In a few days, I’ll be on a flight from JFK to Heathrow for a work trip that involves everything from fashion dinners to the Formula One British Grand Prix. The forecast is pretty clear in London, with only one or two days of predicted rain and temperatures around the 70ºF mark, but when I posted a question about what to bring on my IG Stories, my friends across the pond gave me varying responses. Some told me it was cool at night and warm in the daytime and to bring layers, and others claimed it was sweltering and the fewer clothes I pack the better. Without a clear answer, I have no choice but to go off instinct alone, prioritizing summer trends and crossing my fingers that 70ºF in London means the same thing as 70ºF in NYC. I’ve never flopped in the packing department in all my 28 years, and I refuse to let my streak end now.
Since I almost never bring more than what will fit in my Tumi carry-on suitcase, especially for a quick four-night trip, I’ll be packing pretty light, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not strategically planning every outfit to peak perfection. Ahead, discover which seven summer trends I’ve decided to bring along with me and another seven that will be staying back home in NYC for the week. Expect to find lots of white and breezy fabrics, statement bottoms, and flats so that I can walk Silverstone’s 3.66-mile track and London’s 607 square miles (or at least a portion of that) without issue. Scroll down to see what made the cut.
Bringing: Capri Pants
Leaving Behind: Bermuda Shorts
It’s not that I’m a Bermuda-shorts hater—I actually like them in theory. That being said, I haven’t quite figured out how to style them in a way that works for me. On the other hand, capri pants are all I’ve really wanted to play around with styling-wise this summer, so yes, they’re coming with me, and yes, I’ll wear them a lot.
Shop capri pants:
L’Academie By Marianna
Athina Capri Pant
Bringing: All-White Outfits
Leaving Behind: All-Black Outfits
If you know me at all, you’re well aware of the fact that I love wearing all black. At least 50% of my closet is black, between dresses, suiting, and separates. In the summer, however, I simply cannot handle wearing more than one black piece at a time. It’s too warm, as the color absorbs all of the heat. Meanwhile, the sun reflects off of white clothing, making it far more wearable this time of year. Everyone keeps saying that London’s so hot right now, so I’m playing it safe and going with all white for this trip.
Shop an all-white outfit:
A New Day
Mel Sheer Mesh Ballet Flats With Memory Foam Insole
Bringing: Halter Necklines
Leaving Behind: Silk Slips
Silk slips work for almost any occasion—except when it’s hot and you plan on spending a lot of time outside in the sun. Silk shows your sweat more than almost any other fabric, and unlike other fabrics, you oftentimes can’t just wash or dry-clean away a sweat stain. Instead of bringing along scoop-neck silk camisoles or dresses, I’m opting for halterneck alternatives in poplin and lightweight knit fabrics that are easier to wash, steam, and tackle the heat in.
Shop halterneck tops and dresses:
Tove
Quinn Cotton Midi Dress
& Other Stories
Ribbed Halterneck Top
Bringing: Knit Flats
Leaving Behind: Fisherman Sandals
It’s funny. I actually think I see fisherman sandals on Londoners more than fashion people in any other city (at least on Instagram), but the style just has never been for me. I honestly don’t really wear flat sandals all that often, and the only real flats that I enjoy are sandal alternatives like mesh, net, or knitted ballet options, with the latter being my favorite at the moment. I’ve been in love with Hvóya’s crochet style for over a year now. Meanwhile, Toteme’s silver pair is sitting in my shopping cart at NAP, waiting to be overnighted ahead of my trip.
Shop knit flats:
Hvóya
Merezhyvni Woven Flats
TOTEME
Metallic Knitted Ballet Flats
Reformation
Britt Ballet Flat
Bringing: A-Line Skirts
Leaving Behind: Miniskirts
I love a miniskirt just as much as the next person, but for a work trip, I prefer to stick with longer, more versatile skirt options like the A-line styles I’ve filled my closet with over the last year. With warmer weather on the forecast, poplin and linen are really the only appropriate materials to choose from, both of which are billowy and lightweight but still elegant.
Shop A-line skirts:
Róhe
A-Line Cotton Poplin Skirt
Bringing: Double Denim
Leaving Behind: Suiting
Since I don’t have anything too formal on my itinerary for the trip, I plan to avoid bringing any suiting that will need to be steamed or ironed on my trip. To get the same coordinated look with none of the hassle, I’m packing my favorite double-denim ensemble by Levi’s. What I love about this combo for trips is that you can wear the jacket and jeans separately and together, creating at least three outfits with only two pieces.
Shop a double-denim outfit:
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
Bringing: Red Pants
Leaving Behind: Crochet Pants
If I were heading to a beach town in Europe, maybe I’d swap these two bottoms in my carry-on. Since I’ll be in London, I’m leaving my crochet pants at home and bringing along the latest trend I’ve added to my wardrobe: red pants. This trend is growing quickly, with Elsa Hosk and Jennifer Lawrence both donning it in the span of a few weeks. Here, Hosk styled them for a Scandi summer, according to her Instagram, but they’ll be just as fitting for a hotter location paired with a cool tank or tee and jelly sandals à la Lawrence.
Shop red pants:
COS
Extra Wide-Leg Drawstring Denim Pants
Abercrombie & Fitch
Linen-Blend Pull-On Pant
