After what felt like very slow spring, it seems summer has finally kicked into gear. Though there are no guarantees—this is summer in Britain we're talking about, after all—things are certainly looking brighter as far as the forecast is concerned. And this week past, London dwellers seemed to make the seasonal wardrobe shift on mass. Gone were the coats and thicker jackets we've been relying on for the past six months and, instead, I saw flurries of white cotton and colourful linen flood the streets.
The same thing happened on Instagram, too. All of my favourite influencers who reside in the capital donned their finest summer wares inspiring me to do the same. So, which London summer outfits caught my eye? Of the many, the below nine stood out for their unique points difference, chicness and genuine ability to defy the trends.
Scroll on to see the London summer outfits I added to my Saved folder, and shop any pieces you might need to re-create them. Something tells me, however, that you might be able to assemble some of them from your existing wardrobe, too.
9 London Summer Outfits Dominating the Capital Right Now
1. White Dress + Basket Bag
Style Notes: Nothing says "summer" quite like a white cotton dress, and I see more of them in London than anywhere else. Add a basket bag and you're good to go.
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This timeless white linen dress will serve you well for years to come.
Flip flops are some of the comfiest summer shoes out there in my opinion.
An iconic summer accessory.
2. Cardigan + Linen Trousers
Style Notes: Linen forms a core part of the London-girl summer capsule, namely because the high street does it so well. For a look that's reminiscent of coastal chic but also feels at home in the city, take a white linen trouser and pair it with a lightly-coloured cardigan.
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You could also wear this cardi over a pretty floral dress or with a slip skirt.
An easy layering piece.
I always come back to H&M for great quality yet affordable linen.
I love the pretty butter yellow shade of these sandals.
3. Minidress + Mules
Style Notes: Mini hemlines were all over London this weekend, and it's a theme I know we'll see continue into the summer months. Make like Lucy Williams and opt for a classic printed style—gingham will always be "in". Minimal accessories complete the '90s feel.
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How cute is this?
A great pair of black mules will go with everything, so are worth spending a little more on.
YSL always serves up the chicest summer accessories.
4. Oxford Shirt + Jeans
Style Notes: Nowhere is the blue-striped Oxford shirt more prevalent than in London. On cooler summer days, wear yours with jeans and Birkenstocks. However, when temperatures soar, breezy long shorts and thin-strap sandals will do the trick.
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Simple and so versatile.
These flares have a slight French feel, don't you think?
I'll never not love my Bostons.
5. Linen Shirt + Full Skirt
Style Notes: Full skirts are a key buy for 2025, and I saw so many of them being worn across the weekend, especially in white hues. I enjoy how Chiara Perrera has given hers a lift with a bright linen shirt.
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I'd also wear this over swimwear and with jeans.
The item to invest in this year.
If you told me these were three five their price tag, I'd believe you.
6. Scarf Top + Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: Silk scarfs have transcended from being a simple accessory to a chic top choice. Nod to the Y2K vibe of a patterned iteration by styling with a wide-leg trousers platform sandals.
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Wear as a top in summer and then tie around your bag come autumn.
The coolest summer trousers.
Comfy and chic? Sign me up.
7. T-Shirt + Miniskirt
Style Notes: If you prefer your skirts shorter in length, this is a look you can copy and paste. Of course, a simple miniskirt will work with just about any top trend, but I love the simplicity of this T-shirt and pelmet pairing.
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A capsule wardrobe staple.
Add tights and a blazer in winter to make this skirt work all year round.
The sunnies of my dreams.
8. Waistcoat + White Jeans
Style Notes: Another key item in the Londoner's closet this season is the waistcoat. Whilst they also go well with the full skirts I'm seeing so much of, you can't beat a simple waistcoat and jeans look. Blue goes without saying, but ecru will feel even fresher.
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This best-selling high-street waistcoat is back in stock, but I suspect not for long.
White jeans really come into their own this time of year.
Proof simple styles are always chic.
9. T-Shirt + Bermuda Shorts
Style Notes: It's shorts season in the capital and, in place of tiny denim cutoffs, things have taken a refined turn with more tailored long shorts being everywhere I look. Add to the elegance with a simple tee and flats.
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You'll wear and love this for years to come.
It's the summer of long shorts people!
I'm also seeing these with a silky cami and poplin skirt.
A fashion-person favourite.
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