Kristina Roberts
London doesn’t exactly ask you to dress well—it just assumes you will. Fashion here isn’t seasonal, it’s instinctual. You’ll see it in the morning rush, the dinner queues, even the dog-walkers. It’s a daily habit, not a statement. Where weather shifts faster than the Underground. Where walking five minutes can take you from a grungy vintage spot in Soho to high tea at Claridge’s. So how do you pack smartly for this cultural, sartorial jungle? Let’s unpack it.
The Basics: Layers Are Your Best Friend
First rule: pack layers. London weather is unpredictable in the most charming, frustrating way. A sunny morning can turn into wind-whipped rain by mid-afternoon. You’ll need outfits that shift with the climate.
Start with:
- A classic trench coat — timeless, polished, and usually water-resistant.
- A packable waterproof jacket — for those days when the sky can’t make up its mind.
- Lightweight sweaters or cardigans — perfect for layering over tees or under jackets.
- Fitted long-sleeve tops — they’re the kind of thing you’ll reach for without thinking. Good under a knit, solid on their own, and easy to roll up if the sun surprises you.
Stick to colours that get along—greys, blacks, olives, off-whites. The kind of palette where everything mixes without fuss. If you love a print, bring one or two that don’t scream for attention. Think more quiet confidence than chaotic suitcase.
Footwear: Built for Walking, Styled for Staring
You will walk. A lot. More than you plan to. The Tube is efficient, sure—but the real charm of London is in the in-betweens. The backstreets. The riverside detours. Expect your step count to creep up without warning.
Here’s what to pack:
- Stylish trainers — Veja, New Balance, or sleek Nike styles blend in nicely in most London settings.
- Ankle boots — Chelsea boots in leather or suede are a local uniform for a reason. They’re sleek, city-appropriate, and work in most weather
- Evening shoes — Think practical-chic: heeled ankle boots, slingbacks, or platform sandals. Just make sure they won’t betray you on a cobblestone street.
Waterproofing your shoes ahead of time is a power move. London doesn’t warn you when it rains—it just happens.
High Heels (Yes, Pack Them)
There will be moments where only heels will do. When it comes to dress code policies, the London club dress code applies anywhere that’s high end and exclusive. This means whether it’s a dinner reservation in Mayfair or a theatre date in the West End, you’ll want to step things up—literally.
The key is comfort disguised as drama:
- Block heels or chunky platforms help you navigate uneven pavement.
- Avoid stilettos unless you’re taking taxis door to door.
- Choose styles that pair well with both dresses and trousers.
You may not wear them every night, but having the option makes a difference when the dress code calls for it.
Statement Outerwear
In London, your coat is the outfit. When it’s cold or rainy (which is often), your outer layer is what most people will see—on the street, on the Tube, even inside some cafés where nobody removes theirs.
Great outerwear pieces to consider:
- A wool wrap coat for warmth and elegance.
- A bold puffer for casual, contemporary flair.
- A sharply cut blazer or trench to throw over anything.
Think of your coat as your personal billboard: clean lines, quality fabrics, and something that makes you feel put together, even if you’re wearing a hoodie underneath.
Evening Looks That Transition
You don’t always have time to return to your hotel and change. London days can roll into London nights without warning. That’s where transitional outfits shine.
Go for:
- Midi dresses in seasonal fabrics—pair with boots or heels depending on the vibe
- Wide-leg trousers in black or navy—elevated enough for evening, comfortable enough for daytime.
- Silk or satin blouses—they catch the light and layer well under jackets.
- A fitted blazer can go from gallery to cocktail bar without missing a beat.
Small tweaks—swapping shoes, adding lipstick, changing your bag—can do the rest.
Casual Doesn’t Mean Lazy
London casual is still polished. You’ll see locals dressed in “effortless” looks that are secretly well thought out. Think curated basics with personality.
Build your casual looks with:
- High-rise denim in a straight or wide leg.
- Ribbed knits, boxy tees, or striped tops.
- Cropped bombers, slouchy blazers, or denim jackets.
- Crossbody bags, sunglasses, and beanies or caps.
When in doubt, lean French-girl minimalism with a hint of East London edge.
Accessories That Work Hard
The right accessories can make or break your packing strategy. You don’t need dozens—just a handful that work across different looks.
Essentials include:
- A structured tote for daytime—big enough for a camera, water bottle, and a book.
- A mini evening bag or clutch—something sleek that tucks under your arm.
- Scarves—a silk one in spring or autumn, and a chunky wool one in winter.
- An umbrella—compact, windproof, and never optional.
Bonus: a portable phone charger—because you’ll be snapping photos nonstop and Google Maps is a battery killer.
Fabrics That Travel Well
Don’t just dump your wardrobe into your suitcase, you’ll feel the consequences in baggage claim. Pack smart. Choose fabrics that travel well, hold their shape, and don’t require daily ironing.
Best options:
- Wool blends — warm, breathable, and structured.
- Stretch cotton — comfortable, holds its form.
- Jersey knits — ideal for layering and lounging.
- Crepe or viscose — lightweight and low-maintenance.
If it wrinkles the second you breathe on it, leave it at home.
What Not to Pack
Save yourself the regret and don’t pack:
- Flip flops — unless it’s summer and you’re escaping to Brighton.
- Heavy hiking boots — unless you’re actually leaving the city to hike.
- One-trick dresses — that one outfit that only works with one specific shoe and nothing else. You won’t wear it.
London by Season: Quick Packing Edits
Spring (March–May):
Light trench, layering knits, leather jacket, waterproof shoes, scarf for warmth.
Summer (June–August):
Breathable dresses, cropped trousers, cotton tees, sunglasses, lightweight jacket for evenings.
Autumn (September–November):
Wool coat, midi skirts, dark knits, ankle boots, umbrella on standby.
Winter (December–February):
Puffer coat, thermal base layers, gloves, cashmere scarf, waterproof boots.
London fashion isn’t loud—it’s considered. It’s about clothes that do more than one job. The jumper that works for coffee runs and gallery shows. The boots that feel just as right on Soho pavements as they do in a dim-lit bar. Pack smart. Pack light. And aim for pieces that can hang in different settings without changing who you are.
Fashion in London is personal but sharp. It respects effort, rewards originality, and always circles back to practicality. So pack like a local: edited, layered, unfussy—but with a little drama when it counts.
Because in a city this iconic, you won’t want your outfit to be the forgettable part.
