Packing Essentials for a Stylish Solo Trip to London

A journey to London had long occupied a coveted spot on my travel bucket list, yet my knowledge of The Big Smoke was somewhat limited. I knew it was the residence of the Royals, renowned for its bustling pubs and iconic red double-decker buses. Recently, I embarked on a solo adventure to London that spanned three exhilarating days, immersing myself in the rich culture and history of the city, and I discovered a deep affection for landmarks like Big Ben, the vibrant Borough Market, and the renowned Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

My accommodation at the chic Yotelpad London Stratford positioned me just a leisurely stroll away from the stunning Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the celebrated venue of the 2012 Summer Olympics, and mere steps from the tube station. Throughout my trip, I delighted in extensive walks, sightseeing escapades, boutique shopping, and indulging in London’s eclectic culinary scene, all while falling in love not just with the vibrant cityscape, but also with its captivating fashion scene. The style in London blended cozy wool sweaters — affectionately known as jumpers — with fashionable combat boots paired with chic tights and mini skirts, enveloping me in a fashion vibe that was an alluring mix of ’90s nostalgia and modern European elegance.

While I packed essential items in advance, such as a classic trench coat and my favorite Dr. Martens boots, London’s fashion promptly captured my attention, leading me to identify additional pieces to add to my online shopping cart upon my return home. My full inventory of everything I packed, or wished I’d thought to include, for my inaugural trip to this iconic city is outlined below.

Wide-leg Jeans

Old Navy Extra High-waisted Sky-hi Wide-leg Jeans

Old Navy

A versatile pair of wide-leg jeans can effortlessly transition from day to night, making them the only denim essential you need on a trip to London. Whether I threw them on with comfy sneakers for a day spent exploring, or dressed them up with fashionable boots and a trendy top for an evening out, these jeans from Old Navy were my go-to item during my adventures, from the architectural majesty of Tower Bridge to the bustling tube.

Stylish Black Sneakers

Adidas Women’s Samba OG Shoes

Dick’s Sporting Goods

The sight of Londoners sporting chic black Adidas sneakers inspired a text to my teenage daughter: “The girls in London wear these with everything — even dresses.” After witnessing these fashionable kicks paired artfully with an array of outfits, from casual jeans to elegant skirts, I was convinced to buy a pair for myself when I returned home. The perfect blend of comfort and style, these sneakers distinctly embody the London fashion ethos.

A Trench Coat

Rasujie Women’s Trench Coat

Amazon

A trench coat was an essential addition to my suitcase, following TikTok recommendations. These fashionable outer garments were prevalent across London, effortlessly blending into both vintage shops and high-street stores, with numerous locals wearing them as I explored the city’s iconic streets. My Amazon find featured a hood and waterproof fabric, proving especially useful during the city’s unexpected rain showers.

An Oversized Wool Sweater

Everlane The Cocoon Crew in Wool Cashmere

Everlane

Oversized, soft sweaters were all the rage during my visit, consistently paired with wide-leg jeans or casually thrown over dresses during chilly evenings. Exploring the city exposed me to a myriad of stylish wool jumpers, making it worthwhile to invest in a quality cashmere blend sweater. Its versatility allows it to function as outerwear for overcast London weather or as a cozy layer over pajamas for nights spent unwinding after a long day.

Terri Peters

Combat Boots

Dr. Martens 1467 Brush Off Leather Boots

Zappos

My trusty Dr. Martens combat boots became my reliable companion as I traversed the urban landscape. These sturdy boots offered not just comfort, but also versatility, pairing beautifully with leggings, jeans, or skirts and tights. Throughout my travels, I donned my Dr. Martens with varying styles, and my feet remained warm, dry, and comfortable amidst the bustling streets, where I spotted many Londoners sporting similar styles.

Sturdy Tights

Sheertex Rip-resistant Tights

Amazon

I noticed an abundance of boots-and-tights and sneakers-and-tights pairings while strolling through London, reinforcing my decision to pack multiple pairs of durable tights for my trip. My go-to Sheertex tights, renowned for their rip- and snag-resistant qualities, were perfect for long days filled with exploration, making them an essential item in my travel arsenal.

