Call us biased, but if anyone knows fashion, it's Londoners. Brimming with creative individuality, it's actually less about overarching trends that everyone leans into, and more about subtle shows of personal taste through smaller, more intentional takes on finer aesthetic details that keep the scene going. It's not surprising, then, that when it comes to microtrends and style tweaks, London is always the first city we look to for our inspiration.
Sure, the seemingly never-ending heatwave over the last few weeks has made putting clothes on feel more like a test of physical endurance than anything remotely enjoyable, but with the forecast promising fewer degrees as of late, we are finally excited to get dressed again. And, after spotting these seven microtrends on repeat in the capital over recent weeks, I'm finding it hard not to find an excuse to indulge in every single one.
Wondering how to update your wardrobe with a cool spin? Keep scrolling to see the seven London-girl microtrends that get a big yes from us this season.
7 London-Girl Microtrends for 2026
1. Layering Dresses
Style Notes: One of my personal favourite looks every summer, I've been so excited to see more iterations of the once-doubted dress-over-trousers combination this year. Consisting of an easy-breezy throw-on dress and a lightweight pair of trousers, there are so many ways to hit the right note here. A set, of course, is the simplest route to go down if you're questioning your pairing. Otherwise, stick to one colour for guaranteed success, or opt for a button-down shirt dress and your favourite jeans for the perfect way to transition the trend all the way through until autumn.
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Just as perfect with those matching trousers as worn solo as a mini.
This broderie anglaise deserves an award.
This one works perfectly over everything from jeans to white linen.
Another irresistible set.
The deep side-split makes this one so perfect for subtle layering.
2. Cherry-Red Trousers
Style Notes: Despite swearing several years ago that red was not my colour and never would be, I've realised that I am apparently not at all a woman of my word, having decided that not only is it the industry's favourite colour of the season, but mine too. Just know that if you too want to jump on board with the trend, a pair of trousers is a whole lot easier than the bold, sometimes intimidating head-to-toe look might suggest.
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The lightweight fabric and cropped hem make these a perfect heatwave staple.
They feel like you're wearing pyjamas, which is always a win.
The contrast drawstring gives these a very contemporary sportswear feel.
Cool girls wear red jeans.
Loewe knows a good cargo. And this is a great cargo.
3. Lace Trims
Style Notes: Vintage-leaning trends are big news right now, but amongst them all there's a clear frontrunner in London. Lace is everywhere, but whilst many are taking the trend and running with it in the form of full-lace dresses and blouses, a smaller, subtler microtrend is becoming apparent in delicate lace trims. Focus on adding texture to your favourite dress silhouettes, at the hemline of your shorts or at the neck of your camis.
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This dress shot to the top of my wish list the minute it landed on my IG feed.
A simple, sexy staple to wear and re-wear (and re-wear again).
As perfect with jeans as with a tailored white trouser or slip skirt.
The contrast between the athleisure-looking tank and the black lace is so good.
Do shorts get much chicer than this?
4. Heeled Flip-Flops
Style Notes: There's no denying the long-standing popularity of the humble flip-flop over recent years, but whilst the overarching silhouette remains miles too ubiquitous to be considered remotely "micro", certain design details are more buzzy than others. Some seasons lean towards a chunkier style, sometimes leather iterations take over and now and then, one colour reigns supreme. But for 2026, the flip-flop is waving goodbye to its reputation as a thrown-on afterthought and becoming wholly more intentional by adding a heel. Stiletto, chunky, wedge, platform... as long as you've added height, you've done it right.
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Perfect for summer weddings.
Such a fun sandal that I'm desperate to take on holiday.
Super bold, super comfortable.
A really timeless, versatile silhouette.
This transparent plexiglass is such a fun take on the look.
5. Beaded Necklaces
Style Notes: Jewellery often takes on a more fun, playful note as soon as summer rolls around, but colourful beaded necklaces are quickly emerging as the most popular way to add a little personality to a look this season. Crucially, for 2026, London's style set are layering up, with two to three beaded necklaces of varying sizes finishing off the capital's best looks right now.
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The fish detail makes it.
You can have your name personalised on this one.
This playful necklace makes my younger self so happy.
If you know your gemstones, this is the one for you.
The bold cobalt blue with yellow-gold hardware is a super-elevated pairing.
6. Sport-Mode Sunglasses
Style Notes: Whilst skinny '90s-style frames and oversized boho sunglasses are still top of the agenda for many, fashion's more experimental insiders are reaching for a more futuristic aesthetic this summer. With wraparound silhouettes and reflective, mirrored lenses, these are sunglasses that wouldn't look out of place on the ski slopes or the back of a motorbike. And with brands such as Balenciaga, Miu Miu and Saint Laurent all on board, I'd say this is a trend that won't be going anywhere soon.
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The silver frame really adds to the futuristic feel.
Who knew? A pink polarised lens is very cute.
A timeless take on the wraparound.
This powerful monochromatic moment is classic Dior.
Going skiing or just very chic? Let them wonder.
7. Brown Denim
Style Notes: We all know blue denim; we all know black denim. We all know various shades of both. Most of us also know white denim, and a few of us have ventured into reds and pastel pinks. But do you own a brown pair of jeans? A brown denim jacket? Brown short-shorts? It's not something many of us have on the top of our wish lists, but when you see it in the flesh (as I have done on the streets of London recently), it's impossible to deny how good it can look. Less basic than blue, more seasonal than black and less fussy (and easier to style) than bold colours or pastels, it may be a microtrend for now, but I don't think it'll be long before it's a staple.
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The perfect baggy jean. No notes.
A great alternative to the classic.
These are super easy to dress up or down thanks to their length and deep hue.
I love the flowy feel of this skirt, as so often, denim maxis have something of a mermaid tail.
Is there such thing as the perfect shade of brown? If so, this is it.