Since moving out of London, I've become entirely dependent on Instagram to see what women in the world's coolest fashion capital are wearing right now. I didn't realise quite how important my organic street style–spotting opportunities were when our work lives were "normal" and I was spending a great portion of my week trekking around town for meetings, events and press appointments. Just by some sort of magical, natural osmosis, I was absorbing the style beat of the city and intuitively gaining insight into what women were wearing in real time. It has always fed into my editorial work, and since moving, I've definitely found it harder to be truly in touch with genuine trends rather than social media–led frenzies.
Fortunately for me, the medium of IG and London-based women who document the outfits they actually step out of the house in are filling the large void—that and the fact that we've already set our social media editor out on the hunt for street style looks IRL around some of East London's hippest postcodes. So what's proving to be popular for summer 2023? A finely tuned mix of classics and pieces made for peacocking—a standard London ratio of laid-back and loud, then. Keep scrolling to see the trends you can buy on a lean budget that have a big seal of approval from the London set.
1. Easy Co-Ords
For London girls, summer is all about ease, and few outfits are as easy to assemble as a co-ord.
Light linens and airy embroidery are a sure fire way to keep cool through sunny spells.
SHOP EASY CO-ORDS:
Just add sandals and you're ready to go.
Wear together, or separate for endless outfit options.
SHOP EASY CO-ORDS:
Pair with the matching shorts.
2. Bandeau Tops
Unlike the classic form-fitting strapless styles, London girls have their sights set on a more a-line shape.
To balance out the shape, opt for a wide-leg trouser silhouette.
SHOP BANDEAU TOPS:
The texture adds to the expensive feel of this top.
I'm into this whole look.
Zara always comes through.
3. Fun Trousers
The fun-trousers-and-simple-top revolution is upon us and it's a favourite outfit formula for our fashionable city friends.
Keep accessories, tops and shoes simple to truly appreciate the joy of playful trousers.
SHOP FUN TROUSERS:
Your next date night look sorted.
Stripes are a great way to ease into patterned trousers.
4. Maxi Skirts
As soon as hemlines dropped, London fashion girls took note, and haven't look back since.
Pencil shapes or floaty silhouettes, there's a maxi skirt for every aesthetic.
MAXI SKIRT:
A sleek satin skirt will serve you for years.
Choose from 9 sleek shades.
Yes, this luxe-looking skirt is from the high street.
5. Classic Stripes
Though London girls are known for pushing the style boundaries, there's a clear reliance on classic staples, such as stripes.
A simple outfit formula I always return to is a striped tee and jeans.
SHOP STRIPES:
Pair with your favourite jeans, a maxi skirt or wide leg trousers.
The unpredictable British weather means its always safest having a light cardigan to hand.
This neckline looks so expensive.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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