We’re firm believers that fashion can be a force for good. From charity auctions which have raised thousands of pounds for very worthy causes to empowering women to feel as confident as they can about themselves, clothes have the power to affect positive change in so many ways. This was evident when we took to the streets surrounding the #SheInspiresMe Car Boot Sale held in Selfridges’s car park in Central London.
The event, organised by Women for Women International, sees sellers from throughout the fashion industry throw open their trunks to sell their pre-loved pieces to eager, fashion-hungry shoppers. This, however, is no ordinary car boot. With pieces donated from influencers, editors, industry experts, high-end brands, and even celebrities, we’d go as far as to say it was the chicest car boot sale on earth. And that’s based on the outfits of the attendees alone.
We’re always looking for special opportunities to capture impressive outfits in motion—real looks assembled by real people (as silly as that statement sounds) who haven’t dressed solely for their Instagram grids. We had a feeling that those who turned out for the #SheInspiresMe sale would be a stylish bunch, and our instincts were correct, for on the day, we spotted some of the best street style outfits we’ve seen since we initiated our monthly street style scout.
The outfits we found were delightfully diverse, and we’ll break them down in more detail as we go. One commonality they shared, however, was ease. None of the ensembles felt complex or overworked. They were of the throw-on variety—jeans paired with interesting separates, then grounded with staple basics. Dresses were worn with trainers with a certain flair that says effortless but not without intent. Colour fell into two categories: Some went bold, clashing their shades with prints and textures, while others kept their looks neutral, instead focusing on silhouette and form. I’d argue that the only thing more inspiring than the looks we’ve catalogued below is that the event raised more than £240,000 to support women survivors of war. A Saturday well spent indeed.
Scroll on to see the outfits we clocked on the stylish streets of London this June. Should you want to re-create any for yourself, we’ve also included the key shopping for each.
Style Notes: Yoga enthusiast Sybille’s outfit reads like our current wish list—a With Nothing Underneath striped shirt, off-white jeans from Frame, a Dragon Diffusion basket bag, and boots from The Kooples. Whether out shopping or heading to dinner, this is the sort of look you can always rely upon. Thank you for bringing it to our attention, Sybille.
Shop the key piece:
The basket bag everyone wants this summer.
Style Notes: You know you check Zara’s new-in section daily when you recognise a dress from the brand from halfway down the street. Turns out, both we and Nyciela agree that the shopping hotspot always delivers on tweed and bouclé pieces that look more expensive than they actually are. Proving boots are never redundant on Brit soil, Nyciela expertly pairs her mini with fresh white boots, which, incidentally, are also from Zara.
Shop the key piece:
I can think of so many cute ways to style this, starting with a button-down blouse underneath.
Style Notes: This is your sign to be more experimental with your outfits. Monochrome dressing—wearing one colour from top to toe—is a trick favoured by the style elite, but entrepreneur Mija takes things up a notch by incorporating a Tresse checkerboard shirt into her outfit mix. With Sleeper trousers, a Rotate top, a Mietis bag, Jacquemus sunglasses, and Magda Butrym shoes rounding off her ensemble, she’s showing us the perfect summer outfit does exist.
Shop the key piece:
A cool staple that works just as well with jeans as it would with a crochet dress or silk midi skirt.
Style Notes: Medical student Channiece just gets fashion. How do we know this? Because she’s already wearing one of autumn/winter 2022’s biggest trends. Bomber jackets are set to be the cover-up of choice for the cooler months, and we love this varsity take on the trend. Paired with faux-leather strides from Zara and Comme des Garçon shoes, this is a look we’ll be copying and pasting as soon as possible.
Shop the key piece:
We just know this will be the jacket to be seen in come autumn. Snap it up while it’s on sale.
Style Notes: Nothing says "summer” quite like a white dress and sandals, and Elle has got the combination down with her white minidress and a pair of best-selling Woody Slides from Chloé, the very sandals that appear on so many of our editors’ wish lists. Oh, and a Chanel bag never hurts.
Shop the key piece:
Love these sandals? Then you’ll also enjoy the matching tote.
Style Notes: We like to think we know good dresses, and we were certainly impressed by Fern’s Free People number. Between the shirred bodice, puff sleeves, and embroidered daisy detailing, it’s little wonder this midi is already beloved by countless influencers, including Abi Marvel and Claudia Berresford. Fern’s styling, however, is just as on-point. She paired hers with a Louis Vuitton handbag, never-date Ray-Bans, and Western-inspired boots by Aspiga.
Shop the key piece:
While the lemon yellow has now sold out, this marigold hue is just as pretty.
Style Notes: If you’re looking for a new way to style your tailored vests, Ondine has got you, layering hers over a printed tee. Finish with ripped jeans, trusty Converse trainers, and a polished crossbody bag (from Gucci, no less) and you’ve got the perfect attire for a day strolling around the city. This is an outfit to bookmark for any weekends away you might have planned over the next few months.
Shop the key piece:
Try styling this over a simple slip dress for cool evening attire.
Style Notes: Logo prints might be big this season, but you don’t need to drown yourself in branding to look high-end. Here, Linda has kept her focus on the cut of her pieces, which, due to their simplicity, look so premium. We have MM6 to thank for her chic shirt-and-shorts co-ord, her sunglasses are Dior, and her beautiful handbag and mules both come from Hermès. Fancy swapping lives for a day, Linda?
Shop the key piece:
The linen co-ord we currently have our eyes on.
Style Notes: We’re always on the lookout for fresh ways to wear denim, especially in summer when the thought of wearing jeans in the heat becomes too much. Cue Deola, who showed us that an oversize denim dress (hers is from COS) is a very stylish alternative. As for shoes, follow her—as well as so many of the other women in this story—lead with a pair of classic Converse.
Shop the key piece:
Throw on with sandals for summer, then layer over leather trousers come autumn.
Style Notes: Being big fans of Ganni, we spotted April’s incredible dress a mile off. Once we got closer, we loved the attention to detail that she poured into her look—the co-ordinating Pull & Bear sandals and cream handbag are a vibe all their own.
Shop the key piece:
Ganni’s sundress was an unsurprising sell-out, but you can always check Depop and eBay for resale options. That, or you can get the look with this frugal homage.
Style Notes: If you recognise this face, that’s because this is Joy, who used to work with us here at Who What Wear UK. As soon as we saw our friend, we just had to snap her all-black outfit—a look we know never fails in the style stakes. Her Bouguessa shirt, Issey Miyake dress, Birkenstock x Proenza Schouler sandals and Agneel bag come together to create a look where texture and form are the main considerations. So sleek.
Shop the key piece:
This is a versatile piece that transcends seasons. We’d very much like to wear this with denim cutoffs and a racer vest.
Style Notes: They say that friends who dress together stay together—or something to that effect. Regardless, the sentiment feels fitting in regards to Amelia’s and Kerry’s coordinated outfits. Their floral dress-and-trainer looks feel elevated and prove that a well-chosen frock can take you just about anywhere and might even catch the eye of a street style photographer in the process.
Shop the key piece:
You’re sure to find the prettiest floral dresses at & Other Stories.
Next Up: Autumn/Winter 2022 Trends: The 15 Fashion Looks You Need to Know About
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