When it comes to dressing up, the British are in a league of their own. And it's not just because the country's capital, London, is also one of the fashion capitals of the world. Dressing up is actually a part of their culture. For centuries, the British had specific garments and styles reserved, not just for different seasons, but even for different parts of the day. Luckily, however, that's no longer the way they do it nowadays. Today, they just rely on style staples that help them look their best no matter what. And for summer, here are what the British are usually wearing!
Maxi-Dresses
From the peasant dresses of the Medieval period to the Victorian era's fancy ballgowns, floor-length dresses have been a staple in British fashion throughout centuries. Today is no different! Even in the 21st century, there are still a lot of British women who happily don long and flouncy frocks even if the weather would have you prefer to go as short as possible. And no, they don't look old-fashioned in the least. Ever since the 'hippie' style happened in the late 1960s, maxi dresses of a bohemian flavor have become a summer fashion mainstay in the UK. These days, however, they range from the romantic and the sexy!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Light Jumpers
Even though summer brings about the hottest days of the year, this is still the UK we're talking about! Granted the country does experience heat waves every now and then, there are still those cool summer days. That's why sweaters remain a favorite part of every fashionista's wardrobe even during this season. Lightweight cashmere maker for great casualwear pieces for every day, but especially for those windy summer breezes. Fleece jumpers are also iconically British, just like a
well-tailored suit from London or a
Burberry trench coat. They upkeep the signature posh look that those from outside of the UK fantasize about what the British wear on a daily basis.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
A Pair of Black Pants
Be they cotton, linen, wool, or even denim, a pair of fitted black pants is a summer British staple. They harken back to the youthquake of the 1950s and 60s, where British pop music was just invaded by The Beatles and 'Beatlemania' reigned supreme. All the youngsters back then, screaming at the top of their lungs for the 'fab four' mostly wore dark-toned skinny pants while watching their concerts or waiting in line just to see them pass by. Also, let's not forget that a British-born style icon,
Audrey Hepburn, also favored black pants and they became part of her signature style;just as memorable as her little black dresses!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Denim Jeans
Speaking of pants, of course, jeans would be included in this list as well. Just like
the Parisians, the British also love sporting this style staple no matter what the season is. However, one can't deny that sporting them during summer feels a little more fitting than in other seasons. Despite its industrial texture and maximum functionality, denim was never a thick and heavy material. Depending on the fabric manipulation, some might even argue that they're lightweight. So much so that even wearing a denim jacket on top of your jeans is not enough to give you a heat stroke during summer in the UK!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
A Chic Raincoat
The cold hard truth about UK weather is that it's unpredictable. For the most part, from autumn to spring, the UK has always been a cold country. It's only during summer when it gets so hot that you'd rather wear a few layers while you're outside. Regardless of that, however, summer showers are all too common in the UK. There are days, though not a lot, that rain will put just as hard during this season as it would during winter and the early days of spring. So, with this in mind, don't forget to sport a chic raincoat while you're out. The ones from Burberry,
JW Anderson, and other
British designers will work just fine!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Athleisure
When it comes to sportswear during summer, why stop at rain gear? Since streetwear is alive and well in the UK—small-time designers and high street brands are popping up left and right—sportswear has become a fashion mainstay in the country for a couple of years now. There are also British designers like
Stella McCartney, who partnered up with
Adidas for a line of high-quality sportswear. With all of that happening in the British fashion scene, it's no surprise that athleisure, which mixes sportswear with a luxurious level of comfort, has become a staple during the summer season here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hiking Boots
Various parts of the UK, particularly the English countryside, are mountainous regions. The types of places you'd want to hike to if you have the free time! Because of this, it's been a summer tradition for various British families, from the posh to the middle class, to go to the countryside and spend a few days of the season there for some leisure time. And more often than not, what they wore there would trickle down to their big-city wardrobes too. Just take a look at hiking boots! Over the years, more and more British style stars have worn hiking boots in the cities, even during the hottest days of summer!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Summer Scarves
The Queen herself does it, so why not you too? Whenever Queen Elizabeth II would spend her summer vacation in her famous summer home, Balmoral Castle, she would be photographed walking around with a scarf tied around her head. Because of this, wearing scarves during summer became a trend for women in the UK. Of course, many do it their own way. There are some that would tie their silk scarves around their necks, others would use their scarves as head wraps or headbands, and the like. The sky's the limit to how you can sport your own summer scarf here in the UK.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
A Pair of Sunglasses
This probably goes without saying but sunglasses are the ultimate summer accessory. Just donning a good pair, no matter where you are and what you're wearing, will instantly make you look stylish and fabulous. They evoke a sense of mystique around the wearer, letting one hide his/her emotions behind a dark-tinted glass. Of course, a few British style icons over the years, such as Elton John, Anna Wintour, Victoria Beckham, and more, have made sunglasses even more of a status symbol than functional eyewear. It's those types of stars that prove that wearing sunglasses is just as much about attitude as it is about the pair!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you'll be lucky enough to spend your next summer holidays in the UK, try to include some of these British style staples into your summer wardrobe! They won't just help you blend in but, depending on how you rock them, they may make you stand out!
Any of these British summer style staples will look good on you wherever you are, be it in your
luxury home or exploring the beautiful country of the UK!
