What to Wear in London: A Packing Guide for First-Timers

Planning a trip to London and wondering what to pack? These helpful tips will keep you warm, dry, cozy and, of course, looking posh during your entire trip 'across the pond.'

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Wondering what to wear in London?

Lucky you! If you've been following the blog for a while, you'll know I'm nothing if not a dedicated anglophile. I'm always planning my next trip to London, and I simply cannot be persuaded the British capital it isn't the greatest city in the world. Yes, other cities have better food, or better weather, or fewer tourists, but, for my money, you can't beat, as J.K. Rowling says "the history and mystery of London." Some of the world's greatest museums, proximity to excellent day trip locations, nightlife, the West End, gorgeous hotels, historic and cutting-edge shopping, and, of course, that pub life.


With all of that said, across all of my many trips, both to Europe and beyond, I've always felt that dressing for London as a tourist is the most difficult.
You want to look nice in one of the chicest cities in the world, you might walk 15 miles in a day and wait in massive lines, then head out for a fancy meal, and it could, and likely will, rain, unexpectedly, at any moment for random periods of time, or all day.

Big Ben's when he was under the weather

But never fear! With several trips to the U.K. under my belt, I can ease your London packing fears and help you come up with the perfect London packing list. So check that weather forecast (spoiler alert: chance of rain), and let's pack those bags for a trip to London!

First Trip to England: Tips and Advice for Tourists

Don't forget your packing cubes!

No packing post would be complete without recommending my secret weapon, which keeps everything organized before, during, and after the trip! I love being able to keep small items neat and tidy *in* the hotel room, and they're a great way to pack souvenirs for your trip home!

​For even more travel essentials, check-out my Europe Travel Essentials!

What's the weather like in London?

The weather is the usual determining factor when packing for any trip, the change of seasons will be less of an issue than the...constant threat of rain. London has the 'normal' 4 seasons, though neither as hot nor as cold on average as it gets here in the good ol' middle of the USA. The average temperature in July is 74/59 and in December 48/40. As you can tell, expect warmer temps, but really just not that hot, in summer. I'd leave the short shorts at home. Many homes and public places in the UK don't even have air conditioning. Conversely, you likely won't need that Canada Goose in winter.

Does it really rain that often in London?

Yes. Occasionally, you'll have a day that is completely "washed out" by an all-day downpour, but more often, it's a random surprise shower in the afternoon, or when you least expect it. Londoners take it in their stride, and you'll often see them valiantly going about their day in a wool suit as though the drizzle just doesn't hit them. It can cramp your tourism style. An umbrella and a hardly rain jacket are must-haves. We'll get into more detail later.

Let's pack those bags for London!

What to Wear in London:
​Jackets

​The most important piece you'll bring to London is the right jacket, regardless of season.

​Rain is a fact of life in England. It rains almost 1/3 of days in this lovely country, totaling nearly 40 inches of rain per year. ​

Barbour waxed jacket in action (April)

The good news is that many of those "rainy" days are perfectly comfortable to walk around, and then there will be a slight drizzle, lasting maybe half an hour, and often that will be the end. Sometimes that same thing will happen multiple times throughout a day, or, of course, there are days where it just drizzles and spits rain (or pours) the whole day.

Your coat shouldn't be too warm, and you'll want to be able to remove it if the sun comes out. You'll want it to be relatively light-weight so that you don't mind carrying it around, or wearing it when it's not raining.

So which jacket should I bring to London?

A Barbour Jacket

Barbour - A classic English brand - has a wide selection, from traditional waxed jacket (my choice), to more "casual," lighter or quilted options. The waxed is waterproof and, with the hood added, is perfect for a day touring. In any season, Barbour is my go-to for exploring London. You'll wear a classic, ironic British brand, and know you're prepared in the event of a surprise shower.

The Queen was known to have 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!

A Trench Coat

The British trench coat is, of course, another staple for a trip to the U.K. 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, works well, and J Crew has started stocking some cute trenches as well!

