After what feels like a very slow spring, it seems summer finally got involved. While there are no guarantees – it is summer in the UK, after all – things are certainly looking brighter according to the forecast. And this past weekend, Londoners seemed to change their seasonal wardrobes in droves. Gone are the thicker coats and jackets we’ve relied on for the past six months, and instead, I see batches of white cotton and colorful linen filling the streets.
The same thing happens on Instagram. All of my favorite influencers living in the capital were wearing their best summer looks, inspiring me to do the same. So that London summer outfit caught my eye? Among them, the 9 below stand out for their unique distinction, elegance and ability to truly challenge trends.
Scroll on to see the London summer outfits I’ve added to my Saved folder, and shop any pieces you might need to recreate them. However, something tells me you could also assemble some of them from your existing wardrobe.
9 London summer outfits to try
1. White dress + Basket bag
Style notes: Nothing says “summer” like a white cotton dress, and I see them more in London than anywhere else. Add a basket bag and you’re ready to go.
Buy look:
to revolutionize
Petites Balia linen dress
Loewe
Basket bag made of palm leaves and calf leather
COS
Sculptural Eva flip-flops
2. Cardigan + linen pants
Style notes: Linen is a core part of a London girl’s summer outfit, specifically because big street does it very well For a look that’s reminiscent of coastal chic but also feels at home in the city, wear a pair of white linen pants and pair it with a pale knit sweater.
Buy look:
LAUREN MANOOGIAN
+ Net Sustain Alpaca-Blend knit sweater
M&S Collection
Pleated wide-leg pants in rich linen
Charles and Keith
Asymmetrical flip-flops
3. Short skirt + Mule shoes
Style notes: Little fringes have been popping up 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 choose a classic print style—stripes will always be in style. Minimalist accessories complete the ’90s feel.
Buy look:
ZARA
Contrast plaid skirt
Mangoes
Braided leather bag
ROW
Combo Da La
4. Oxford shirt + Jeans
Style notes: Nowhere are blue striped Oxford shirts more popular than in London. On cooler summer days, wear jeans and Birkenstocks. However, when the temperature rises, the wind cools long shorts and thin strap sandals will do the trick.
Buy look:
MOM
+ Mesh holds the legs of high-waisted flared jeans for the weekend
BIRKENSTOCK
Boston suede clogs
5. Linen shirt + Long skirt
Style notes: Long dresses are a key buy for 2024 and I’ve seen a lot of them being worn over the weekend, especially in white tones. I love how Chiara Perrera elevated hers with a bright linen shirt.
Buy look:
There’s nothing below
Boyfriend Linen Shirt in Cardinal Red
Arket
A-line cotton dress
homeless
Jolin suede ballet flats
6. T-shirt + Short skirt
Style notes: If you prefer shorter skirts, here’s a look you can copy and paste. Of course, a simple mini dress will go with almost any top trend, but I love the simplicity of this t-shirt and blouse combination.
Buy look:
Mangoes
T-shirt with contrasting trim
COS
Shell-Panel A-line mini dress
Totem
Leather bag with T-Lock handle
7. Waistcoat + Jeans
Style notes: Another important item in Londoners’ wardrobe this season is the waistcoat. While they also go well with the flared dresses I see a lot of, you can’t beat a simple waistcoat and jeans. Blue goes without saying, but green will bring a fresher feeling.
Buy look:
LOG IN
Leo long waistcoat
& Other stories
Comfortable tapered jeans
8. Tank top + Cargo skirt
Style notes: Cargo pants have gone from trendy to timeless, and so have skirts. Get the Y2K look of a pencil midi skirt by styling it with a knitted tank top and heels.
Buy look:
& Other stories
Tailored tank tops
Mangoes
Umbrella Dress with Pockets – Women
9. Blazer + Street shorts
Style notes: It’s shorts season in the capital and instead of tiny denim shorts, things have taken a subtle turn with tailored city shorts everywhere I look. Add elegance with a simple blazer and vest.
Buy look:
BUNELLO CUCINELLI
Linen and wool blend blazer
EILEEN FISHING
Silk-Jersey tank
NA-KD
Stretch waist linen shorts
