Q&A: What to Wear in London
June 5th, 2008
Q: I’m planning a trip to London in the Fall, and I refuse to look like the cliche of an American tourist. My wardrobe will be built around a pair of dark wash trouser jeans. Do you have suggestions for what to take for two weeks? I want to look trendy, but also fit in. 
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: You’re off to a good start with the dark wash denim trouser jeans. They’ll make you look long and lean, and they’re versatile enough to be paired with almost everything.
So as not to look like the "ugly American," I would evoke the look of Clemence Poesy, a French starlet whom you may have seen in recent movies like Harry Potter and In Bruges. If that’s not enough, she’s also the new face of Chloe perfume. So as to affect Clemence’s impeccably French style, keep you clothes simple and clean–but with a twist.
Military Jacket | $108 (approx) at Topshop
Have a wonderful military jacket on hand for a sophisticated city look.
Square Neck Puff Sleeve Top | $14.50 at Old Navy
The square neck and puff sleeve make this French-inspired top even more special.
Rib Knit Snap Henley | $15 (sale) at Old Navy
Add some colorful tees for punches of color.
Tie Front Cardigan | $26.50 at Old Navy
Simple cardigans which are slouchy and in neutral colors would go great with jeans, black pants or a black skirt.
Matty M Gidget Top | $78 at Nordstrom
Pack a great white blouse but one with interesting detail, like this gorgeous Gidget top.
Calvin Klein Belted Crepe Dress | $118 at Nordstrom
A simple but stylish black dress would see you through tea at the Dorset or an evening at the Theatre.
Cashmere Wrap | $68 at Banana Republic
Add a pretty colored scarf to add flair to all of the black and white.
Last style tips? Keep your jewelry simple so you won’t have to worry about it. As for shoes, pack some ballet flats for walking and black boot for a dressier look. Love Clemence’s look? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Clemence’s style your own.
Have a great tip about what to wear in London? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Clemence Poesy, courtesy of Getty Images.
8 Comments
1. NY STYLIST | June 5th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
these tops are soo cute i just got some similar ones at shopgoldyn.com that are great to wear anywhere
2. KingBob | June 5th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
I’ve been over to Europe twice in the past few months and I’d have to say if the OP is under 40 and is slim enough, everyone over there is wearing skinny jeans with Nike, Puma and Converse All-Stars or tucked into black or brown boots.
3. Trisha | June 6th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Thanks for the tips, NY Stylist and KingBob! Seems that the skinny jeans-tucked-into-boots trend is far from over.
4. Patty | June 10th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Nice clothes, but…ballet flats for exploring the streets, museums, and parks of London? Oh, my aching feet! And what about an elegant raincoat? Finally, if these clothes are all this woman takes to London in the autumn, she will freeze in the wind that whips off the Thames.
5. Trisha | June 11th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Good points, Patty! Add a couple of chunky knit sweaters, a warm coat in either down or wool/cashmere, and the raincoat you suggest. As for shoes, arch support is key–flats can be fine, so long as you find the right pair.
We welcome any other suggestions you have, Patty!
6. mira | June 12th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Thank you for the suggestions. I’m planning on taking some cashmere sweaters, a leather jacket, my converse, my raincoat and my flat boots with me in addition to some of your recommendations.
7. Pamela | July 2nd, 2008 at 8:38 am
Nautical is huge in london right now, team up a stripey blue and white loose T (like the one above) with a pair of skinny jeans, (the tighter the better) like the ones from house de lux (i have some, they’re an amazing fit), and a cute little neck scarf, hermes if you have if not vintage, put on some pumps or plain ballet shoes, oversized sunglasses and your ready to merge into the streets of london (east of course!)
8. Erica Marques | April 21st, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I am Brazilian and I am going to londres in January to study, and wanted some suggestions of clothes. please help me