(Exactly) What to Wear in London: How to Dress Like a Londoner

Before I talk about “how to dress in London,” I want to make it very clear that whatever you want to wear, from your shoes to your shirt to your bag to your hair, is very likely not going to make you “stand out.”

You may have read in other books about Londoners preferring darker colors, no one wearing shorts, and other generalizations, and while there is a slight truth to this, please be very aware that “Londoners” do not make up as much of London as you would think, particularly in the busier months.

This is a thriving, giant, cosmopolitan city filled with people from all over the world, and you should first and foremost wear what makes you comfortable and feel confident.

It’s almost impossible to stand out here, in a good way, as everyone is so eclectic that it just all blends together.

I also get the reason often that you “don’t want to look like an XYZ” (often American as it’s said mainly by Americans.)

And I get that.

I’m not advising you to wear your bald eagle 4^th of July T-shirt and your tie-dye shorts (though, as I said, you can if you want to and most people won’t think twice), but know that if you do decide to try and conform to general British/European fashion, you should do it because it makes you feel more confident and gives you an excuse to buy new clothes, not because you’re worried about standing out or what people will think.

Whether or not you have on your bald eagle shirt, Brits will usually have a way of knowing you’re foreign anyway – as soon as you open your mouth, for instance!

Of course, you will find that if you explore places outside of big cities, you may find that people do dress more similarly to what is considered British fashion because there is a larger concentration of Brits in one place and not as many tourists, but I’ve lived in the UK (not just London) for 8 years and still wear shorts in the summer, flip-flops, and a bright pink rain jacket.

Not once has anyone cared, not once have I felt like I stood out, and not once have I wished I tried harder to “blend in” because it’s 2022 and the world is blending so much anyway, better to be who you are!

That all being said, here are some fashion tips if you do want to know what to wear in London (all massive generalizations of course, but a good starting point!)

Firstly, Londoners dress up more than, say, Americans, but not so much that they’re always about the rock the runway.

Think of it as “put-together casual” instead of “business casual” and you’re pretty much there.

If you’re here as a visitor, you don’t need to look like you’re ready for a business meeting at all times with high heels and a pencil skirt, but a nice top with a dark pair of jeans and some non-Sketchers shoes would do nicely!

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What to Wear in London: Colors and Patterns in London

It’s a pretty true stereotype that more natural colors are favored by many Brits.

But again, in London, you’re not just surrounded by Londoner Brits, you’re surrounded by people from all over the world.

Darker colors are definitely more of a London vibe, however, particularly if you’re visiting London in the autumn and winter, as well as muted patterns.

Stripes are very common!

Not so much sweaters with giant cat prints or something like that.

What to Wear for Men in London

For men, dark pants (called trousers) or dark jeans are popular, not so much light-washed jeans.

Basic shirt colors and plain color sweaters would complete the look and are great for the London packing list.

As for shoes, either a “nice” pair of tennis shoes or some other basic men’s shoe would be popular – not so much white sneakers, running shoes, or hiking boots!

Jackets, as in, dressy jackets, not hiking jackets, are also popular for men to layer over their look.

What do women wear in London?

The stereotypical dress sense for women in London could be anywhere from dark jeans and a nice blouse to a cozy, oversized sweaters, leggings and knee high boots to a cardigan and a dress with tights and flats.

Boots are definitely popular, but not hiking boots or UGGS boots – fashion boots or ankle high boots.

If you want to know how to dress in London, you should know that sneakers are worn, but they’re usually the “fashionable sneakers” rather than ones you would actually use to run a marathon.

Flats are popular as well, and of course heels for a dressier occasion like a fancy afternoon tea in London.

Accessories

Accessories are a great way to jazz up your look to feel a bit more put together in your London packing wardrobe.

You won’t find so much “chunky” jewelery as a trend in London, but nice necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings can take your outfit to the next level.

Also, hats!

Baseball caps and visors are definitely not a London thing, but other types of hats like beanies in the winter in London are worn.

Bags and Purses

Believe it or not, backpacks are one of the most popular things to carry in London, particularly for commuters who are out all day.

Otherwise, just any type of handbag would fit in, besides a fanny pack!

This isn’t Disney World!

Want more London travel guides? Check these out!

• The Definitive London Packing List for Visitors
• Getting around London: Everything a Visitor Needs to Know
• Weather in London: a Visitor’s Guide
• The Best Time to Visit London: a Local’s Guide
• London on a Budget: How to Save Money in London
• Money in the UK: How to Pay for Things in London
• Exactly How Many Days to Spend in London: an Expert Guide
• British Pub Etiquette: the must-read guide
• 49+ Expert London Travel Tips
• Visiting London with Anxiety: the ultimate guide