London Has Spoken—These 8 Fashion Trends Are Big News Right Now

When it comes to style, London is one of the most dialled-in cities in the world. A cross between the polish of Paris, the edginess of New York, and the playfulness of Milan, London is perhaps the most eclectic of all the major fashion locales; you never quite know what outfits you'll see or which trends you'll spot. This is true of the runway as well as the street, the latter of which, I'd argue, is where you'll find the most inspiration.

I now work and live remotely (in the countryside, no less), so I rely on the outfits I see coming out of the capital to inform not only my own wares but also what I choose to share with you here, on Who What Wear. Still, being on the peripheral is helpful, as it allows me to take a more nuanced look at the London fashion trends that truly matter and resonate. And today, I'm going to show you the looks and pieces I think will have the biggest impact on your 2023 aesthetic directly from the capital.

From the classic outerwear trend that's impossible to ignore to the trainers fashion people are favouring, below, I've assembled eight London fashion trends for this year I think you're going to like. Scroll on to discover them.

1. Grey Outerwear

Style Notes: Londoners are adept at taking simple pieces and making them feel fresh again and, right now, everyone seems to be showcasing classic grey outerwear with trending pieces, as evidenced here by Lorna in her grey woollen coat and Adidas Samba trainers. 

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2. Jazzy Fleeces

Style Notes: Accustomed to dressing for colder climes, Londoners feel at home in bold knitwear and jumper styles. Case in point, the jazzy printed fleeces that are everywhere I seem to look at the moment.

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3. New Balance 327s

Style Notes: In London, trainers go way beyond the commute or gym session; they're a status symbol, and slipping on a trending pair will make any outfit feel current. Right now, there's a definitive penchant for New Balance 327s. 

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4. Dark-Wash Jeans

Style Notes: Although faded blue jeans will never go out of style and will always be commonplace on the streets of London, I've witnessed a shift to darker washes of late, which look seriously high-end. 

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5. Checked Minis

Style Notes: The preppy trend might have been a big deal on the runway, but it's an aesthetic the London style set has been embracing for years. In lieu of the pleated minis that are currently dominating my IG feed, the city's inhabitants tend to get their preppy fix by way of checked styles, as seen on Lucy Williams. 

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6. Sling Bags

Style Notes: Whether they have their hands nestled deeply in their pockets for warmth, are plotting a destination into Google Maps on their iPhone, or carrying a plethora of tote bags, London girls prefer to keep their hands free for more important activities. This is why, I think, they've bought into the sling bag trend in a big way for 2023. 

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7. Corduroy Separates

Style Notes: It might be a firm fixture in the wardrobes of French women, but corduroy fabrications hail from Britain and are essential in the closets of those in the capital. Why? The textile is thicker than many other fabric options—it's more akin to jeans than anything else—making it ideal for the cooler temperatures we experience year-around. After a seasonal hiatus, corduroy pieces are very much back on the London fashion trend scene for 2023. 

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8. Over-the-Knee Boots

Style Notes: If you've brushed up on the boot trends for 2023, then you'll already know that over-the-knee styles are set to be big news for the year ahead. Consistently quick off the mark, London girls are already wearing them. 

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Next Up: Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.