A Trendy Mini Skirt

Madewell Satin Mini Skirt

Madewell

A stylish mini skirt can serve multiple purposes during any travel adventure, and Madewell’s satin version would have been an excellent addition to my wardrobe during my London excursion. Easily paired with tights and boots for brisk days or with Adidas sneakers and ankle socks for warmer weather, the versatility of this skirt aligned perfectly with the styles I observed on locals. It’s available in classic black or white, allowing for effortless outfit coordination.

A Lightweight Rain Jacket

Lands’ End Women’s Waterproof Hooded Packable Rain Jacket

Lands’ End

If trench coats aren’t your style, a lightweight rain jacket with a hood is a must-have for any trip to London. I observed many individuals sporting this type of jacket during the drizzly days throughout my stay, and this Lands’ End coat stands out as the ideal travel companion due to its lightweight, packable nature. Given that rain can swiftly descend upon the city, having a compact jacket readily available is crucial for navigating sudden weather shifts.

Dressy Sequined Shorts

Steve Madden Twinkle Sequin Shorts

Nordstrom

One of my itinerary highlights included attending an exciting performance of Abba Voyage, an innovative, AI-generated concert near the Yotelpad hotel where I stayed in Stratford. I was astonished by the crowds adorned in sequins for the concert, and I immediately regretted not packing some shimmering attire myself. The sequin shorts that I saw throughout the trip, paired with tights, combat boots, and Adidas sneakers, would have been an exciting choice for such an occasion.

Cozy Socks

Cozy Earth The Plush Lounge Sock 3 Pack

Cozy Earth

Given the extensive walking inherent to exploring London, packing the utmost in sock comfort is crucial. The slouch-style bamboo sock set from Cozy Earth ranked among the best items I brought on my journey, providing luxurious softness while mirroring the aesthetic of the socks that many Londoners wore with their boots and sneakers. I dedicated one pair from the three-pack to unwinding with at my hotel — an indulgent nighttime treat that felt incredibly soothing after long, exciting days.

A Dressy Sweater

Cupshe Women’s Ribbed-knit Pullover Sweater

Amazon

For evenings out, in addition to the oversized wool sweater, bringing along a dressier option is equally advantageous. This Cupshe ribbed-knit sweater features a stylish twist in the back, crafted from soft, chunky knit material that adds sophistication to dinner outfits during chilly London nights. When paired with skirts and tights or tossed over a lovely dress, it beautifully captures the essence of London while ensuring comfort.

A Crossbody Bag

Lo & Sons Waverly 2 Crossbody Belt Bag

Amazon

My travels revealed a multitude of Londoners utilizing crossbody, fanny pack-style bags, and I too benefitted from having one of my own. I firmly believe that a high-quality crossbody bag, such as this elegant offering from Lo & Sons, is the singular bag you truly need for a London experience. Not only does it keep your hands free while navigating the city, but its stylish leather design complements any outfit and reduces the number of bags you need to squeeze into your luggage.

Layering Tanks

Open Edit Smooth Edit Crewneck Tank

Nordstrom

Fluctuating weather conditions throughout the day in London make layering a smart strategy. Many locals donned layering tanks like this Open Edit version beneath their stylish jumpers and classic trench coats, allowing for quick adjustments as temperatures varied. Opting for simple colors and styles ensures a minimalistic packing approach, enabling versatility throughout multiple outfits.

A Going-out Top

Madewell Cutout Knot-front Tank Top

Madewell

At local pubs, I was struck by how many women wore stylish going-out tops with their skirts or wide-leg jeans. Packing an assortment of fashionable tanks like this one from Madewell is a smart idea for any London trip, as they serve dual purposes: a trendy top for evenings out and a reliable layering piece during the daytime.

Comfy Black Leggings

Fanka 7/8 High-waisted Leggings

Amazon

As a travel writer with global exploration experience, I always ensure that a comfortable pair of black leggings accompanies me. The Fanka leggings were indispensable for comfort during my London journey, with their sleek design mirroring that of many stylish Londoners. Whether providing comfort on my flight or allowing me to navigate the city, these black leggings from Fanka proved to be one of my best packing choices for my trip.

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