What to Wear in London in Fall
EST. READING TIME: 8 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Black Leather
Structured Blazers
Tall Boots
Slouchy Satchels
Dark Lenses
Posh Headband
Get the London look! While this “look” isn’t as prescriptive as Rimmel’s old slogan would make you think, there are a few pervasive attributes to incorporate into your fall aesthetic game when you visit the city during the month of October. Classic British tailoring of quintessential heritage brands and traditional styles meets punk-inspired avant-garde designs on the London streets. But what does that mean for you when packing for your upcoming trip?
Blend high fashion, structured pieces with hints of edgy street style in the eclectic yet posh fashion scene of one of the world’s shopping meccas. In practice this means pairing nicer pieces from your closet with vintage finds and high-street brands scoured from consignment shops. This mix-and-match approach means you might decide to wear a wool trench coat with black leather jeans, or a tweed blazer with studded boots—either way, be sure to account for the unpredictable British weather and keep an extra layer (or two) handy! When preparing for your London trip, consider incorporating the following recommended elements into your carry-on.
Fall Climate in London
October in London brings cool, often overcast conditions as enchanting autumn settles into the city. While sunny days do occur, they are more frequently interspersed with rain and gray skies, making it a key time to pack insulating layers and precautionary winter gear like gloves and scarves for particularly chilly days. The cooler air is nippy, and the famous London mist often lends a mysterious atmospheric charm to the city’s iconic landmarks.
During October, daytime temperatures in London typically range from 54°F to 61°F (12°C to 16°C), with nighttime temperatures dropping to a chillier 46°F to 52°F (8°C to 11°C). The weather can be quite variable, with some opportunities for pleasantly sunny days remaining, while other days bring light rain and some occasional heavier showers. It’s pretty much always a good idea to have an umbrella or waterproof jacket on hand, as routine rain falls on about 11 to 15 days during the month, sometimes lasting for hours but often arriving in short, passing drizzles.
The winds in October can add a brisk edge to the air, especially near the River Thames or in more open areas like Hyde Park. While not as biting as winter winds, the cooler breeze can make the temperatures feel colder than they actually are, so a cozy scarf and jacket are recommended layers to add on to any autumn outfit.
Despite the occasional rain, October offers many beautiful, crisp days that are perfect for enjoying London’s parks, cultural excursions, and outdoor markets. With around 10 hours of daylight — from sunrise at 7:30 AM to sunset fading just before 6:00 PM — you’ll have plenty of time to explore, though the earlier nightfall means it's best to plan your sightseeing for the brighter part of the day. Embrace the autumnal atmosphere by taking strolls through leafy parks, visiting cozy cafes, and exploring the city’s many museums and galleries during your stay in this vibrant shopping mecca!
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. A classic black leather jacket can be easily dressed up or down, making it a key piece to layer over your fall essentials. Whether you choose a fitted leather trench coat or loose biker-style jacket, these pieces add a touch of edge to any look while keeping you warm during the chillier autumn days. Leather pants and skirts offer an effortlessly cool alternative, while a pair of leather boots completes the ensemble with a nod to the city’s punk heritage. Opt for minimal accessories to keep the focus on these iconic leather pieces, which symbolize individuality and a subtle yet powerful rebellion against the ordinary.
Structured Blazers
Sharp, structured blazers offer a polished touch to even the simplest staples, channeling London’s dapper, posh fashion sensibility. Londoners are masters of elevating casual looks with tailored pieces, and a structured blazer—especially in a classic tweed—pays homage to the city’s quintessentially British heritage. Whether you’re layering it over a simple tee or pairing it with a contradictory loose dress, a well-fitted blazer instantly adds a sense of refinement and sophistication to your outfit. Tweed, houndstooth, or wool blazers not only provide warmth in the crisp fall air but also evoke the elegance of London’s high-fashion streets. Pair with leather loafers or leather boots to create a complete look that balances timeless British tailoring with modern-day edge.
Tall Boots
Knee-high boots blend high fashion with street-savvy edge, allowing you to tap into London’s diverse subcultures through your footwear. Depending on the style, tall boots can evoke a variety of looks—from sleek and polished to edgy and rebellious. Riding boots in smooth leather offer a nod to classic British equestrian style, embodying understated elegance, while cowboy boots bring a Western flair with a bold, adventurous spirit. For those channeling London’s punk roots, combat boots make a statement with their rugged vibe, perfect for adding an edge to more refined outfits. Whatever your preference, tall boots effortlessly elevate any look, creating a powerful silhouette that’s equal parts stylish and functional for navigating the city’s streets. Pair them with skirts, dresses, or slim trousers to fully embrace the versatility and attitude that tall boots add to your fall wardrobe.
Slouchy Satchels
Slouchy satchels balance out the more structured elements of typical London fashion. The softer curves and worn-in look of a slouchy bag 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 too serious or rigid. The unstructured shape of a relaxed satchel adds a touch of effortless cool to your outfit, helping you strike that perfect blend of functionality and fashion. Whether you’re navigating London’s bustling streets or enjoying a casual café stop, a slouchy satchel lends a carefree, approachable edge to an otherwise refined and neatly put together appearance.
Dark Lenses
Dark-lensed sunglasses not only protect your eyes but also add a touch of intrigue to your look. The deep tint creates an aura of mystery while obscuring the focus of your eyes, making you radiate 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. Whether you choose classic tortoiseshell or go for something more daring with animal prints or metallic accents, dark lenses surrounded by stylish frames can elevate even the simplest outfits. This accessory brings an edge to your ensemble, striking the perfect balance between the polished nature of London fashion and a playful, enigmatic twist.
