What to Wear to London Fashion Week: The Unofficial Dress Code
First, let us make one thing clear: There is no one set uniform for the fashion month crowds. It's really an exercise in personal style—a wardrobe marathon, if you will. It should be about wearing what you feel the best in while saving time and constructing outfits that keep up with your busy schedule—that's a concept any grown-up can get on board with, whether or not you're attending this major industry event.
Each city has an unofficial dress code of its own, and it may be that one fashion capital relates more to your closet than others. Note the sartorial nuances: In Paris, you'll find that renowned French chic (it's not an urban myth, you know) while in Milan you can expect to see far more flamboyance and frills. But what can be said for London?
Photo:
Style du Monde
The London crew has an eccentric mix 'n' match approach. These magpies are attracted to eclectic, unusual pieces and styles from around the world and are particularly keen on bringing together opposites. Pretty with ugly. Rough with soft. Classic with crazy. Call us biased if you like, but there's a hell of a lot we can learn from London girls for our fashion week wardrobes. Let us count the ways.
Don't do things by the book
Photo:
Style du Monde
Photo:
Style du Monde
Photo:
Style du Monde
Looking at London Fashion Week street style is a lesson in the unexpected. Londoners have a penchant for weird and wonderful styling notes. The trick is to not be afraid, whether you're wearing a shirt back-to-front like Fashion Director Natalie Hartley, have shirt tails hanging out the bottom of your skirt on purpose à la Pandora Sykes, or are wearing a roll neck under a summer blouse as inspired by fashion stylist Felicity Kay.
Wear British brands with pride
Photo:
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty
Photo:
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty
It's no secret that London has bred some of the best designers in the world, and there's really no better time to champion our homegrown talent than at LFW. Invest in the likes of J.W.Anderson, Burberry, Stella McCartney, Alice Temperley or Alexander McQueen to proudly wear the week through.
Eye-catching colour is good for hailing black cabs
Photo:
Style du Monde
Photo:
Christian Vierig/Getty
If there's anywhere to own your colourful streak, it's LFW. Make like Lucy Williams or Caroline Issa and wear one colour all over, in contrasting tones. Those Roksanda Ilincic vibes are also especially useful for hailing black cabs. Don't ever say we don't think practically.
Tap into unexpected combinations
Photo:
Style du Monde
Photo:
Edward Berthelot/Getty
In London, you can turn the outrageous dial up a notch. In fact, spotting a dress over jeans or a mix-match of contrasting patterns is about as normal as seeing a pair of ripped skinnies.
Carry sensible shoes for getting from E10 to W10 in half an hour
Photo:
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty
Photo:
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty
We're not exaggerating: The rush from show to show can be a matter of having to dart a cross the capital in under an hour. Rush-hour traffic just won't cut it, meaning carrying a sensible pair of shoes is advisable. Take cues off these two ladies who are making classic white trainers: Axel Arigato, Veja, Reebok Classics or Superga are good options.
Consider your outerwear
Photo:
Christian Vierig/Getty
Photo:
Christian Vierig/Getty
It goes without saying that London comes with its weather challenges in both February and September, meaning outerwear is important to factor in each show season. Even better if you can make it waterproof like this coated Burberry number.
More on that subject: carry a brolly
Photo:
Christian Vierig/Getty
Photo:
Christian Vierig/Getty
It's England, meaning there's a 99% chance it'll be raining during fashion week. Check the forecast and carry a chic umbrella in your handbag just in case.
At the end of the day, be your most confident self and have fun with it! You're at fashion week, after all.