Like anywhere else in the world, London has its own identity which infiltrates into everything, from its food to its music scene. Of course, this is Who What Wear UK, so what we're most interested in is the fashion and how the capital influences the wardrobes of its inhabitants (many of whom, I might add, are very chic indeed).
Walk down any London street and you'll see a broad spectrum of outfits, which is one thing that makes London culture so rich—it's unique and varied, which is something we should always celebrate. However, there are those pieces that feel more intrinsically "London" than others, and whilst some might sound cliché, there is merit in many of them. These are items I see regularly when I'm in the city, worn by women who absolutely know how to put together an elevated outfit.
When these city staples come together they create classic London outfits - looks that encapsulate the Brit capital's essence. As someone who always wants to dress more timelessly, I've assembled nine elegant looks that feel so London, but would also look chic no matter where you live. Forming a capsule wardrobe of sorts, scroll on to see the classic London outfits that caught my eye.
9 Classic London Outfits to Re-Create in 2025:
1. Blazer + Jeans + Loafers
Style Notes: Outfit combinations don't get more classic "London" than this look. Comprising a relaxed-fit blazer (more often than not, black), a pair of timeless blue, straight-leg jeans and loafers—the London-girl footwear of choice. This is an ensemble I see countless times a day on the streets of the capital, yet somehow, it never loses its appeal.
Shop the Look:
This will never, ever date. That's a Who What Wear guarantee.
A great pair to try from Mango.
Keep this around your shoulders and throw on when it's really chilly.
I know I'd get so much wear from these, from now until summer.
Opt for the classic black with gold hardware.
2. Tailoring + Maxi Skirt + Flats
Style Notes: Perhaps it has something to do with the heritage of Savile Row, but London style has long been synonymous with tailoring. This is something I see day in and day out and now that we're heading into the transitional months, I just know we'll be seeing more and more. Swap out the wool blazers for lighter weight alternatives this spring, and boots for flat shoes. While it may be a bit too fresh out to expose our toes in sandals, a pair of ballet pumps or trainers are perfectly suited for this look.
Shop the Look:
Try wearing this with jeans and pencil skirts too.
The ultimate layering piece all year round.
Dress up or down, this staple is a key piece to see you through spring and summer.
Ballet pumps are the feminine footwear option we have seen many pounding the pavements in. Available in black, white and red, though the latter has sold out due to popular demand.
3. Cashmere Jumper + Miniskirt + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: The miniskirt is another item loaded with British heritage, having been invented right here in the '60s. Of course, you'll see them worn all over Europe and beyond, but although we might not always have the weather for them, miniskirts are a staple in the wardrobes of many London women. More likely to be found styled with knee-high boots or loafers than spindly heels these days, Kim Turkington's ensemble (above), complete with a cosy and roomy cashmere knit, perfectly demonstrates how to style this skirt style the London way.
Shop the Look:
Uniqlo's premium cashmere knitwear are ultra soft and a timeless classic worth investing in.
This will wear just as well with slingbacks and a blazer as it will trainers and a sweatshirt.
These boots also come in tan suede.
4. Jumper + Jeans + Suede Tote
Style Notes: If it wasn't already clear, jeans are at the heart of many a classic London outfit. However, this look is less about the jeans themselves and more about their colour. Even with the risk of getting your clothes mucky on your commute, I see more all-white outfits in London than anywhere else, and not just in the form of summer dresses. Lois Sterling's combination of a white knit, white jeans and brown, suede bag (pictured above) feels fresh, current and classic all at once.
Shop the Look:
The round neck, dropped shoulders and relaxed fit makes this a versatile jumper you can rely on season after season, year after year.
I've heard great things about the fit of these jeans.
The perfect throw-on pair of shoes.
The trusted tote has been a timeless bag we have relied on for many years. In recent months, brown suede bags have grown in popularity, and this COS design ticks both style boxes.
5. Trench Coat + Cardigan + Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: You were probably thinking I had made the gravest of oversights in failing to mention the trench coat, but rest assured, its influence is still very much felt in London, and I can't imagine that ever not being the case. This is largely because it's easy to throw on over the top of any look as extra insurance should it rain (which we all know is fairly likely in London). Utterly timeless and elegant, whether you buy yours from Burberry or Arket, it'll serve you well in your capsule, whether you live in London or elsewhere. Pairing it with wide-leg trousers and a cardigan only makes the piece feel more Brit-centric.
