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Need clothes for trip to london

176 replies

Nosebooper · 16/03/2025 13:52

My wardrobe is very tired and a little scruffy! I have a 3 day trip to london at the end of the month and need something new to wear, in low budget but happy to use vinted if needs be. We're sightseeing and eating out.

I'm 60, size 16, 5 feet 7, usually live in jeans and jumpers/tops but want to look a bit more upmarket I guess!

I have jeans I like, so mainly looking at tops/ jumpers and coat/ jacket. No idea yet what the weather will be like! I do have a Weird Fish rain jacket, but not keen on it anymore.

I'll be wearing trainers or ankle boots from Rieker to protect my painful feet.

Any suggestions? With links if possible.

TIA.

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Ddakji · 16/03/2025 13:53

You can wear whatever you like in London, we don’t care! Come and enjoy yourself in comfort. I’m a Londoner who lives in Fat Face and M&S - jeans, tops, jumpers and hoodies.

Nosebooper · 16/03/2025 13:57

Thanks 😊 My jeans are M&S! I'll look at Fatface tops. Mine are mainly supermarket tops, they don't last long!

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HermioneWeasley · 16/03/2025 13:58

I am always overdressed in London. It’s very, very casual

Ddakji · 16/03/2025 13:58

Honestly, anything goes! Try not to worry about it.

TangerineSloth · 16/03/2025 14:05

Also a Londoner who lives in jeans and trainers. I wear them to go to the theatre, restaurants, galleries, museums etc and don't ever feel out of place. Hope you have a fantastic time!

Nosebooper · 16/03/2025 14:06

Thank you. I just didn't want to look scruffy.

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Darkclothes · 16/03/2025 14:09

Depending where you live, London is often a few degrees hotter. Especially if you are walking around alot, I'd take a lighter jacket/jumper than you'd normally wear at home.

I jacket/blazer instantly makes an outfit a bit more special/formal IMO. I too buy alot from M&S, but also TU, George etc. In addition to jeans, a pair of light, linen trousers can be handy if its hot. Personally, I avoid white/cream trousers if using public transport, because the seats can often be grubby.

These may not be your style at all, just some ideas:
https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc145534476
https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc145078423
www.marksandspencer.com/slim-single-breasted-blazer/p/clp60699663?color=ECRU#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r1c3%7Cprodflag_plp_ts_CBS_1

Buy Khaki Leaf Print Draped Cropped Trousers L | Trousers | Tu

Buy Khaki Leaf Print Draped Cropped Trousers L at Tu. Thousands of products for next day delivery or free in store collection.

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc145534476

Ddakji · 16/03/2025 14:11

Nosebooper · 16/03/2025 14:06

Thank you. I just didn't want to look scruffy.

London doesn’t really understand scruffy, in that we don’t care how smart or scruffy anyone is. Walking round with holes in your jumper, for example (I’m not suggesting you are, but DH does, for example, regularly), wouldn’t bother anyone.

Bailiwitch · 16/03/2025 14:18

Obviously you already know that half of London will be going about their business in clothes that are tired and a little scruffy - the evidence is in every Tube carriage. GrinBut a trip is a nice opportunity to upgrade bits of your wardrobe you’re not happy with.

Are you a Toast fan? I should think their better quality items might be worth seeking out on Vinted - particularly because they don’t date too rapidly. Something like this jacket and trousers would be ideal - you have three outfits just by wearing the pieces either together, or separately with a different top or jeans.

https://www.toa.st/collections/womens-coats-jackets/products/cotton-wool-herringbone-jacket-navy

Cotton Wool Herringbone Jacket | Navy

Cotton Wool Herringbone Jacket | Navy

Organic cotton and wool blend. Fitted shape. Patch pockets. Internal hanging loop. Horn buttons. Twill lining. Available in Navy.

https://www.toa.st/collections/womens-coats-jackets/products/cotton-wool-herringbone-jacket-navy

Cattery · 16/03/2025 14:23

Ddakji · 16/03/2025 13:53

You can wear whatever you like in London, we don’t care! Come and enjoy yourself in comfort. I’m a Londoner who lives in Fat Face and M&S - jeans, tops, jumpers and hoodies.

