The weather might not be the most reliable indicator but, according to the outfits we saw during our latest London street-style search, there’s no doubt—summer is here! That or we’re beginning to embrace it fashion-wise at the very least. Hitting the pavement and scoping out great looks in the wild is one of our favourite endeavours, but something sets this shoot apart from the rest in our series. On a pleasant May day, we headed into the heart of the city for a very special street-style session at the #SheInspiresMe Car Boot Sale, which is held annually 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.
From incredible accessories (hello, pink cowboy boots) and sought-after designer basket bags to chic white dresses and ultra-bright wide-leg trousers, those who made their way down on the day certainly didn’t spare any thought when it came to assembling their outfits that morning. I’d argue that the only thing more inspiring than the looks we’ve chronicled below below is that the event raised more than £280,000 to support and aid women survivors of war.
Scroll on to see the looks that really stood out from our London street style shoot during summer 2023 (and get ahead on planning your outfit for next year’s event, too!).
Style Notes: If you buy one thing this season, fashion people would likely advise it to be a striped shirt. Collette shows just how versatile it can be, pairing her Balenciaga style with a Miu Miu midi skirt and cute Bottega Veneta ankle boots for a relaxed take.
Style Notes: White dresses feature in the summer wardrobes of many of us, but precisely how Georgia styled her Reformation midi—with incredible, hot-pink cowboy boots that look like they’ve come straight from the Barbie movie costume department—is totally unique to her.
Style Notes: Rachel wears another look that practically personifies summer: Bright trousers (from H&M no less), a cool graphic tee, and a basket bag from Emerge Initiative that’s literally bursting with colour. So good.
Style Notes: Designer tote bags are incredibly sought-after this summer, with many versions becoming increasingly difficult to get your hands on. This might be the reason we made a beeline for Oriona and her Celine bag. Paired with her striped top from Frame, cropped trousers from Vince, and instantly recognisable Hermès sandals, this look is the embodiment of chic.
Style Notes: If there’s one thing we’re certain of after a day spent looking at outfits, it’s that cargo trousers are still very much a thing this summer and, as Kate proves with her pair, Zara is one of the best places to find them. Worn with other trending items such as a bomber jacket (another impressive Zara find) and New Balance kicks, this outfit is peak 2023, in the best way.
Style Notes: Skirts are more popular than ever this season, with everything from jersey columns to patch-pocket minis dominating the market. However, of all the options out there, the denim skirt is making the most impact. Long styles, such as Romille’s ASOS maxi, are the current fashion favourite. I love how she’s styled with a vintage, relaxed-fit blazer for a cool, high/low combination.
Style Notes: We have nothing against jeans—most of our team wear them every single day to the office—but you can absolutely have too much of a good thing. So, what do you reach for when you’re suffering from denim fatigue? A pair of khakis. Emily’s Frame cargos, paired with a cropped white jacket and a some tonal Zara cowboy boots, work together to create an elite casual look. No notes.
