London Spring Outfit Ideas: English Heritage Style

LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 5, 2025 | EST. READING TIME: 6 MIN


IN THIS GUIDE

Bright blue townhouse in Notting Hill with classic London architecture and white accents under a cloudy sky.
Tourists exploring the grounds of the Tower of London with ancient walls and the White Tower under a clear blue sky.

Get the London look! While this “look” isn’t as prescriptive as Rimmel’s old slogan implies, there are some common attributes to incorporate into your spring aesthetic when visiting in March.

A serene view of Kensington Palace Gardens with a classical statue and reflecting pool in London.

Crisp tailoring of quintessential heritage brands meets punk-inspired avant-garde designs on the London streets. But what does that mean for your upcoming trip to this shopping mecca?

Blend high fashion, structured pieces with hints of edgy street style in the eclectic yet posh London scene. In practice, this means pairing nicer pieces with vintage finds and high-street brands from consignment shops. This mix-and-match approach means you might wear a wool trench coat with black leather jeans, or a tweed blazer with studded boots—either way, account for the unpredictable British weather and keep an extra layer handy! When preparing for your London trip, incorporate the following elements into your carry-on:


Spring Climate in London

March in London brings gradually warming, sometimes overcast conditions as early spring begins to stir the city. While sunny spells do occur, they’re often interspersed with light rain and gray skies; pack practical layers like a light winter coat or gloves for especially brisk mornings. The air retains a cool edge with the infamous London fog often drifting through, lending that signature atmospheric charm to Big Ben and Tower Bridge.

Historic neoclassical architecture along Whitehall in London, with cars and pedestrians on the street.

Daytime temperatures range from 48°F -53°F (9-12°C), with nighttime dipping to a chillier 39°F to 43°F (4-6°C). Some days are pleasantly mild, while others bring periods of rain and the occasional downpour. It’s wise to always have an umbrella or waterproof jacket on hand, since rain falls 10-12 days during the month—sometimes settling in for the afternoon, but often arriving in short, passing drizzles.

The winds add a brisk note to the air, especially along the River Thames or in open spaces like Hyde Park. Though not as biting as winter gusts, the lingering chill can make the ambient temperature feel colder than the forecast suggests. A cozy scarf and layered clothing are recommended to stay comfortable while exploring.

Despite the sporadic showers, March offers increasingly bright days perfect for enjoying London’s parks and local markets. With roughly 11 hours of daylight—from sunrise around 6:30 AM to sunset near 6:00 PM—you have ample opportunity to explore, though the fading light in the late afternoon means it’s best to schedule outdoor activities earlier.

Embrace the blossoming spring atmosphere by meandering through the city’s green spaces just beginning to show new life, then immerse yourself in London’s renowned art galleries and theaters during afternoon drizzles!


What to Wear in London?

Black Leather

Sleek black leather jackets, bottoms, or accessorizing bags embody the spirit of London’s rebellious 1970s punk scene. Londoners are known for blending individuality with timeless style, and black leather fits seamlessly into this bold yet versatile aesthetic. Whether a fitted leather trench coat or loose biker-style jacket is worn, these pieces add an edge while keeping you warm during the chillier spring days.

Leather bottoms offer an effortlessly cool alternative, while leather boots complete the ensemble with a nod to the city’s punk heritage. Opt for minimal accessories to keep the focus on these iconic pieces which symbolize a subtly powerful rebellion against the ordinary.

 

Structured Blazers

 

Sharp, structured blazers offer a polished touch to even the simplest staples, channeling London’s dapper fashion sensibility. Locals masterfully elevate casual looks with tailored pieces, and a structured blazer pays homage to the city’s quintessentially British heritage.

Whether you’re layering over a simple tee or pairing it with a contrasting loose dress, a well-fitted blazer instantly adds a sense of refined sophistication. Tweed, houndstooth, and wool blazers provide warmth in the crisp spring air while evoking the elegance of London’s high-fashion streets. Pair with leather loafers or boots to balance timeless British tailoring with modern-day edge.

 

Tall Boots

Knee-high boots blend high fashion with street-savvy poise, allowing you to tap into London’s diverse subcultures through your footwear. Depending on the style, tall boots evoke a variety of looks—from sleek and polished to edgy and rebellious. Riding boots nod to classic British equestrian style, while cowboy boots bring Western flair with a bold, adventurous spirit.

Channel London’s punk roots with combat boots, perfect for adding rugged edge to refined outfits. Whatever your preference, tall boots effortlessly elevate, creating a powerful silhouette that’s equal parts stylish and functional for navigating the streets.

 

Slouchy Satchels

 

Slouchy satchels balance out the more structured elements of London fashion. The soft curves and worn-in look provide a refreshing contrast to the tailored blazers, sleek trousers, and polished boots that typically define the city's sophisticated style. This easy-going accessory ensures you can carry all your essentials without looking seriously rigid.

The unstructured shape ensures your effortlessly cool look strikes that perfect blend of functionality and fashion. A slouchy satchel lends a carefree, approachable element to an otherwise refined and neatly put together appearance.

 

Dark Lenses

Dark lens sunglasses not only protect your eyes, they also add intrigue to your look. The deep tint creates an aura of mystery while obscuring the direction of your vision, radiating cool girl nonchalance as you stroll through the bustling streets of London.

