8 Styling Secrets British Women Know That You Don't
British women have historically had an impeccable flair for taste and style going back as far as the Tudor era and those drool-worthy Elizabethean necklines all the way to the present-day icons like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, whose staying power has lasted for the last several decades. British fashion's uniqueness comes from the Brits' eye for textiles and embellishment combined with an affinity for color tossed in with a touch of irreverence. They know how to put together an outfit that somehow works from the early hours of a day to the wee hours of the night without having to get changed in between. They are masters of versatile, über-stylish dressing, you might say. With that in mind, we turned to some of our favorite British celebrities to pick up a new styling trick or two we can test-drive this spring.
From the easiest way to elevate a floral spring dress to the number one night-out staple every woman should own to the layering piece that makes every outfit cooler, scroll down for inspiring looks from the likes of Alexa Chung, Kate Moss, and beyond.
More Is More (and That's a Good Thing)
You've probably read plenty of tips about "taming" or "toning down" a statement piece with neutral accessories, and while that works for some, Alexa Chung proves that sometimes you just need to wear all of your favorite bold pieces at once. As proven time and time again by this style savant, it works.
Always Add a Ruffled Neckline
A patterned suit is good fun and all, but Emily Blunt shows us that a ruffled neckline is a worthy addition.
Never Underestimate a Tuxedo Blazer
When in doubt, follow Kate Moss's lead and always have a polished tuxedo blazer within arm's reach for a night out.
After-Hours Denim
Naomi Campbell's striped blouse and wide-leg denim look should be everyone's next dinner look.
Day-to-Night Dress
If you're wearing a pretty spring dress during the day and need to transition it to after-hours, simply do like Rachel Weisz and accessorize with sheer tights and platform heels.
Bare Your Midriff
A little bare midriff feels fun and fresh for spring. Try out Thandie Newton's approach and wear a printed top with slouchy slacks.
Wear All Neutrals
An all-neutral look is the new monochrome choice du jour, according to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. We're on board.
Outerwear Is Part of the Look
Because Brits are used to inclement weather, outerwear is never an afterthought. Sienna Miller shows how a coat cinched by a cute belt can be fully incorporated into a look.
Want more European style? See our latest fashion dispatch from Paris.
Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 asBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out Wholesale Replica Bag restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)
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