Fashion observations from a day people watching in London

[Unicornsaregreat]

• Lots of different styles of jeans. Still lots of skinnies, with oversized tops
• Lots of bags like this picture
• A very large proportion of trainers were New Balance
• Those not in trainers mainly wore chunky flat or low heeled boots (no one in heels)

I love this thread - even the feisty bits!

Where I felt most comfortable fashion wise was when it less tights and heels were in. I’d wear them for nights out with a skirt, or at the office with a dress. Never felt that way about an outfit since. Hope they come back into acceptable wear. 🙏

footless tights

mine was a tongue in cheek comment (please don't take it personal).

I believe every part of London (depending on socioeconomic status, race and culture) has people dressed in different ways, young people in Chelsea dress different than young people in lets say: Hackney. Diversity is a beautiful thing. I've seen people in Chelsea dress terrible and very chic people in East London. I don't think money is a factor when it comes to dressing well and knowing how to combine colours and trends. As a hardcore Londoner I believe that Oxford street on the weekends is like a fashion catwalk, "fashion victim planet" at it's best where you get to see the high street trends of the moment.

Just. No.

It's so hard to find comfy clothes though. Fabric is mostly horrible these days and labels are like razor blades. I think I just have sensory issues though.

I cut out every single label, @JaneJeffer - they always irritate me. Some fabrics now are just awful and set my teeth on edge. Clothes with a lining are getting to be a rarity, so those cool comfort M&S slips are a boon.

It's the worst time of year I reckon. Lots of pastels even though it is still cold out. The only stuff I'm drawn to in JL are Kin black tops 😄

I have exactly the same problem and I’m 10 years younger. I find at the minute there are either cheap shops or expensive shops. I can’t cope with the cheap shops as the material is crap (usually) and I prefer to buy something that lasts and doesn’t date as I don’t really follow fashion, I just borrow the bits I like from it. The more expensive shops (for my budget anyway) either don’t have a petite range or the clothes are bland or twee. There doesn’t seem to be a middle ground shop-wise anymore and I struggle with generic shops as I’m 5’1” and a 32ff/g.

The most stylish person I saw recently in London was a young mixed race woman (I'd say no older than 25) on the Elizabeth line. Sounds crazy but she looked like she'd just stepped out of the 70's but God she looked amazing. Flared jeans, boots with a heel but slightly chunky ones. Short fitted burgundy corduroy jacket with a shirt underneath that was patterned but I cant say what but I remember it had hints of orange. She had an afro, and her make up was just perfect. I tried not to stare but she was just so incredibly stunning. I wanted to say something to her but had no idea what so I just snatched glances of her when I could without looking like a weirdo. When her stop came, she got up moved with such confidence I cant explain it. Sometimes I wonder if that's inner confidence or just a "I look good, and I know it and I don't care" attitude. Anyway I fell in love I think 😅

I cut them out too @Maireas but they sew them on better than they do the seams

Anyone know where the dress (posted by OP) is from please.

Oh don't they just! I've cut through clothes before now.

I'm Northern too (Manchester to be precise) 52 years old, my style is similar to yours. I wear mainly Joe Brown or Joanie Clothing dresses (they suit my shape) with either my Office boots (brown suede, calf length, chunky heel) or trainers (Vans, Puma, Nike, Reebok.. they're a bit of an obsession of mine atm) and either cardigan or denim jacket.

I've worn a variation of this outfit since around 1988 when 18yr old me found a beautiful, Laura Ashley style, lace collared dress in BHS and wore it with my DM's and leather biker jacket.

Much like yourself, I'm not really bothered what's in fashion, I found my look many years ago and have more or less stuck with it ever since.

@Floisme, agreed.

All my clothes are comfortable. Because they fi

Don't look at the size on the label.

I'm 5' 8", 10.5 stone. Pretty slender. I'm a size 14 at MaxMara.

@StephenDedalus I bought the suits online from Matches and the Bella Freud site.

They actually come up quite large. I got a size 10 and it's pretty roomy.

I'm 5ft 9" & I weigh 10st 9lbs. I'm pretty tall & slim. Size 12 most places. I bought a size 12 Paul Smith trousers suit on line last year & honestly the jacket fits & the trousers barely go up my legs. I reckon they're actually about a size 8

Even the word 'comfy' sets my teeth on edge these days, RhadamanthNemes. It's like we've all got so lazy, we can't even be bothered writing the word in full.
I'm going to regret this post aren't I?
I'm not even drunk posting.

Northern city earlier. Youngsters: socks over leggings, short puffas. Or Urban Outfitters 90s fest, combats, mesh midi skirts, and funky chunky knit/wacky cardi. Or alt-girl, so emo/goth inspired, My Chemical Romance/Nirvana/Pink Floyd or similar vintage band tee, very chunky boots, pin badges, wire rim or Timmy Mallett specs and rainbow hair.
Older generation either in groups of women on a naice lunch/day out, think lashes/acrylics with royal blue or Kermit green midis or the ‘cleared out an entire branch of Mint Velvet’ look. Or sensible tourist attire so quilted beige/khaki long coats with Skechers type shoes. Or an All Saints vibe- biker with a good woolly scarf, sunglasses, straight or boyfriend jeans and nice trainers.

I did some people watching in Birmingham earlier, in a Starbucks.

Almost every female other than me was in leggings and trainers.
Almost every male other than DP was in jogging bottoms and a gilet.

Those that were not, were largely in straight jeans and trainers.

And can I just say that the sooner this trend for wearing beige, cream or pink leggings goes away, the better.

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie - gawd, those leggings!
Where I teach, yr12 and 13 wear non uniform, which actually turns out to be a uniform for the girls of leggings and a crop top. Sometimes these are pale pink or flesh coloured, so it feels like half the class have turned up as Lady Godiva.

And can I just say that the sooner this trend for wearing beige, cream or pink leggings goes away, the better.

Hear, hear! I have seen things that I can never unsee 😢

I'm way too old to worry about what I wear and what other people think. I went to John Lewis last week, thinking I might buy a few things, and everything was hideous - even the PJs (why are women always supposed to have stars on their night wear, FFS?). I bought some socks, and came home and resorted to the same 2 or 3 websites I always use.
I really hate shopping!

I haven't seen anyone in beige, cream or pink leggings. I did see a tracksuit today, and one of those long gilets (first time I have seen one). What is the point of them? I need my arms and wrists covered. It's currently 6 degrees - too cold not to wear a proper coat.

Totally agree @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie ! Those flesh coloured leggings are the work of the devil..
Wonder how many on here wear them & are keeping very silent 😁

Hahaha DH commented on beige legging clad female in Aldi yesterday. He said ‘Well those don’t leave a lot to the imagination do they?’ 😂Have to agree.