As the founder of En Route to Rêverie, I feel so lucky that traveling to London is actually part of my job and I come to London often to scout and shoot. 

I love planning my daily outfits — I take into account what activities I have planned, the weather, how I can mix and match pieces, and of course the vibe of London’s fashion scene.

I always get questions about how to dress in London (vs. Paris or New York City). So I’m excited to share a round up of outfit ideas for every season. I find that London fashion tends to lean a bit more buttoned-up, classic, and polished so I tend to stick to neutral color palettes, timeless silhouettes, and of course layers. 

What to Wear in London for 2026 (London Outfit Ideas + Packing Tips)

I can’t talk about packing for London without acknowledging the city’s famous and fickle weather. Like New York City, London experiences all four seasons so it’s important to take into account the weather and temperature when deciding what to wear.

One item I always ensure makes my London packing list (regardless of the season) is a good packable umbrella. I can’t count how many times the forecast has promised clear skies only to be met with rain. In London especially, I find it’s always best to be prepared. 

What to Wear in London in Spring

Spring in London is one of my favorite times to visit, but it’s also one of the most unpredictable. You’ll want to prioritize packing smart layers that can handle sunshine one moment and a passing shower the next. A classic trench coat, a lightweight knit, some comfortable trousers or straight-leg jeans and chic walking shoes are ideal for sightseeing. I always recommend a compact umbrella and a crossbody bag so you’re hands-free while exploring London! 

Related: London in Spring Packing List

Striped Cardigan

Stripes are always in my suitcase for Spring! Stripes are timeless and are a great way to easily add visual interest to an outfit. A lightweight striped cardigan or knit jacket layered over a t-shirt or dress is the perfect layer for cool Spring days. The knit jacket I’m wearing above is from one of my favorite British brands, Boden. I also love the look of this one!

For layering underneath, I swear by the M.M. LaFleur Leslie t-shirt. It’s looks more elegant than your average tee and has held up well for me over the years, no stretching or bunching after a few wears! It travels really well, too – aka it doesn’t wrinkle easily. I wear a size M in it.

Comfortable sneakers are a must for traveling to London. I’m loving these Veja sneakers (which are a new addition to my wardrobe) as well as a pair of classic Adidas. See more ideas on how to style Adidas Sambas for Spring here!

Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is my go-to evening layer for chilly Spring nights. I think it looks so chic draped over a silky dress for drinks and dinner out. I’ve had this beloved J.McLaughlin leather jacket for years – and this leather moto jacket is very similar, it’s become a true wardrobe staple. I also like the look of this leather lady jacket.

Related: What to Wear with a Leather Jacket

Long Sleeve Dress

For my Spring trips to London I often pack a long sleeve dress since it’s not quite warm enough for bare arms. This dress and this dress both caught my eye!

Lightweight Jacket and Trousers

If you’re looking for an easy outfit formula for what to wear in London in Spring, this is it! The ba&sh Paris Meredith Jacket is easily of my favorite lightweight, cropped lady jackets in my wardrobe.

This gorgeous ecru color lends itself perfectly to Spring in London and looks effortlessly chic. I have styled it oh so many ways over the years of owning it. I wear a size M and own it in three colors.

Here I’ve paired it with classic black trousers from Aritzia (size 8).

Related: How to Style Trousers

Cropped Tweed Jacket and Midi Dress

Another way I love to style the ba&sh cropped tweed jacket is over a midi dress, plus the all white/cream monochromatic look always makes me feel like Elizabeth James from The Parent Trap.

When I’m in London, I love to lean into crisp, tailored looks and I think this outfit fits the bill. The STAUD Wells Dress is a personal favorite of mine, and while it’s too chilly in Spring to wear it with bare shoulders I think this is a beautiful way to style it and really highlights the full skirt. I recommend sizing up in the style. For reference, I wear an 8.

I also shared my packing list for London in the Spring which focuses on pretty feminine dresses, light layers, and springtime jackets for cooler days.

Baseball Cap

Unpredictable Spring weather in London means I always have a baseball cap handy! It’s an easy way to make an outfit feel pulled together when I don’t want to touch up my hair.

Styled here with a Toteme trench coat.

Denim and Ballet Flats

I shared a guide for what shoes to wear in London and it’s no surprise that ballet flats made the list. For London, I always pack a pair of ballet flats, especially for warmer temps in the Spring. I style them with everything from dresses to denim. Because my denim collection is extensive, I shared a post back in the fall about my favorite denim!

