What brands do posh people wear in London

[MrsDeadlock]

I am northern, and not posh. However I do have a fancy job that usually requires a level of travel.

There is a dress code that I'm not very good at reading for my London based contemporaries. Think Meg and Julia in Motherland types.

What brands do these types wear? I can spot a Mulberry handbag at ten paces usually but the rest is baffling and I'm genuinely intrigued. They always look so well dressed!

Please help me, I can't ask in real life!

One of the advantages to living in London is the large number of sample sales that happen here. Some are just outlet sales really but some are genuine sample sales and you can get lucky and pick up some real bargains. Well, when we're not in Tier 4 anyway!

In the last few months, I've dropped on some amazing pieces at sample sales near me. A navy blue satin mid-calf length evening coat from Christopher Kane plus a chiffon midi skirt and earrings. A classic black sleeveless dress by Issey Miyake Pleats Please, plus a HUGE khaki pleated satin scarf (which has a concealed hole for your head so you can wear it as a kaftan too) and a Bao Bao bag. From APC a classic black jersey dress and a red handbag. From Christopher Raeburn, an oversized silk T-shirt (which I'll wear as a dress) which is made of NASA maps of the earth showing the destruction due to climate change. Maybe most of these items don't feel neatly into the OP's "classic" but access to sample sales is another reason why Londoners can be very stylishly dressed on a budget.

You have my complete envy HundredMilesAnHour. I vaguely remember zipping around to sample sales in my distant past - but somehow, once I was properly living and working in London they never ever fitted in with my schedule. If during the week, I was busy; if at the weekend I was generally not there.

And more recently, when I'm in London I have to fit half a dozen meetings into perhaps a couple of days - I never see (saw) a shop. (Unless perhaps Margaret Howell on my way in or out of Wigmore Hall.)

So your post reminded me that I had to cull all the mailing lists that alerted me to sample sales a few years ago, as they merely served to frustrate me.

It's kind of entrancing to read of local (London) people doing local (London) things - for the past several years pretty much all my clothes shopping has been done under the duvet at about 2 o'clock in the morning ...

I'd definitely say all your wondrous bargains were from 'classic' designers, though.

I'm curious to know if anyone in the thread has dabbled with ASOS White? I've considered some of their directional but less extreme pieces, and I'm curious about quality. (I know some of them are... er... very directional indeed, and probably not suited to anyone's workwear.)

I've also been building a wishlist on Wolf & Badger for some time - I've bought a few pieces and home items off there for DH, but no womenswear yet.

Back here in an an attempt to avoid the London hospital thread. Fuck me Boris and his pals pissed up £43 million on a garden bridge that was never built, did people really think he was capable of anything except bullshit bread and circuses? AND BREATHE.

So.

Another thing that’s characteristic of London fashion is the smart-scruffy contrast. So if you wear something tailored you’ll mix it with trainers. If you wear joggers and Birks you wear it with an ironed shirt, not a hoodie. We never do matchy-matchy or themes in London.

Which brings me to accessories. Hats, sunglasses, belts, scarves. Again, not a theme - aim to contrast not complete.

I am very much here to while away my annual leave before going back to the shitshow that is work (NHS, Covid).

Following my extensive trawling of the links and suggestions you have all kindly offered I am almost ready to commit to some purchases. I would welcome your views.

@sasuma started a great thread on smaller/ethical/British brands which I have really enjoyed reading. If you've not seen it I highly recommend. Someone suggested this second hand cashmere website www.nearlynewcashmere.co.uk and I have emailed them about a couple of jewel coloured jumpers.

I really like the blouses in Sezanne, particularly this one www.sezane.com/en/product/alyna-shirt/green-water

I'm looking for a tote bag that can fit my laptop in, and is made of good quality material with little bling. I like this one from matt & nat uk.mattandnat.com/products/abbi-tote-bag-dwell

And this one from Aspinal www.aspinaloflondon.com/products/london-tote-in-warm-grey-pebble

Very different price points though. Maybe something in the middle? I have a forest green wrap coat that it needs to go with. I only usually buy black bags but would like to try a different colour. I am VERY pale and find camel tones really accentuate my deathly pale look.

All views welcome

@Respectabitch I discovered Wolf and Badger only this week thanks to the Sale Buys thread here in S&B! I’ve bought myself a dress (arriving today, squeal!) and a wool jumper in the sale. I did also order a gorgeous cashmere jumper that was 50% off but sadly got an email last night saying that there had been a stock taking error and they no longer had it available

Sorry OP, I’m not keen on either of the bags you’ve linked to. They’re nice enough, but neither of them have anything out of the ordinary about them. You need to look for something that elevates the basic, whether that’s a texture or a detail or even an unusual fastening. The Ally bag’s appeal lay as much in its unusual size and pocket structure as its leather quality.

For a dark green coat I’d go for a conker, charcoal or burgundy bag. If the coat is voluminous I’d opt for something structured; if it’s neat-fitting, then something squishy.

@outedByHobby thanks for the feedback, really helpful! Can see what you mean about needing something more out of the ordinary. They are very safe options.

The coat is structured and neat fitting.

What about this www.allycapellino.co.uk/products/cleve-large-calvert-leather-shoulder-bag-moss

I'd say posh people don't do 'brands' they will have favourite suppliers for certain things.

