Style School: 5 Layering Lessons We Learned From London Fashion Week’s Stylish Streets

london fashion week street style
Photographed by Phil Oh 

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The second stop of fashion month in London has come and gone, but it wouldn’t be over without Vogue’s roundup of the best dressed guests as captured by our resident street style photographer Phil Oh. Surveying his most recent crop of photos reveals the fashion crowd’s knack for inventive yet stylish layering. And it’s left us with a handful of ideas for dressing for the in-between season ahead.

Showgoers reworked a mix of classic it Brit items (think floral frocks, frilly skirts, and trench coats) with closet staples (moto jackets, crewneck knits, and pleated trousers) into cleverly layered looks. Here, shop 5 layering lessons we learned from London Fashion Week street style.

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Photographed by Phil Oh

Cinch a Coat With a Cardigan

Wearing a sweater around your waist isn’t a new style discovery by any means, but how about when it’s used as a coat-cinching belt? Break up solid-colored outerwear by tying a playfully printed knit around the waist, and voila! A fresh new way to layer the ultimate layering piece.

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Totême khaki quilted coat

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Molly Goddard Paola checked floral-jacquard cardigan

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Molly Goddard Allegra floral-print tiered cotton midi-dress

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Mulberry Big Softie bag

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Photographed by Phil Oh

Pretty Tough

Channel your inner biker ballerina by layering a leather moto jacket and black knit over a frilly-tulle skirted dress. These two opposing styles balance each other out in a lovely way. After all, opposites do attract!

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Deadwood Joan leather biker jacket

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Simone Rocha sequin-embellished cotton and tulle mini dress

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Wolford satin touch Comfort 20-denier tights

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Everlane cashmere crewneck

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Photographed by Phil Oh

Double the Trench, Double the Fun

Londoners often opt for their trenches and raincoats, but why choose between the two? Layer one of each on top of the other for an unexpectedly stylish yet practical approach to rain-proof outerwear. With London’s fickle weather, it’s best to be prepared!

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Kassl Editions Oil Convertible belted coated cotton-blend trench coat

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Rains jacket

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Another Tomorrow pinstripe wool-blend wide-leg trousers

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String Ting Venus Pearl Trap wristlet phone strap

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Photographed by Phil Oh

Day-to-Night Tops

A corset or crop top can be worn at any time and in any climate so long as it’s styled properly. Layer a knit under and puffer jacket over, and you’re ready for anything.

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Maison Margiela diamond knitted top

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Miaou orange Campbell corset

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By Far blue croc Rachel mini bag

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Shushu/Tong asymmetrical draped skirt

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Photographed by Phil Oh

Pleats Over Pants

Transitional dressing allows for creative styling, and now’s the perfect time to try the dress/skirt over pants look as we wait patiently for spring’s arrival. A flat shoe or loafer is a nice addition to the look, and gives those worn winter boots a break.

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Charles Jeffrey Loverboy Tamashana cotton-jacquard beret

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Uniqlo women wide pleated skirt

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Frankie Shop Varda pleated wool-blend twill wide-leg pants

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Acne Studios square-toe loafers