Last weekend, I made the spontaneous decision to ditch the New York heat wave for London’s cooler (and far less humid) summer temperatures. After spending a few days on the other side of the pond, I noticed a few summer fashion trends that I’ll be shopping ASAP so I can tap into Londoners’ cool-girl aesthetic.
British style, to me, seemed more risk-friendly than my quiet-luxury-loving New York counterparts. Prints and patterns were more prevalent, as were exaggerated silhouettes. There was some crossover with other fashion cities—the urban cowgirl vibes were just as strong in London as they were in Paris, for instance—but there were some key differences, too. Chunky Nike Shox styles took precedence over Hollywood’s favorite V2K Run sneakers, for one, and Adidas’s SL 72 OG sneakers were more common than my longtime favorite Sambas.
Keep scrolling for those finds, plus a few easy-to-shop must-haves, straight from the East London streets. Let this be a reminder to look beyond the chic French girls and Italian vacationers when hunting for European fashion inspiration. The Brits do it just as well.
Brithsh girls are more keen to lean into fun prints and silhouettes.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)
BIRKENSTOCK
Arizona Big Buckle Sandals
These were, by far, the most popular shoes I saw in London. A friend of mine I was visiting changed between several pairs over the course of the weekend.
Damson Madder
Bora Mini Dress
Glastonbury headliner Olivia Rodrigo just took a London stroll in this sweet checkered mini, proving that plaid is a summer trend worth shopping.
Nike
Shox Tl Women’s Shoes
I do own a pair of these Nike sneakers and yes, they are just as comfortable as they are cute.
TKEES
Foundations Matte Flip Flops
I personally avoid wearing sandals the summer (especially around the city), but Londoners seem to sit in a different camp.
Reformation
Eden Platform Flip Flops
The same goes for platform flip-flops, which were everywhere I turned.
I am a Jort devotee, so I’m happy to see that London girls are also on board with the look.
If New Yorkers love the Adidas Samba, then girls in England are all over the SL 72 sneakers.
PUMA
Speedcat Ballet Suede Shoes
The boho fashion trend hasn’t seemed to hit the Brit crew head-on just yet, but this tiered white skirt signaled a shift.
Jeffrey Campbell
Dagget Western Boots
Cowboy boots are seemingly omnipresent around the world now.
MANGO
Halter Top With Metallic Appliqués
Halter tops, especially this style with a fitted bodice, were everywhere on my nights out.
If micro shorts are having a moment now in the USA, then micro skirts are the British equivalent.
Lacy tops seemingly replaced the basic tank across the pond.
J.Crew
Mixed-Bead Necklace
Beaded necklaces added a fun pop to dozens of outfits I saw.
Intimissimi
Lace Trim Silk Shorts
Everything was lace-trimmed in London—even the mini shorts.
Low-slung hip belts were layered over every short, skirt, and dress imaginable.
4th & Reckless
Tammy Tailored Trousers
Trackpants proved that the “blokecore” look is a lifestyle, not a trend.
Onitsuka Tiger
Mexico 66 Sneakers
When people were wearing slim sneakers, they were often from Onitsuka Tiger.
Realisation Par
Gabrielle Dress in Leo
I saw a girl walking through Victoria Park wearing a Realisation Par shirt while carrying a Realisation Par shopping bag, so it’s safe to say the brand is everywhere.
Barbour
Croxdale Waxed Cotton Jacket
Despite the sunny temperatures, classic Barbour jackets seemed to be a mainstay amongst the London fashion set.
Burberry
Watercolor Silk Twill Skinny Scarf
Hunter
Original Tall Rain Boot
I blame Glastonbury for the Hunter boot’s popularity.
