3 Neighborhoods, 3 Looks: How to Embrace London Style?

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While Paris is often regarded as the fashion capital, particularly of haute couture, another major city doesn’t have to shy away from its potential: London. Rich in a wide mix of cultures and inspirations, the land of Big Ben is fascinating to observe due to the multiple facets of the clothing styles of its inhabitants. Between extravagance, a posh touch, or a chic and casual mix, London style shines with its British class, while allowing everyone the opportunity to express themselves. A study of society through its wardrobe!

How does London style reflect the living environment of its inhabitants?

The saying goes: “clothes don’t make the man.” In our observation of London style, we will confirm today that clothes may not make the man, but they certainly define the neighborhood! Indeed, as we stroll through the arteries of the capital, we notice distinct style differences from one neighborhood to another, whether in the choice of brands, pieces, cuts, materials, colors, and patterns… These differences are a direct reflection of the neighborhood’s influence on the lifestyle of its residents, which in turn affects their manner of dressing. The neighborhood and style become a unit, and together, they create the DNA and atmosphere of a place.

The characteristics of a neighborhood that will influence London style include:

• the standard of living / the social class present
• the relationship to luxury
• the influence of the arts, craftsmanship, pop culture, and important figures from these fields
• the history and evolution of the neighborhood over the years
• the urban landscape, its types of buildings, and the companies, hotels, shops, restaurants, and other ephemeral places present
• community life and organized events
• the beliefs and open-mindedness of its inhabitants

When looking to settle in a city, we are often drawn to certain neighborhoods that resonate (beyond financial aspects) with our philosophy of life. Thus, neighborhoods gather quite similar profiles, shaping their identity, which is different from that of neighboring areas.

Heading to East London and its style between vintage and extravagance

Let’s start our observation of London style by heading to the east of the city. A Sunday morning stroll at Columbia Road Flower Market followed by a detour through Brick Lane and Shoreditch immediately immerses us in the vibe, and provides a quick glimpse of the clothing profile of this neighborhood. The key takeaway: express yourself!

Here, we experiment with different style possibilities, using clothing as an extension of our personality that reflects our inspirations and passions. We are not looking to showcase our wealth, nor to appear chic or anchor ourselves in a specific trend. Here, it’s like McDonald’s; you come as you are!

Punk, retro-vintage, derived from the former “hipster”… The vast richness of styles observed here illustrates the dynamic / electric and quite unique DNA of this neighborhood, which has been undergoing transformation for several years. With a cost of living lower than that of the next areas presented, East London is a multicultural place attracting students and young professionals, passionate about art, music, vintage clothing, and seeking to express themselves freely.

This intersection of multiple influences is noticeable in the urban environment, where most buildings have been transformed into large canvases on which artists come to express their words and woes. Additionally, neighborhood life is a melting pot of cultures and inspirations, with street food markets showcasing international cuisine, as well as the presence of thrift shops as far as the eye can see, both above and below ground!

The London style associated with East London is defined by a combination of inspirations that can reflect each person’s passions. We can find retro pieces like multicolored k-way jackets, old sports jerseys, or pieces from elsewhere like fringed leather jackets (ideal for recreating the look from the Barbie movie). Outfits are crafted with patterns ranging from tie-dye, checks, and 70’s designs, or choosing prints featuring music groups, movies…

This London style encourages layering pieces, such as with denim jackets or sleeveless sweaters. We play with cuts using flared pants or airy fabrics. Accessories are an important element, featuring cycling-style glasses, vintage brand bags, funky socks, or caps and beanies.

In summary, we don’t seek to conform to established style norms; we express ourselves by daring to mix.

What London style to adopt in Notting Hill?

Let’s head to Notting Hill, in the west of the capital! This neighborhood, one of the most expensive in terms of real estate, charms with its warm village atmosphere. Here, the pastel-colored mansions illuminate the crescent-shaped streets, lined with small private parks. The stalls of markets and street food markets fill the air with the scents of world cuisine, while bargain hunters gather in search of great deals at one of the largest antique markets in Europe.

Independent cafes, thrift shops, art galleries, cinemas, and theaters, artistic encounters… Notting Hill is a little bubble of sweetness, where young professionals and families coexist in a trendy yet relaxed spirit. The neighborhood’s DNA reflects a London style that is both elegant, yet infused with freedom and character brought by vintage pieces found in thrift shops.

This neighborhood hosts a large vintage clothing market, where you can find Burberry trench coats at bargain prices. The trench is worn open, paired with a striped zip collar sweater, faded jeans, and loafers/socks. Complete the look with gold jewelry and a cap.

For added character, we also spot enthusiasts wearing oversized brown faux fur coats, paired with classic outfits. In terms of footwear, cowboy boots are trending, as well as Samba shoes, which can be matched with a total denim look, jacket and pants. We carry a crochet tote bag to slip in fresh flowers, and a beanie can also be the colorful touch of the outfit. The London style version in Notting Hill can also combine a linen shirt and mom jeans with a pair of Birkenstocks.

A little bonus for lovers of British romantic comedies, here’s a selection of pieces to recreate the iconic look of Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) in Notting Hill!

What pieces to choose for a London style in South Kensington?

After East London, which serves as a blank canvas for clothing expression, the London style in the west at Notting Hill, blending expression and elegance, we now arrive in South Kensington, where the keywords are: elegance, class, and chic.

Here, the adopted London style plays on British class, to create an outfit that conveys prestige and reflects the privileged living standards of the neighborhood. Being one of the most expensive areas, it is characterized by high-end buildings neighboring designer boutiques and luxury houses. You can also find prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall and major museums.

After using Anna Scott as a reference, in South Kensington we turn to another wardrobe, that of Kate Middleton! Indeed, to adopt the London style appropriate for the neighborhood’s standing, we move away from thrift/vintage items to focus on high-end brands and wear them in a modern and distinguished way.

We can thus draw inspiration from Quiet Luxury trends, as well as minimalism to create outfits with mainly monochromatic and soft tones. Beige, gray, dark blue, black… We use these colors with simple pieces and impeccable cuts. Thus, we can create a wardrobe for this London style based on blazers, long coats, straight shirts with tailored collars, suits, and other tweed sets. For a more modern touch, jeans can be paired with patent shoes, such as flat babies or thin heels.

In terms of accessories, we stick to subtle pieces that blend into the outfit, with fine jewelry. Meanwhile, a Birkin bag proves to be the ally for busy days.

As you have understood, the London style is actually a multitude of styles that reflect the DNA of a neighborhood and its inhabitants. Between elegance, extravagance, or a happy medium, London offers everyone the opportunity to find a neighborhood where they can fully and freely express themselves.

Stay tuned for more looks from another capital: Berlin!

Photos: Pinterest