If you’re looking for an affordable lookalike for the Chanel ballet flats (one of my best investments), I can recommend these for their comfortability. These are a more budget friendly alternative. 

Read my full Ballet Flats Outfit Ideas guide.

What to Wear in London in Summer

Summer in London tends to be mild rather than sweltering, making it perfect for easy and polished outfits. Think breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, tailored shorts or midi dresses and comfortable flats or low block heels for long days of sightseeing.

Even in summer, I suggest bringing a light layer such as a blazer or cardigan for cooler evenings or air-conditioned restaurants. London style leans classic and understated, so opt for elevated basics over anything super casual (like denim shorts).

Related: What to Pack for London in Summer

White Dress with Woven Accessories  

For my Summer trips to London I always pack at least one gorgeous white dress. While this exact style is sold out, I own and adore this cotton eyelet dress but this also is a gorgeous option for Summer in London. I opted to style mine with a woven bag and woven hat to complete the look!

Other white dresses I own and love include this linen dress (size 8), and this one (size L). Use code MEGHAND10 for 10% off your order at Jenni Kayne.

If you’re looking for a woven bag that won’t break the bank, I always find Mango’s selection of straw bags to be good.

Floral Midi Dress

A floral dress is a must-pack for London in the Summer. Style with flats or sandals for the daytime and add a heel for the evening! 

I think Reformation has a gorgeous selection of floral dresses for Summer in London.

Off-the-Shoulder Dress

I absolutely love this flirty dress for cocktails and dinner out in London. It’s actually designed as little cap sleeves with a sweetheart neckline, but I styled mine off-the-shoulder. While it’s not available in the polka dot pattern this year, it comes in a few other color and pattern options! I sized up to an 8 in it. 

If it’s polka dots you’re after, this and this look similar!

Tailored Dress

Another favorite British retailer, Me + Em makes beautiful tailored dresses that look right at home during Summer in London. This tailored midi dress caught my eye from their most recent collection. 

Linen Dress

While it’s rarely sweltering in London (although remember — many places don’t have AC!), I still find myself reaching for a linen dress or two when I pack for London in the Summer. 

Linen is breezy and lightweight, and while it does wrinkle I always keep a mini bottle of this wrinkle spray on me. Style with sneakers or minimalist sandals depending on the day’s activities.

What to Wear in London in Fall

Autumn in London calls for rich neutrals, structured outerwear and thoughtful layering. A tailored coat or trench paired with denim, trousers or midi skirts feels right at home in the city. Cozy sweaters, loafers or sleek ankle boots and a scarf for added warmth will carry you comfortably from daytime sightseeing to dinner reservations. Fall is when London style really shines IMO! And don’t forget about the men in your life traveling to London.

Don’t miss my comprehensive London in Fall packing list! 

Striped Sweater and Jeans

Skinny jeans, wide leg jeans, dark jeans, black jeans — no matter what kind of jean you prefer, I always recommend packing a couple pairs of jeans for Fall in London. They’re a great outfit base, especially for chilly days.

You can shop My Favorite and Most-Worn Jeans for reliable styles.

Pair with a striped sweater for an easy, classic London look. La Ligne makes some of my favorite striped sweaters, at least one always seems to make its way into my suitcase. 

These ankle boots are so comfortable, I’ve worn them all over Europe! You can use code MEGHAN15 for 15% off your purchase of Inez shoes.

Related: La Ligne Sweater Review (+ a discount code)

Crisp White Button Down

A classic white button down is always in my suitcase for a trip to London. Tailored pieces, like a button down, are perfect for layering, mixing, and matching — we love pieces that pull double duty!

This button down and this one are two of my favorites. 

Blazer and Tee

You can’t go wrong with classic blazer and t-shirt combo! Blazers are practically my uniform throughout the Fall- they’re the perfect in-between layer for days when you need coverage but not a full winter coat.

Favorite blazer of mine include the Sézane Michele Jacket which has a slightly longer fit and the M.M. LaFleur O’Hara Blazer which I own it in more colors and patterns than I can count. J.Crew also has a solid collection of blazers and I’ve owned many throughout the years.

I also love Veronica Beard’s blazers and certainly think they’re worth the investment.

Cashmere Sweater

When the weather starts to turn brisk in Fall, it’s time to break out a cozy cashmere sweater. The one I’m wearing above is the Jenni Kayne Cashmere Fisherman Hoodie and I love the casual yet polished way it looks styled under a wrap coat. In winter it is one of my favorite sweaters to wear on a plane as a part of an easy travel outfit.

