Arriving in London during the fall can often feel like a warm and inviting hug, welcoming you to cozy sweater weather and the season of soothing apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes. But the unpredictable weather, combined with a culture of walking between your destinations, can make packing for your trip feel overwhelming.
From versatile and comfortable jeans that never fail to bring an outfit together to your favourite cool-weather sweaters and other women’s knitwear from David Lawrence, packing for your ultimate fall vacation to the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of London will be a walk in the park.
London Weather
Fall weather anywhere in the world is notoriously unpredictable, and London is no different. Visitors here should expect the possibility of rain and cooler temperatures interjected with periods of sunny skies and warmer temperatures.
While you may hear stories of a near-constant drizzle reminding you summer is on its way out, the reality often consists of a mix of cool and crisp days with the occasional sunny spell. Temperatures will typically range from the 50s to the 70s, making layering a key component of your travel wardrobe.
The Essentials
When packing for vacation, it is crucial to select highly versatile and comfortable pieces that are appropriate for planned activities, weather, and location, and can easily be mixed and matched to create multiple outfit options from a select few garments.
Sweaters
Nothing says fall is back more than a cozy sweater. Be sure to include at least one or two sweaters in your luggage for your trip to guarantee a comfortable and easy go-to option that will simply never go out of fashion.
Pair an oversized sweater with a pair of leggings for a relaxed and low-key day, or wear it with jeans, a skirt, or over a dress for an elevated and semi-casual outfit option for date night or drinks with new friends. To get maximum wear out of your sweater selection, opt for options in neutral tones with minimal patterns.
Jeans
Your favorite pair of jeans is a must-have addition when packing for a trip to London in the fall. Jeans are incredibly versatile; they wonderfully complement all body shapes and can easily be dressed up or down based on the social occasion.
Including one or two pairs of comfortable jeans, preferably in a different fit or color, will make it easy to plan multiple outfits around just one item of clothing, eliminating the stress of planning comfortable looks that can take you from a day strolling around town to an evening out for dinner. As a rule of thumb, light wash jeans with a baggier fit are considered to be more casual, while darkwash or black jeans in a more fitted cut create a more formal and elevated finish.
Cardigans
British weather is known for its unpredictable nature, so it is best to be prepared for everything that could come your way. A fantastic way to dress for ever-changing weather conditions is by layering your look, and a cardigan is a brilliant piece to layer with nearly everything in your wardrobe.
Raincoat
Rain is practically unavoidable when traveling to London during the fall. The good news is that you don’t need to sacrifice your style when dressing for function to explore the city in the rain. Opt for a fashionable and neutral-toned knee-length raincoat, preferably something that is windproof and waterproof to keep you warm and dry.
Leggings
For the days when wearing a pair of jeans is enough to make you not want to leave your hotel, a simple pair of comfortable black leggings is the ideal, versatile option to turn to. Not only do they take up minimal space in your luggage, but they are the ultimate casualwear throw-on and go option.
Wear them in a smart layered outfit, paired with knit dresses, oversized sweaters, or long jackets and knee-high boots to avoid looking better suited for a day on the couch.
Compact Umbrella
While you may bring a raincoat with you on your travels, it is worthwhile including a compact umbrella in your luggage when visiting London. A raincoat may not be suitable for every activity or outfit, so it is essential to have an alternative option.
When using an umbrella, it is crucial to remember a few key points in umbrella etiquette. These include refraining from using an umbrella in a crowded area, holding your umbrella at an angle that doesn’t impact your ability to see what is happening around you, and, when using public transport, shaking out your umbrella really well and avoiding placing a wet umbrella on a seat near you.
Comfortable Footwear
Like many European cities, London is best explored on foot, making comfortable shoes a non-negotiable addition to your luggage. Whether you prefer to wear stylish sneakers or classic ankle boots, ensure they are broken in and ready for long days of sightseeing. Avoid open-toed shoes that will expose your feet to potential environmental hazards while out and about.
Because rain is almost guaranteed at some point during your trip, it may be worth packing a pair of comfortable rainboots for added protection against the wet weather. Avoid having to pack these bulky shoes by wearing them during your travel days.