Trench in action, with Sir Winston (August)

Do I need a heavy, winter coat in London?

As far as whether you should pack an "overcoat" for your trip, I'd keep in mind that it doesn't normally get terribly cold in London. If packing room is really, really tight, I'd skip the winter coat in favor of a heavy Barbour. However, I'd likely include one if you'll be traveling between December and March, especially for evenings out, etc., when it's not only chillier, but you'll likely want to look a bit dressier. If you will be venturing further north in the United Kingdom during a winter trip in the colder months, you'll likely want to include that winter coat, as cold weather may be on the agenda.


It's a good idea to avoid bringing your nicest wool coat, due to the threat of rain. If you do bring a winter coat, I'd bring a trench as well.

What to Wear in London:
Don't forget your umbrella!

Though the British are notoriously relaxed about being rained on, on the occasions where the drizzle progresses to a downpour, you'll want an umbrella.

I opt for a very 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 the pocket. Ideally, get one small enough to fit into a coat pocket, if you don't plan to carry a large purse.

Not a fan of small, flimsy umbrellas? Another option is a much larger umbrella/walking stick. One of the hotels we stayed in, on our first trip to London, The Goring, had free hotel umbrellas for guests' use. If you're inclined toward a larger umbrella on the rainiest days, I'd *strongly* vote for buying it once you get there or borrowing one from your hotel, rather than hauling it over and back with you.

What to Wear in London:
Finding the Right Shoes

Buying shoes for a trip to Europe is always a tall order. Comfortable shoes are negotiable, but there's no reason you can't look nice at the same time. At a minimum, the shoes I'd pack for London are:

• A pair of knee-high boots or ankle boots
• A pair of loafers
• A pair of nice, clean sneakers (not workout shoes)

If you have specific evening plans, I'd likely wear the boots/booties or loafer and skip packing an additional pair of high heels.

If you'll be visiting in the heat of summer, there's nothing wrong with bringing a pair of sandals for quick trips out of the hotel, etc. Leave the beach flip-flops at home. You will look out of place, be under-dressed, and your feet will get filthy.

Boots built for rain

Waterproof boots or booties are a must. For the rainier months, I prefer a full riding boot for comfort (and water can't splash in over the top). Riding boots not your thing? Ankle boots/booties/lug boots are great too, as long as you can walk in them all day (I find them a bit heavy sometimes).

​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.

Westminster Abbey

Riding boots in Bath

Loafers

For days when the British weather is cooperating and you don't need boots, or want to give your feet a break after *so much walking* on the streets of London, I'd pack a pair of loafers. Over the years, I've had several pairs of Sam Edelman loafers and I've never found a better brand.

Looking for something a little fancier? Birdies has stunning ballet flats that channel a bit of an upper-crusty-cozy-restaurant-smoking-lounge vibe.

Sneakers

There was a time, not too long ago, when I'd have had a whole section in this article about how you cannot even dream of wearing "tennis shoes" in Europe ever. I might even chastise you for asking. But those days are long gone. If Kate Middleton can wear gorgeous, white sneakers, so can we. Veja are my, and her, personal favorites.

A note on dress codes...

In the U.K., and throughout Europe, you will still find occasional dress codes at 'smart restaurants,' clubs, and religious sites (less so the latter in the U.K.). Be sure to check the websites of any restaurants or theatres you know you'll be visiting, to make sure that they allow guests to wear jeans and/or 'trainers' if you're planning to wear either. Some places do also require jackets for men. As an 'everyday' tourist, there's a good chance this won't be an issue for you, but I'd hate for you to miss out on a great thing you've had your heart set on, because of a packing hiccup!

What to Wear in London:
​Finding a Few Tops

Barbour in Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

Finding the right sweaters

The U.K.'s damp weather can really be damp, even if it's not technically that "cold." There's on better place to warm up than London - pubs, tea, and a Sunday roast: all invented to warm these people up!

