It's Finally Summer in London—9 Smart and Chic Outfits I've Spotted Across the City


After what felt like very slow spring, it seems summer has finally kicked into gear. Though there are no guarantees—this is summer in Britain we're talking about, after all—things are certainly looking brighter as far as the forecast is concerned. And this week past, London dwellers seemed to make the seasonal wardrobe shift on mass. Gone were the coats and thicker jackets we've been relying on for the past six months and, instead, I saw flurries of white cotton and colourful linen flood the streets.
The same thing happened on Instagram, too. All of my favourite influencers who reside in the capital donned their finest summer wares inspiring me to do the same. So, which London summer outfits caught my eye? Of the many, the below nine stood out for their unique points difference, chicness and genuine ability to defy the trends.
Scroll on to see the London summer outfits I added to my Saved folder, and shop any pieces you might need to re-create them. Something tells me, however, that you might be able to assemble some of them from your existing wardrobe, too.
9 London Summer Outfits Dominating the Capital Right Now
1. White Dress + Basket Bag
Style Notes: Nothing says "summer" quite like a white cotton dress, and I see more of them in London than anywhere else. Add a basket bag and you're good to go.
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2. Cardigan + Linen Trousers
Style Notes: Linen forms a core part of the London-girl summer capsule, namely because the high street does it so well. For a look that's reminiscent of coastal chic but also feels at home in the city, take a white linen trouser and pair it with a lightly-coloured cardigan.
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3. Minidress + Mules
Style Notes: Mini hemlines were all over London this weekend, and it's a theme I know we'll see continue into the summer months. Make like Lucy Williams and opt for a classic printed style—gingham will always be "in". Minimal accessories complete the '90s feel.
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4. Oxford Shirt + Jeans
Style Notes: Nowhere is the blue-striped Oxford shirt more prevalent than in London. On cooler summer days, wear yours with jeans and Birkenstocks. However, when temperatures soar, breezy long shorts and thin-strap sandals will do the trick.
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5. Linen Shirt + Full Skirt
Style Notes: Full skirts are a key buy for 2025, and I saw so many of them being worn across the weekend, especially in white hues. I enjoy how Chiara Perrera has given hers a lift with a bright linen shirt.
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6. Scarf Top + Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: Silk scarfs have transcended from being a simple accessory to a chic top choice. Nod to the Y2K vibe of a patterned iteration by styling with a wide-leg trousers platform sandals.
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7. T-Shirt + Miniskirt
Style Notes: If you prefer your skirts shorter in length, this is a look you can copy and paste. Of course, a simple miniskirt will work with just about any top trend, but I love the simplicity of this T-shirt and pelmet pairing.
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8. Waistcoat + White Jeans
Style Notes: Another key item in the Londoner's closet this season is the waistcoat. Whilst they also go well with the full skirts I'm seeing so much of, you can't beat a simple waistcoat and jeans look. Blue goes without saying, but ecru will feel even fresher.
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Our acting affiliate editor Florrie tried these, and since then I can't stop thinking about them.
9. T-Shirt + Bermuda Shorts
Style Notes: It's shorts season in the capital and, in place of tiny denim cutoffs, things have taken a refined turn with more tailored long shorts being everywhere I look. Add to the elegance with a simple tee and flats.
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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.
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