Need clothes for trip to london

[Nosebooper]

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.

How about a lightweight puffa jacket and then you can vary the layers underneath?

Look at the weather forecast beforehand.

I've friends in London and it's been cold this week, although it's supposed to be better over the next few days. A wool coat with a light top wouldn't be too hot.

If you don't like full length trench coats how about a short one- like a jacket.
Uniqlo used to do them- check the website.
Mango?
M&S?

Tons of Uniqlo macs and waterproofs on Vinted. I have a petrol blue one that is totally windproof which is surely a plus on the east coast!

A gilet type jacket or longer coat is ideal imo. That's what i usually wear in London.

How about a long lightweight parka?

Great thing about London is you can rock any style you want
Predicted to be getting hotter soon
Have a super trip its a great city

That's not a silk scarf, it's made of viscose

Oliver Bonas sometimes have nice scarfs. They certainly won't be natural fibres, but they will have different weights and a selection of cheerful colours, if that's appealing and if the weather requires.

It’s not that warm op! Don’t let this thread fool you. But layers are a good idea

It’s going to be 18 on Thursday! 🕶️ ☀️

It really doesn't matter what you wear in London! That said - Matalan are very budget friendly and currently have 20% off £40+, I get a few long lasting bits from there ever year.

I think she's not going to London till week of the 23rd. She said last week of the month.

Light layers so you can put things on and take things off if you get too hot / cold. Wear what makes you feel comfortable :)

Ok thanks for all the suggestions.

Yes I'm going next week, end of the month. I'll take the advice re layering and take some thin tops and a cardigan and vest tops for underneath. I'm still not sure about a coat, I've a thin down puffer in black that might be best though.

I like the vest tops from there, but never find much else I like.

Have you looked at parka styles that are unpadded - as you don't like trench coats. One thing about London is that if it rains, umbrellas are often hopeless as you can poke someone's eye out.Something lightweight with a hood is a good idea.

What do we think about this coat? Thought it was a bit different.

Don’t look for a bit different. Look for the best conventional items you can afford. That way everything will go together in your wardrobe - and be suitable for all occasions.

I always recommend merino - get yourself a merino cardigan or jumper from Uniqlo in a classic colour that you can wear with multiple things (black, navy, grey, tan - whatever works for you). They look smart (they don't bobble), do not retain smells, and are good for regulating body temperature in hold and cold weather. I'll be switching to merino jumpers this month, it's getting too warm in London for cashmere or thick wool jumpers. For a casual day out I'd wear a navy merino jumper, trench coat, trainers, jeans and some jewellery. The only thing to watch for is that moths like merino.

I can't wear wool on the skin unfortunately.

OP as a Londoner I can always spot someone from out of London who is on a trip. They are wearing their 'best clothes', and it looks out of place. It sounds a bit snobby of me but I think it looks unsophisticated to dress up just because you are in London. People in adverts and films set in London might be smartly dressed but in real life they are very, very casual. I understand not wanting to look scruffy on holiday but honestly if you dress up you won't fit in!

I think it's more that I don't want to dress up, just to look "put together " and clean and smart if that makes sense.

I agree, I am quite scruffy and I always feel a bit out of place when I go out outside London as people tend to dress up for going to dinner/theatre etc, whereas I will rock up in my scruffy converse and faded flares and stick out like a sore thumb!

I think you should wear what you feel comfortable in, in the knowledge that no-one will care, even if you should find yourself at the Opera!

(last time I had an attempt to look more together my SIL informed me that I was dressing like Lady Di 😂because I had a white tshirt, slightly smarter jeans and a blue blazer from Baukjen)

I have just read through the whole thread and find it quite funny that people are seriously giving suggestions about what to wear in London. I have lived here all my life and also have travelled all over. It's hardly different to any other city, town or village probably in the world! The only reasons to consider what to wear in London are:

1. The weather
2. You might want to treat yourself to new clothes as you are going on holiday

For goodness’ sake!

You might as well say that every adult in London gets a set of clothes for their 21st birthday and wears them until they die at 101. When in fact people are buying new clothes all the time.

And that’s not even considering the millions and millions of tourists who dress according to their pockets and preferences.

It’s so unhelpful! Millions of us live or have lived in London - I’m not sure it’s ever been my aim during those times to look ‘tired and scruffy’. Why would I, when there are so many options for looking otherwise?

The OP wants to update her wardrobe. Going to London is a prompt for that. Surely it’s more helpful to suggest sources for decent clothes she can go on wearing long after her trip, than to made snide remarks about out of towners?