What to Wear in London: How to Not Look Like a Tourist in Every Season (2024)
How to not look like a tourist in London? That’s easy: don’t be a tourist in London.
Many people ask what to wear in London to not look like a tourist. But it’s not that simple: we can tell the tourists from the non-tourists not by what they wear, but by what they do.
You can certainly do your best to blend in, though, so that’s why I’m here with a list to tell you what to wear in London to blend in.
Try not to take it too seriously, though. We’re a city constantly filled with tourists; we’re used to it. And we don’t judge you! Ok, if you get in our way, we might judge you a little bit. We might say “sorry” when you bump into us but that translates to “you’re an idiot” in British.
But clothing? That’s easy. Londoners have a uniform, you just have to learn it.
If you want to know how to not look like a tourist when visiting London, here’s exactly what to wear in London to blend in effortlessly. And ladies, don’t forget your travel essentials!
I’ve included two Instagram London fashion influencers in this post to give you some inspiration. I love Efe Efeturi and Kate lonsdale for their down-to-earth looks aimed at an (*ahem*) older generation.
If you’re like me, you’re not in your 20s anymore. And I’m not a fashion blogger, so check out their accounts if you want some lovely ideas for what to wear in London when you’re not Gen Z.
☀️ What to Wear in London in Summer to Not Look like a Tourist ☀️
☀️ Summer in London: Women ☀️
Londoners know exactly what to wear in summer in London for comfort and style: breezy dresses or light trousers with a vest top (tank top, to my American friends).
Add your favorite white sneakers or comfort sandals, a crossbody bag, and you have exactly what to wear in summer in London. It’s really easy!
Don’t wear: shorts. They may be comfortable in the heat, but London women don’t normally wear shorts, unless they are very nice shorts like the high-waisted paper-bag-style shorts with a tucked in vest and great shoes.
☀️ Summer in London: Men ☀️
What to wear in Summer in London for men? A light button-up collared shirt along with nice linen shorts or trousers and trainers or loafers.
Men wear shorts here in London summer; women generally don’t.
Don’t wear: plain t-shirts or logo t-shirts, or a ratty baseball hat. London men generally don’t wear any of these, even in summer. A nice baseball cap is okay, just don’t wear the gross one that you wear fishing.
🍁 What to Wear in London in Fall to Not Look Like a Tourist 🍁
🍁 London in Fall: Women 🍁
The fall uniform is a bit more flexible. Since temperatures can vary widely between freezing or temperate, come packed with layers.
You can’t go wrong with a nice blouse layered with a blazer or sweater.
On the bottom, nice jeans or trousers (any color) and loafers, polished trainers or boots complete the look. Bring a stylish scarf and a cute hat, too, for layering.
🍁 London in Fall: Men 🍁
What to wear in fall in London for men is this: a jumper (sweater) or button-up collared shirt and a blazer or nice coat for layering, nice trousers, and loafers or classy trainers.
Don’t wear: ripped jeans. London men usually stick to trousers or chinos, and generally don’t wear ratty jeans. Nice, polished jeans are totally fine.
❄️ What to Wear in London in Winter to Not Look Like a Tourist ❄️
❄️ London in Winter: Women ❄️
If you have a nice wool coat, you already have half of what to wear in winter in London.
Winter for women is all about the fashionable coat, layered with a blouse and sometimes a blazer or cardigan if it’s very cold.
Trousers or a skirt (or dress) and black Chelsea boots or tall boots complete the uniform.
❄️ London in Winter: Men ❄️
You’ll see a lot of suits on London men in general, but traveling here, you can keep it more simple.
A blazer layered with a collared shirt and trousers and topped with a wool coat is exactly what to wear in winter in London for men. If it’s very cold, a hat is acceptable (always removed indoors), and a stylish scarf is good, too.
For shoes, either nice boots, loafers, or polished trainers are fine day to night.
Don’t wear: a puffer coat. Choose a more polished wool coat, a leather jacket, or a nicer bomber jacket for warmth.
🌷 What to Wear in London in Spring to Not Look Like a Tourist 🌷
🌷 London in Spring: Women 🌷
What to wear in spring in London is super flexible and has lots of opportunities for layering.
London women will often layer nice jeans or trousers with a vest top and blazer or cardigan, or a long dress layered with a cute coat or sweater.
Nice, cute white trainers or comfort sandals will keep you comfortable all day long.
🌷London in Spring: Men 🌷
What to wear in spring in London for men? It’s pretty much the same as the other seasons on this list: trousers with a nice button-up collared shirt.
Your coat or blazer can be taken on or off, and make sure to wear nice loafers or Chelsea boots.
What to Wear in London to Not Look Like a Tourist: Final Tips
We don’t care what you wear. Seriously. I’ve given you tips on what to wear in London, but don’t go out on a shopping spree in an attempt to blend in.
Remember, London is a city of 9 million + people. No one will notice you, or care what you look like.
But if you really want to try to not look like a tourist, use my guide above.
Remember to always pack layers as London weather is unpredictable!
Above all, have fun! London is a city to be enjoyed, not to be self-conscious in. We’re used to tourists everywhere, and we really, truly, don’t care what you look like or what you’re wearing. If it makes YOU feel better, wear what the Londoners wear.
More on Visiting London:
What NOT to do in London: The Truth About these 15 Tiring Tourist Traps
33 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in London
31 Exclusive & Unusual Things to Buy in London, and 15 Things to Avoid
Super Simple London Neighborhood Guide: Where’s Best for You?
Ultimate Guide: 49 Brilliant London Apps Everyone Should Know
How to Get Cheap Train Tickets to and From London
Where to Stay your First time in London
