What To Wear in London?

London’s weather is variable, so layering is key. Even in summer (June to August), it’s wise to have a light jacket or umbrella due to occasional rain. Winters (December to February) are cold and damp, so warm coats, scarves, and gloves are necessary.

Spring and autumn are cool, requiring sweaters and waterproof jackets. Comfortable, weather-resistant footwear is important for walking on potentially wet streets. While casual attire is common, Londoners often dress smartly, so consider packing some stylish outfits for dining or theater outings.

What to Wear in London in Summer?

Visiting London in the summer can be a delightful experience, thanks to its mild temperatures and extended daylight hours. However, the city’s weather can still be quite unpredictable, ranging from cool breezes to sudden warm spells. Here’s what to pack and wear for a summer trip to London:

Light Layers: Even in summer, London can have cooler days, especially in the mornings and evenings. Pack lightweight layers like a breathable cotton cardigan or a stylish blazer that can be easily added or removed as needed.
Comfortable Footwear: You’ll likely do a lot of walking as you explore the city, so comfortable shoes are a must. Consider stylish sneakers, comfortable flats, or supportive sandals that can handle long walks on both pavement and the occasional cobblestone.
Rain Gear: Don’t forget that London is known for its sudden showers. A compact, lightweight umbrella and a water-resistant jacket should definitely be in your suitcase.
Casual Dresses and Skirts: For women, dresses and skirts made from light fabrics like cotton or linen are perfect for staying cool on warmer days. Pair them with a light scarf or a denim jacket for a chic, layered look.
Jeans or Trousers: A pair of well-fitting jeans or casual trousers work well for both day and evening. They can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and paired with a nice top and accessories.
Sun Protection: While sunny days are cherished, they can also lead to sunburns if you’re not careful. A stylish hat and sunglasses are essential, not only for sun protection but also to add a touch of glamour to your outfits.
A Versatile Bag: A crossbody bag is ideal for keeping your hands free while you’re sightseeing. Choose one that’s big enough to hold your essentials but small enough to be convenient.

By packing these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for the summer weather in London while also fitting right in with its fashionable crowd.

What to Wear in London in Spring?

Visiting London in the spring means experiencing the city as it bursts into bloom, but also dealing with its famously unpredictable weather. Here are some essentials to pack for a spring trip to London that will keep you comfortable, stylish, and prepared for any weather:

Lightweight Layers: Spring in London can range from cool to moderately warm, so layers are your best friend. Start with basics like long-sleeve shirts or blouses, and add a lightweight sweater or cardigan that you can put on or take off as needed.
Waterproof Outerwear: April showers are quite real in London! A chic, waterproof trench coat or a stylish rain jacket is crucial. These not only keep you dry but also add to your outfit.
Durable Footwear: Puddles and occasional rain mean that waterproof or water-resistant shoes are a good choice. Stylish boots or waterproof sneakers that can withstand wet conditions while still being comfortable for all-day walking will serve you well.
Scarves and Accessories: A scarf can be a versatile accessory for London’s spring. It adds a pop of color to your outfit and provides warmth on chillier days. Plus, it’s easy to remove and stow away when not needed.
Umbrella: Always carry a small, compact umbrella in your daypack. London’s weather can change quickly, and you’ll likely need it at some point.
Jeans and Casual Trousers: Jeans are perfect for the cooler spring weather in London. They’re versatile and can be dressed up with a nice top for the evening or kept casual for daytime sightseeing.
Light Dresses with Tights: For those slightly warmer days, a light dress paired with tights can be a great choice. This allows for adaptability with layers and is suitable for both a casual day out or a more formal evening event.
Sun Protection: Even in spring, sunny days can be surprisingly bright. Don’t forget sunglasses and a light hat to protect against the sun during clearer days.

By packing these items, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy everything London has to offer in the spring, from strolling through its parks and gardens to exploring museums and galleries, all while staying comfortable and stylish.

What to Wear for Winter in London?

