Los Angeles might be known as the home of denim, however when it comes to outfit ideas, Londoners know how to add personality to their everyday jeans. Styling in London tends to be less polished than you’ll see in Milan or Paris — instead of Chanel tweed or Dior hourglass silhouettes, you spot a lot of Chopova Lowena punkish pleated skirts, retro sneakers, and denim.
Londoners in general do denim well and aren’t afraid of more sculptural silhouettes or design-led approaches. Combing through recent street style pictures, I have pulled out seven outfits in particular that really reflect how Londoners are wearing denim now. When it comes to jean styles, it’s all about the architectural horseshoe shape, more subtle barrel legs, and baggy, slouchy jeans. Who What Wear UK’s Rebecca Rhys-Evans wore a denim look that maximalists will adore, as she wore heavily distressed, patchwork denim (that she found in a vintage shop in Tokyo) with a cat motif mesh top from JW Anderson and chunky sole boots.
If you have a more minimalist aesthetic, below you’ll find outfits that are centered around beautiful elevated basics with carefully-chosen accessories. A cardigan and wide-leg jeans are elevated with a pearl necklace and top-handle bag, while postbox red accessories are used to punctuate an otherwise simple look. Keep reading for seven denim looks that are popular in London right now.
1. Single-Breasted Blazer + Baggy Denim
Style Notes: This shrunken, butter yellow, single-breasted blazer is the perfect contrast to these slouchy, baggy jeans.
This sculpts the waist beautifully.
Just the right amount of slouch.
These Craig Green sneakers are very London.
2. Leather Bomber + '90s Denim
Style Notes: This is an outfit I see every time I leave my East London flat (that’s what we Brits call an apartment) on the weekend. The leather bomber and light-wash denim give this a relaxed '90s feel.
A leather bomber is a forever investment.
Agolde jeans are a celebrity and influencer favorite.
These will give your jeans a casual spin.
3. Cardigan + Pearls + Wide-Leg Denim
Style Notes: Dress up your knitwear and jeans with polished accessories, such as a top-handle bag, strings of pearls and two-tone flats. Very Kensington.
When it comes to knitwear, London editors are obsessed with &Daughter.
If you keep the length long, they will puddle around the leg.
Add some glamour to the proceedings.
4. High-Waisted Denim + Pops Of Red
Style Notes: The ‘pop of red’ styling trick has been popular among Londoners and can be a great way to add personality to your wardrobe basics.
Even the Princess of Wales is a fan of & Other Stories's denim.
These will stand out in any outfit.
Loop over all your sweaters and jackets.
5. Horseshoe Jeans + Heels
Style Notes: When it comes to silhouettes, the horseshoe is having a real moment. It looks just as good with heels as flats or sneakers.
These have clever convertible arms.
Citizens of Humanity has created the perfect horseshoe jeans.
Bottega Veneta's iconic Intrecciato weave.
6. Patchwork Denim + Printed Top
Style Notes: London is known for its eccentric styling and this look is anti-minimalism. The cat top by JW Anderson is just as statement-making as the heavily distressed vintage jeans.
London is known for its eccentric styling, so of course JW Anderson has a cat top.
The patchwork trend is gaining momentum.
Add a western flair.
7. Barrel Leg Jeans + Blazer + Strappy Sandals
Style Notes: British Vogue’s Sarah Harris is unofficially known as London’s queen of jeans. At London Fashion Week she wore a subtle barrel leg with an oversized taupe blazer and strappy sandals. Simple, but oh-so elegant.
COS is known for its expert tailoring.
A subtle barrel leg silhouette.
Add a Carrie Bradshaw heel.
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