Just about to say the same! Come and enjoy our wonderful City. We don’t care what you’re wearing (comfy trainers sound good) x

Shetlands · 16/03/2025 14:25

Here are some jackets you might like:
https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/5574580580-stone-coloured-jacket?

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/5770901823-oasis-black-double-breasted-peacoat?

Search for women / peacoats to see more

wintersgold · 16/03/2025 14:41

Why not go on a shopping trip in London once you get here?

Nosebooper · 16/03/2025 14:58

Thank you!

I can't wear an all black blazer due to scalp psoriasis, just looks like I've terrible dandruff 🫣 so something like houndstooth might be better. Just worried about if it rains ...

Not sure about linen trousers, I think I'll stick with jeans.

I'll look at the suggestions though.

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Nosebooper · 16/03/2025 15:02

I actually have a black and beige checked long jacket that I'll take with me.

Just need some nice tops.

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 16/03/2025 15:04

If it's going to be rainy, I'd use the trip as an excuse to buy a nice new raincoat - I've got my eye on the Rains Curve one.

Jeans, smartish, cleanish trainers and a raincoat or jacket should be fine. I wouldn't wear a blazer unless going to work - and it's unlikely to be warm enough for a blazer to replace a coat.

If I wanted something other than jeans, I'd probably wear a black jersey dress with black trainers.

If dry, I'd probably opt for a leather jacket.

cestlavielife · 16/03/2025 15:05

Bring an empty suitcase and go shopping
Charity shops in upmarket areas like hampstead village

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 16/03/2025 15:05

For eating out, I'd wear dresses or jeans with blouses. I might be tempted to wear my DMs and pack trainers, so I could wear boots with dresses.

mambojambodothetango · 16/03/2025 15:06

Layers. It's insanely hot on the tube and you'll get warm walking. I'd save your spending until you get there, assuming you'll be popping into shops.

SprinkleOfSunak · 16/03/2025 15:11

Have an amazing time op.

I’m a Londoner born and bred and have lived in many areas of London and now living in Greater London. I don’t do casual dressing and never have, it just doesn’t come naturally to me and whenever I visit Central London I look overdressed but I don’t care as that’s 100% me! In Central London everyone looks very casual even at night, and I find most people dress very blandly there nowadays (I blame social media!) in neutrals and basics and it’s all a very ‘norm core’ look.
In the London borough I reside in people get very dressed up for an evening out and get their hair and nails done etc, and even by day most people make an effort. I dont’t have hair and nails professionally done every time I go out as I can’t afford it but I always make more of an effort to do these myself if going out.
What I’m trying to say is wear whatever you feel like yourself in, but don’t feel you have to put any extra effort in in Central London.

Nosebooper · 16/03/2025 15:21

I struggle with dresses although like jersey dresses with thick tights and boots.

As mentioned I don't wear solid black jackets or tops.

I'll ask my trainers before going!

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 16/03/2025 15:25

This is pretty. Could wear a white long sleeved t-shirt under it if needed. Would be nice with jeans for a casual meal out, maybe? https://www.fatface.com/style/su463908/ag8980#ag8980

Ivory Bea Broderie Top | FatFace

Shop FatFace Ivory Bea Broderie Top online at fatface.com. Free next day delivery to over 500 stores.

https://www.fatface.com/style/su463908/ag8980#ag8980

Nosebooper · 16/03/2025 15:30

I wear bra size 36g so a vneck or cowl or scoop look best. That's a bit high. Thank you though, it's very pretty.

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 16/03/2025 15:56

Nosebooper · 16/03/2025 15:30

I wear bra size 36g so a vneck or cowl or scoop look best. That's a bit high. Thank you though, it's very pretty.

Open some buttons. I'm busty too, but could wear that with some buttons undone and maybe a silver chain.

There aren't many cowl or scoop neck tops around at the moment, annoyingly. Jigsaw used to be good for cowl necks, but their prices have gone up and quality has shot down, so I rarely look in there now.

Bimblebombzle · 16/03/2025 16:26

I recently started commuting after about 10 years and have to say most people are wearing the same things they've worn for years and it's a sea of dark neutrals. I'd wear a bright jumper to buck the trend.

Nosebooper · 16/03/2025 16:51

I live on the East coast, quite far north, we're still in warm jumpers here, so I'm struggling to imagine how warm it could be.

Edited for spelling

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