Quintessential British Style: What It Is and How to Get It

As some of you may have realized from reading my post on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, I am a Brit abroad, so while I wouldn’t call myself an expert, I think I’ve got a pretty decent handle on the essence of Brit style. London Fashion Week is known for the innovation, creativity and quirkiness of its designers, and British street style is no different. Below, the essential guide to Alexa Chung-worthy awesomeness.

The vibe: quirky, cool, a melting pot of influences and themes

The key word: creativity

Poster girls: Alexa Chung, Mary Charteris, Susie Bubble, Kate Moss (duh)

Key trends: colour-blocking (usually with loud, clashing Pantone shades like hot pink and cool mint) or bright colours, festival chic, prints (clashing, natch), geek-chic glasses with thick black rims, brogues, shocking hair (blue, ombre, platinum), menswear-as-womenswear

Essential pieces: leather trousers/leggings, dark skinny jeans, boots (heeled or flat, make them lace-ups for extra points; also, riding boots), a block-colour piece (blue trousers, orange jacket, etc.), scarf (Hermes-style, ethnic print or pashmina), motorcycle jacket, something with military influences or khaki, eccentric shades (heart-shaped, crazy colours, thick rims), brogues, light denim (distress optional), black tights

Bun or ponytail? Bun (usually a topknot)

Heels or flats? Flats. Boots, lace-up shoes of any kind, brogues, Converse, Keds and Dr. Martens are all common.

iPod rotation? Arctic Monkeys, Adele, Muse, Coldplay, Radiohead, U2, Goldfrapp, Chemical Brothers, Florence + The Machine

National treasures: HRH (God save the Queen!), Adele, Susan Boyle, Diversity, Kate Moss, Chris Hoy, Rebecca Adlington, Tom Daley, Jess Ennis, Alexander McQueen

Laura Hunter-Thomas,

Ici Fashion