The Leeds Look and regional microtrends

[neverhappenedtopablopicasso]

Lighthearted, but...

Right, I know people will wear this outfit in other places, but I live near Leeds but travel a lot for work, and in the summer in Leeds I see so many women wearing specifically a knee length bias cut skirt in polka dot or ditsy floral, with a white slim cut t-shirt. I hardly ever see it anywhere else, but I just counted 4 in 10 minutes in Leeds. Didn't see any in York the other day. Going to Manchester tomorrow and keep an eye out. Is this a Leeds Look? Am I imagining it?

Got me wondering if there any other microtrends that are tied to a particular city? I don't mean cultural stereotypes please, just actual observations.

As I said, in Liverpool (we were staying in the centre) on match day. Not one man but loads.

I know last winter there were loads of really nice checked coats , a small houndstooth but beige/olive/grey /brown rather than black/white
I;m going to London next week so I will make sure I PeopleWatch .

My neck of the woods is still loving the leggings ( no judgement , I do too ) but those all-in-one body suits in pink or beige are popular

"YES ! I want to walk round town looking nekkid and I don;t care if my arse looks like a robbers face in a pair of tights"

Just looked at her on insta. Needless to say, I will absolutely not be dressing like that!!!!

I had a beautiful knee length bias cut skirt in black with largish pale pink floral design. Came from River Island. I wore it with a skinny black tshirt or vest top circa 1999.

Hmm. Slightly dubious about this

Love that the style advice is from the FT! (I also subscribe).
I think the knee length options here are fab.

OMG I swear I used to wear that EXACT same pattern in the 90s!!
I just got a funny feeling in my stomach like suddenly seeing an old friend I used to love ha ha!

Really interesting thread! Going back a few years, but for men, Henleys t-shirts were the absolutely signature look for South Wales

See, this still makes no sense to me. Surely if it’s warm enough for flip flops, one would be absolutely sweltering in leggings?

Oh another reason for me at least - chub rub. Tights do not give any protection against it, so if i want to wear a dress or skirt i have to wear leggings or cycling shorts underneath. But as my legs are horrible, if the skirt is shorter than below the knee i wear leggings.

Tbh i get hot very easily and i feel hotter when ive got bare thighs, perhaps as i can 'feel' the sweat more? Sorry if that sounds gross but hopefully it helps you understand.

Fair enough, if it works for you.

I live in Leeds and this is exactly my kind of outfit also, how bizarre. No reason for it.

The Leeds Look. I love it.

If anyone finds these skirts online please post links, I’m hoping to find one that ships to Ireland or failing that I might even make one myself.

Can I ask what shoes they are wearing with the skirts?

I feel self conscious in sandals, I have never really found a pair I’m not mortified in, and don’t really wear high heels anymore so am looking for something that I don’t even know exists 😁

Terrific name.

I was in Newcastle in January and was all wrapped up in my puffer and warm boots as was my SIL who lives there. 1.30pm on a Saturday afternoon and I was almost speechless at the number of girls fully kitted out in mini skirts heels, rollers and luminous white teeth. I expected it in the evening but not before lunch

There’s no need to own a coat in Newcastle, pet.

OK further out-and-about spots... Several similar looks at our "not Leeds but near" school fete:

1. worn in a grungier Lou Teasdale-y way, as a pp poster said. The classic "Leeds Look" tee + floral skirt is a bit more basic and clean cut than that.
2. classic iteration of skirt but grey marl tee instead of white, groundbreaking
3. White tee but with floral culottes.
4. midaxi floral skirt and a black tee, so nonconformist I am not even sure if it counts.

I think most what I have seen as knee-length are probably midis hoiked up. Saw nothing similar in Manchester.

It's not a look I either particularly like or dislike. I get that it's vaguely a 90s reference but not something I'd personally wear. I'm fascinated by how on the one hand it's a very normal, inoffensive outfit, but on the other hand - ONLY BIG IN LEEDS.

Thrilled about imminent Briggate Uniqlo though, that's my real takeaway.

Disagree, honestly! Midi length hits at the wrong part of the calf and makes everyone look dumpy.

Skinny jeans, platform trainers (e.g. Nike Air), casual t-shirts, sometimes with a biker jacket or a blazer, seem to be very popular here where I am in the south. Light make up too.

Definitely the case for me. I have decent legs but midi hits at the absolute worst point. Mini, knee and maxi are all fine. Midi instantly adds inches to my calves.

I went to a gig in Birmingham a couple of weeks ago and was really surprised to see almost all of the women in skinny jeans. I was wearing a skirt and trainers, one woman had a jumpsuit, but pretty much every other woman was in skinnies.

I have to say I love spots. Always have. I’ve bought 2 new spotted dresses recently. Both midis both with sleeves.
I’ve notice 2 women today wearing spots. One was a cream & black midi dress. One was wearing a white t shirt and black and white spotted shorts.
Also thank you to the poster who recommended Uniqlo for t shirts, I’ll definitely look there.

I live in Leeds and I’m currently making a blue polka dot skirt! I hadn’t even questioned why?

Polka dots are definitely having a moment. My very favourite item of clothing is a black with white dots bias cut midi skirt that I sewed. It’s taken me happily to so many different things and works with sandals, trainers and DMs as well as both jumpers and T-shirts. Love that spotty little pal.

I am a southerner but spend a lot of time in Leeds (particularly North Leeds). It is the land of the floral frock/skirt. And I guess a t shirt rather than sleeveless tops which people would mostly wear down here due to the slightly cooler weather.

I've only noticed knee length skirts on anyone as a sort of skater look thing. I suspect the other skirts are just midi lengths worn higher or on really tall people 😁