Have you ever just seen someone and known they were from a country other than your own? It’s not the look or even the language that give it away–it’s the fashion. The Parisian effortlessness, Scandinavian minimalism and the London edginess are all characteristics that are distinctly European and ever so hard to emulate.
In the spirit of London Fashion Week happening now, let’s take a look at some British brands that carry the products we outsiders desire. Next time you’re traveling through the United Kingdom, make sure to check out these retailers to be one step closer to the London look.
Courtesy of Jigsaw
Kate Middleton once was employed by Jigsaw as an assistant accessories buyer. Enough said. This brand is an eclectic mix of men and women’s clothing and accessories, homewear, and even a junior’s section that is so worth the slightly higher price range for great basic staples.
Courtesy of Office
If you like shoes and you like variety, then you’ll probably like Office. A retailer for many shoe brands, including New Balance, Converse, and Fred Perry, Office has their own really well crafted line that often gets overlooked. All the British high-street trends are here for an extremely reasonable price. Buy your Italian crafted leather baroques and shiny patent penny loafers right next to the black high-tops you’ve been meaning to replace.
Courtesy of Toast
Take one look at this website and you’re immediately struck by an edge–like Zara’s British sister. Owned by French Connection, TOAST is a home for men’s and women’s clothing as well as unique home items. With everything in one place it’s easy to surround yourself in a life filled with these beautifully curated items.
Courtesy of Kurt Geiger
Believe it or not, this brand is American-owned, but created specifically for a British market with it’s first location opening on Bond Street. Located in all the big British department stores, including Harrods, House of Fraser, and Selfridges, Kurt Geiger also owns its own niche boutiques. Specializing in accessories for men and women, most people frequent Kurt Geiger for their amazing and affordable line of shoes including boots, heels, flats and everything in between.
Courtesy of Whistles
If you’re willing to take a slight plunge into your wallet why not take a peak at Whistles’ clean and sophisticated line of muted tones and classic no-fuss silhouettes. Coined as “effortless fashion for contemporary women” in their Twitter bio, it’s hard to believe Whistles’ current chief executive was the former brand director at Topshop. Now with brand comparisons to Celine, and avid supporters including a famous Middleton, Whistles continues to be a prominent player in the affordable fashion industry among Brits.
By
Claire Shriver
Love this — definitely going to search the Toast catalog now!
Amber Lee Rosenzweig
Living in London, I’ve found it difficult to find British brands that I love as much as those that I’m loyal to in the US. That being said, I definitely do like Toast for sweaters! I have to say my favorite UK picks would be L.K. Bennett for shoes and of course you can’t go wrong with Barbour! Liberty print items are another thing not to miss. Other than that, I can’t say that I’m too impressed. On a side note : there are definitely a lot of great clothes and shoes for men and other European designers are more widely available too (I’m all about the French clothes, they just fit my petite frame so well)!