Despite its often unpredictable weather, there’s nothing I love more than a summer spent in London. The streets are abuzz with people, as are the parks, and any given outing becomes a chance to showcase your style and a great outfit. As someone who lived in the capital for a decade before moving to Scotland, I implore you, do not take a London summer for granted—there are dresses I haven’t been able to wear since I relocated (it really is that much cooler here!).
This year, however, I’ve spend more time in London again, and to make my outfit choices more succinct and carry-on-suitcase-friendly, I decided to take a closer look a what those in capital are currently wearing. Cue a London summer capsule wardrobe.
I’ve consulted the feeds of some of the city’s most stylish inhabitants to determine what to wear when I’m next in town and, unwittingly, I’ve assembled a simple nine-piece, London-inspired edit in the process. So, whether you’re visiting as I am or you’re fortunate enough to reside there, below you’ll find a capsule wardrobe to see you through the next couple of months in London.
1. Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: Wide-leg trousers have been at the top of the style agenda for the past few seasons, but their appeal isn’t waining in London. Easy to pull on and go in, I see so many fashion types pairing theirs with simple vest tops and slider sandals.
Shop the Look:
REFORMATION
Alex Linen Pant
£198
These come in a range of colours and prints.
COS
Voluminous Wide-Leg Wool Trousers
£115
Our editors really rate COS tailoring.
2. Fisherman Sandals
Style Notes: Sandal season is officially upon us, and although London women always fall back on simple styles, for 2024, I’m seeing more and more people gravitating towards the fisherman sandal. It’s the kind of flat you can take from weekends at home to weeks on holiday.
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MAEVE
Maeve Wide-Banded Leather Fisherman Sandals
£115
Need.
JW ANDERSON
Fisherman Embossed Leather Sandals
£635
The Row ones are constantly selling out, but these JW Anderson ones are at the top of my wish list.
3. Striped Shirt
Style Notes: Oxford shirts have always been commonplace in the banking district, but blue-and-white stripe shirts are infiltrating the wardrobes of fashion people, too. Worn with the aforementioned wide-leg trousers, relaxed layers such as this are becoming a style signature in London.
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MASSIMO DUTTI
100% Linen Striped Shirt
£60
A wardrobe staple if I ever saw one.
REFORMATION
Andy Oversized Shirt
£128
This comes in so many colours.
4. Silk Slip
Style Notes: Following the simple theme of my edit, I was keen to hone in on a versatile dress staple London women wear from day to night. Although there were a few contenders—black sundresses and white linen were up there—most prevalent of them all was the elevated slip. Never clingy, London women gravitate towards ever-so-slightly looser silhouettes.
Shop the Look:
GHOST
Chloe Satin Midi Dress
£175
This shade of butter hyellow has been so popular this season.
ANTHROPOLOGIE
Samsoe Samsoe Sunna Sleeveless Square-Neck Maxi Dress
£170
Love it.
5. Waistcoat-and-Shorts Set
Style Notes: The waistcoat trend was first embraced by the London-based style set, and they still remain very loyal to it. For 2024, I’m seeing more shorts-and-waistcoat co-ords coming through than ever before.
Shop the Look:
REFORMATION
Emily Linen Two Piece
£298
The complete package.
REISS
Mclaren F1 Wool Blend Waistcoat
£158
You could also go bold with Reiss F1 orange set.
6. Braided Leather Bag
Style Notes: I’m a huge basket bag fan, but I’m finding that London women are opting for braided leather styles more than their straw counterparts this season. Who can blame them when they look this polished?
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DRAGON DIFFUSION
Bamboo Triple Jump Woven Leather Tote
£360
Everyone’s carrying Dragon Diffusion bags at the moment.
MANGO
Braided Leather Bag
£120
A robust style you’ll carry you from working week to weekend.
7. Maxi Column Skirt
Style Notes: 2024 is the year of the skirt, with maxi hemlines proving just as popular off the runway as they were on it. Although there are plenty of A-line options out there, to achieve that simple aesthetic London women have near perfected, opt for a sleek column cut.
Shop the Look:
COS
Tailored Linen-Blend Maxi Skirt
£110
This skirt feels so authentically ’90s.
M&S AUTOGRAPH
Linen Blend Maxi A-Line Skirt
£89
Simple and sleek.
8. Silver Jewellery
Style Notes: One of the biggest shifts in the jewellery world this season has been the surge in the popularity of silver, which Londoners are embracing in the form of sculptural rings, chunky hoops and chain necklaces.
Shop the Look:
MISSOMA
Lucy Williams Chunky Medium Entwine Hoop Earrings
£109
A modern take on classic hoops.
LIÉ STUDIO
The Elizabeth Silver Earrings
£240
A chic addition to any jewellery collection.
9. Something Yellow
Style Notes: When it comes to quiet luxury, the colour that defines the aesthetic has to be buttermilk yellow; a delicate shade that looks so expensive no matter how much the garment in question cost you.
Shop the Look:
ARKET
Relaxed Poplin Shirt
£67
This shirt works day or night.
MARE MARE
Mare Mare X Anthropologie Smocked Midi Dress
£148
If you’re looking for a gorgeous wedding guest outfit, this dress is a great option.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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