If you can afford have a suit made for you, it doesn't need to be a big London name, just find a tailor or someone really good at sewing.

My grandmother used to have days out at 'posh' places to shop in charity shops, places like Harrogate or Oxford, much better quality than small towns.

When I lived in Oxford I got my ball gowns from charity shops.

Consider (when things are back to normal) booking a personal shopper.

Natural fibres are important too, wool, cashmere, cotton, silk. I buy a lot of second Hand jaeger on eBay that is really timeless.

I’ve just been having a look at Russell & Bromley which is usually a failsafe for good quality mid-range tote bags, but there’s only a very small selection. Same with Massimo Dutti. Clearly they’re not anticipating people going in and out of offices any time soon.

Not keen on the bucket bag you linked to. I’m sorry. It’s just a bucket bag. It needs more to it.

Good coat
Good bag
Good watch

I wing everything else.

Love those Ally Capellino bags. I agree with PP, I like them more than the totes you posted. I would be all over one if it looked like I was ever going properly to the office again... [Sob] Although I cycle part of my commute, so really I just carry a well made cycle commuter backpack.

Sezane has an infuriating website but take a look at its bags. Similar classic shapes but not quite as staid. Suede is no good in London because you’re out in all weathers, but look at the detailing and then see if you can find similar in other stores, including second hand and vintage. Mary’s Living & Giving is a great source.

Instagram - follow people in cities that involve walking. So Paris, Amsterdam, New York.

I ordered the pale blue Ally bag linked earlier in the thread. I had been looking for a bag for laptop & work stuff for ages.
With a green coat I'd be tempted by the burgundy version of that one

I've been browsing wolf & badger for a while now & ordered a bottle green top before Christmas & it's lovely. I'm v happy with it & would order again

I really like the Aspinal tote you linked, not the cheapest but a nice classic style.

Anya Hindmarch is worth a look for a good work bag. She’s definitely positioned as a quirky English brand but most of her bags are shitty gimmicks so you might not think of her. The Nevis tote and Vere satchel are completely different. Must have been around for twenty years now and a really good practical design.

OP, I have really enjoyed reading this thread, thank you for starting it!

Re the bags: yes, they are "safe", but this also means that whilst they won't ever look cutting edge, they won't look dated either, and will go with pretty much everything. I see plenty of obviously well-heeled/"posh" Londoners carrying and wearing perfectly safe clothes & bags - not everyone wants to look "on trend" all the time.

The fact that you have chosen 2 very similar bags suggests to me that this is a style you will feel comfortable carrying. There's no point in buying a edgier bag if you feel self conscious with it: I have made that mistake with clothes before, and ended up never wearing them. But a bag could be a more expensive mistake to make...

Probably not right now, but keep looking at Coach for good work bags. Stuart Vevers who revitalised Mulberry donkeys years ago has given it a kick, and they’re slowly losing their crap logo and stupid monogram, but keeping the original baseball leather and turnlock. It’s hard work pushing through manufacturing cycles for a global brand so it’s going to take a while, but this is a brand worth keeping an eye on.

Didn’t you say up thread you loved the Mulberry Millie? Could you order it from John Lewis (although unfortunately they don’t have many colours to choose from) and see if it works for you? It’s extravagant but not outrageously so.

That’s a really good point @Plibber

If you’re just experimenting with adding an edge to your look, a handbag may not be the place to start! It sounds as if you already have a gorgeous coat so just see what else can give it a lift.

I would LOVE a personal shopper or a stylist in one of the big department stores. I think in six months time or so I will do this. Would be something to look forward to, and mean I can park my search for THE RIGHT BAG for a while. I think I need to sit with it for a while.

You've all broadened my horizons no end, which is exactly what I've been after. This thread has been highly educational and a very welcome distraction.

As I am rarely in the actual office right now I have upgraded my leggings to sweaty betty, and am close to buying my first cashmere jumper. It's a good start.

My most used bags are a Madewell Transport Tote (medium) and a small Coach crossbody (not that I would necessarily count myself as London posh ].

I hadn’t looked at Kitri for ages and they have some lovely things but So. Much. Polyester.

Meg and Julia in Motherland types

But part of the joke is that they're not actually 'posh' - they're nouveau riche!

Recognisable brands are naff as far as I'm concerned. Tailored, well-fitted, classic lines is what you should go for.

@OutedByHobby

On Instagram I do like Sandra Rossi, Seared Min and Death by Elocution. If they don’t post their faces you can assume they’re doing proper jobs, rather than the affiliate link bollocks merchants trying to be famous.

I’m just trying to think how I’d feel with a doctor or medical professional who was very styled, even if it was for something not critical like dermatology, and I think you need to tread a very fine line. Your “clients” and stakeholders are vulnerable in ways that a marketing or private equity client wouldn’t be.

My mother has been treated for multiple myeloma by a series of very elegant female consultants from all around the world and talking clothes and bags definitely helps her relax and open up.

If I had to guess, it’s Amanda who’s nouveau - her immaculate appearance and her house are symptomatic of someone very insecure.

Isn’t Julia a brand consultant? They’re all ex-Oxbridge so pretty posh I’d say.

It’s completely okay to be nouveau in London. Better that than skint.