I’m Moving to London and These 16 Non-Negotiable Fashion Staples Are Coming with Me

Name: Joe’s Jeans The Ryan Oversized Baggy Jeans
Brand: Joe’s Jeans
Price: 248 USD

It’s a good list, innit?

Author image: Stephanie Meraz Editor Bio Picture: editor with brunette hair in purple set at a beach in Cabo.

By Stephanie Meraz

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Published Oct 22, 2024

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In less than two weeks, I’ll be boarding a one-way flight to London—something I’ve been dreaming of for the last year and a half. I must confess that I’m eager to pop into Primark and Harrods, not to mention people watch on the tube and see what everyone in London is wearing this fall. But I’m getting ahead of myself…I have only two suitcases to pack and a closet full of jeans, T-shirts, accessories, blazers and coats, and I need to edit. If you want to take a peek into my suitcase, I’ve drawn up a list of 16 non-negotiable staples that are coming with me, from handbags to waterproof rainboots and a trusty trench coat.

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london-packing-list-fashion-editor Sézane Clyde Trench Coat

Sézane

1. Sézane Clyde Trench Coat

Sézane

It wouldn’t be right if I jetted off to London without a trench coat in tow, and I’m so excited to wear this Sézane beauty on the plane…and most likely every single rainy day. It’s designed with an oversize fit and straight silhouette that reminds me a lot of a classic Burberry trench, plus the organic cotton material is water repellent and equipped to handle a bit of rain. And, let me tell you, the interior check lining is even better in person and adds just a hint of texture and color to my minimalist wardrobe. As for sizing, I fluctuate between a 4 and a 6 and found the larger option to fit more comfortably on me with the possibility to layer underneath.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 0 to 16
Materials: organic cotton, polyester
Colors: 5

$350 at Sézane

Hunter

2. Hunter Original Tall Rain Boots

Hunter

I’ve been talking about the return of Hunter boots for many months now, and in the U.K., Wellies aren’t considered a trend, but rather an essential style in your footwear collection. Considering they’re made from a waterproof and durable rubber, I totally see the appeal when it comes to a city that sees quite a few rain showers. I’m excited to dress up my tall rain boots with fun knee-high socks, and I can’t wait to style them with shorts, jeans, dresses and everything in between.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 5 to 11
Materials: rubber
Colors: 9

$175 at Nordstrom

$175 at Hunter

Cupshe

3. Cupshe Knit V-Neck Top

Cupshe

V-neck knit tops like this are my type of 'going out tops' or date night blouses in autumn. It’s cozy, cute and most importantly warm—hence the knit fabric. It’s also subtly sexy, thanks to its low cut and slouchy-yet-tapered design. Best of all, there’s a string along the open back that’s intended to prevent the sleeves from falling off your shoulders.

Fast Facts

Size Range: S to XL
Materials: acrylic
Colors: 1

$27 at Cupshe

london-packing-list-fashion-editor Donnain Suede Leather Hobo Bag

Amazon

4. Donnain Suede Leather Hobo Bag

Donnain

There’s no gatekeeping here, so I’m about to let you in on this gem of an Amazon find—it might just be my favorite purchase of the year. You see, I love me an Amazon designer lookalike, so as soon as I saw this mini bag, I thought I’d stumbled across The Row’s ‘90s bag. Except this one is a fraction of the cost (I’m talking $60!) and in the supplest suede fabric. Trust me, the quality is beyond impressive, and the accessory looks just as luxe in person. Before you ask, yes it can fit my iPhone (and I have the obnoxiously large one, too).

Fast Facts

Size Range: one size
Materials: suede leather
Colors: 3

$60 at Amazon

Quince

5. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweater

Quince

Speaking of affordable pieces that have impressed me lately, this Quince sweater is at the top of the list. It’s made with 100 percent Mongolian cashmere that’s soft enough to sleep in and has no trace of itchiness whatsoever. When it comes to layering, an oversize fit is crucial, and this relaxed silhouette checks off all the boxes. It’s the perfect airplane sweater, so don’t be surprised if you see this tied around my shoulders on the flight over.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XL
Materials: Mongolian cashmere
Colors: 6

$100 at Quince

london-packing-list-fashion-editor Heaven Mayhem Mini Knot Mixed Earring

Revolve

6. Heaven Mayhem Mini Knot Mixed Earring

Heaven Mayhem

I don’t know about you, but these mini knot earrings from buzzy LA-based brand Heaven Mayhem have saturated my social media pages. The upturned nose to mixing metals is an outdated fashion rule the brand is putting a stop to, and one fashion rule I most certainly won’t be following with these stunners dangling from my ears. Despite their chunky size and dangly make, they’re surprisingly lightweight to the point where I forget that I’m wearing anything at all.

Fast Facts

Size Range: one size
Materials: silver plated metal
Colors: 9

$90 at Revolve

$90 at Heaven Mayhem

Aritzia

7. Aritzia Wilfred The Only Coat

Aritzia

I’ve had this Aritzia coat for a few years now, and it’s one of my most-worn winter jackets that truly keeps me feeling oh-so toasty while looking super stylish. It’s made with a luxurious wool and cashmere blend that the brand sourced from one of Italy’s premier mills, and it’s designed to withstand temperatures down to negative 4 degrees Fahrenheit. The quality is truly something to marvel at, as is its warmth and softness; however, I’m equally obsessed with its ‘lax design, from the dropped shoulders to the roomy fit, because it allows me to layer underneath without feeling like a stuffed sausage.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 2XS to XL
Materials: wool, polyamide, cashmere, cupro, polyester, elastane
Colors: 13