Shop the Look:
Burberry has some of the best trenches on the market. The Chelsea Heritage Trench is available in three colours, lengths and a variety of sizes so you can find your perfect forever coat.
This will serve you well during the inevitable cold snap we'll have this year.
So chic.
6. Leather Jacket + Tube Dress + Mary Janes
Style Notes: The leather jacket is deeply rooted in British fashion and has been adopted by many people and aesthetics along the way. It's a staple amongst the London style set, who wear theirs with everything from leggings to tailoring, skirts to dresses. Look for elongated biker shapes for modern appeal and finish with Mary Jane flats to nail the cool girl aesthetic.
Shop the Look:
The coolest leather jacket by a mile.
A handful of our editors own this dress and they always say how great they feel when they wear it.
I would really love to own these flat shoes.
The perfect everyday tote.
7. Suede jacket + Knitted Cardigan + Wide Leg Jeans
Style Notes: Is there anything that says "London fashion" more than a knitted button-up cardigan with wide leg jeans? Whether it be for work, casual days out or dressed up for more formal events, a cardigan can be spotted everywhere in the city. This season, fashion people will be pairing their iterations with chic suede jackets and jeans for a chic off-duty look that can be effortlessly taken from the office to a casual day out.
Shop the Look:
This suede blazer won't stay in stock for long.
Sezane's Emile Cardigan is the ultimate button-up cardigan, and has been for many years. It's ultra'versatile, and injects a pop of colour into any outfit.
If you're looking for the perfect pair of smart trousers, you've just found them.
8. Knitted Cardigan + Maxi Skirt + Tall Boots
Style Notes: A maxi skirt will serve you well all year round. When it's cold, people in London pair theirs with a cosy cardigan and tall boots for warmth, and when it is warm the staple is styled with trainers, ballet pumps, loafers or sandals. I love that Danielle has added a patent boot to add some texture to the look.
Shop the Look:
My dream cardigan.
For those fresh spring days, you can pair with a boxy tee, and layer a trusted knitted jumper over the top to keep you warm, or tie around your neck - just in case the weather turns. For the summer, pair with a vest top or waistcoat.
These will add a polished feel to any outfit.
Burgundy makes any outfit look more expensive.
9. Jeans + Boxy T-shirt + Barn Jacket + Loafers
Style Notes: A boxy white T-shirt is the hardest working garment to bring together 99% of the outfits we wear. The white tee is a universal favourite amongst fashion people who have adapted it in numerous ways to suit their outfit, style, and season. While the trusted relaxed white T-shirt is considered a basic layering item, it is far from basic - in fact, we consider it an essential. Pair with jeans, trousers, mini or midi skirts, and shorts, you can never have too many white T-shirts.
Shop the Look:
The beige colourway has sold out, and we predict the same fate for the spring-ready light beige variation.
This will act as the basis for so many of your outfits - and it's worth every penny.
The most comfortable pair of jeans we own.
Blink and you may miss them.
The iconic Mulberry Bayswater bag needs no introduction.
-
These 5 Inspiring Outfits Are Proof You Can Easily Merge Classic and Trendy StylesTrust me, you're going to want to re-create these looks.
-
36 Gorgeous Spring Dresses I'm Eyeing From Zara, Revolve, and RefDraping! Lace! Volume!
-
9 Elegant Anti-Trend Sandals Outfits I've Bookmarked for SpringI don't know which to re-create first.
-
Espresso Martini: The Rich-Looking Color That's Already Everywhere"That's that me espresso."
-
7 Anti-Trend Outfits I Always Spot on the Busiest People in Paris and New YorkPerpetually in style.
-
It's Confirmed: French, Scandi, and Italian Women Wear This One Color to Look RichMove over, beige.
-
6 Elegant Blazer Outfits All the Cool European Women Are WearingThey've got the right idea.
-
10 Elegant 2025 Trends the Show Attendees Were Wearing at London Fashion WeekPrepare to be inspired.
