And just like that, we’re already halfway through fashion month, and after enjoying the stylish offerings from our friends across the pond, it’s time to bring it back to Britain. While team Who What Wear were busy dashing from show to show, we had plenty of time to discuss our favourite fashion moments of the week, and while we wait to see what Paris brings to the runway, the best dressed in our own capital have given us plenty of inspiration.
On the runways Richard Quinn, Dilara Fındıkoğlu, and Di Petsa explored dark gothica with plenty of leather and lace, Paul & Joe, Ahluwalia, and David Koma made bright red the shade of the season, and Burberry’s hotly anticipated re-invention under Daniel Lee brought the heritage check back to the forefront. And, outside the shows looked just as exciting as on the runways. London has always been celebration of diversity, mixing cultural references with plenty of colour, texture and standout silhouettes, and this season the street style did not disappoint.
From statement eveningwear to chic separates, we learned a lot from the streets of London, and it’s the perfect place to start when looking for new outfit inspo. Scrolling through pictures of the best street style looks we noticed the same hero pieces re-appearing time and again, and immediately took note on these very key buys. Thankfully enough, it isn’t all eye-wateringly priced designer clothing, and in fact, you may well already have a few of them in your closet.
Just like the Big Apple, in London a sophisticated colour palette rules everything, and although we’re partial to pops of pastels and heavy on the print clash, you’ll often find us breaking up a tonal look with a statement bag, or keeping head-to-toe brights grounded with an expensive looking neutral. Thanks to the great British weather there was a particular focus on coats this season (and long, boxy tailoring tended to win out over cinched waists), but among the shoulder pads and longline silhouettes were reworked denim, polished leather, and plenty of the playful twists that London has come to be known for.
To find out which pieces London’s very best are wearing now and to shop some of their key buys, keep scrolling for our edit of the standout street style looks to come out of London Fashion Week. It’s considered a fashion capital for a reason.
Style Notes: Never underestimate the value of a good pair of tailored trousers. They can make even the most casual outfit look “put together”.
Style Notes: Let’s face it, accessories make the look. So if you’re wearing statement jewellery, why not add a statement bag to match? It’s the easiest way to dress up denim.
Style Notes: After a dark winter that was all about the chunky Chelsea boot, it’s time for a ladylike refresh. A white lace-up boot has “spring” written all over it.
Style Notes: Sorry micro mini skirts, we’re all about ankle-grazing maxis now. Bonus points if it’s in bang-on-trend distressed denim.
Style Notes: Head-to-toe colour blocking always looks expensive (especially incorporating your accessories too). But we particularly love how Libby Page manages to rework a winter staple for spring too.
Style Notes: Thanks to Max Mara, the camel coat is forever, and the easiest way to wear it now is with a black maxi dress and knee-high boots.
Style Notes: If there was any jacket that caused the biggest stir in the last 12 months, it would undoubtedly be Toteme’s fringed wool jacket. In the couple of years that it’s been on the market it’s given us a whole new category to shop and love–the scarf coat.
Style Notes: Look closely and you’ll notice, double denim is back. And while we might not be entirely sold on heavy denim jackets quite yet, we are ready to commit to the denim shirt.
Style Notes: Hands up if you live in leggings? (I know we do). Instead of reaching for the same sweater + leggings + flat shoe combo, try a stirrup legging with a block heel. It’s an easy switch to take your look from day to night.
Style Notes: If there’s one piece of clothing that you’ll get the most wear out of all year round, it’s the trench coat. Light enough to layer up or wear with a summer dress, we’re always on the look out for the small details that elevate a simple trench to something special.
Style Notes: It’s still cold out there, so beat the chill in a cosy blend of leather and shearling that ticks off two trends at once.
Style Notes: Thanks to some very good releases in the last couple of years, Gucci bags are having a well deserved moment. This time around isn’t canvas or logo-mania that’s catching our eye, instead we’re hooked on glossy pops of colour that are the very definition of “arm candy”.
Style Notes: The runways have officially spoken and skinny jeans are no longer the look du jour. Whether you opt for wide leg, straight, or boyfriend, the fashionable fit is a roomier slouch that pairs well with masculine tailoring.
Style Notes: And speaking of “borrowed from the boys” fits, when it comes to jackets, the bigger really is the better. Celebs might be lusting over leather Loewe, but on the streets fashion editors are opting for a far more wearable bomber-meets-varsity jacket with leather sleeves.
