Being able to simply click my fingers and have the ideal outfit transpire for whatever the occasion I find myself would be a magic trick I would pay for. Okay, maybe not, because there is some fun in finding what you are looking for, but the point is, dressing effortlessly doesn’t begin by being easy to do. It begins by knowing what the foundational pieces are, and then, THEN, it becomes a breeze, very much feeling magical, to pull together your outfits. Yep, it is possible, and I will show you how as it pertains to contemporary classic British style.

In other words, we have to understand not only ourselves – size, coloring, etc. – but also what is best suited for comfort and respect in any given situation.

As we are in the middle of TSLL’s 7th Annual British Week, I wanted to share with you 11 classic, yet contemporary British wardrobe details for achieving effortless style. Each item and outfit shared below is not dependent on trends of the season, of which London is definitely at the forefront when it comes to embracing new and setting new trends. Rather, whether you live or simply visit Britain, whether you are staying in the city of London or stepping out into the countryside, these outfits and items can be relied upon to come together for a dependable style that will enable you to simply enjoy and engage fully with the day’s activities.

Over the years both here on the blog and the podcast, I have shared seasonal outfit and clothing item inspiration for Britain, but I realized, I haven’t ever written a post solely inspired by British sartorial needs. France? Oodles of posts, but not Britain. So today, here is the much-overdue post sharing the dependable wardrobe pieces and details that will guarantee you are feeling great in your outfit of choice. Let’s take a look.

1. A great haircut and crisp little details (sunglasses, watch, etc.)

Before selecting an outfit, these items – our hairstyle most especially -is worn with any ensemble we put together, so making sure they are complementary and support rather than steal the scene is a wise first and thus foundational move to style a great outfit.

In episode #358, Fashion Editor for The Times of London since 2015 Anna Murphy talked about choosing to embrace her gray hair, and while this won’t be everyone’s preference, or what will flatter them as they prefer, her conversation is worth listening to not only for hair advice, but overall style as well.

episode #358: Anna Murphy Talks About Finding Your Way to the Best You Yet as Each Year Passes in her New Book, Destination Fabulous

Apart from our hairstyle which is an investment in time and money, when we get it right, it can be quite simple, and will be an immediate outfit booster. Next choose sunglasses, or a hat (Panama hats in summer, fedoras in fall and winter), and make sure it fits your face and head circumference. The right brim length for the best proportion will create a stunning, yet classic look or appear ill-fitted. Explore Pachacuti, a UK brand, that makes high quality Panama hats, I have a couple and love them.

Similarly to sunglasses, wearing optical frames is a wonderful idea to add style and incorporate functionality. Choose a frame that brightens and complements your face shape and skin and hair color and you will have a fun accessory that completes the look.

The watch we choose to wear is also an opportunity for a touch of subtle style.

2. Jumper (Fair Isle will never go out of style), Barbour showerproof jacket, jeans and boots

If you are out in the countryside, this outfit will always be in style to keep you warm, demonstrating you know the weather (wet and damp, redundant, but accurate), and how to ensure you can go about what you came to the country to do! Muck about, not be scared by a little rain and enjoy a good ramble with the pups and good company followed by a warm cuppa tea.

&Daughter Bansha Fair Isle wool sweater, ecru

~Explore all of Barbour’s different styles and colors of Showerproof coats here (see a few below).

3. Blazer (slightly oversized, or a lot), jeans, scarf, loafers (chunky or not)

Blazers will always be a staple to keep on hand, so invest well, and keep forever what fits and flatters. Worn as a coat in cool, but not cold weather, layer over a button-up or light-weight sweater, slip on some loafers and wrap your neck with a scarf.

~Shop G.H. Bass’s many loafer styles and colors here.

4. Oxford shirt (solid or stripe) with trousers or jeans

Striped – the classic white and blue, or solid – dependable white or any color that you choose, this top will always be worth having a few on hand that fit your shoulders, arm-length and bust as you prefer. Pair with straight leg trousers or jeans, slip on loafers or ballet flats, and out the door you go!

The Shirt by Rochelle Behrens continue to be a button-up brand that I find quality and well-fitting shirt in both long and short-sleeves and various colors.

The Icon Shirt (many different colors)

The Boyfriend Shirt (stripe and solids available)

5. A long (midi or ankle) Floral dress, worn with either a blazer or sweater vest, boots, flats or heels

One of the key differences between French and British style is Briton’s penchant for floral attire. With fabric brands such as Liberty, and clothing brands like Boden and Me + Em, you can find modern, yet classic designs to wear whether you are attending the Chelsea Flower Show, heading to Wimbledon or simply enjoying a beautiful day out with the sun shining brightly overhead.

