At Who What Wear, we know just how much you, our readers, love to hear about the latest and greatest trends, easy styling solutions, and the best of the best on the high street. That’s why we’ve partnered with Gap, one of our go-to destinations for timeless style, to bring you The Fashion Forecast—a series dedicated to solving your everyday styling needs and wants as well as getting a grip on emerging trends with the help of some of the coolest influencers around. Here, the effortlessly chic Liv Blankson shares her tips and tricks for dressing like a true Londoner this fashion month and beyond.
As February kicks off and another fashion month gets under way, I always like to take a moment to reflect on the fresh trends I want to incorporate into my wardrobe for spring. The shows will be hosted online this time around, but even so, this calendar event still prompts a desire for newness and signals the start of a new season. The additions I’m looking to make may seem like small tweaks to my existing style, but even the little things can really make a difference.
Whether that means investing in standout staples or refreshing my basic layers, Gap has always been the one place on the high street I know I can turn to for these pivotal wardrobe updates. As well as subtly ticking off the trends, you know you’re going to get pieces that stand the test of time quality-wise, too. So, to help inspire your spring refresh, I’ve picked three looks from its website to show you. What’s more is that I know they’ll also work next season, next year, and for a long time to come.
As a Londoner, my looks are often inspired by life in the city. Style here is so diverse, which means I always feel comfortable experimenting with new looks; there’s certainly no pressure to fit a certain aesthetic, which often results in a unique and relaxed vibe, compared to the other fashion capitals. Given we have to dress for all weather-related eventualities and (when restrictions aren’t in place) be prepared for a whole host of different situations in one day (tube/ office/ meetings/ dinner), we’re often forced to get creative.
For this spring in particular, I’m looking forward to updating my uniform of coats, blazers, and jeans by playing with volume and adding oversize silhouettes, switching out some of my go-to neutrals for a little more colour, and thinking on how I can weave chic loungewear into my day-to-day outfits. Keep reading to see my easy-to-wear London-inspired spring trends and styling tricks…
The problem with starting to get excited about spring while its still February is that warmer weather is, of course, a while off. My answer to feeling new-season ready while still keeping the cold out? All. The. Layers. Don’t be afraid of piling on a vest, shirt, hoodie, blazer, trench, and more. Whatever goes on can also come off, so you’re always fully prepared like a true Londoner. Then, as the weather warms up, you can start to shed those layers—I can’t wait to wear this plaid blazer with cut-off jeans and sandals or thrown over a fitted minidress.
If there’s one key trend to invest in from Gap this spring, it’s probably this denim one. The flared jeans and patchwork shacket are particularly special. I just love the classic faded wash and a relaxed fit, but the flare is definitely a 2021 update I’ll be leaning into. Plus, I love how versatile a classic jacket like this can be. For now, I’ll be styling it as a shirt (as seen here) or under a knitted vest, but as the weather warms up, I can take it into summer over a white T-shirt or vest.
No matter what trends are in or out, comfort and looking casual are vital DNA strands of London style. Having a look like this that I can wear on the sofa but also feel chic enough to leave the house in is all I need right now. A co-ord immediately feels pulled together even if it’s a tracksuit, and the subtle tie-dye print here makes the look a bit more interesting. When we’re able to go out properly again, accessorising will be key. Even just adding some statement earrings, a gold necklace, or throwing a colourful knit around your shoulders as a scarf can make your WFH outfit to coffee-run ready in an instant.
