Get the London Look
Going home to London can be mentally, emotionally, and physically reinvigorating. But for me, it is fashionably and creatively energizing. I gain a whole new palette of inspiration to absorb and try to replicate in Philadelphia.
The reels and Vogue articles about ‘London style’ probably show 23-year-olds who work in PR wearing Ganni and Damson Madder.
Now, I love Ganni more than the next girl, but I grew up in an area with more families and thus, teenagers. So when I go home and walk down the high street near my house (the Kings Road) I am instantly immersed in what actual young people and college-aged people are wearing in London.
Courtesy of Sapna Rao
So here is how to get ‘the London look,’ and no, I’m not talking about this ad…
Courtesy of Pinterest
Step 1) You need baggy, low-rise Motel Rocks jeans.
My best friend Izzy wore these over December break and I instantly copied her. Of course, for some reason, I ordered the worse quality and worse-looking version from Edikted and never wore them. Then before flying home, I re-discovered them.
After months of not wearing them, of course, I swiftly decided to like them after my super chic French roommate Mia told me that they were cool. These jeans are easy and effortless. You can wear anything on top and wear these anywhere and feel confident.
Courtesy of Motel Rocks
Step 2) A Minka Dink Top.
This adorable company has become a staple of the ‘cool’ British girl’s uniform. They actually hosted a pop-up right near my house so, of course on the first day that I was home, I had to pop in.
This shirt is fun and randomly… elegant. It manages to encapsulate the fun whimsical nature of the summertime but also could even be appropriate in an office environment.
You can get something similar to this here in the US from Urban Outfitters.
Step 3) An oversized sweater or cardigan.
I am a huge fan of a sweater all year round. My mum, sister, and I joke that I dress like my grandma (who is the best dressed, by the way) because I love sweaters and plain jeans.
This is an inherently easy way to look put-together, but also as if you’re not trying too hard; like you just happened to throw on that amazing pullover…
Step 4) A pair of sambas or gazelles or Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
For better or for worse, this trend has definitely made its way to Penn’s campus. But thanks to social media, it seems as if everyone and their mother have a pair of these shoes. In fact, the UK’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wore a pair in an interview and had to publicly apologize for ‘ruining’ the trend.
Courtesy of The New York Times
People covet these shoes and I honestly see why. They are comfortable and go with everything.
Although you can’t buy the Onitsuka Tigers in America, they have managed to make a mark on the British and American fashion-scapes. They add a pizazz to any outfit and, to be honest, who doesn’t love a pair of sparkly silver shoes!
Overall, I love coming home and seeing what people are wearing. It keeps things fun and fresh and reminds me that no matter what I’m wearing, I am creating my own ‘London look.’
I truly feel as if anything goes at Penn so you most definitely could grace the streets of Philly or the tables at Pret with these clothes and still feel confident, empowered and (sort of) British.
Featured Image Courtesy of Pinterest