London just does cold-weather fashion so well, and with some very UK-coded items trending this season (barn jackets, we see you), it only makes sense that the city felt especially cool when I visited last week. I was, as always, on the lookout for stylish pieces that seem synonymous with the local fashion set, and I have to say that I was truly thrilled with the chic yet low-key vibe that's currently trending across the pond.
Whether they were scooping up their flat whites from Jolene in Shoreditch or shopping at Ralph Lauren on Bond Street, denim was very much the order of the day—so much so that, as someone who didn't bring a pair of blue jeans with me for this trip(?!), I could not wait to wear them when I got home. From classic outwear to highly wearable footwear to trending accessories, here are the key pieces Londoners are currently wearing on repeat with jeans this season.
Skinny Belts
The biggest trend takeaway from my trip? Ultra-skinny belts worn imperfectly with wide-leg denim. Please, pay no mind to the fact that it will be swimming in the too-big belt loops of those baggy jeans. That off-kilter alignment with the waistband only adds to the effortless vibe.
Barn Coats
I'm sure it seems obvious that we are never going to get through this story without a nod to barn coats, but something in me wondered whether fashionable Londoners would be embracing their Barbour quite as much this season or slightly shying away given that all of us peasants are now embracing the trend. Turns out the English aren't thinking about us at all. Contrast corduroy collars were everywhere, per usual.
Colorful, Retro Sneakers
The era of trying to find my sneakers among the slew of classic white Sambas with their navy stripes piled at the entry of my Pilates studio seems like a lifetime ago. While the low-top, vintage-inspired silhouette remains a mainstay of the fashion crowd, there was a rainbow of sneakers peeping out below London's denim.
Herringbone Coats
Heritage fabrics never seem to be far from view in London, from tweed blazers to plaid-lined trench coats. Right now, it's menswear-inspired herringbone coats that are the moment. Wear them long, a little oversize, and with shoulder pads (optional but encouraged). When it comes to the styling, a quick denim note: I'm very into the above pairing of a tailored, winter-ready coat that's contrasted with super-relaxed, faded, summery jeans. I think this is a 10/10. Feels very cool.
Woven Leather Bags
Woven leather handbags missed the memo that they're typically thought of as summer accessories. From chic shoulder bags to practical weekday totes, they were giving everyone the air of having come straight from the airport after arriving from somewhere warmer.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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