When it comes to style, London is one of the most dialled-in cities in the world. A cross between the polish of Paris, the edginess of New York, and the playfulness of Milan, London is perhaps the most eclectic of all the major fashion locales; you never quite know what outfits you'll see or which trends you'll spot. This is true of the runway as well as the street, the latter of which, I'd argue, is where you'll find the most inspiration.
I now work and live remotely (in the countryside, no less), so I rely on the outfits I see coming out of the capital to inform not only my own wares but also what I choose to share with you here, on Who What Wear. Still, being on the peripheral is helpful, as it allows me to take a more nuanced look at the London fashion trends that truly matter and resonate. And today, I'm going to show you the looks and pieces I think will have the biggest impact on your 2023 aesthetic directly from the capital.
From the classic outerwear trend that's impossible to ignore to the trainers fashion people are favouring, below, I've assembled eight London fashion trends for this year I think you're going to like. Scroll on to discover them.
1. Grey Outerwear
Style Notes: Londoners are adept at taking simple pieces and making them feel fresh again and, right now, everyone seems to be showcasing classic grey outerwear with trending pieces, as evidenced here by Lorna in her grey woollen coat and Adidas Samba trainers.
Shop the trend:
Bouclé is such a relevant fabrication right now.
Raey blazers are an influencer favourite.
The subtle check print really elevates this coat.
2. Jazzy Fleeces
Style Notes: Accustomed to dressing for colder climes, Londoners feel at home in bold knitwear and jumper styles. Case in point, the jazzy printed fleeces that are everywhere I seem to look at the moment.
Shop the trend:
Alexa Chung's also a fan of Isabel Marant's statement fleeces.
So cool—and it comes in lots of colours and prints.
This vibrant blue shade is so striking.
3. New Balance 327s
Style Notes: In London, trainers go way beyond the commute or gym session; they're a status symbol, and slipping on a trending pair will make any outfit feel current. Right now, there's a definitive penchant for New Balance 327s.
Shop the trend:
I have my eye on this exact pair.
If you're into bold hues, this is the 327 for you.
An easy way to lift a neutral outfit.
4. Dark-Wash Jeans
Style Notes: Although faded blue jeans will never go out of style and will always be commonplace on the streets of London, I've witnessed a shift to darker washes of late, which look seriously high-end.
Shop the trend:
Made from hard-wearing organic cotton. Thanks, Nudie.
These jeans come in sizes 6 to 24.
Love the fit of these jeans? They also come in light blue.
5. Checked Minis
Style Notes: The preppy trend might have been a big deal on the runway, but it's an aesthetic the London style set has been embracing for years. In lieu of the pleated minis that are currently dominating my IG feed, the city's inhabitants tend to get their preppy fix by way of checked styles, as seen on Lucy Williams.
Shop the trend:
So cute! I'd wear this with a black cardigan.
If COS does it, you know it's a thing.
This will work well with one of the above fleeces for a cool print clash.
6. Sling Bags
Style Notes: Whether they have their hands nestled deeply in their pockets for warmth, are plotting a destination into Google Maps on their iPhone, or carrying a plethora of tote bags, London girls prefer to keep their hands free for more important activities. This is why, I think, they've bought into the sling bag trend in a big way for 2023.
Shop the trend:
The sling that started it all; it could only be The Row.
Everyone's favourite sling bag now comes in this delicious toffee hue.
Green arm-candy really makes a statement.
7. Corduroy Separates
Style Notes: It might be a firm fixture in the wardrobes of French women, but corduroy fabrications hail from Britain and are essential in the closets of those in the capital. Why? The textile is thicker than many other fabric options—it's more akin to jeans than anything else—making it ideal for the cooler temperatures we experience year-around. After a seasonal hiatus, corduroy pieces are very much back on the London fashion trend scene for 2023.
Shop the trend:
Over a floral dress or paired with leather trousers, you'll think up countless ways to style this timeless blazer.
This Reformation trouser will be the foundation of so many good outfits.
On the hunt for the perfect winter-to-summer dress? Look no further.
8. Over-the-Knee Boots
Style Notes: If you've brushed up on the boot trends for 2023, then you'll already know that over-the-knee styles are set to be big news for the year ahead. Consistently quick off the mark, London girls are already wearing them.
Shop the trend:
This Dear Frances pair looks just as good worn over jeans.
This pair's softer finish is reminiscent of opaque tights.
Between the kitten heels and pointed toes, these incredible boots are a mood.
Next Up: Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
I Spoke to British Fashion Muse Tish Weinstock—See Inside Her Goth-Chic WardrobeOne of London's favorites.
-
I Just Created 5 Incredibly Chic Summer Outfits From Amazon for Under $190Cool looks for less.
-
Don't Pack Up Your Sweaters Just Yet—Cool Fashion People Are Repurposing Them in the Chicest Way for SummerAll the outfit inspiration is inside.
-
The Most Elegant Outfits Right Now All Have This Color in CommonIt's giving rich and beyond chic.
-
This Pant Style With Flip-Flops Creates the Chicest Combo We've Seen All SummerIf you're looking for a way to summerify your favorite fancy pants, this is it.
-
How to Style Your Basics So They Look Like The Row (But Cost $390 or Less)Prepare to bookmark every outfit.
-
The Euro-Casual Outfit Combo We're Suddenly Obsessed WithYou probably already own the essentials.
-
This Is the Skirt Fashion People Are Going to Be Wearing for the Next 3 MonthsHere's how to style yours.
