I Just Got Back From London and Saw These Anti-Trends Everywhere
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love London. I lived there for two years, and it’s one of my all-time favorite cities and holds such a special place in my heart. Every time I go back, I feel the most me.
London’s also where I got my first job in fashion. Out of the entire fashion-month calendar, I can’t wait for London Fashion Week. From emerging Central Saint Martins students to designers I love, like Dilara Findikoglu and Conner Ives, there’s just nothing quite like it.
I recently went on a trip in late October for the H&M x Glenn Martens collaboration and decided ahead of time that I wanted to take notes on trends I spotted. Very quickly, I found myself noticing far more anti-trends. Below, see a roundup of what I kept seeing everywhere across the pond—from outerwear and prints to cold-weather accessories and the sneaker brand seemingly everyone was wearing.
Trench Coats
Unsurprisingly, trench coats were all over the city known for its rain, from Shoreditch to Marylebone. During my entire trip, it was either overcast, misting, or pouring, so it’s no wonder this was the outerwear of choice. It’s a classic, timeless piece for a reason, and I love that you can wear it in both fall and spring, making the cost per wear worth it. It’s a wardrobe staple through and through.
Rue Sophie
Lea Trench Coat
Zw Collection
Limited Edition Waxed Trench Coat
Peachy Den
The Cheri Trench
Avec Les Filles
Belted Longline Trench Coat
Argyle Print
Argyle popped up multiple times around London, and I can’t say I ever expected the print to come back. It feels like a micro-trend in the U.S., but it’s already fully taken off in London. I’ve been wearing my Swedish Stockings Franka Check Tights lately—an easy way to make an all-black outfit instantly more interesting.
swedish stockings
Franka Check Tights
Damson Madder
Knee Length Argyle Socks- Grey and Black
Gap
Fuzzy Argyle Crop Sweater
Massimo Dutti
Argyle Knit Wool and Alpaca Sweater
J.Crew
Cardigan in Argyle Wool Blend
Leather Bomber Jackets
Leather bomber jackets—zipped all the way up—caught my attention. I saw them styled with jeans and ballet flats or sneakers and with midi and knee-length skirts paired with knee-high boots.
SRG
Millie Leather Jacket
Enza Costa
Leather Jacket
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Senta Oversized Bomber Jacket
ZARA
High Collar Faux Leather Bomber Jacket
Black Wool Coats
As anti-trend as it gets, the oversize black wool coat remains a cold–weather essential. My favorite is my Filippa Hägg Oversized Coat. I recently learned a great styling tip: Layer a Uniqlo Pufftech Jacket underneath for extra warmth without bulkiness.
Filippa Hägg
Oversized Coat
Cole Haan
Slick Asymmetric Zip Wool Blend Coat
MANGO
Picarol Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat
ZARA
Long Wool Blend Coat Limited Edition
& Other Stories
Belted Wool Wrap Coat
Faux Fur–Trimmed Coats
I couldn’t help but notice all of the faux fur–trimmed statement coats. Charlotte Simone remains the go-to brand, but it’s worth looking for vintage ones on eBay too. This is one of the most effortless ways to make an outfit more fun.
Lovers and Friends
Lena Faux Suede Coat
MANGO
Suede-Effect Faux-Fur Jacket
Tyler McGillivary
Brandy Jacket
Knitted Bonnets
Knitted bonnets and balaclavas took over in NYC last fall and winter, but across the Atlantic, they’ve been going strong for a while now. Perhaps this one blurs the line between trend and anti-trend, but I think this has become an enduring winter accessory.
& Other Stories
Alpaca-Blend Rib-Knit Hood Scarf
SANDY LIANG
Peck Bonnet in Navy
Adidas Sneakers
The sneaker brand of choice was, by far, Adidas—mainly in colorful iterations. After season upon season of popularity, the Gazelles and Sambas feel like they’ve surpassed trend status entirely, standing the test of time. I also noticed plenty of Tokyos, Japans, and Taekwondos. Of course, there are still ways to make them feel trendy, such as cow print, studs, and unexpected colorways.
adidas
Cow Print Samba Long Tongue Shoes
Adidas X Wales Bonner
Karintha Lo Satin Sneakers
Explore More:
