No matter what time of year you are visiting the UK capital, if you’re planning your outfits for London then there are a few key things that are ideal to take all year around. Always make sure that you’ve got sunglasses, a small umbrella, a crossover bag, a jacket, jeans and layers, and a pair of comfortable shoes – and you can’t go wrong. Anyone living or staying in the UK will tell you that there’s nothing quite like the British weather, and even if you’ve been there for some time it can be difficult to predict. The good news is that London fashion is very diverse and no matter your style, you’ll be happy to hear that nothing is off limits, whether you’re dressing up or dressing down. Here are some essentials to pack for every season.
Visiting London in Spring:
T-shirts, shirts and blouses are a great option for the spring, paired with a lightweight jacket or a rainproof coat just in case showers hit. Soft pastels or floral patterns are a great choice for getting you in the summer mood, and denim is a huge hit in London, especially during this time of year – ripped jeans are a trendy, comfortable choice for exploring the capital and a denim jacket is perfect for throwing on over your shirt if it gets a little chilly. A thin jumper or a cardigan is a must-have in your bag; light layers are ideal for London in spring as this allows you to take off or add clothing if you need to adjust to the weather.
If you’re going to be walking around a lot, then make sure that you take some comfortable footwear along with you. Chunky white trainers are a great choice for the spring as they’ll keep your feet cool and supported as you explore whilst still looking great with all your outfits. Balenciaga sneakers are a fab choice as they’re high fashion while being comfortable; SSENSE have a great range to choose from –you can visit their website here. If the weather is forecast to rain, some rubber boots are also a great idea.
Visiting London in Summer:
During the summer months in London, you might be lucky enough to visit during a heatwave as you can get a sun tan as you explore the capital in a pair of denim shorts and a tank top or lightweight t-shirt. Make sure that you have sunglasses to hand to protect your eyes, and a cap or wide-brimmed hat can be a great way to shield your face from the sun as well.
That being said, don’t rely on the summer weather in London being hot. Summer showers are all too common in the UK so make sure that you’ve got a waterproof jacket and umbrella to hand just to be safe.
Visiting London in Fall:
As the leaves begin to fall from the trees and morning frost starts to appear on the floor, fall – or autumn – is well and truly on its way in the UK. If you’re planning to visit London from mid-September until late November, you can expect the weather to be chillier and grayer. The weather in London is often a little bit colder to that of spring, but with red and orange leaves lining the city’s streets rather than colorful flowers.
It might not yet be cold enough for a huge coat, but a lightweight parka or fleece jacket is a great idea. Layer shirts and t-shirts under cozy jumpers in shades that complement the autumnal colors such as deep purples, dark blues, khaki greens or rusted oranges. Jeans are ideal for the weather in this season, or if you prefer, tights underneath a skirt or dress. When it comes to shoes, look for something that will provide warmth as well as support for your feet.
Visiting London in Winter:
Visiting in the winter months is exciting as London turns into a Winter Wonderland complete with unforgettable Christmas markets and magical festive decorations. Thick snowfall isn’t very common, but you can certainly expect a lot of ice on the floor, so make sure that you’re wearing a sturdy pair of shoes or boots that provide you with plenty of grip and help you avoid slipping around.
Bear in mind that UK winters can be quite bitterly cold, so it’s important that you’re ready to wrap up and protect yourself from the elements. A thick, padded coat is an ideal choice, and you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got plenty of warm accessories like a woolen scarf, a warm beanie and a pair of gloves. Invest in some thick socks, too – there’s nothing worse than freezing toes when you’re trying to explore the city. Like with the other seasons, layering is ideal here – wearing multiple layers gives you the option to take some off if you get too warm and put them back on when you step out into the cold.
Which season will you be visiting London in, and what are you planning to pack?
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!
