I travel to London frequently—sometimes for work trips packed with press events and tours, and sometimes for leisure, like my most recent family visit last month. No matter the reason, I always come home feeling inspired by the city’s style. London fashion manages to be polished yet playful, weather-savvy but not obviously practical—and I always find myself wondering how to channel more of that effortless elegance in my own travel wardrobe.
To help, I tapped the expertise of Becky Fishlock, head of personal shopping at Bicester Village, a fab designer shopping outpost outside of London that I always aim to hit up when I’m across the pond. She shared her golden rules for looking stylish and put-together while visiting London, especially during the summer. From the high-low mix of heritage tailoring and modern pieces to chic accessories that help you stay prepared for unpredictable weather, her tips prove that you can be both comfortable and stylish while navigating the city. Here’s how to capture that signature London look—with space to make it your own by adding the key pieces that fit your style.
A polished blazer
Amazon
“London summer style is all about the high-low mix: Heritage tailoring with a modern irreverence,” Fishlock says. As for what that combination looks like IRL, picture a Paul Smith blazer over a silk slip dress, or a Barbour waxed cotton jacket with designer sandals. The idea is to balance traditional polish with a hint of unexpected ease, so that it never looks like you tried too hard to put your look together. This affordable tweed blazer, outfitted with padded shoulders and double-breasted buttons, is an ideal foundation for a high-low look.
A layering cami
Amazon
London mornings can feel like autumn, while warm afternoons bring a hint of spring, so building your wardrobe with removable layers is essential. Try to have “a silk camisole under a linen blazer, or a cotton dress with a trench at the ready,” Fishlock advises. A lightweight trench or cropped jacket will keep you prepared without weighing you down, and a proper camisole can shine on its own when you’re ready to peel off your outerwear. This lightweight cami, $17, is perfect for a base layer. It’s affordable, comes in 40 colors and multi-packs, and is made with a stretchy material that feels silky to the touch.
Chic shoes you can walk in
Birdies
Fishlock’s footwear mantra: “Shoes must be beautiful and walkable—and never, ever let practicality look obvious.” From Chelsea to Shoreditch, you’ll want to sport footwear that can handle miles of walking while still looking smart enough for an impromptu dinner reservation, like loafers, minimal trainers, or chic flats with sturdy soles. These Birdies loafer flats are ultra-chic and totally walkable: Meghan Markle even wore a pair to Disneyland with her family this summer, proving they’ve got style and comfort in equal measure.
A bag that’s big enough for an umbrella
Quince
A sling bag or fanny pack can provide all the storage you need while visiting a sunny destination—but London is notoriously wet in the summer, so you’ll want a bag that can hold your rain gear. “Carry an umbrella small enough to fit into a Loewe Puzzle bag,” Fishlock suggests, so that you’re never caught in a downpour without compromising your look. This beautiful Quince crossbody bag is a puzzle bag dupe, and can easily hold a compact mini umbrella with some room to spare.
Tailored linen
Everlane
Fishlock says she’s been seeing “linen tailoring in chalky neutrals” everywhere this season. These breathable fabrics keep you cool while maintaining structure, whether you’re headed to afternoon tea or exploring The National Gallery. Tip: Stick to shades like cream, camel, or soft grey for maximum versatility. This oversized linen blazer comes in four neutral hues and has a bit of stretch for comfort, making it a dream for every season.
An elevated day dress
Quince
Instead of packing beachy sundresses, Fishlock suggests investing in a “nipped-waist tea dress” in a refined print or classic tone. The flattering shape easily transitions from day to night and layers well under a jacket when the temperature dips. This soft, easy-to-wear A-line dress buttons up the front, cinches at the waist, and has a midi length that works for petite and tall travelers alike.
Wide-leg trousers
Everlane
Slouchy, wide-leg trousers are another booming style trend taking over London right now, according to Fishlock. They offer comfort and ease of movement, but still read as refined when paired with a silk blouse or tailored blazer. Choose high-waisted styles for a longer, leaner silhouette. I own this version from Everlane, and it couldn’t be more comfortable or easy to wear—and the look is so effortlessly polished.
A supportive pair of sneakers
Nordstrom
While sandals can serve an important role in your suitcase, Fishlock cautions against only packing sandals, as if you’re heading to Provence. The rainy, gloomy “London weather will punish you” if you only bring open-toed styles, she says. Instead, opt for shoes “built for pavements, not beaches”—think minimal trainers, chic loafers, or ankle-strap flats that can take you from the train to a rooftop bar. This sleek Veja sneaker is plenty comfortable for city exploring, with soles made from wild Amazonian rubber and a sustainable lining made from recycled polyester and organic cotton.
A multifunction scarf
Madewell
Small details can elevate your entire outfit. A “structured crossbody, tortoiseshell sunglasses, and a silk neck scarf” can add instant style points to your look, says Fishlock. Each piece is versatile enough for daytime touring and evening events and packs easily into a carry-on bag. This soft and stunning scarf, on sale for $40, can be worn around your neck, as a hair tie, as a bag charm, or even as a sarong.
Day-to-night bag swaps
Quince
In London, handbags are as functional as they are fashionable—and you’ll want to stock up on options for every occasion. Fishlock advises that you pack a “crossbody for daytime” and a “mini structured tote for evening.” Stick to neutrals for maximum wear, or choose one standout color to make an otherwise understated outfit pop. This handwoven crossbody is made with 100-percent Italian leather and has an adjustable and removable crossbody strap, plus a zip-top closure to keep your essentials safe and secure.
A fine cashmere wrap
Quince
One of Fishlock’s favorite multi-use pieces is “a fine cashmere wrap—it works as a plane blanket, a summer evening cover-up, and even as an impromptu picnic throw in Hyde Park.” It’s an item you’ll reach for again and again, no matter the season. This ultra-popular, soft, and budget-friendly cashmere wrap scarf has an eyelash fringe edge for a stylish day-to-night look.
Luxurious textures
Cuyana
When building your European travel wardrobe, “stick to a refined palette—think navy, ivory, camel, olive—and let [the] textures do the work,” Fishlock says. Luxe fabrics like silk, linen, and fine cotton can make even the simplest outfit feel extra special. This Cuyana silk slip dress has a classic, relaxed fit and an A-line silhouette, and comes in versatile black or neutral mushroom.
A polished leather belt
Madewell
The easiest way to elevate an outfit? Just “add an oversized blazer, polished leather belt, and David Clulow sunglasses to even the most basic jeans-and-tee look,” Fishlock suggests. This accessory recipe instantly gives you a pulled-together London vibe without having to pack an entirely new wardrobe. This dressed-up Madewell belt—a lower-priced alternative for much spendier styles—can pull any look together.
A structured trench coat
Quince
An investment trench coat is a cornerstone of London style. Fishlock recommends one that’s “lightweight but structured” and water-resistant, so that it can be worn in both surprise showers and sunshine. This stretch crepe version from Quince, $100, is wrinkle-resistant and oh-so chic. Bonus: It looks just as good over dresses as it does over trousers.
A transitional loafer
Amazon
Finally, Fishlock warns against the all-too-common tourist uniform of “strappy sandals, tiny dresses, no jacket”—a fashion mistake she sees visitors make every summer. Instead, opt for an outfit that suits the region’s temperamental temps. “London mornings can feel like autumn; afternoons like spring,” she says. “Leave the flip-flops at home,” she advises. Instead, go for a more versatile, warmer shoe, like this polished, easy-to-wear loafer from Amazon.
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