Why Tourists Should Be Cautious Of The Clothing They Pack On A Trip To London

London is one of the world's most fashionable cities, and during a visit you're sure to see a variety of stylish locals making their way around the city. Europeans tend to have a polished and chic aesthetic, and Londoners are no exception. As a tourist, it's a good idea to blend in to avoid attracting unwanted attention, so packing the perfect capsule wardrobe for your trip is a must.

Depending on where you're from, you may want to dress up a bit more than you're used to, but comfort is still a top priority. You'll want to be ready for all kinds of weather, and to wear versatile clothing that is comfortable enough to spend hours walking and sightseeing. With a little effort, you can ensure that your travel wardrobe is fashionable and functional, while still expressing elements of your personal style. 

The average high temperatures in London range from 48 degrees in the winter to 73 degrees in the summer, but heat waves are becoming more common. In 2022, London experienced record high temperatures of over 100 degrees. There are four distinct seasons in the United Kingdom, so you'll want to pack differently depending on the time of year. Regardless of when you plan your trip, it's crucial that you come prepared for sudden changes in the weather.

Comfortable shoes are a must when you're planning on visiting London attractions. It's a walkable city, and cabs can be expensive. Trainers or tennis shoes are a great option in the summer months, especially when you're planning on doing a lot of exploring. Ecco makes a great leather tennis shoe that travel experts swear by. They can be dressed up or down, and have a super comfortable foot bed that makes you feel as if you're walking on air, even after a long day of sightseeing. Londoners often wear boots year round. Stylish leather booties with some water resistance are awesome for when it rains, and they can be worn with plenty of outfits. 

London has a lot of rainy days – around 155 per year – so regardless of when you visit, you should pack a rain jacket. To avoid looking touristy, consider a classic trench style. Burberry, a luxury brand from London, makes an iconic raincoat that you're likely to see on locals, but if you don't want to break the bank, you can find similar styles from brands like London Fog. You may also want to consider ensuring that your backpack or purse is water resistant in case you get caught outdoors during a pop-up shower.

The best travel wardrobes for London contain items that can be mixed and matched to achieve a variety of looks. Curating your very own travel capsule wardrobe takes time, and you'll want to be cautious to avoid items that are super trendy. Concentrate on finding classic, multi-purpose pieces that can be used to achieve a variety of looks in order to save space in your luggage. You'll want to ensure that you have plenty of space to bring home souvenirs, because London has excellent shopping.

Londoners tend to wear looks that are understated and timelessly cool. Whether you lean toward classic styles or love to add edginess to your look, you can feel free to express your personal style without sticking out like a sore thumb by choosing a color palette before you begin packing. In London, locals tend to stick to no more than three colors in each outfit, and neutrals are often favored over bright colors or bold prints. Pick a neutral color, whether it's black, white, beige, or navy, and use that as the base for your packing list. During the summer, opt for breezy linen and cotton fabrics, and in the winter, choose heavier fabrics like wool. A classic black dress and a great-fitting pair of jeans are appropriate to wear year round, and it never hurts to have a lightweight sweater or a packable travel scarf on hand in case you get chilly.