London just does autumn 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 from New York City 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's in Shoreditch or 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.
1. Skinny Belts
Style Notes: 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.
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2. Barn Coats
Style Notes: 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 London would be embracing their Barbour quite as much this season, or slightly shying away given 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.
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3. Colourful Retro Sneakers
Style Notes: The era of trying to find my trainers 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. Wales Bonner collabs are always top of mind, plus any styles that mix in some on-trend suede.
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4. Herringbone Coats
Style Notes: 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.
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5. Woven Leather Bags
Style Notes: Speaking of pairing (supposedly) off-season things with autumn fashion, woven leather handbags missed the memo that they're typically thought of as summer accessories. From chic shoulder bags to practical weekday totes, it was giving everyone the air of having come straight from the airport having arrived from somewhere warmer.
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