Wear this for a day of sightseeing in London when you want to be warm and comfortable, but still put together. If you’re looking for more high quality sweaters, read my Jenni Kayne review.

I’m wearing my favorite ankle boots from Inez. You can use code MEGHAN15 for 15% off your purchase of Inez shoes.

Tweed Jacket

Tweed jackets are my go-to with jeans, especially when I’m traveling. It’s an easy outfit formula that I know I will feel comfortable and confident in.

I find most of my tweed jackets at Mango, Veronica Beard, ba&sh Paris, and Ann Taylor.

Trench Coat

For the Spring and Fall I always ensure I pack a trench coat when I travel to London. It’s the perfect outfit topper, plus you never quite know what weather you’ll be dealt. This style is a classic from J.Crew as is this one and this one, both of which I own and have loved for years.  

Related: How to Style a Trench Coat.

What to Wear in London in Winter

Winter in London is cold, damp and often gray, so warmth and weather-appropriate fabrics are key. A long wool coat, cashmere sweater and comfortable boots with good traction will serve you well while walking the city’s cobblestone streets.

Layering is essential, especially if you’re going in and out of museums, shops and cozy pubs. Lean into classic silhouettes and darker tones for a timeless London winter outfits that feels both practical and chic.

Related: What to Pack for Winter in London

Wool Wrap Coat

For London in Winter I swear by this belted wrap coat from & Other Stories. This winter coat is so good I now own it in multiple colors and I never travel to London in the Winter without it. It’s warm, well-constructed, and is the perfect outer layer for cold days. I love how chic it looks with the cinched waist! Be sure to size down. I am wearing a S.

Don’t miss my round up of more winter coats for women!

While I wouldn’t say I typically pack light, I do always try to wear my heaviest winter coat on the plane to save space in my suitcase.

Quilted Jacket and Beanie

Check the weather before you travel because extra chilly days in London call for a beanie! This was my go-to beanie during my trip to London in December. Even if I didn’t wear it all day, I kept it in my bag for easy access if I needed extra warmth. I prefer a black hat, scarf, and gloves so I can easily mix and match.

This oversized quilted jacket is one of my favorites and has ample room for layering underneath, plus it’s quite packable.

Faux Leather Pants

A chic pair of faux leather pants work well for sightseeing (paired with sneakers) or a night out (paired with slingback heels). This pair have been my go-to, and I love how they looked styled in a monochromatic outfit. These also look cute. 

Sequin Skirt and Black Heels

Holiday season is my favorite time of year to visit London! The city is glowing and the decorations are utterly magical, and I can’t resist a little sparkle.

But what to wear in London for the holidays?

For the holidays in London, you simply must have a bit of sparkle! A sequin skirt pairs perfectly with a classic black cashmere crewneck and heels.

I swear by the Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps, they’re my go-to party shoe for when I know I’m going to be on my feet. I love that Sarah Flint offers these in various heel heights (I’m wearing the 85) with their signature wide toe box, extra padding, and shaped insole.

So good, I own them in five colors! Use code SF-MEGHAND15 for 15% off your first order of Sarah Flint shoes.

Related: What to See in London during Christmas

Little Black Dress and Tights

You can never go wrong with packing a little black dress for London, just don’t forget a pair of fleece lined tights for cold London evenings.

I usually have at least a couple fancy meals out or a trip to the theater planned, and a chic black dress is the perfect option. 

Trousers and Sneakers

Rainy and overcast Winter days in London (of which there are many!) call for an outfit that will keep you cozy and warm while still looking chic. Black trousers are one of the most versatile items you can pack.

During the day I pair them with a sneaker, like these Converse, and then at night I switch out the shoe for something a bit dressier.

Riding Boots

Cold Winter days in London call for a bit of added warmth, so I always try to pack a pair of knee high boots. Especially if I am also going to The Cotswolds as well!

The Loeffler Randall knee high boots were an investment but I absolutely love them. I had my cobbler stretch them a bit to make them roomier for my calves. I love how these boots look with a monochromatic outfit, and they also work well with dresses.

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I hope you find this post helpful for your travels to London! Let me know in the Comments below. 

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You May Also Like:

• London in Fall Packing List.
• Men’s London Packing List for Fall and Winter.
• What Shoes to Wear in London.

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