$350 at Aritzia

Inez

8. Inez Paloma Boots

Inez

After years of shopping for the best black knee-high boots, I’m happy to report that I finally found a pair that’s stylish, versatile and comfortable. They boast a soft square toe and semi-fitted silhouette that oozes ‘70s fashion. They’re also made in Spain from a luxe Italian calfskin leather and feature a plush insole developed by biomechanic engineers for a cushioned step, per the brand. Catch me wearing these into the ground with miniskirts, mini dresses, maxi dresses, leggings, you name it.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 6 to 10.5
Materials: calfskin leather
Colors: 3

$488 at Inez

Pomander Place

9. Pomander Place Moss Green Vivianne Dress

Pomander Place

I have to pack a dress for good measure—hey, I don’t know what my adventures in London will lead to—and this knitted mini dress is it. PureWow readers love it, and I totally get why. The mod-inspired silhouette is stylish, comfy and quite sexy for having a conservative amount of coverage. And I’m a big fan of three-quarter length sleeves and turtleneck design, especially when it comes to layering underneath coats. Do yourself a favor and don’t skimp on the accessories, like cuff bracelets, dangly earrings and statement belts.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL
Materials: rayon, polyester, nylon
Colors: 4

$128 at Tuckernuck

london-packing-list-fashion-editor H&M Rib-Knit Cardigan with Zipper

H&M

10. H&M Rib-Knit Cardigan with Zipper

H&M

This cardigan sold out in an instant last year before I could get my hands on it, so I’m thrilled to discover it’s back in stock and just as good as I remember. It has a high collar that feels just posh enough for west London and a ribbed design that looks cozy as can be. While I love a button-up cardigan just as much as the next girl, this zip-up design is a unique twist on a classic staple.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL
Materials: polyester
Colors: 2

$35 at H&M

Rothy’s

11. Rothy’s The Square Mary Jane

Rothy’s

I wear my Rothy’s Mary Janes more than any shoe I own, and coming from someone who’s never liked ballet flats, that speaks volumes. The machine-washable flats are known for having a pillow-like comfort and flexible knit fabric that’s designed to move and bend with your foot. In fact, you can roll them up into a ball to pack and they’ll still be ready to go as soon as you land. Whenever I need to wear a dressier shoe but want to prioritize comfort, I opt for these, especially if I know I’ll be getting a lot of steps in.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 5 to 13
Materials: knit made from plastic bottles
Colors: 9

$159 at Rothy’s

london-packing-list-fashion-editor Gap Supima Cotton Relaxed T-Shirt

Gap

12. Gap Supima Cotton Relaxed T-Shirt

Gap

Why is it such a universal struggle to find the best white T-shirt? It has to be thick, but not too thick, soft, lightweight and *not* see-through. Good news: This Gap shirt is all of the above. The relaxed, straight fit is comfortable without veering on boxy, and it’s the type of piece that can be dressed down or up without much effort, depending on how you style it. Honestly, I need it in every color.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL
Materials: supima cotton
Colors: 4

From $19 at Gap

Calpak

13. Calpak Luka Mini Tote

Calpak

I can’t wait to get my hands on Calpak’s newest addition to the cult-favorite Luka line—aka, the mini tote. You see, it’s made with a soft, puffy exterior that’ll withstand rain and feel comfortable when I sling it over my shoulder in a hurry. Plus, it has not one but two exterior phone pockets for when you need to hold onto your friend’s phone, not to mention multiple interior pockets that makes this Virgo one happy gal. You bet I’ll be using this as my everyday tote in London.

Fast Facts

Size Range: one size
Materials: polyester
Colors: 4

~~$75~~; $64 at Calpak

Oak + Fort

14. Oak + Fort Patterned Scarf

Oak + Fort

Oak + Fort makes my favorite fluffy scarves that have seen me through some of the coldest NYC winters. At 84 inches long and 14 inches wide, it has a super long length that’ll look chic when worn with a long coat. For my fellow minimalists, add it to your neutral fits for a subtle pop of color and texture.

Fast Facts

Size Range: one size
Materials: polyester
Colors: 4

$48 at Oak + Fort

london-packing-list-fashion-editor Sheertex Stubbornly Strong Sheer Rip-Resist Tights

Amazon

15. Sheertex Stubbornly Strong Sheer Rip-Resist Tights

Sheertex

The second it begins to drop in temperature, my Sheertex tights easily become one of the most-worn items in my drawer. Not only do they instantly elevate my outfits, but they provide an extra layer of warmth underneath dresses, skirts, holey jeans and shorts. Unlike my drugstore tights of the past, these babies are durable—standing up to hangnails, tugs and pulls (with long nails!) like a champ.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XXL
Materials: nylon, polyethylene, spandex
Colors: 1

$35 at Amazon

Joe’s Jeans

16. Joe’s Jeans The Ryan Oversized Baggy Jeans

Joe’s Jeans

Yes, Joe’s Jeans just did that. The denim brand has created the perfect baggy jean, thanks to fashion stylist and creative director Dani Michelle. It features an oversize relaxed fit that’s designed to sit on the hips and a long length that pools at the feet, making a high heel or bootie pairing that much cuter. Made with 100 percent cotton, these jeans have a rigid fit that’ll break-in and soften over time, and the dark vintage-inspired wash is a dream.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 23 to 34
Materials: cotton
Colors: 1

$248 at Joe’s Jeans

$248 at Nordstrom

Stephanie Meraz

Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

Covers all things fashion and shopping
Boasts over 23 years of experience as an avid shopper, having secured a personal stylist at Limited Too at the age of four
Studied English literature, communications and creative writing at the University of San Diego, and completed the Columbia Publishing Course at Columbia University in New York

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