When paired with printed or textured frames, these sunglasses offer a unique blend of boldness and sophistication. Choose classic tortoiseshell or go for something more daring with animal prints and metallic accents—dark lenses surrounded by stylish frames elevate even the simplest outfit. This accessory adds an edge to your ensemble with a playful, enigmatic twist.

 

Posh Headband

 

Headbands keep your locks perfectly in place while evoking a timeless, polished look synonymous with London’s high-fashion scene. Often associated with British aristocracy and prep school style, headbands have long been a staple of refined London fashion. Channeling the Blair Waldorf aesthetic, these accessories add poise to any look.

From plush velvet and satin styles to those adorned with pearls or embellishments, this modern regal element ties in beautifully with tailored blazers and sleek coats. When out for afternoon tea, a posh headband is the perfect finishing touch adding functional flair to your spring ensemble.


London Spring Outfit Ideas

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Spending 3 days in London during a March spring break trip, I styled 3 outfits mixing dark punk pieces with classic tailored staples to mesh with the city’s posh yet pointed fashion scene.

My first day in London was full of typical tourist sightseeing, calling for a sophisticated heritage look to complement the charming landmarks.

Smiling woman in a London spring outfit including a stylish coat and scarf standing in front of Tower Bridge.
  • Tan Wool Trench Coat from Zara ($65), Dupe from Amazon ($59.99, paid link)

    • Not quite a structured blazer, but a tailored trench coat to exude the same dapper fashion sensibilities. The wool fabric was comfortably insulting while ensuring the structure remained sharply well-fitted.

  • Black Contour Square Neck Long Sleeve Bodysuit from Aritzia ($58)

    • A sleek long sleeve which easily tucked into my skinny jeans and through my trench sleeves without being too bulky.

  • Roxy Black Leather Jeans from Grey Bandit ($19.99), Dupe from Amazon ($31.99, paid link)

    • Black leather bottoms adding edgy contrast to my otherwise elevated, light-toned ensemble.

  • A La Mode Ribbed Sock Boots from Princess Polly ($99), Dupe from Amazon ($49.98, paid link)

    • My best tall boot purchase ever, these durable punk-inspired shoes have a combat-style sole with substantial tread perfect for a long day exploring!

  • Plaid Scarf from Burberry, Dupe from Amazon ($12.98, paid link)

    • To accessorize while keeping warm, I wore a quintessential British heritage brand hand-me-down.

 

Day two strolling through Notting Hill was a bit chillier and called for more leg coverage, leading me to pull together:

Woman contemplating the charming row of pastel-colored townhouses in Notting Hill wearing London spring fashion.
  • Black Denim Jean Jacket from Wild Fable ($30)

    • In desperate need of insulation even over a thick sweater, I styled an ashy black denim jacket to meld the stark darkness of my tights and shoes with the lighter gray of my knit.

  • Grey Turtleneck Cable Knit Sweater from Hollister, Dupe from Amazon ($12.79, paid link)

    • An essential to survive the spring chill, this ancient sweater was such a chunky knit the turtleneck almost looked like a cowl, adding visual interest while keeping my chest warm.

  • The Lola Mini Skirt White from Princess Polly ($48)

    • A pop of bright white contrasting with my otherwise dark ensemble, this spring skirt alluded to warmer days ahead even though leg coverings were still needed on this breezy day!

  • Black Fleece-Lined Tights Sheer Women from Amazon ($16.99, paid link)

    • A closet staple to carry you through fall, winter, and the early aughts of spring, fleece-lined tights are a game changer. Continue to wear skirts and dresses even when a chill hangs in the air thanks to these insulating tights.

  • Mini Rowan Crossbody With Hedgehog Print from Coach ($60), Dupe from Amazon ($54, paid link)

    • A favorite animal motif of mine after owning two hogs myself, what better place to rock a hedgehog-covered bag than in the United Kingdom where a native population lives!

    • KUGUAOK Retro Sunglasses with Dark Lenses from Amazon ($6.99, paid link)

      • A funky tortoise frame tying in the warm tones of my purse, these rectangle sunnies have dark lenses to protect my eyes during the rare instances where the London spring sun appears.

 

Omitting the same pieces I wore the previous day, my third and final outfit called for a posh dress given the afternoon was spent sipping tea at luxurious Harrods, styling my:

Smiling woman evoking London spring outfit ideas enjoying traditional afternoon tea at luxurious Harrods.
  • Guetta Mini Dress White from Princess Polly ($68), Dupe from Amazon ($52.99, paid link)

    • A pink floral statement piece with a ruffled high neck collar and sheer billowing composition. An afternoon with my pinky raised called for a polished feminine look that fit right into the luxurious tea room interior.

  • Faux Black Leather Jacket from asos, Dupe from Amazon ($39.99, paid link)

    • Added an edgy element to my otherwise entirely flouncy dress, mixing and matching refined poise with rugged rebellion the London way. After leaving this staple black leather jacket at a party, I discovered they don’t sell this exact style anymore.

  • Velvet Black Posh Headband (£10), Dupe from Amazon ($5.99, paid link)

    • This perfectly timed purchase during my 3 day trip in London occurred at Portobello Road Market! If you haven’t visited this thrifting paradise yet, find a similar style online.

 

ABOUT ME

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Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?

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