What to Wear On Your Trip to London

Planning a trip to London and wondering what to pack? These helpful tips will keep you warm, dry, and looking posh!

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​*Post updated, June 2019

Dressing for London as a tourist is difficult - you want to look nice, you might walk 15 miles in a day then head out for a fancy meal, and it could (and likely will) rain, unexpectedly, at any moment. I also don't want to ruin my clothes - particularly not my fancy vacation clothes!

Lately, we've been spending at least one of our yearly trips in the U.K., including two recent trips spent entirely in London. Dressing for vacation is always hard, but I find it's even harder when it's somewhere I want to fit in and look chic and fashionable...and it's especially challenging when it's one of the coolest cities in the world.

​For me, my goal is to look presentable no matter where I happen to find myself on a day's travels, and to be wearing the right clothes that are appropriate for the weather and the physical activity - and there's no reason to make sacrifices on either count!

​Check out the staples I never leave behind:

Trench coats for London

By far the most important piece you'll want to bring is the right coat. It shouldn't be too warm, as it really doesn't get too cold, and you'll want to be able to remove it (if and when) the sun comes out. Additionally, unless you're traveling in the height of summer, the coat is the thing most people will see.

Overall, I'd recommend either a Barbour jacket or a trench. Barbour - a classic English brand - has a wide selection, including the traditional waxed jacket which, in fairness some will say, is a bit more English country than London (but well that's me!), to more "casual," lighter or quilted options. The waxed jacket, though, is waterproof and can have a removable hood added, which makes it perfect for spending a day touring. The Queen has a well-loved Barbour coat. When she sent it in for refurbishment (which is common with Barbour coats, as they're meant to last a lifetime), the company offered her a new one, which she politely declined, preferring to keep her old one!

Barbour waxed jacket in action (April)

The British trench coat is, of course, another staple. Burberry is the quintessential classic, and is now available in a variety of shorter and more colorful versions. A darker, less-of-a-statement trench, such as this, or one from London Fog, which is actually American but has a wide and seasonably varied section of classic, yet more affordable coats, also works well for the younger set.

Trench in action, with Sir Winston (August)

As far as an "overcoat," remember that it doesn't normally get terribly cold in London. However, I'd likely include one, especially for evenings out, etc., when it's not only chillier, but you'll likely want to look more formal. 

Don't forget your umbrella!

Though the British are notoriously relaxed about being rained on, on the occasions where the drizzly progresses to a downpour, you'll want an umbrella. Additionally, there are occasional wash-out days, in addition to the usual dreariness. I opt for a compact umbrella that I can jam into a pocket before departing in the morning, use for 20 minutes as needed, dry off, and stuff back into said pocket. If you're fortunate enough to live somewhere with infrequent rain, or you fill-up the suitcase with treasures from my all-time "favourite," Fortnum & Mason, you could always donate the umbrella to the hotel when you depart, if you select a budget friendly option! 

Another option is a much larger umbrella/walking stick. One of our hotels, The Goring (full post), had free hotel umbrellas for guests' use, seen in many of these pictures. If you're inclined toward a larger umbrella, I'd vote for buying it once you get there, rather than hauling it over with you, if you find that, upon your arrival, your hotel doesn't supply them. Most high end ones will, given the inevitable rain and equally inevitably unprepared tourists!

Footwear for London in the rain

Westminster Abbey

Of course there are "chicer" shoes than boots, but for my money, you can't beat good, solid boots for walking long distances and encountering dirty streets, public transit, random mud, and, of course, the aforementioned rain. I've banged on about them before, but these Blondo boots just can't be beaten - waterproof and comfortable, they look classy and get the job done (and don't get ruined) in a downpour.

Riding boots in Bath

When I was doing my research for this blog, I found these amazing Hunter loafers that are, you guessed it - rubber! I've never tried them on (and I certainly wouldn't give them their first try on a big trip to London!), but they could be worth investigating if you're looking for another, very waterproof option!

Cozy sweaters for chilly days (and nights) in London

Buckingham Palace in April (unfortunately this sweater is no longer available)

Depending on the time of year, the U.K.'s damp weather can really be bone chilling. Of course, there's on better place to warm up than London - pubs, tea, and a Sunday roast: all invented to warm these people up! I personally like a bit of a turtleneck for everyday wear, even in spring - many of these pictures are from mid-April, to avoid needing a scarf. I've found quite a few that I like from Eileen Fisher.  Similarly, here are a few crewneck, roll collar, and turtleneck sweater selections from a few other vendors!

Barbour in Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

Dressing for Summer in London

If you're fortunate enough to encounter some days of lovely British sunshine, enjoy! I'd still bring the umbrella out with you in the morning, if I were you (the picture of me with Sir Winston, the trench coat, and the umbrella was taken the same week as the shot below!). But, for the warm days, I personally like a dress and a light jacket, along with a pair of loafers to protect the feet during all the walking! (My American readers should be reminded that Europeans do not wear beach flip flops unless they are...you guessed it! Also, your feet would get filthy in metro London without proper shoes!). Modcloth has some phenomenal loafers, which would, of course, also be lovely for drearier days, though I'd be careful in the rain. If you're looking for less of an investment, TJ Maxx always has a good selection, though you may have to dig to find your size and the right fit.

Kensington Palace in August

Best purse for London

If you do want to carry a purse (generally I jam everything into my Barbour's pockets, but a purse is necessary every now and then!), I love a good Longchamp Le Pliage - a classic, even if it's not English! If Kate carries one, it's perfect in my book! If you're looking for a British option, a recent discovery of mine, last time we were in Covent Garden, was The Cambridge Satchel Co., purveyor of all sorts of classically designed traditional handbags. 

Trying to take a picture in front of Burlington Arcade, carrying my Longchamp...thanks, van!

Keeping kids dry in London's persistent rain

On my first trip to London, one of the things that shocked me the most was how Londoners really do just continue going about their business during sudden rain. Depending on where you live, perhaps you are already aware of this, but in Indianapolis, it just doesn't rain that much, and when it does, people generally go inside or change their plans. Not in London! As I don't have kids, something that never crossed my mind was how absolutely drenched these poor little Britons would be, getting pushed in front of their parents in a stroller in a downpour. But nope, moms and dads just grab their handy plastic baby stroller rain shield, pull it down over the kid's stroller, and carry on!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your visit to the U.K.!! I hope you'll check out a few of my other posts on visiting England - my favourite place in the world! xx

You may also like...

• A Stay The Royal Family's Favourite Hotel, The Goring
• A Day Trip from London to Winchester
• Covent Garden, London
• Visiting the U.K. by Train

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