3 Neighborhoods, 3 Looks: How to Embrace London Style?

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While Paris is often considered the fashion capital, particularly for haute couture, another major city has no reason to be ashamed of its potential: London. Rich in a great mix of cultures and inspirations, the land of Big Ben reveals itself as fascinating to observe due to the multiple facets of the clothing styles of its inhabitants. Between extravagance, posh touches, or a chic and casual mix, London style shines with its British class, while allowing everyone the opportunity to express themselves. A study of society through its wardrobe!

How does London style reflect the living environment of its inhabitants?

The saying goes: “Clothes don’t make the monk.” In our observation of London style, we will confirm today that while clothes may not make the monk, they certainly make the neighborhood! As we stroll through the arteries of the capital, we notice marked differences in style from one neighborhood to another, in terms of brand choices, pieces, cuts, materials, colors, and patterns… These differences are a direct reflection of the neighborhood’s influence on the lifestyle of its inhabitants, which in turn affects how they dress. The neighborhood and style become a unit, and together they create the DNA and atmosphere of a place.

The characteristics of a neighborhood that will influence London style include:

• the cost of living / the social class present
• the relationship to luxury
• the influence of the arts, craftsmanship, pop culture, and important figures in these fields
• the history and evolution of the neighborhood over the years
• the urban landscape, its types of buildings, and the companies, hotels, boutiques, restaurants, and other ephemeral places present
• community life and organized events
• the beliefs and open-mindedness of its inhabitants

When looking to settle in a city, we are drawn to certain neighborhoods that (beyond financial aspects) resonate with our life philosophy. Thus, neighborhoods gather quite similar profiles, shaping their identity, distinct from the neighboring area.

Heading to East London and its style between vintage and extravagance

Let’s begin our observation of London style by heading to the east of the city. A Sunday morning stroll at Columbia Road Flower Market followed by a detour through Brick Lane and Shoreditch immediately immerses us in the vibe and gives us a glimpse of the wardrobe profile of this neighborhood. To know: express yourself!

Here, we test different style possibilities, using clothing as a reflection of our personality that showcases our inspirations and passions. We are not looking to reflect our wealth, nor to appear chic or to anchor ourselves in a particular trend. Here, it’s like at McDonald’s, you come as you are!

Punk, retro-vintage, derived from the former “hipster”… The great wealth of styles observed here illustrates the dynamic / electric and quite unique DNA of this neighborhood which has been undergoing transformation for a few years. With a lower cost of living than the next places presented, East London is a multicultural place attracting students and young professionals passionate about art, music, vintage clothing, and wishing to express themselves freely.

This convergence of multiple influences is evident in the urban environment, where most buildings are transformed into large canvases on which artists come to express their words and woes. Additionally, community life is a melting pot of cultures and inspirations, with street food markets showcasing world cuisine, as well as the presence of thrift shops as far as the eye can see, both above and below ground!

The London style associated with East London is defined by a combination of inspirations that can reflect each individual’s passions. We can find retro pieces like multicolored windbreakers, old sports jerseys, or items from abroad like fringed leather jackets (ideal for recreating the look from the Barbie movie). We will work outfits with patterns ranging from tie-dye, checks, and 70’s designs, or choose prints of music groups or films…

This London style encourages layering, such as with denim jackets or sleeveless sweaters. We play with cuts featuring flared pants or openwork fabrics. Accessories are an important element, from cycling-style glasses, vintage brand bags, quirky socks, to caps and beanies.

In summary, we are not looking to conform to established style norms; we express ourselves by daring to mix things up.

What London style to adopt in Notting Hill?

Heading to Notting Hill, in the west of the capital! This neighborhood, one of the most expensive in terms of real estate, charms with its warm village-like atmosphere. Here, pastel-colored mansions light up the crescent-shaped streets lined with small private parks. The stalls at the markets and street food markets envelop the streets with the aromas of world cuisine, while bargain hunters meet here in search of good deals at one of Europe’s largest antique markets.

Independent cafes, thrift shops, art galleries, cinemas, and theaters, artistic encounters… Notting Hill is a small bubble of sweetness, where young professionals and families coexist in a trendy yet relaxed spirit. The neighborhood’s DNA is reflected in a London style that is both elegant, yet with a freedom and touch of character brought through vintage pieces found in thrift shops.

This neighborhood hosts a large vintage clothing market, where you can find Burberry trench coats at bargain prices. This is worn open, paired with a striped sweater and zip collar, faded jeans, and a pair of loafers/socks. All topped off with gold jewelry and a cap.

For more character, we also see enthusiasts of oversized brown faux fur coats, paired with classic outfits. On the shoe front, cowboy boots are in vogue, as are Samba shoes that can be paired with a total denim look, jacket, and pants. We throw a crochet shopping bag over our shoulder to tuck in fresh flowers, and a beanie can also be the colorful touch of the outfit. The London style version in Notting Hill can also combine a linen shirt and mom jeans with a pair of Birkenstocks.

A little bonus for fans of British romantic comedies, here is a selection of pieces to recreate the iconic look of Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) in Notting Hill!

Which pieces to choose for a London style in South Kensington?

After East London, which serves as a blank canvas for fashion expression, the London style of the west in Notting Hill, blending expression and elegance, we now arrive in South Kensington, where the keywords are: elegance, class, and chic.

Here, the adopted London style plays on British class, to create an outfit that has presence and reflects the privileged lifestyle of the neighborhood. Being one of the most expensive areas, it is characterized by high-standard buildings neighboring designer boutiques and luxury houses. Prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall and major museums can also be found here.

After taking Anna Scott as a reference, in South Kensington we refer to another wardrobe, that of Kate Middleton! Yes, to adopt the London style that matches the neighborhood’s standing, we will move away from thrift/vintage and turn to high-end brands, wearing them in a modern and distinguished manner.

We can thus draw inspiration from the trends of Quiet Luxury, as well as minimalism to compose outfits with primarily monochrome and soft tones. Beige, gray, navy blue, black… We use these colors with sober pieces and impeccable cuts. We can thus create a wardrobe for this London style based on blazers, long coats, straight shirts with intricate collars, suits, and other tweed sets. For a more modern touch, jeans can be paired with patent shoes, such as flat babies or thin heels.

On the accessory side, we keep to sober pieces that blend into the outfit, with delicate jewelry. Meanwhile, a Birkin bag proves to be the ally for busy days.

As you have understood, the London style is actually a multitude of styles that reflect the DNA of a neighborhood and its inhabitants. Between elegance, extravagance, or a happy medium, London offers everyone the opportunity to find a neighborhood in which to express themselves fully and freely.

Stay tuned for more to discover the looks of another capital: Berlin!

Photos: Pinterest