I Just Got Back From London—5 Things All the Coolest People Are Wearing There
London just does fall and winter fashion so well, and with some very UK-coded items trending this season (barn jackets, we see you), it only makes sense that the city felt especially cool when I visited last week. I was, as always, on the lookout for stylish pieces that seem synonymous with the local fashion set, and I have to say that I was truly thrilled with the chic yet low-key vibe that's currently trending across the pond.
Whether they were scooping up their flat whites from Jolene's in Shoreditch or Ralph Lauren on Bond Street, denim was very much the order of the day—so much so that, as someone who didn't bring a pair of blue jeans with me for this trip(?!), I could not wait to wear them when I got home. From classic outwear to highly wearable footwear to trending accessories, here are the key pieces Londoners are currently wearing on repeat with jeans this season.
Skinny Belts
The biggest trend takeaway from my trip? Ultra-skinny belts worn imperfectly with wide-leg denim. Please, pay no mind to the fact that it will be swimming in the too-big belt loops of those baggy jeans. That off-kilter alignment with the waistband only adds to the effortless vibe.
Barn Coats
I'm sure it seems obvious that we are never going to get through this story without a nod to barn coats, but something in me wondered whether London would be embracing their Barbour quite as much this season, or slightly shying away given all of us peasants are now embracing the trend. Turns out, the English aren't thinking about us at all. Contrast corduroy collars were everywhere, per usual.
Colorful, Retro Sneakers
The era of trying to find my sneakers among the slew of classic white Sambas with their navy stripes piled at the entry of my Pilates studio seems like a lifetime ago. While the low-top, vintage-inspired silhouette remains a mainstay of the fashion crowd, there was a rainbow of sneakers peeping out below London's denim.
Herringbone Coats
Heritage fabrics never seem to be far from view in London, from tweed blazers to plaid-lined trench coats. Right now, it's menswear-inspired herringbone coats that are the moment. Wear them long, a little oversize, and with shoulder pads (optional but encouraged). When it comes to the styling, a quick denim note: I'm very into the above pairing of a tailored, winter-ready coat that's contrasted with super-relaxed, faded, summery jeans. I think this is a 10/10. Feels very cool.
Woven Leather Bags
Woven leather handbags missed the memo that they're typically thought of as summer accessories. From chic shoulder bags to practical weekday totes, it was giving everyone the air of having come straight from the airport having arrived from somewhere warmer.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and contributing fashion editor. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects across fashion, luxury, beauty, home, and travel.
-
I Just Found the Chicest Sweaters, Coats, and Boots FromReplica Store's Black Friday Sale—Enjoy
These finds will sell out by December 1.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I'm a Mom With 2 Young Kids—These 31 EasyReplica Store Black Friday Sale Picks Make Me Feel Stylish
These are guaranteed to sell out.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
31 Maxi Coats From Shopbop, COS, and Mango That Have My Undivided Attention
Floor-sweeping styles only.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
On Your Mark… 8 Holiday Party Outfits to Have on Your Radar (Before Everyone Else)
Who doesn't love getting dressed up?
By Nikki Chwatt
-
J.Lo Just Debuted a New Way to Wear This "Boring" Blazer Trend That Feels So 2025
BRB, I'm adding one to my cart.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
6 Very 2024 Ways to Style a Pullover Sweater
File under "chic and cozy outfit inspo."
By Natalie Cantell
-
My Sister Asked What She Should Buy FromReplica Store's Early Black Friday Sale—Here's Every Chic Item I Suggested
Up to 50% off.
By Judith Jones
-
Charli XCX Went to SNL Rehearsals in a Highly Unexpected Denim-and-Boots Combo
Fit for all forecasts.
By Drew Elovitz