London, like most capitals, has a multitude of styles - from the Chelsea Sloanes (think Kate Middleton) to the Camden scenesters (Amy Winehouse) to Indie fashionistas (Kate Moss). However, with its punk legacy, the general style is one of a slightly "undone" rock and roll look. Keep reading to look like a true Londoner!
Steps
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Be uninhibited! The wonderful thing about a big city is that you can pretty much wear whatever. There is no one certain 'look' or niche that you need to adhere to. This independent attitude is crucial.
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Look out for London features & celebrities in magazines to inspire your look. Trends pick up quickly from the NME and Indie music. Particularly for guys, usually the cover of NME and the hyped up London bands are a sure cert fashion pointer.
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Watch Kate Moss' style! Love her or hate her she is, to a certain extent the doyenne of London fashion. She epitomises 'how to dress like a Londoner': confident, apparently effort free, and with a strong rock n roll influence.
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Polish your look. If you are dressing pretty scruffy the rest of you shouldn't be. Overdone makeup - unless making a theatrical statement like Amy Winehouse or Lily Allen's neon eyes - is a no-no, however good grooming is essential. Less is more. Think fresh skin - pale or tanned - with lightly smudged black kohl or just a slick of mascara, and lipbalm. Alternatively a bare face with bright red or pink lipstick.
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Style your hair accordingly. Hair should be in good condition but with a 'just rolled out of bed' vibe. It should look natural, not colourfully dyed or straightened to death - think La Moss/Sienna Miller.
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Be eccentric! Quirky accessories & outfits are central to London style. Don't be shy, and embrace the London high street fashion wear.
Tips
- Vintage shops are an excellent source. If in London, Portobello Road vintage boutiques and Rokit in Covent Garden are best. Topshop is good for modern imitations and also has a vintage concession in its Oxford Street flagship store.
- Dark skinny jeans, vintage leather boots & a classic yet 'beaten up' leather handbag (think Balenciaga-style) are staples.
- Look and learn! London style is synonymous with the city.
- Brick lane is also an excellent place to do some vintage shopping.
- Styles are always changing, but 'chav' jewellery (think Lily Allen) is always prevalent. Make sure you wear this *ironically* and pair the jewellery with a more boho outfit.
Warnings
- Be easy with the more extreme styles. Lily Allen style gold jewellery can look totally awful - especially if accessorized with a ton of makeup... British style requires a little irony. Similarly, Amy Winehouse gets away with her 'look' because she's a singer and iconic.
- Don't try too hard. Looking 'done-to-death' spells death in terms of London style kudos. Ruffled is cool.
- Don't copy looks piece by piece. By imitating Kate Moss exactly you will just look like a fashion victim... Furthermore, dress to suit you and your body shape. Londoners are savvy.