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The Leeds Look and regional microtrends

175 replies

neverhappenedtopablopicasso · 20/06/2025 12:15

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.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
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neverhappenedtopablopicasso · 24/06/2025 14:47

RayonSunrise · 24/06/2025 13:01

Speaking of trends, I’ve noted that my DD and her friends all seem to have decided to wear only:
low waisted jeans/skirts/trousers
slim fitted blouses (like the ones we wore in the early naughties)
Enormous men’s cardies or jackets over top
Socks with chunky shoes, boots or trainers

She would now like - wait for it - a knee-length skirt, which she’s having trouble finding to her very precise specifications. (Not pencil, not full, can be ditsy if not too busy, not too colourful).

It all seems to be fuelled by second hand clothing apps. None of the big retailers seem to be selling what they’re wearing, but they’re all wearing it!

this is brilliant, like they're going temping at Office Angels in 1998

OP posts:
BigFatBully · 24/06/2025 14:50

neverhappenedtopablopicasso · 20/06/2025 12:15

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.

I've spent a lot of time in Leeds. I love how most people there take a great pride in their appearance and get dressed up to go out. It's something that's lacking in society these days.

I've not seen anyone wearing polka dot skirts there though. I can't really think of anything remarkable about what women in Leeds wear but I've noticed the men make more of an effort in their appearance than in other cities. They like their hair gel/wax and usually a statement shirt. They like wearing skinny fit trousers with loafers with no socks and usually have tanned legs/ankles and feet.

Leeds as a city is thriving though and becoming very popular, quite a few people move up there from further south. Paloma Faith went to a dance college in Leeds, Jamie Laing was at university in Leeds, Caroline Quentin's son is at a university in Leeds, it's very trendy these days. I remember 20 years or so ago, before Trinity opened and before Channel 4 moved there, it was mainly a working class Yorkshire town come city. It's definitely one of the success stories of gentrification.

Because there are so many prestigious universities and colleges there, you do get generation Z equivalent of hipsters (not sure what they'd be called these days), with wavy hair dyed un-natural colours such as green or blue and bull style nose rings, you know, because they are "edgy".

There are still plenty of working class communities around Leeds though. You'll see women 45+ with bobs (that were very popular in the 2000s), mock-designer sunglasses, a maxi dress with denim jacket and strappy sandals drinking in the local Greene King whilst shrieking loudly to their friends as if they're the only ones in the bar. You'll also still see the "lads, lads, lads!" types out in Farrah polo shirts and jeans and trainers, usually competing to be seen as the most alpha and taking various illegal substances in the pub toilets.

Then you get the ten bob millionaire wanna be Posh & Becks power type couples that usually have a nice but mortgaged to the hills house out Harrogate, Starbeck or Knaresborough way that come in to Leeds and eat in Riva Blu and the woman usually wears a cream jacket and leggings with high sided boots (to show that she's done well for herself and now lives in a rural area) and the man usually has his shirt unbuttoned towards the top, with a pair of sunglasses hanging out of the top pocket (even if night time and not sunny) and tiny shorts that stick to his thighs like super glue.

Tapoopoo · 24/06/2025 15:57

neverhappenedtopablopicasso · 24/06/2025 14:47

this is brilliant, like they're going temping at Office Angels in 1998

Did Office Angels wrap the CVs of prospective employees in a box tied with a ribbon?

BigFatBully · 24/06/2025 16:00

I really don't think skirts/dresses go with trainers. I think it's a very London-esque trend that probably started with workers commuting on packed tube trains and not wanting to wear proper shoes or heels whilst standing & going up and down escalators but it just doesn't work in my opinion.

NormaSears · 24/06/2025 16:22

I'm still curious about what the microtrend in Orford, Warrington is.

Frugalit · 24/06/2025 16:34

@BigFatBully nah, sorry disagree about it mainly being a working class city back in the day. Always been dirt poor areas as well as extremely affluent ones, north south divide really. Like anywhere. So what if southerners move there, is that supposed to make it even more desirable ?

manicpixieschemegirl · 24/06/2025 16:44

Belfast is definitely on the dressier side @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie but different from the likes of Liverpool, etc. Slightly more understated glam with a nod to current trends so still feels current. I love it and always get lots of inspo when I’m over there.

BigFatBully · 24/06/2025 16:46

Frugalit · 24/06/2025 16:34

@BigFatBully nah, sorry disagree about it mainly being a working class city back in the day. Always been dirt poor areas as well as extremely affluent ones, north south divide really. Like anywhere. So what if southerners move there, is that supposed to make it even more desirable ?

Edited

Any area that has a significant amount of people moving to it is surely doing something right. The city centre in Leeds has changed a lot. Lots of high rise apartments in the city centre has attracted young adults of means which in turn has brought more flashy shops/bars to the area (though noted there's always been the Harvey Nicholl's).

Y2ker · 24/06/2025 16:52

RayonSunrise · 24/06/2025 13:01

Speaking of trends, I’ve noted that my DD and her friends all seem to have decided to wear only:
low waisted jeans/skirts/trousers
slim fitted blouses (like the ones we wore in the early naughties)
Enormous men’s cardies or jackets over top
Socks with chunky shoes, boots or trainers

She would now like - wait for it - a knee-length skirt, which she’s having trouble finding to her very precise specifications. (Not pencil, not full, can be ditsy if not too busy, not too colourful).

It all seems to be fuelled by second hand clothing apps. None of the big retailers seem to be selling what they’re wearing, but they’re all wearing it!

