Trends You Should Follow to Become an Effortless Fashion Icon in London and Paris

London Street Style: Funky, Cool, Lightweight Layers, Boxy Chic with an Edge, and Summer Whites

So you want to fit in with the London fashion scene? Here is your guide to the macro and micro trends I observed while spending a few days in this lively and vibrant urban city. First, after spending time in Paris, I immediately noticed a shift in the way I feel when I am in London. London feels very familiar, and similar to major US cities like New York City or Los Angeles. However, the slight nuances to London fashion make it unique and authentic.

I found that in London, streetwear with funky sneakers, cool hairstyles, and a mixture of vintage pieces are trending. In the heat, a staple London look combines lightweight summer classics and layered garments. London fashion is more laid back than Parisian fashion as far as the fit of garments, and people in London definitely prioritize comfort. Londoners wear more boxy, loose, oversized pieces, and athleisure is acceptable in comparison with Paris. The culture of comfort in London is relevant to the “chill” lifestyle there, and it is not frowned upon to wear relaxed athletic clothing and sneakers on a daily basis. 

In the Brick Lane area, I noticed that every individual has a unique style with garments that are mostly vintage or from unique streetwear brands. To contrast, when visiting more posh neighborhoods like Bond Street and Chelsea, I noticed a much more polished, elegant, and sophisticated look in the street style. 

London Macro Trend: Breezy Summer Layering

What these London neighborhoods have in common was layering lightweight, breezy summer fabrics. The London macro trend of breezy layers contains numerous variations that people can take and incorporate into their personal style. For this trend, I first photographed a woman nearby Brick Lane. Her look head-to-toe was effortless and casual, and the little details and way she carried herself intrigued me. She wore flowy black pants, a black tank top, and an oversized yellow and white striped button down. She took “breezy layers” and made it her own by adding a tied ribbon choker necklace and unique white mesh shoes, which immediately caught my eye. Additionally, her crisp haircut with short bangs elevates the look and adds to the cool vibe she emanates. 

The second look of breezy layering I found was while walking near Bond Street, where a crisp, white linen set immediately caught my eye from across the street. This woman follows the breezy layers macro trend in a more minimalistic and sophisticated way with her crisp white linen matching set. She paired the white linen set with a funky bucket bag and woven sandals. These accessories personalize the breezy layers macro trend and add to her classy summer look. Summer wardrobe staples like white linen button downs and layered gold jewelry are worn all across London during the summer months. 

London Micro Trend: 90’s Revival- Long Vintage Dresses

A specific up-and-coming micro trend I noticed frequently in London was a 90’s revival. More specifically, in neighborhoods like Chelsea and Brick Lane, people are bringing back the 90’s floral maxi dress trend, because it is casual and elegant, and takes minimal effort to look put together. Long flowy dresses are also very comfortable to wear, and can be dressed up or down depending on what shoes or accessories one adds to pair with the dress. I met a girl named Beverly wearing a beautiful long floral dress with a collar, and I had a feeling that it was vintage so I asked her to tell me about her look. It turns out this dress was her mom’s in the 90’s, and that same day I had been wearing a dress from my mom in the 90’s with sneakers as well! For summer, I think 90’s printed dresses are here to stay for years to come. Such a classic wardrobe staple!

Parisian Uniform: Laid-Back, Neutrals, Chic, Elevated Basics with a Personal Touch, Classic

Parisians have a classic “look” and “je ne sais quoi” to the way they dress and look in outfits, no matter how simple these ensembles may seem to the untrained eye. The classic Parisian woman wears what suits her figure best, and allows simple outfits and minimal makeup to showcase her real beauty. For the typical Parisian uniform on women, I notice jeans paired with a black or white tee shirt, white blouses, basket purses, stripes, and floral dresses. Dominant silhouettes I see across Paris also include tailoring details, ballerina flats, and touches of luxury. 

Paris Macro Trend: The Neutral Color Palette 

In Paris, most people stick to a neutral toned palette for clothing. This usually includes black, white, beige, and denim blue. Parisian women prioritize fit and quality of their clothing above all. These women purchase clothing infrequently and intentionally, and stick to classic wardrobe staples that can be styled over and over again. 

I met a girl named Olivia at the Dior Galeria, and loved her tailored suit shorts styled with a simple white tee shirt. This outfit is one of her go-tos for summer, and she loves wearing suit shorts in the summer because they are comfortable and look very nice. She typically pairs them with a solid tee shirt or tank top and blazer. She accessorized this combination with a beaded purse and Golden Goose sneakers, as well as dainty gold jewelry. Minimal and thoughtful accessories are essential and classic in Paris. Olivia carried herself in a very elegant way, and her neutral outfit is perfectly Parisian. 

Nearby the Place Vendome, I photographed Chloe, a Paris cool-girl wearing a monochrome black outfit with chic accessories. She paired a cropped black tee shirt with tailored black shorts, a pink Dior crossbody, Chanel two-toned ballet flats, and cool sunglasses. Chloe told me that ballet flats have been her go-to this summer, and when styling her outfits, she prefers the minimal and neutral look to overly trendy fads in fashion. Chloe’s coffee from the Saint Laurent Cafe even matched her outfit… très chic! 

Paris Micro Trend: Unique Statement Sunglasses

Fun accessories and luxury details elevate the simple Parisian uniform look. For menswear in Paris, I focused on people in the Marais, where linens and solid colors are elevated with cool accessories and unique personal touches. To fit in with the trendy Parisian men, it is important to focus on clothing that fits well, and combine simple staple pieces. Typically, these outfits include leather sneakers, some jewelry, and sunglasses. In the Marais, I stumbled upon a cafe filled with cool, trendy Parisians, who wore outfits with a bit more of an edge and artistic flair. Here, I photographed a man wearing a simple white tee shirt, black shorts, and black leather sneakers. His funky cream sunglasses and unique jewelry stood out to me, and I knew I had to ask for a photo of his “lunettes.” Sunglasses add character to a person’s style, and especially during sunny hot days in Paris in July, everyone pulls out their funky sunglasses to make a statement.

Comparing Paris and London street style was a very interesting exercise, and a great way to meet new people in both cities to learn from their lens on fashion. I found that people in both London and Paris were very kind and respectful to me when I asked to photograph them for this project, as I began first with complimenting their style or a particular garment, and made small talk while taking the photos. I was also able to use my French speaking skills and approach real Parisians! Overall, London street style leans towards the more casual side, especially in comparison with other neighboring European fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, and Madrid. Fashionistas in London tend to opt for more bold pieces and patterns, in comparison with Paris’ neutral palette. The neutral colors of Parisian style reflect the neutral tones found across the city in architecture and historic buildings. In contrast, London’s more colorful and printed styles mirror the modern architecture and street art culture I experienced while visiting. I can’t wait to incorporate a bit of London and Paris into my own personal style.

xoxo,

Josie