London was just beginning to warm up when I arrived and Londoners were all looking forward to some sunshine. The shops were full of Spring and Summer fashion but on the streets it was still too cold to wear them. So here are some of the London street trends that I noticed.
1.Pleats – Pleated skirts in silk blends, viscose, lace or crushed velvet were everywhere. Either midi or maxi length these feminine skirts seemed a great transeasonal option. Many wore them with a tee, boots and biker jacket. Others wore their pleated skirts with sheer tops and platform sneakers. The most popular pleated skirts were in black, but grey and silver also abounded. Metallic pink and forest green pleated skirts were in many of the High Street shops.
2.Biker Jackets – Another terrific option for transeasonal wear. The Brits had packed away their heavy coats and opted for these shorter and more fitted leather jackets. Many wore black (a must have item that will never date) but colours were creeping in, especially in the shops. Greens of every shade were popular as were burgundy, tan and a soft pink almost nude colour. I bought a buttery leather soft pink shade and I just love it. It will become a staple in my wardrobe for our lovely, mild winters.
3.Sneakers with platforms were everywhere and yes, being worn, especially around the streets of Soho. Liberty had a great selection in many colours, some covered in bling. The most popular colour on the street was white. In the shops were platform sneakers in colours and styles of every kind. Glitter and bling was a big trend on all shoes, in all styles.
4.Prints – Floral prints, palm tree prints, stripes, gingham and patterns of every kind adorned every window in the High Street. On the street long floral jumpsuits were being worn with biker jackets as a nod to the change of seasons. Florals in every shade of green, yellow and blue seemed most popular.
5.The Shirt Dress -One of my favourite looks for every age. Many were in chambray or cool blue and white stripes. I coveted a white collared shirt dress in the window of the lovely Brooks Brothers store on Regent Street. Pair the chambray with white sneakers and you have a great weekend outfit or dress up a more belted navy or tan style shirt dress with heels for work or dinner wear.
6.Statement sleeves – The statement sleeve trend is only getting stronger. Look out for even more voluminous sleeves in dresses, shirts and even jackets with the Bell, Leg of Mutton, Trumpet, Batwing , Split and Tiered sleeves popular options. I love unusual sleeves, so was very happy to see this trend continue.
These are just some of the major trends I noticed as I wandered the streets of London. Fashion in London seems to be giving a nod to the 80’s but this time around in a more feminine, wearable way. I just hope the 80’s perm, power suits and platform thongs don’t come back again. I remember wearing them the last time around!
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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