Posh Headband
Think posh headbands that not only keep your locks perfectly in place but also evoke 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 a touch of elegance to any outfit, effortlessly elevating your look. From plush velvet and satin styles to those adorned with pearls or embellishments, headbands add a modern regal element that ties in beautifully with tailored blazers and sleek coats. Whether you’re out for afternoon tea or navigating the city's chic streets, a posh headband is the perfect finishing touch, adding both function and flair to your autumn ensemble.
How I Styled London Outfits
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Hopping across the pond for a quick weekend jaunt, I styled my three outfits with existing items I owned that played into the city’s posh fashion scene—even going so far as to fly without wearing a hoodie, something I’ve literally never done while traveling before!
My first day in London was conveniently the warmest and sunniest, meaning this was the perfect moment to power through in my most exposed outfit fueled by day one enthusiasm, wearing:
You’re not going to believe me when I tell you I literally manifested the black leather jacket I’m wearing in this photo. Prior to this trip, I saw a photo of Grace Andrews wearing this same jacket on her Mexico City trip, I fell in love, and looked everywhere for this jacket—and I mean everywhere. Even Google reverse image search results returned nothing of substance, so I gave up on my jacket dreams…until. A new boutique I walked into literally the next day had the exact jacket I was looking for, with only one $50 piece left in my size. If that’s not destiny, I don’t know what is! Naturally this boutique doesn’t have an online storefront either, so you’ll regrettably need to go on your own jacket wild goose chase, but Ten Shoppe was where my dreams came true! For a cropped dupe of this jacket, you can find a similar style here ($39.99, paid link).
Wanting my boots to be the focal point of this outfit and completely on display, I wore my teeny Easton V Front Mini Skirt Black ($40) from Princess Polly, pairing my hidden black top and black leather jacket with this little black mini skirt to create a cohesive, dark monochromatic look.
For footwear, I opted for my Berkleigh Black tall boots ($129.95) from Steve Madden. The skin-tight leather look with a rounded toe and square chunky heel was exactly what I was looking for during my quest to find the perfect fall boot, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say Steven Madden always gets the job done! This particular style reminds me of Daphne’s purple boots from Scooby-Doo, and for this look they certainly took my ensemble up a notch!
My purse of choice was the Nico Bag Brown Distressed ($108) from Steven Madden as an edgier element to pull together this monochromatic dark look. The velvet black posh headband (£10) adorning my head was ironically purchased during my last trip to London from Portobello Road Market! If you haven’t been to this outdoor market yet, you can find a similar style of headband here ($5.99, paid link)!
Last but not least, I accessorized with a pair of sharp black Prada PR A09SF butterfly sunglasses with dark lenses ($531) – which retrospectively felt like the perfect choice considering their product details describe this pair as “a symbol of timeless elegance and sophistication”– and that dignified polish is what London fashion is all about!
Day two was a bit chillier and called for more leg coverage, leading me to pull together the following pieces:
My greatest prized possession from my spring Paris trip, an arte Antwerp Fighters Cord Embroidery Knit Beige abstract sweater ($264.68) I spied from the mens section inside the Champs-Élysées Galeries Lafeyette. This is truly a lesson in never judge a book by its cover—or in this case a sweater by how it’s gendered—as this interesting race-track looking piece has become one of my chilly month staples! All in all I was going for an effortlessly relaxed, cool girl aesthetic with this look and I’m convinced this sweater was the perfect finishing touch to bring it all together.
Navy baggy cargo pants (~$50) from Tenshoppe LA. These bottoms with a relaxed fit complement my equally slouchy satchel — a brown leather bag ($70) I purchased from the Nepenthe Phoenix gift shop in Big Sur. Since Tenshoppe doesn’t have an online storefront, you can find similar navy cargo pants here ($32.99, paid link) and a comparable brown leather tote here ($26.99, paid link).
I spied these Madrid Leopard sneakers ($60) from Steve Madden while simply walking through a Nordstrom and was immediately sold—I mean $60 for a comfy, quality pair of sneakers is such a steal, especially in a bold print I’m not confident I’ll wear too often. I’ve been trying to up my style lately with interesting pieces that encompass some eclectic element to elevate them above boring basics, but paying a lot for these items also worries me since they’re inherently less easy to match with a multitude of outfits—hence why Steven Madden is the ultimate, affordable choice for footwear when you’re looking to branch out and try something bold!
Omitting the same pieces I wore the previous day, my third and final outfit called for a jacket and scarf given this was the coldest weather I encountered in London, leading me to style my:
Hyfve long suede trench coat ($55) purchased years ago from a boutique in my hometown. I heard suede is in this fall which makes me chuckle since I’ve actually had this jacket in my closet since high school—but this just goes to show if you hang on to quality pieces the trend cycle will eventually circle back around so your old items feel hip and new again! You can find a long brown jacket with a similar silhouette here ($49.99, paid link).
Textured Tank Top in Ecru ($20) from Stradivarius. This not quite pictured paper mache-esque basic white tank top creates dimension with the textured fabric and incorporates subtle flair via the frilled neck and hemlines.
Marine Straight Jeans in White ($44) from Zara are no longer sold online, but you can easily find another paired of wide leg distressed white jeans from their site today. A denim option that serves as a true neutral, pairing white jeans with a white top creates a crisp monochromatic look which contrasted beautifully with the golden brown tone of my suede jacket, bag, and sneakers.
To accessorize and stay warm at the same time, I wore a scarf for the day, this time donning a quintessentially British hand-me-down Burberry scarf passed on from my mom. Find a significantly cheaper dupe here ($12.98, paid link).
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
I recently graduated, and I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m convinced I can make it to all 195 countries before my time is up.
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