Buckingham Palace, rocking a sweater and that Barbour waxed jacket

Unless you'll be visiting in the height of summer (the picture above was taken in April!!), you'll want to include at least one cozy sweater. I like a bit of a turtleneck for everyday wear in colder months, even in spring and fall, to avoid needing a scarf. I've found quite a few that I like from Eileen Fisher. Make sure they fit under the coat you intend to bring - try them on at home with your coat before you leave. A few great sweater purveyors to try: Orvis, LL Bean, & J McLaughlin (for dressier sweaters).

Some light-weight tops

I would include a couple long-sleeved shirts that will fit easily under whatever jacket you've decided to bring. If you are sure you'll have a need for a nice top or two, throw them in, but don't waste too much space on blouses. The reality is, if you're spending most nights in the pub, a light sweater or long-sleeved top will be sufficient.

What to Wear in London:
A Few Pairs of Perfect Pants

Fun fact, the Brits use the term "pants" to mean underpants, so beware. They would say "jeans" or "trousers" to describe "pants." That said, a pair of jeans and some casual black pants should do the trick. I really like Eileen Fisher crepe pants for travel.

Can I wear leggings in London?

Yes, you can wear leggings in London, but I would be sure to pair them with a longer shirt or tunic.

What to Wear in London:
​Dressing for Summer in London

If you're fortunate enough to encounter some days of warmer weather and the lovely British sunshine, enjoy! I hate to be a downer, but I'd still bring the umbrella out with you in the morning, if I were you (the picture of me earlier with Sir Winston, the trench coat, and the umbrella was taken the same week as the shot below!).

But, for those charming, 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! (Just one more reminder for my American readers that Europeans truly do not wear beach flip flops unless they are...you guessed it! At the beach!).

Boden, a charming British brand, has some excellent dress options.

Kensington Palace in August

"Can I wear shorts in London?"
Of course you can. Personally, I don't generally wear shorts as a tourist for a few reasons - I don't like my legs touching the public transit seats, I don't find them comfortable for a lot of walking, they aren't as common in Europe, so I feel like half-dressed, and it's just not that hot in London. If you want to wear shorts, I'd recommend a bit longer than what Americans wear and try to avoid pairing them with athletic shoes.

What to Wear in London:
​Dresses

I do love to wear a cute dress in London, especially when it's a beautiful day or we have a West End theatre night in store. I would be mindful of the fabric and your accompanying footwear, for fear of the drizzle. Silk and flip flops? I think not. Add tights/leggings, a scarf, and a pair of black riding boots, and it's plenty cozy, even in that relentless rain! The Brits also love a good below-the-knee skirt, if you're taller than me!

What to Wear in London:
​Best purses for London

The most important element of a purse for London (and the only one that really matters) is that it should close fully. As with visiting any major city, you should be mindful of pickpockets, particularly at tourist 'hot spots,' like near the Tower of London and on 'public transport.' I felt less 'pickpocket pressure' in London than in any other tourist hub I've visited, but just don't bring a big, open, tote bag.

Beyond ability to close, make sure your purse is small and light. All you really need to carry is an umbrella, money & credit cards, your phone, an Oyster Card, and anything else you truly can't live without. Smaller is always better.All you really need to carry is an umbrella, money & credit cards, your phone, an Oyster Card, and anything else you truly can't live without. 

As far as actual purse options, I'd suggest a small crossbody.

If you do want more space, I love a good Longchamp Le Pliage - a classic, even if it's not English! If The Princess of Wales carries one, it's perfect in my book! If you're looking for a British bag, 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. Gorgeous, excellent quality, and super sturdy, I picked up a saddle bag with a long, cross-body strap for easy touring.

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!

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!

Enjoy your visit to London!! Always remember, the most important thing to prioritize on a trip to Europe is comfort. Remember the time of year, dress in light layers, prioritize neutral colors, and don't forget that stylish trench coat. There's no reason you can't be extremely comfortable *and* simultaneously extremely happy with your outfit selections.

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...

• First Trip to England: Tips and Advice
• What to Wear in Scotland
• A Day Trip from London to Winchester​
• Visiting the U.K. by Train

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