Heading to London in the winter? The city can be quite cold, and the weather often fluctuates between chilly, wet, and occasionally snowy conditions. Here’s how to pack and dress appropriately for a winter trip to London, ensuring you stay warm, comfortable, and stylish:

Warm Outerwear: A good quality, insulated winter coat is essential. Look for something waterproof or at least water-resistant, as rain and sleet are common. A longer coat can provide extra warmth against the cold wind.
Layering Pieces: Underneath your coat, wear layers that you can easily add or remove as you transition between the chilly outdoors and heated indoor spaces. Thermal shirts, wool sweaters, and cardigans are great choices.
Scarves, Hats, and Gloves: Accessories like a warm scarf, a woolen hat, and gloves are must-haves to protect against the cold wind. They can also add a pop of color and style to your winter attire.
Waterproof Boots: Footwear that can handle rain and snow is crucial. Look for boots that are insulated and waterproof to keep your feet dry and warm. A sturdy pair with a good grip will also help prevent slips on icy surfaces.
Warm Trousers and Jeans: Thick trousers or jeans are ideal for keeping your legs warm. Consider lined trousers or thermal leggings under your jeans on particularly cold days.
Thick Socks: Invest in a few pairs of thick, warm socks to wear with your boots. Wool or wool-blend socks are excellent for keeping your feet warm and dry.
Umbrella: An umbrella is a year-round necessity in London, but especially so in the winter when rain can be frequent.
Layered Tops: Long-sleeve tops, especially those made from warmer materials like wool or thermal fabric, are perfect for layering under sweaters and coats.
Crossbody Bag: Choose a practical bag that can be worn across the body, keeping your hands free for holding umbrellas or coffee. Make sure it’s large enough to carry essentials but not too bulky.

Packing these items will help you enjoy London’s winter charm comfortably, whether you’re strolling through snowy streets, exploring Christmas markets, or enjoying the city’s cozy cafes and pubs.

What to Wear in London: A Month-Wise Guide from January to December

Creating a month-wise guide on what to wear in London can help you plan your attire for a visit any time of the year, ensuring you’re comfortable, stylish, and prepared for the city’s famously unpredictable weather. Here’s what to pack and wear from January to December:

January

Heavy Coat: January is one of the coldest months. Opt for a heavy, insulated coat.
Layers: Include thermal wear, wool sweaters, and long-sleeve shirts for layering.
Waterproof Boots: Choose boots that are insulated and waterproof.

February

Warm Accessories: Don’t forget a scarf, gloves, and a wool hat to keep warm.
Waterproof Jacket: A stylish, water-resistant jacket is crucial for unexpected showers.
Warm Pants: Consider lined pants or jeans for extra warmth.

March

Lighter Layers: Transition to lighter layers like cotton sweaters as temperatures slowly rise.
Umbrella: Keep a compact umbrella handy for spring showers.
Sturdy Shoes: Continue with waterproof shoes, but lighter boots may now be appropriate.

Month	What to Wear in London Month-Wise
January	Heavy coat, layers including thermal wear, waterproof boots.
February	Warm accessories (scarf, gloves, hat), waterproof jacket, warm pants.
March	Lighter layers (cotton sweaters), umbrella, sturdy shoes.
April	Trench coat, long-sleeve tops, rain boots.
May	Light jackets, layered clothing, comfortable footwear.
June	Summer dresses, sun hat and sunglasses, light scarves.
July	Light fabrics (cotton, linen), comfortable sandals, sunscreen.
August	Breathable shirts, summer accessories, light cardigan.
September	Transitional pieces, waterproof gear, closed shoes.
October	Warm layers, stylish scarves, sturdy boots.
November	Thick coats, thermal wear, gloves.
December	Outfit for Christmas markets, holiday accessories, heavy boots.

April

Trench Coat: A classic trench coat is perfect for the mild yet rainy days.
Long-sleeve Tops: Pack breathable, long-sleeve tops that can be layered.
Rain Boots: Prepare for April showers with stylish rain boots.

May

Light Jackets: Swap heavy coats for light jackets or blazers.
Layered Clothing: Layers are still key due to fluctuating temperatures.
Comfortable Footwear: Sneakers or loafers are ideal as the streets dry out.

June

Summer Dresses: As temperatures warm, summer dresses become suitable.
Sun Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun on brighter days.
Light Scarves: Useful for style and slight chills in the evening.

July

Light Fabrics: Opt for cotton or linen to stay cool.
Comfortable Sandals: Switch to open footwear like sandals.
Sunscreen: Sun exposure increases, so carry sunscreen.

