy:
ARKET
Cloud Low Loose Jeans
£97
Style Notes: I can only assume that being a model has presented Mia with more opportunities to explore and hone her own unique style, which we practically leaped across the street to capture. Her playful eye for accessories and innate styling knack is evident in this ensemble.
Key Buy:
MAISON MARGIELA
Tabi Leather Ballerina Pumps
£670
Style Notes: Great dress, check. Smart shoes, check. Cute cap, check. Lucy Hall is the founder of Loanhood, a fashion rental site that spotlights independent brands, and this prime example of her personal style only adds to her fashion clout.
Key Buy:
SISTER JANE
Thimble Jacquard Mini Dress
£105
Style Notes: I never tire of a strong jeans and a nice top look, and student Schuyler just reminded me of that fact. Her cotton babydoll top and flared jeans make for an excellent Y2K homage, and that’s before we even get to her chain belt. Does anyone else have a sudden urge to play Girls Aloud’s first album?
Key Buy:
ZARA
Embroidered Top
£26
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