Oh, London Fashion Week—you never fail to disappoint. As editors, influencers, models, stylists and buyers made their way from show to show in what feels like the most "normal" Fashion Week since 2019, the streets of London became a sartorial showcase and made me realise just how much we've missed the spectacle.
Of course, the Who What Wear team will be charting the trends that we've seen on the runway in good time, but right now, I'm focusing my efforts on reporting what the street style set has been wearing. Call me biased (I am a proud Brit, after all), but while New York Fashion Week certainly gave us plenty of trends to think about, I believe the street style looks from London are a league all their own. Who What Wear's editor in chief, Hannah Almassi, told me from the ground, "It's been quite wild, out-there, in a great way." And having pored over hundreds of images from the past five days, I see what she means.
What I love most about British and London fashion is that it really is a melting pot of movements and aesthetics. You can spot someone wearing a Chanel two-piece tweed suit, pointed-toe slingbacks and a top-handle bag standing next to someone in a neon puffer coat, combat trousers and stacked tread-sole boots, and you wouldn't bat an eye. It truly is the freedom and frivolity of London's street style that brings fashion month to life.
So which street style trends caught my attention? While there were many, I have narrowed down 10 that I consider must-sees. From the update on fashion's favourite handbag to the simple way to inject your wares with more colour, scroll on to see the London street style trends that impressed me most.
1. CHECKERBOARD PRINTS
The checkerboard trend is showing no signs of slowing down if London’s style elite are anything to go by.
A checkerboard coat is one of the best ways to tap into the trend—layer it over a neutral outfit if it feels OTT, or use it to amp up your existing statement pieces.
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This cropped coat will pair well with everything, from jeans to dresses.
I’m into the varying sizes on this checkerboard dress.
2. PRETTY SKIRT SETS
The grunge aesthetic might still be going strong, but its antithesis, pretty skirt suits, was just as prevalent on the streets of London during Fashion Week.
Pretty pastel colours make the trend feel twee but in the best possible way.
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A cardigan like this is one you’ll wear continuously through spring.
I just love this set.
3. BRIGHT BLAZERS
If you want to add more colour to your daily wares, take a leaf out of London’s street style book by investing in a bright blazer.
The perfect accompaniment to jeans, a saturated blazer is more versatile than you may initially think.
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Green is one of the biggest colour trends of the season.
However, blue makes for just as much of an impact.
4. BEADED SHOULDER BAGS
Nineties shoulder bags have been popular in style circles for the past few years, but now, in 2022, beaded styles are the most in-demand.
You don’t have to look hard to find a beaded shoulder bag for you, from Staud’s best-selling Tommy shoulder bag to more frugal options from Zara.
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I’ve had my eye on the star-embroidered version of this bag for the longest time.
The perfect way to jazz up jeans and a white tee.
5. GLAM GOTH
I’ve already charted the rise of the goth aesthetic, but it looks like I’m not the only one keen to pay gentle homage to the look.
From sheer black fabrications to chain details and borderline-vampy makeup, fashion people are becoming increasingly inspired by gothic dressers.
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Spring’s most in-demand dress.
The contrast stitching really elevates this pair of cargo trousers.
6. MONOCHROME OUTFITS
It’s a trick fashion people use to look instantly chic, so it’s little wonder Fashion Week was awash with monochromatic outfits.
In my opinion, wearing one colour top to toe never fails to look expensive.
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Such a premium-looking colour.
A dress I’d like to wear to all the weddings I’m invited to in 2022.
7. TREAD-SOLE BOOTS
Brit dressers are some of the most practical out there, and with storms Eunice and Franklin to deal with, many showgoers chose to forgo strappy sandals in favour of chunky boots.
Tread-sole boots are a trend that continues to stick around, making a premium purchase such as a pair of Bottega Veneta’s feel all the more justifiable.
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These look so sleek.
Inject your wares with a pop of colour by way of Bottega Veneta’s trademark rubberised soles.
8. EXTRA FROTH
Just like my coffee order, extra-frothy outfits—think those with tulle and chiffon fabrications—were the order of the day at London Fashion Week.
Get even more wear out of any frothy pieces by wearing them with wardrobe basics, such as straight-leg jeans and roll-necks.
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Selkie’s designs come in a vast array of sizes.
Wear this shirt with a racer vest and sandals for your very own Carrie moment.
9. Y2K ALL DAY
We can all thank TikTok for the revival of countless Y2K trends, which were everywhere during London Fashion Week.
Whether you choose camouflage cargo trousers or something crochet, wear them with other throwback trends to fully embrace the aesthetic.
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Prediction: Crochet tops are going to be huge this season.
Some of the chicest camouflage I’ve seen.
10. TRENCHES WITH A TWIST
Trench coats are essential in the British wardrobe (like it or not, we are known for our showers). While classic iterations always make an appearance on the streets of Fashion Week, I did note several unexpected iterations.
From block panelling to checked inserts, look for details that elevate your trenches to, in turn, elevate your outfits.
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Checks make for a classic update.
I love the texture clash on this covetable trench coat.
Next Up, Spring/Summer 2022 Trends: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About
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