August

Breathable Shirts: Choose shirts and tops in breathable materials.
Summer Accessories: Continue with hats and sunglasses.
Light Cardigan: For cooler evenings, a light cardigan might be necessary.

September

Transitional Pieces: Begin transitioning to autumn wear, like light sweaters.
Waterproof Gear: Reintroduce a waterproof jacket as rain increases.
Closed Shoes: Time to switch back to closed-toe shoes.

October

Warm Layers: Layer up with cardigans and sweaters as the chill returns.
Stylish Scarves: Scarves can add style and warmth.
Sturdy Boots: Revert to sturdy, waterproof boots.

November

Thick Coats: Prepare for colder weather with thicker coats.
Thermal Wear: Start adding thermal layers underneath regular clothes.
Gloves: Keep hands warm with gloves.

December

Christmas Markets Outfit: Dress warmly for outdoor Christmas markets with insulated layers.
Holiday Accessories: Add festive touches with your accessories.
Heavy Boots: Ensure your boots can handle both cold and potential snow.

This guide provides a framework for dressing appropriately in London throughout the year, ensuring that you’re prepared for both the weather and the style expectations of one of the world’s most fashionable cities.

What to Wear to Theater in London?

Men can wear a suit or a smart jacket with trousers, while women could choose a cocktail dress or an elegant blouse with stylish trousers to theater in London. For matinee shows, the dress code is generally more relaxed; neat casual wear, such as a nice pair of jeans paired with a chic top or a casual dress, is perfectly acceptable. Regardless of the time, it’s always a good idea to err on the side of being slightly overdressed rather than too casual, as going to the theater is considered a special occasion by many.

Dressing for the theater in London calls for a smart-casual to formal attire, depending on the time of the event and the specific theater. For evening performances at prestigious venues like the Royal Opera House or the West End theaters, many attendees opt for more formal wear.

What to Wear to Afternoon Tea in London?

Dressing for afternoon tea in London is an opportunity to don smart-casual to semi-formal attire, blending elegance with comfort. Here are some style suggestions:

For Women:

Dresses: A pretty day dress, such as a floral midi dress or a light, airy sundress, is perfect. Avoid anything too revealing; knee-length or longer is ideal.
Skirts and Blouses: Pair a nice blouse with a skirt. A pencil skirt or a soft A-line skirt works beautifully.
Trousers and Smart Top: Well-fitting trousers or capris paired with a sophisticated blouse can also be a great choice. Add a light cardigan or blazer if the weather is cooler.

For Men:

Trousers and Collared Shirt: Smart trousers paired with a collared shirt. A tie is optional but can add an extra touch of class.
Blazers: A blazer over a shirt, possibly without a tie, strikes a nice balance between formal and casual.
Smart Shoes: Loafers, brogues, or other smart shoes are appropriate. Avoid trainers or very casual footwear.

Accessories and Footwear:

Footwear: Choose shoes that are comfortable yet stylish. For women, low heels or flats are suitable. Men should opt for clean, polished shoes.
Accessories: A scarf, a pair of elegant earrings, or a tasteful watch can complement your outfit. Avoid overly flashy jewelry.

Dressing well for afternoon tea is part of the experience, especially in upscale hotels or traditional settings like The Ritz or Claridge’s, where the atmosphere is more formal. Even in less formal venues, it’s a chance to dress up a bit and enjoy the tradition.

FAQs On What to Wear in London

What to wear in London, United Kingdom, in summer?

In London’s summer, it’s best to wear light and breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the mild and sometimes warm weather. Opt for cotton t-shirts, light blouses, and shorts or skirts. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are ideal for exploring the city.

What to wear in London in winter?

During London’s winter, dressing in warm layers is essential to stay comfortable in the chilly and often damp weather. Choose thermal undergarments, thick sweaters, and a heavy coat. Waterproof boots are crucial for dealing with rain and occasional snow.

What to wear in London in fall?

For fall in London, layering is key to handling the cool and variable temperatures. A mix of long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters, and a medium-weight jacket or trench coat is ideal. Comfortable jeans or trousers paired with closed-toe shoes or ankle boots are perfect for navigating the city streets.

What to wear in London, United Kingdom, in spring?

In London’s spring, versatile layers will help you manage the fluctuating temperatures. Light sweaters, casual t-shirts, and a breathable waterproof jacket are ideal.