7 Chic Yet Easy Outfits That Are Perfect for Wearing to the Pub This Weekend

As a self-proclaimed city girl, I find more often than not that a quick outing to the pub is all it takes to spark a little bit of joy into my week. Whether that's a cozy candle-lit Saturday evening with girlfriends, a Sunday lunch date with my partner, or even a Tuesday post-work impromptu wine with colleagues, the pubs of London and beyond become a home away from home, and somewhere to relax and unwind with your nearest and dearest. With summer fast approaching, the innate desire to put together a little bit of a look and feel your best starts to kick in, and no better time than a bank holiday weekend.

Marianne Smyth

(Image credit: Marianne Smyth)

Deciding what to wear to the pub isn't exactly rocket science, but based on my experience, there are certain guidelines to follow. There's no need for gowns or the highest of heels at your local establishment, and blazers or suiting may feel just a bit too dressy. My key styling tactic is that comfort is essential— your wardrobe staples of jeans, tees, trainers, and light knitwear should be your natural go-tos, and with a little thoughtful styling, they can help you stand out from the crowd for the right reasons. You may find yourself jostling for the bartender's attention when it's your round, trying to lay claim to the biggest and sunniest table in the beer garden, or perhaps lining up your friends for the next game of pool. Take it from me, all of this and more require 'fits which are both equal in comfort and style.

Whatever the occasion, and for whichever local spot you choose, I have curated a list of pub-ready looks that are perfect for your forthcoming weekend plans. Take note, and I will see you at the bar.

What to Wear to the Pub: 7 Looks to Try This Bank Holiday Weekend

1. Yellow Knit + Pleated Mini Skirt + Sneakers

Tinsley Crisp

(Image credit: Tinsley Crisp)

Style Notes: Spring's rising trend of buttery yellow sees no waning towards the summer season—a knit is a perfect way to introduce this colour into your wardrobe now. Ground the look with soft grey and beige accents for an outfit which is cool yet elevated enough for the pub and maybe a post-lunch park walk. Sunglasses and layers of jewellery bring personality here, so stack them up in abundance to earn serious fashion points.

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2. Trench Coat + Striped Shirt + Capri Pants + Sandals

Nnenna Echem

(Image credit: Nnenna Echem)

Style Notes: When the weather forecast is such a mixed bag, only a reliable trench coat will do. Keep everything else light and easy-breezy with a classic striped shirt and the fashion-enthusiasts' new favourite trouser, the capri pant. Thong sandals with a tiny heel keep this outfit bang on trend yet informal enough for a chilled pub gathering with the girls.

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3. Blue Knit + White Tank Top + Linen Trousers

Chloe Mihailovich

(Image credit: Chloe Mihailovich)

Style Notes: Sneakers are a surefire way to feel at ease yet on trend when entering your local establishment. Team your fave pair with simple, chic linen trousers, a classic tank, and a throw-on knit. I love colour coordinating, so matching your trainers, sweater and sunnies in rich shades of blue will look cool, considered, yet effortless.

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4. Striped T-Shirt + Blue Jeans + Ballet Flats

Marianne Smyth

(Image credit: Marianne Smyth)

Style Notes: Nothing beats the classic combination of jeans and a t-shirt. Level it up with vintage feel denim, and a tee with a colourful stripe. Ballet flats make this feel polished and pretty, and a suede day bag means you can take the look from day to night, with all of your essentials in hand. I love this no-fuss approach to getting dressed, and will be sporting something similar this weekend, no doubt.

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5. Leather Jacket + Cardigan + White Jeans + Loafers

Louisa Hatt

(Image credit: Louisa Hatt)

Style Notes: A cardigan is a year-round staple, and jeans are a great way to dress it down for casual pub wear. I love the idea of white denim and a burst of colour, so the mix of tomoto red and burgundy leather here feels fresh and intentional. A sturdy but soft pair of loafers punctuates the look—pair yours with a black handbag to complete the 'fit.

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6. Pink Knit + Blue Denim + Sneakers + Earrings

Lindsey Holland

(Image credit: Lindsey Holland)

Style Notes: I still have a large place in my heart for ballerina pink, the powdery colour trend Victoria Beckham wore so well recently. Pairing a pastel knit with a simple white tee, denim, Vans slip-ons, and a mega gold earring is the perfect way to rock up to your local in style. Matching your mani to the knit is a sweet extra touch.

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7: Loose Knit + Polka Skirt + Sandals + Clutch Bag

Rayan

(Image credit: Rayan)

Style Notes: Slip skirts will always be famous—this polka dot style is how do it now. I love mixing silk skirts with dynamic textures, so a loose breathable knit and a supple leather handbag work wonders to bring a little bit of luxury to your look. Spring pedicures are in, so let yours shine with a classic sandals or flip flop. A flawless look for alfresco drinks.

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Sophie Robyn Watson
Acting Fashion Editor

Sophie Robyn Watson is a London-based style editor with over 10 years of experience in the fashion, luxury and retail industries. She has worked at esteemed companies such as WGSN, ASOS, LFW, Alexander McQueen and GANNI. After graduating with a first-class honours degree in Fashion Promotion Imaging, she moved into the luxury editorial sector with a focus on menswear, firstly at Wallpaper* and later Mr Porter, where she worked her way up from Fashion Assistant to become Fashion Editor. At Mr Porter, she worked on global marketing shoots, celebrity profiles and luxury shopping edits. In her role asBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s Acting Fashion Editor, Sophie is chiefly interested in celebrating new and emerging brands that the cool-girls ought to know now.