Me + Em dresses below (shop all of their dresses here)

Boden dresses below (show all of their dresses here)

6. Tailored suit (wool, crepe or corduroy)

Corduroy has been coming back into style as of late, as an entire ensemble, and while go for it most definitely if that is your thing, what will always be in style are corduroy separates – pants and blazers or suit jackets. Choose the colors that work for you and the separates you would pair it with and enjoy a wonderful go-to timeless staple during the autumn and winter months.

Moving into spring and summer, and a classic suit in either lightweight wool or crepe is forever timeless. If you can, have it tailored or opt for bespoke, and you will always have an ensemble to flatter your figure, paired with pumps, simple jewelry, a silk camisole and a classic handbag.

If you are willing to invest in a tailored suit, Susannah Hall’s boutique in London in Clerkenwell is a recommended place to visit.

Temperley’s London, Clove Velvet Jacket (matching suit pants available)

~SHOP Corduroy Pants/Trousers below:

7. Accessories: Checked scarves (wool and silk), travel umbrella (or traditional), suede tote, small jewelry

A quick check in with timeless accessories. We mentioned above about sunglasses, eye glasses and hair style/cut, now let’s talk about the other accessories that will keep you stylish, and ever so prepared for British weather and occasion.

Always, an umbrella. Depending upon your commute, choose either a travel or a traditional long-stick, and in my experience, having a traditional curved handle is ideal – it can hook onto your handbag or arm when not in use so you don’t lose it. There are many brands worth exploring, but opt for a well-made brand which means you might pay a bit more, but will always have a trusted umbrella when you need it that won’t fail you. My own travel and long-stick umbrellas come from the British “Umbrella Shop” as Londoners call them – James Smith & Sons (take a video tour below via the post link), and Barbour makes wonderful styles in both options – Mini/travel Tartan Umbrella, Barbour (from Harrods).

James Smith & Sons Umbrellas, a British Institution keeping customers in style and dry since 1830

Other accessories that will transition well from work to evening outings if you are unable to go home and change handbags is a suede tote, ideal for autumn and winter and to provide a differentiating texture, thus complement whatever you are wearing (unless of course, you are wearing suede). And as it pertains to jewelry – keep it small, yet thoughtful. Nothing flashy, simply complementary and to your taste.

8. Sweater/Jumper (slightly oversized, or a lot), wide-leg trousers and sneakers

An outfit that works well for many cities at the moment as I wore this in Paris this past March, but definitely works and is seen often in London is the sweater, wide-leg trousers and sneakers. It may sound sloppy, but it actually can look flattering if you purchase quality fabric in both your sweater and trouser (a light-weight wool that almost feels like silk, and a sweater in a hue that brightens your face). In other words, we’re dressing well not to show off our shape or objectify ourselves, but to look and feel good for who we are and the life we are living.

The sneakers are a fashion statement all on their own and many different brands make their version of the fashion sneaker, so choose one that is in a color you love and works with your outfit and is comfortable to wear.

9. Tweed Jacket, slim jeans, flats, ankle boots or wellies

Back to the country, or anywhere outside of the city, and definitely choose a tweed or herringbone jacket/blazer. Fitted or loose, you will always be in style. A slim jean (dark wash) is a dependable pairing, wear with ballet flats, loafers, ankle boots or wellies depending upon the occasion.

~Explore Kiltane’s Harris Tweed Janice Blazer below~

10. Long-sleeve midi sweater dress or shirtdress, trench or wool coat, and boots

While the younger generations are embracing the mini skirt, a midi-dress will always be in style, and whether you prefer floral or solid, stripe or anything in between, it will be a ‘yes’ as an effortless choice. Long-sleeve in every season except summer, a sweater dress in autumn and winter, a shirt dress in every season, throw over it a trench or a wool coat, slip on boots (knee-high or just above the ankle), sandals for summer, and you will always be in style.

11. The classic khaki trench, jeans, and a white button-up collared shirt

Last, but yep, I was saving it as it is the trusted go-to above all of the other outfits for its simplicity and ease to shop for, definitely not least – the denim jeans in the most flattering style for your silhouette, a trench (again, the length and hue that is best for you), and a white button-up. You really cannot go wrong as it lets you shine and speaks to your sensibility and awareness of the power of smart sartorial dressing.

~Shop a variety of different trench coat brands below~

With each of the items, it may take time to find the exact one you love, but when you do find it, rest assured that you will be able to wear it for years to come, mixing and matching with ease.

SIMILAR EPISODES/POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY

episode #263: Timeless Seasonal Style — Autumn in Britain

Let’s Go Shopping for that Timeless Trench Coat: 30+ Trench Coats at varying price points

What I Wore during My Recent Paris & England Trip – 6 Outfits for Spring Travel

Petit Plaisir

~The Antique Hunter’s mystery series

Learn more about the series in this detailed review post or listen to then concluding segment of today’s episode.

~Explore all of the episodes of The Simple Sophisticate here.

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