Wherever you’re headed in the city, it’s always nice to feel like you won’t automatically be identified as a visitor, but instead stand a chance of blending in with the local crowd. London offers more flexibility with style than many cities, but there are still a few key things to remember when packing your case. This blog should help you dress like a local in no time at all…
Keep it effortless
As a general rule, Londoners favour casual, easy to wear styles over fussier and more detailed garments. This is true everywhere from the bustling business districts of Canary Wharf and The City through to the creative streets of the West End and ultra-hip Camden or Shoreditch.
This doesn’t mean you can’t make an effort, but it does mean your look should appear somewhat ‘effortless’.
Be bold
At the other end of the spectrum, if you’re going for a bold look, London is certainly a place where you can get away with trying the latest styles, without anyone batting an eye. During your stay at the hotel Grand Royale Hyde Park, feel free to let your style imagination run wild – you’ll be met with nothing but approval from Londoners.
Layer up
Layering is an essential part of London dressing, as the weather can quickly shift from balmy summer heat to freezing temperatures, sometimes within the space of a single afternoon. The London climate is best described as ‘changeable’, so your outfit needs to be, too. If it’s cold out, remember to wear something more breathable underneath your warm clothes, so you’ll still be able to cool down if the weather turns. If it’s sunny, don’t be fooled – bring a jumper or a jacket with you, just in case.
Embrace the ‘no dress code’ dress code
Unlike some cities, London is noted for its flexible approach to fashion. This means there’s much more freedom for you to design your own wardrobe while staying at Hyde Park hotels. Attitude is arguably just as (or even a little more) important than what you’re actually wearing, as London’s streets are lined with fashionable folk who nonetheless play a little fast and loose with established style rules.
Whatever you choose to wear, wear it with confidence and you’re halfway there.
Avoid souvenir clothing
Nothing makes a visitor to the city stand out more than buying tourist clothing, so while that t-shirt which reads ‘I Love London’ might be a fantastic find for wearing back home, don’t be tempted to take the same approach while you’re in the city.
Choose shoes you can walk in
So much of London is designed for exploring on foot, so you’ll rarely see Londoners teetering around in uncomfortably high shoes – unless it’s a night out. For this reason, reserve the high heels for after dark!
If you plan on seeing the sights, pack shoes which you can walk relatively long distances in comfortably, and remember there will likely be a lot of zapping on and off escalators and Tube trains during your trip.
When you stay at our Hyde Park hotels, you’re ideally situated for seeing some of the best bits the city has to offer, and taking note of this small consideration will help you blend in while also staying comfy.
Bring a bag with a zip
Busy cities come with the possibility of pickpockets, so be sure to bring a bag you can zip up to keep all of your essentials safe and secure. You’ll rarely see a Londoner with their belongings spilling out of a bag, so if you want to fit in, this is a great step which also brings a big practical benefit. Backpacks are a popular option, though you might feel self-conscious about carrying items on your back. However they are quite trendy amongst the London crowd, particularly mini-backpacks for women and more utilitarian styles for men.
Hit the shops
London is one of the major fashion capitals in the world, so if you’re not sure how to dress like a local, you need only to head for shopping destinations like Oxford Street, or for more high-end items, areas such as Bond Street. Here you’ll have a great chance to browse some of the biggest names in both domestic and international fashion, including a mixture of affordable high street fare and absolute luxury.
Observe local street style
Street style is a fantastic indicator of the trends currently making waves, and London has some very trendy folk walking its streets! If you’re eager to put together a wardrobe which adheres to London fashion guidelines, then check out local fashion bloggers and what they’re wearing. There’s no need to emulate their looks head to toe, but it could provide some much-needed inspiration. Do some Insta research before packing your bag for your stay at the Hotel Grand Royale Hyde Park!
Choose a hat
If you’re a fan of hats, you’ll be in good company while staying in London. You don’t have to go for anything too striking, but hats can easily be worn all year in the city, whether to help keep you cool in the summer, warm in the winter, or to simply make a big style statement. Try and coordinate your choice with your outfit to ensure the biggest impact.
Wear a scarf in colder months
Londoners love scarves, and in the autumn and winter you’ll see plenty adorning the outfits of the most fashionable people in the city. There are so many patterns to choose from, as well as a range of materials – the specifics of your scarf leave plenty of scope for creativity and individuality, which are both things which London locals have in abundance.
Mix and match different styles
It’s rare for Londoners to opt for an altogether matching outfit; instead, they prefer a little more contrast and creativity. Whether you’re mixing and matching styles or fabrics, there’s plenty of scope to have fun with your fashion while you visit the city. Look for pieces which make you feel good, and embrace the eclectic British aesthetic.
