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 to Try
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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This timeless white linen dress will serve you well for years to come.
An iconic summer accessory.
Flip flops are some of the comfiest summer shoes out there in my opinion.
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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You could also wear this wrap cardi over a pretty floral dress or with a slip skirt.
I always come back to M&S for great quality yet affordable linen.
I love the pretty butter yellow shade of these sandals.
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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This mini also comes in black, white, yellow, red and pink.
Mango always serves up designer-looking accessories.
A great pair of black mules will go with everything, so are worth spending a little more on.
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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Simple and so versatile.
These flares have a slight French feel, don't you think?
I'll never not love my Bostons.
5. Linen Shirt + Full Skirt
Style Notes: Full skirts are a key buy for 2024, 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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I'd also wear this over swimwear and with jeans.
The item to invest in this year.
If you told me these were three times their price tag, I'd believe you.
6. 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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A capsule wardrobe staple.
Add tights and a blazer in winter to make this skirt work all year round.
The bag of my dreams.
7. Waistcoat + 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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This best-selling waistcoat is back in stock, but I suspect not for long.
White jeans really come into their own this time of year.
Our acting affiliate editor Florrie tried these, and since then I can't stop thinking about them.
8. Tank Top + Cargo Skirt
Style Notes: Cargo trousers have transcended from being trendy to timeless, and the same goes for skirts. Nod to the Y2K vibe of a pencil midi by styling with a knitted tank and heeled mules.
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I love khaki in the summer.
The coolest summer skirt.
Comfy and easy to walk in? Sign me up.
9. Blazer + City Shorts
Style Notes: It's shorts season in the capital and, in place of tiny denim cutoffs, things have taken a refined turn with tailored city shorts being everywhere I look. Add to the elegance with a blazer and simple vest.
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You'll wear and love this for years to come.
I'm also seeing this with a silky skirt and tweed jacket.
It's the summer of shorts people!
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