European fashion is making its way back to America in a major way. From an oversized leather jacket, to a pair of fashionable pumps, European business casual is here to stay. As a London girl for the past five months, I’ve done a ton of observing. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- High Waisted Straight Leg Jeans
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Sometimes the word high-waisted makes me squirm with memories of the light wash jean shorts and big tee shirts of 2020, but whether we like it or not, they’re back. Nothing is more popular than a pair of these jeans, paired with a stylish square-toe boot or dainty ballet flats.
You can find a pair at pretty much all of your favorite clothing stores- Abercrombie, Hollister, American Eagle, but a favorite of mine are from Levi’s! Here is the link!
- “Ludicrously Capacious” Bags
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Like Tom Wambsgans from Succession says, the girls are walking around with Ludicrously Capacious Bags. These girls prance around the city carrying gym clothes, heels, and laptops, with no time to head home, hence the massive bags. This one from Béis is my favorite.
I can testify that this Béis bag is truly one of the most functional, stylish, and durable bags I’ve ever owned. It’s been able to carry me through long days of class and hours of rehearsals with ease.
- Oversized Leather Jackets
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An oversized leather jacket, paired with a cute sweater or sweatshirt underneath, coupled with those straight leg jeans is the uniform of the European. It’s simple, sleek, and effortlessly chic.
Honestly, I would recommend thrifting one of these jackets if you can because, in my opinion, well-loved leather is always better. However, if that’s not your prerogative, you can find similar jackets from Zara, Abercrombie and Fitch, Princess Polly, Edikted, and others!
- Fur Jackets
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As it’s gotten colder here in London, the girls are out with fur jackets that make for the perfectly stylish day to night accessory when temperatures dip into the forties!
Mom, if you’re reading this, please add this to my Christmas gift list. Please. Here is the link for the one seen above from Urban Outfitters!
- Punk Bags
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Going out bags here range from a small handheld clutch to a completely bedazzled shoulder bag, but the most popular by far is the punk bag. The more silver studs and zippers the better! My favorite one, that is also able to house my laptop, novel-of-the-moment, and notebooks is from Subdued! It’s the perfect day to night bag. It’s durable, adorable, and something I truly cannot recommend enough.
They currently have dark brown faux leather, faux black leather, and an adorable, and very California girl, brown suede. If you’re going to buy anything on this list, it HAS to be this.
https://www.subdued.com/uk_en/shopping-bag-bo05fgw?subd_color=28672&subd_size=9702
- Ballet Flats
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Now the girls in California are no stranger to a pair of adorable sandal-like shoes, but the girls in Europe know nothing of the flip-flop clad population of California. Their version of our beloved flip flip is the ballet flat. I’ve seen so many different kinds of flats, whether they be heeled, flat, dark brown, bright red, or black. Here are some favorites:
Steve Madden, Target, Zara, and Nordstrom Rack!
- Monogram Phone Cases
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A monogram phone case with a pair of wired headphones = average girls in their 20s on the tube. All I can say is… chic, timeless, classic, Kelly Rutherford vibe. It instantly makes you feel put together, and it makes for a great gift for all ages!
These specific ones are from Etsy, but other brands include The Dairy, Insérif, Etsy, Casetify, and Amazon.
- Bold Tube Lipstick
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I’ve noticed a heavy resurgence of the tube lipstick, specifically a darker, pinky-maude color. A lot of girls are wearing Pillow Talk from Charlotte Tilbury or the Toasted Teddy set from Rhode.
Here are links! Rhode and Charlotte Tilbury.
- Minimal Jewelry
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I’ve noticed a lot of dainty necklaces and rings paired with small gold watches. Minimal rings make for the perfect addition to cherry red or baby pink nails!
To be honest, I thrift a lot of my pieces, but the ones that I do not thrift are from the brands below!
Gorjana, Mejuri, and Pavoi on Amazon!
- Light Makeup and Natural Hair
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These two are combined for me because everyone has different skin, and different hair, thus I can’t really give a single recommendation for either. It’s come as you are! I’ve felt such freedom in the naturally curly hair I’ve seen in the wild, and it’s made me less insecure about my own curls. My curl journey is a whole other article that has yet to see the light of day, but here are some makeup brands that enhance the natural features:
Glossier, Rhode, and Rare Beauty.