Like anywhere else in the world, London has its own identity which infiltrates into everything, from its food to its music scene. Of course, this is Who What Wear UK, so what we're most interested in is the fashion and how the capital influences the wardrobes of its inhabitants (many of whom, I might add, are very chic indeed). Walk down any London street and you'll see a broad spectrum of outfits, which is one thing that makes London culture so rich—it's unique and varied, which is something we should always celebrate. However, there are those pieces that feel more intrinsically "London" than others, and whilst some might sound cliché, there is merit in many of them. These are items I see regularly when I'm in the city, worn by women who absolutely know how to put together an elevated outfit.
When these city staples come together they create classic London outfits—looks that encapsulate the Brit capital's essence. As someone who always wants to dress more timelessly, I've assembled seven elegant looks that feel so London, but would also look chic no matter where you live. Forming a capsule wardrobe of sorts, scroll on to see the classic London outfits that caught my eye.
9 Classic London Outfits to Re-Create in Winter 2024:
1. Blazer + Jeans + Loafers
Style Notes: Outfit combinations don't get more classic "London" than this look. Comprising a relaxed-fit blazer (more often than not, black), a pair of timeless blue, straight-leg jeans and loafers—the London-girl winter footwear of choice. This is an ensemble I see countless times a day on the streets of the capital, yet somehow, it never loses its appeal.
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This will never, ever date. That's a Who What Wear guarantee.
A great pair to try from A&F.
Keep this around your shoulders and throw on when it's really chilly.
I know I'd get so much wear from these, from now until next spring.
2. Tailoring + Uggs
Style Notes: Perhaps it has something to do with the heritage of Savile Row, but London style has long been synonymous with tailoring. This is something I see day in and day out and now that we're heading into the transitional months, I just know we'll be seeing more and more wool tailoring this winter, as we annually do in London.
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Try wearing this with jeans and pencil skirts too.
The ultimate winter layering piece.
The set also comes with a matching waistcoat for a fully tailored look.
A classic winter style if I've ever seen one.
3. Cashmere Jumper + Miniskirt + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: The miniskirt is another item loaded with British heritage, having been invented right here in the '60s. Of course, you'll see them worn all over Europe and beyond, but although we might not always have the weather for them, miniskirts are a staple in the wardrobes of many London women. More likely to be found styled with knee-high boots or loafers than spindly heels these days, Kim Turkington's ensemble (above), complete with a cosy and roomy cashmere knit, perfectly demonstrates how to style this skirt style the London way.
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M&S' cashmere knitwear sells like hotcakes—I know this grey iteration will follow suit.
This will wear just as well with slingbacks and a blazer as it will trainers and a sweatshirt.
These also come in tan suede.
4. Jumper + Jeans + Suede Tote
Style Notes: If it wasn't already clear, jeans are at the heart of many a classic London outfit. However, this look is less about the jeans themselves and more about their colour. Even with the risk of getting your clothes mucky on your commute, I see more all-white outfits in London than anywhere else, and not just in the form of summer dresses. Lois Sterling's combination of a white knit, white jeans and brown, suede bag (pictured above) feels fresh, current and classic all at once.
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I really rate the quality of Ganni's knitwear.
I've heard great things about the fit of these jeans.
Such a gorgeous hue.
5. Trench Coat + Cardigan + Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: You were probably thinking I had made the gravest of oversights in failing to mention the trench coat, but rest assured, its influence is still very much felt in London, and I can't imagine that ever not being the case. This is largely because it's easy to throw on over the top of any winter look as extra insurance should it rain (which we all know is fairly likely in London). Utterly timeless and elegant, whether you buy yours from Burberry or Arket, it'll serve you well in your capsule, whether you live in London or elsewhere. Pairing it with wide-leg trousers and a cardigan only makes the piece feel more Brit-centric.
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COS has some of the best trenches on the high street.
This will serve you well during the inevitable cold snap we'll have this winter.
These come in a handful of chic colours.
M&S is known for its comfy footwear.
6. Leather Jacket + Tube Dress + Mary Janes
Style Notes: The leather jacket is deeply rooted in British fashion and has been adopted by many people and aesthetics along the way. It's a staple amongst the London style set, who wear theirs with everything from leggings to tailoring, skirts to dresses. Look for elongated biker shapes for modern appeal and finish with Mary Jane flats for an outfit that screams 2024.
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The coolest leather jacket by a mile.
A handful of our editors own this dress and they always say how great they feel when they wear it.
I would really love to own these flat shoes.
So chic!
7. Striped Shirt + Knitted Vest + Wool Coat
Style Notes: Is there anything that says "London fashion" more than a knitted vest over a classic stripe button-up? Whether it be for work, casual days out or dressed up for more formal events, a striped shirt can be spotted everywhere in the city. This winter, fashion people will be pairing their iterations with chic wool coats and tailored trousers for an elegant look that can be effortlessly taken from the office to a casual day out.
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These have already been snapped up by countless influencers.
Just as versatile as any white shirt.
This will also look good thrown over a high-neck tee.
If you're looking for the perfect pair of smart trousers, you've just found them.
You'll wear these all the way through to next spring.
8. Knitted Cardigan + Maxi Skirt + Tall Boots
Style Notes: A maxi skirt will serve you well all year round, but for winter fashion people in London pair theirs with a cosy cardigan and tall boots for warmth. I love that Danielle has added a patent boot to add some texture to the look. Simply add a maxi double-breasted coat and wooly tights when the cold really sets in.
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My dream winter cardigan.
Wear with a cosy knit now and a boxy tee come springtime.
These will add a polished feel to any outfit.
Burgundy makes any outfit look more expensive.
9. Oxford Shirt + Leather Blazer + Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: You might think that the Oxford shirt was created in, well, Oxford, but you'd be wrong. It was actually conceived in Scotland by a tailoring company who named a series of shirts after the country's most prestigious universities in an attempt to cement their credibility. I know, right—sounds like modern-day marketing. The idea worked, and soon the Oxford shirt infiltrated the business world in London, becoming favoured by bankers and the like. Now however, the white button-down is a universal favourite amongst fashion people who have adopted it as their own and wear it all over the capital, usually with jeans or trousers.
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So sleek!
This will act as the basis for so many of your outfits.
Barrel-leg trousers are set to be huge this season.
You'll wear this all year round.
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