Do You Think You Have the London Look? Currently studying her Masters at the Vogue College in London, student Grace Skinner reflects on the subtle style differences between New York and London.  

I like to say that moving to London from New York was very easy because the two cities are alike in so many ways. However, one glaring difference that hit me immediately upon arrival in London, was the day-to-day casual style of the city’s inhabitants. Even staples as simple as a jacket on a cold day are drastically different. For instance, when I was packing to move to London, something told me to leave my North face puffer (my prized possession) at home. Once I got here, I purchased my first long, wool trench coat… which matches just about everyone else in and around Tottenham Court Road.  

As I was telling this to my Italian- American grandmother, she recounted a time when she, my father, and my granddad were here in England many years ago visiting my great-grandmother. Apparently my very English great-grandmother, her mother-in-law, was appalled by the ankle-length puffer jacket my New York born-and-raised grandmother strolled into her house wearing. This variation was even distinctly apparent in the ‘80s! 

It doesn’t just stop there, what’s under the coats are just as contrasting. In America, sweats have been quite done up over the years to make them more stylish. In addition to sweats, activewear is commonly found on the streets, even if one is not engaging in exercise. In London, on the other hand, it is slightly more classy in terms of everyday streetwear. So, if you are looking for your style to scream, “Yeah, I live in London”, look no further.   

So what is the London look?   

You often find people in slacks, trendy jeans, or a skirt. Skinny jeans aren’t a thing here (at the moment). Here in London, stylish people – by my definition anyway- wear items that make a statement about who they are, rather than wearing something just so it’ll accentuate their body.  

In terms of tops, it is mostly sweaters or functional blouses/shirts. If I had a dollar for every cable-knit, wool sweater I’ve seen so far, I’d already be rich! Alright, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s true. These seem to be the go-to way to stay warm. This isn’t to suggest that London is the only place you’ll see trendy sweaters- it’s not. However, I can say from personal experience that I was never particularly a fan of that kind of knitwear, nor did I have any intention of purchasing any until I moved here and suddenly found myself wanting one.  

With this in mind, you can’t claim to be are a real appreciator of the fashion world without acknowledging that real style is being true to yourself. So, it never hurts to keep a little bit of where you come from in your wardrobe. I know I will, because one flaw these wool trench coats have that my North Face puffer doesn’t is the lack of neck protection! The inability to utilize a zipper to close the jacket all the way up to your jaw is getting a tad annoying. So, when I leave New York to come back to London after the holidays, guess what I’m packing! 

Images and Words by Grace Skinner, MA Fashion Journalism & Editorial Direction student