She should search for Topshop, Warehouse and Oasis skirts on Vinted. I had loads of similar ones from there in the early 00s.

HarrietBond · 24/06/2025 16:53

Frugalit · 24/06/2025 16:34

@BigFatBully nah, sorry disagree about it mainly being a working class city back in the day. Always been dirt poor areas as well as extremely affluent ones, north south divide really. Like anywhere. So what if southerners move there, is that supposed to make it even more desirable ?

Edited

I think the fact that Caroline Quentin's son is studying there is definitely what now sets it apart.

neverhappenedtopablopicasso · 24/06/2025 18:56

I think ChatGPT might be weighing in on the thread here. I'm not sure "Starbeck" and "Posh & Becks" have ever been used in the same sentence before...

OP posts:
MoominUnderWater · 24/06/2025 19:02

NormaSears · 24/06/2025 16:22

I'm still curious about what the microtrend in Orford, Warrington is.

I suspect closer to the Piccadilly Gardens trend of tracksuit bottoms tucked in socks rather than the Suffolk trend of life vests in the bakery 😁

NormaSears · 24/06/2025 19:11

You're probably right @MoominUnderWater . Warrington is a decent town but I don't think it appeals to the yachting set.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 24/06/2025 19:20

manicpixieschemegirl · 24/06/2025 16:44

Belfast is definitely on the dressier side @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie but different from the likes of Liverpool, etc. Slightly more understated glam with a nod to current trends so still feels current. I love it and always get lots of inspo when I’m over there.

Thank you. I'm thinking black linen trousers, heels and a crochet waistcoat might work. Am I way off the mark? I've got tonnes of dresses, but they're either too 'summery' day wear, or too warm for August.

manicpixieschemegirl · 24/06/2025 20:40

Yeah that sounds like the right kind of vibe @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie . These are some looks I’ve saved recently which I think fit the bill.

The Leeds Look and regional microtrends
The Leeds Look and regional microtrends
The Leeds Look and regional microtrends
The Leeds Look and regional microtrends
The Leeds Look and regional microtrends
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 24/06/2025 20:56

manicpixieschemegirl · 24/06/2025 20:40

Yeah that sounds like the right kind of vibe @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie . These are some looks I’ve saved recently which I think fit the bill.

Thanks again. Those are all far too young and glam for me, but useful to see.

manicpixieschemegirl · 24/06/2025 21:07

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 24/06/2025 20:56

Thanks again. Those are all far too young and glam for me, but useful to see.

Ah no worries. Although it skews glam, there’s loads of variety so you won’t feel out of place whatever you wear. Enjoy, it’s one of my favourite cities!

GranolaDisco · 24/06/2025 21:51

BigFatBully · 24/06/2025 16:00

I really don't think skirts/dresses go with trainers. I think it's a very London-esque trend that probably started with workers commuting on packed tube trains and not wanting to wear proper shoes or heels whilst standing & going up and down escalators but it just doesn't work in my opinion.

ive posted this on a different thread this evening, but I can count on my hands how many women I’ve seen wearing a dress or skirt in London this week …and it’s been roasting hot, prime dress weather. Trousers everywhere! The midi dress and trainer look has completely disappeared.

RobertaFirmino · 24/06/2025 22:17

I live in Hull and there is definitely a 'Hull look'. That's all I'll say about the matter. It's a real contrast to the city I come from and I feel certain many people would say that look is just as questionable.
Leeds is a nice place to go mind you. Really friendly people. I doubt they give a stuff about what anyone else is wearing.

RampantIvy · 25/06/2025 06:35

mintgreensoftlilac · 20/06/2025 22:03

I love stuff like this! Find it so interesting! I live in Leeds and do occasionally wear this sort of thing. Though I prefer t-shirt style midi dresses at the moment. Very excited that we have a Uniqlo coming to Leeds soon!

So am I. I won't need to cross the Pennines then.

neverhappenedtopablopicasso · 25/06/2025 13:47

GranolaDisco · 24/06/2025 21:51

ive posted this on a different thread this evening, but I can count on my hands how many women I’ve seen wearing a dress or skirt in London this week …and it’s been roasting hot, prime dress weather. Trousers everywhere! The midi dress and trainer look has completely disappeared.

I work in London quite a lot and hardly ever wear dresses in a heatwave especially if I have to get the tube or be in an office. I'd do loose barrel trousers, a shell top and a linen shirt I think. Chunky sandal so my feet weren't too near the Tube grime.

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 25/06/2025 18:34

Up in Oxford Street and Regent Street today

wide leg linen trousers
training shoes
waist length tops

except me as I am untrendy and DD who wore a nice linen shift dress

Illbefinejustbloodyfine · 25/06/2025 19:58

PepsiForEva · 23/06/2025 08:32

I live in a tourist town and everyone wears Joules or Quba.

I went to a dinner party on Saturday and three of us were wearing the exact same top. (I was one of them!). So I got the chance to see what it looks like on a person who is size 10 and not a size 14/16 like me. (The answer- better). 😄

Edited

What top was it? Interested!

GellerYeller · 25/06/2025 20:52

I agree, York style definitely has the art teacher vibe. Cambridge too, to an extent.
There was a knee length polka dot skirt in Hollister recently.
Also some shorter than usual tiered skirts in Urban that would be fab on teens, frumpy on middle aged me.
We were in Liverpool recently and all the women my age seemed to have pristine platform Converse hi tops!

NormaSears · 25/06/2025 21:07

We were in Liverpool recently and all the women my age seemed to have pristine platform Converse hi tops!
They're horrible.

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