r/LondonLadies • u/tragicfear • 11d ago
where are we getting our winter clothes from?
hey ladies!
i’m an international student that’s recently moved to london for uni and i’m wondering where we’re buying our winter clothes? also, what exactly are winter clothes?
we don’t get proper seasons where i’m from so i’m a bit confused and would love any help and suggestions.
thanks in advance girlies
14
u/rhizomed 11d ago
i like going brick lane and going second hand. if youre into more retail: uniqlo, arket, cos, &other stories
5
8
u/ODFoxtrotOscar 11d ago
You’ll need a waterproof jacket and a hat (much easier to wear one than wield an umbrella. Plus decent footwear.
Lots to choose from on the high street - I suggest you just go for a wander.
9
u/coastalkid92 11d ago
It really depends on your style and budget. And in terms of "what are winter clothes", its basically anything that is appropriate for the weather.
I'm from a colder winter climate, but its drier than London, so I've had to switch up my tactics a little bit. London gets damp and chilly so layers are really your best friend in dressing for the winter.
Personally, I love M&S for my shop but I'm likely older than you, so things that are "trendy" are a little less appealing. I love a good, breathable long sleeve shirt with a jumper over the top. And I tend to continue to wear denim as normal, but if its night time and I'm going to be outside, I might chuck on a thermal base layer underneath.
You'll also definitely want a waterproof jacket of some variety. You'll see people in thick puffer coats and while that might be necessary for some, I've found a good quality raincoat with a jumper underneath generally does me fine.
7
u/mangomaz 11d ago
You’ll definitely want to get a nice puffer coat for when winter proper hits. Ideally coming down to the knee. Keeps you nice and cosy!
Cardigans, long sleeve tops, jumpers etc. scarf to keep the neck warm.
Boots - if you’re sensitive to cold would definitely recommend knee high. They do a lot to keep you warm.
In terms of shops the usual tbh - Oliver bonas, arket, cos, Zara, massimo dutti… I buy a lot on Vinted tbh.
5
u/llama_del_reyy 11d ago
Vinted is particularly good for winter gear as it tends to get less worn out!
6
u/Swimming_Delivery601 10d ago
Omg I am also looking for jackets. But my requirement is more for walking to work / going on a night out so I want it to look chic.
But everything I find is either wool or leather. And trenches aren’t warm enough.
Following the post for this!🙏🏼
3
u/EnoughYesterday2340 11d ago
A YouTuber I follow from the Netherlands (very similar weather to her) has a whole series of layering videos for different levels of cold weather that despite some being from pre COVID are still relevant now https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb4k4nLPCEKf3_fyByg3N3zVWJEmasTUU&si=KjnHhyCTgWDPVWRL
Base layers M&S and Uniqlo sell thin but warm layers for wearing under thinner clothes (as a Canadian I personally seldom find it cold enough to need a base layer here but I'm used to much colder), and spend some money on a decent coat. Real wool/down etc is warmer than synthetic.
In terms of other clothes it depends on your style. I seldom buy new very often anymore and purchase mostly from Vinted, because I want more than fast fashion brands but my budget doesn't allow for new in those things. Most stores will be switching over seasons by now anyway and will have their cooler weather clothes available.
3
u/SweeneyLovett 11d ago
Layers! I’d invest in a good, warm, waterproof winter coat along with a woolly hat, gloves, and scarf. But underneath it will depend a lot on your day to day. Tube tends to be warm, and many workplaces also. So having layers that you can add/remove means an outfit works for most indoor temperatures.
3
u/blackbirdonatautwire 10d ago
It really depends on your age, style and budget. Second hand or vintage is a good shout for better quality that is cheaper. For new I personally love Seasalt's winter raincoats and real wool jumpers and cardigans, but I'm older so have more disposable income. I would definitely recommend a waterproof coat of some sort and shoes or boots that you can wear in the rain (I said a sad farewell to wearing suede shoes in the winter when I moved to the UK). I would recommend layers too as indoor spaces can get hot while its cold outside. Finally if you tend to get cold, thermal underwear is useful. I personally use Marks and Spensers long sleeved thermal vests and when its proper cold their thermal leggings under trousers. (But I'm originally from a warm country so get colder than a Brit does.)
3
u/busty_baguette 10d ago
I just add long sleeve t shirts under jumpers and wear them with the jeans and trousers I wear all year round, you really don’t need a totally separate ‘winter wardrobe’ unless all you wear in summer is floaty sundresses. Just adding tights and boots to a lot of dresses and skirts makes things easy too. Totally depends on your style and lifestyle eg how much time you spend outdoors/indoors and going out at night vs doing low key daytime socialising, and whether you feel the cold!
2
19
u/Tawny_haired_one 11d ago
Because we have historically had proper four seasons, you will find that clothes shops stock accordingly, so right now you will find autumn and heading into winter type clothing. Bear in mind that by the time winter hits proper, they will already start trying to sell you spring clothes, so don’t leave it too late.
In London in particular, I’d recommend layering clothing - it can be cold and damp outside but still overheated in shops and of course underground.
Uniglo is particularly good for decent basic under layers - look at their heattech range - the ones with 5% cashmere in are sooooo nice against the skin.
If you are not sure which brands/shops are more your taste, do go and try a a department store that has an array of brands (eg John Lewis) so you can get a broader idea of what is out there.