London is a fashionable city and you only need to go out to the streets to see it for yourself. The British capital is beloved for its fashionable streets—specific spots that have contributed to the city's legacy in fashion. Some of them have even made a considerable impact in fashion history, influencing the world at large. Carnaby Street is one of them, widely regarded as the birthplace of the 'Mod' style. Saville Row, on the other hand, champions London's famous traditional tailoring. And then there's Oxford Street, home to some of the best-known luxury shops in the city.
Carnaby Street
No London has arguably had as much influence over the city's fashion industry than Carnaby Street. In the 1960s, around the time that The Beatles were taking over the world, Carnaby Street was changing the way people dressed back home. This is where “Mod” was born, a new kind of style that traded in traditional tailoring for mini-skirts, bright colors, and freeform silhouettes. Carnaby Street was and is where small-time designers revolutionized fashion, opting for more youthful aesthetics instead of old-world elegance. Today, the area remains home to some of the best designer boutiques and coolest
vintage shops in London.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ SisterLondon
Savile Row
On the opposite side of the spectrum—and geographically, the city—there's Savile Row. Located in the upscale Mayfair
neighborhood in London, this is the best place to get a suit.
London's finest tailors line this famous street, all upholding the city's longtime tradition of producing high-quality garments. The rich and famous get their suits here, even the British Royal Family. Here, excellent traditional tailoring reigns supreme, with both new and old shops making use of centuries-old techniques passed down from one generation to the next. Not reliant on trends, you can always expect expertly-cut suits and other clothes here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Geograph.org.uk/ Robert Lamb
Oxford Street
No other street in London captures fashion and luxury quite like Oxford Street. This major road in the City of Westminster is the ultimate shopping destination in the British capital. Name any major fashion brand and
British designer store and you'll find it here. There's John Lewis & Partners, Massimo Dutti, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Pandora, Longines, and more. This is also the best area to visit around Christmastime. Oxford Street lights up unlike any other every holiday season. The Christmas lights and decor become a popular sight to see, one that will fill you with the festive spirit at first glance.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Marylebone High Street
Also in the City of Westminster is Marylebone High Street, another of London's most fashionable streets. Shopping is the name of the game here too, line with shops and boutiques that offer the trendiest and most stylish finds. Head over to the MATCHES FASHION store, for example, and get your hands on the latest designer pieces. Paul Smith, JOSEPH, and agnès b., on the other hand, sell high-quality clothes at more affordable prices. And when you need to take a break, you can always retreat to the various cafes and restaurants in the area.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Philafrenzy
Jermyn Street
Jermyn Street near Picadilly Circus continues Savile Row's tradition in highlighting excellent tailoring. Whether you need a new suit for work or you're looking for the perfect tweed set for a weekend in the
English countryside, you'll find the perfect outfit on Jermyn Street. Or you can also have it made in the various stores that line the fashionable London street too. Thomas Pink, Charles Tyrwhitt, Hackett London, Favourbrook Waistcoats, and John Smedley are just some of the best shops here, making it more of a men's playground than a women's shopping haven. Men deserve high fashion too, after all!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Philafrenzy
Monmouth Street
Monmouth Street is another of London's most fashionable streets, which you'll find in the lively Covent Garden district. The neighborhood is already a popular area for shopping and eating out, so you already know that there are lots to expect here. Fortunately, Monmouth Street doesn't not disappoint! Here, you can shop and eat to your heart's content. Both big-named brands and independent shops offer a fun and fascinating retail scene here, allowing you to get your hands on all sorts of great finds. At the same time, don't miss the famous Monmouth Coffee, one of the
best places to get coffee in London.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Geograph.org.uk/ Fernweh
Rye Lane
Rye Lane is a hipster hub in the Peckham district. That should be enough to let you know that it's truly one of the most fashionable streets in London. As you'd expect, this lively East London spot is filled with independent designer boutiques, cool cafes, trendy bars, and more. More than just a great place to shop, Rye Lane is the kind of place where you'll want to dress up and have fun. Fashion isn't just found in the shops. You'll also see it in the bohemian locals and the cool kids that hang out here.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ ©Mels van der Mede.
Bow Lane
At first glance, Bow Lane is far from the kind of fashionable street you'll want to frequent. You'd sooner want to
rent a London luxury apartment far from this place so you won't have to go here at all. No one could blame you though! Bow Lane looks is a narrow alley-like street that almost looks and feels like the kind of place you'd expect Jack The Ripper to get you. But don't worry! There are no infamous serial killers here. Bow Lane is a safe and lively street lined with cool shops, great places to eat, and a whole lot of fun.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Edwardx
From the very mod Carnaby Street to the upscale Oxford Street, discover London's beloved fashion streets. These are the trendy spots that help define the city as the British fashion capital. Their influence over the London fashion scene remains boundless!