The LongLocks Salon - Message Boards for Long Hair Care, Hairstyles and Beauty

Cairn

Ex Member

Going to London - what to wear??
Jun 15^th, 2004 at 5:00am

I'm in need of some fashion advice...

My family is taking a trip to England in a couple weeks (my first time overseas!), and we will be spending a few days in London. I'm very excited to see the city, but I hate being a tourist. Does anyone know of any modest and inextreme British fashion trends I could try to imitate (with protection against pickpocketing not being the least of my motivations)? I'm hoping if I can fit in with the locals clothing-wise and walk far enough behind my very American-tourist family, it won't be so obvious that I'm from the U.S. Roll Eyes

I also plan on toting my camera around and taking lots of photos, so if anyone knows of a good way to disquise myself as a local journalist or photography student, that'd also be great. Tongue

I'm thinking Black...

I know it's really not a huge deal, and they probably don't dress all that differently in England anyway. But I really really hate being "touristy," and I love immersing myself in different cultures.

I've read that the one clothing item that really labels you as an American is blue jeans, but it seems like in western Europe enough people would wear them that it won't make a difference. I know they do in Germany, at least. I also like long skirts; is that too impractical for walking around all day?

Sorry about the long post; wanted to make sure I covered everything. Basically any advice on appropriate attire would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Back to top

IP Logged

leia

Diamond

Offline

Posts: 745
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Gender: female

Re: Going to London - what to wear??
Reply #1 - Jun 15^th, 2004 at 5:45am

That's so funny - I'm going to London soon, too! I go there every year, because I am British by nationality and my family lives there too.

Hmm.. fashion trends aren't that different (not that I know of anyway). I don't think "blue jeans" classifies you as American. I wear jeans all the time. One thing that REALLY makes someone look touristy is walking around with a map, LOL! But I wouldn't worry about that. There are lots of tourists.

Which part of London are you going to, do you know? Maybe I can help you sort of "navigate" if you need.. I know central London like the back of my hand Wink

. I live in the West 9 area, and know all the best shopping places, cinemas, etc.

Around the summertime, it gets REALLY hot. Make sure you check the weather report before leaving the house every morning, because the weather fluctuates a lot. It usually comes on the radio quite often, and you can check the t.v. too. Long, flowy skirts are lovely, as long as they are made out of cotton or something that won't make you too hot. "Casual" dress would probably be a tank top and jeans or something, really not too different from America (okay, I'm not too sure about this, I've never been to America, LOL! But I don't think I'm TOO far off!)

Your first time overseas - that must be really exciting! I must warn you, though, DON'T be too shocked at the prices there. Everything is expensive these days, LOL! And if you can, it's better to take the tube (um, subway? whatever it is that you call underground trains ???) or the bus rather than black cabs, because they can be really expensive sometimes.

Okay, I've rambled on enough. Let me know if you need anymore help! Grin

Back to top

~*Lioness*~

IP Logged

Kate

Emerald

Offline

Posts: 328
Linköping, Sweden
Gender: female

Re: Going to London - what to wear??
Reply #2 - Jun 15^th, 2004 at 12:47pm

Hi Cairn,

I grew up in the US but have lived in Europe for the last 8 years, so I know exactly what you're talking about.

For the most part, I agree with Leia. I'm pretty good at spotting American tourists nowadays, they're always the ones wearing white "walking" sneakers or Birkenstocks, loose t-shirts with weird slogans and "comfort-fit" jeans. If you stick to tailored jeans and simple cotton summer tops you'll fit in just fine. Wear comfortable shoes for goodness' sake, but preferably trendy sandals or something that doesn't scream TOURIST!

Skirts are so useful when traveling, I recommend a white, knee-length linen skirt that you can wear day and night. I also have a knee-length patterned skirt in that satiny material that NEVER wrinkles - this is a good thing! Just remember that your clothes should mix and match as much as possible, that way you avoid taking too much with you (leaving room for goodies to bring home!). Oh, and don't forget to bring a cardigan, nights can be chilly

Let us know how the trip goes!

/Kate

Back to top

IP Logged

Cairn

Ex Member

Re: Going to London - what to wear??
Reply #3 - Jun 15^th, 2004 at 4:13pm

Thanks for all the advice, leia and Kate! What you described sounds pretty much like what I wear already.

As far as transportation, we're actually renting a car; with six people in the family, my dad thought it'd be cheaper than paying tube fare for everyone. Roll Eyes

I think the hotel we're staying at is somewhere in central London, but I'm not really positive. I've heard things are pretty pricey; do you know of any less expensive places to shop? Is there anything we absolutely must visit? I've heard the British Museum is very worthwhile.

Back to top

IP Logged

Kate

Emerald

Offline

Posts: 328
Linköping, Sweden
Gender: female

Re: Going to London - what to wear??
Reply #4 - Jun 15^th, 2004 at 5:41pm

Ohh, I'm so envious - you're going to have a great time! Grin

Renting a car is a good idea, but driving in London is practically a religious experience. The first car ride I took through London (I've never driven) I kept my eyes shut half the time!

The British Museum is amazing, but immense. If you go there, pick a few specific things you'd like to see and skip the rest. You won't be able to do it justice. My most vivid memories are of the Egyptian and Babylonian statues (in the basement), the lovely Elgin Marbles and illuminated texts. Just follow your interests.

Make sure you don't tourist yourselves to death. Spend a day just meandering, sitting at cafés and people watching. And don't miss the fantastic Indian food, I'm craving it as I type! Otherwise, check out some up-to-date websites which can recommend restaurants and let you know what's going on while you're there.

Good luck!

/Kate

Back to top

IP Logged

flaming bunny

Emerald

Offline

Gothic Beauty

Posts: 374
magical forest in England
Gender: female

Re: Going to London - what to wear??
Reply #5 - Jun 15^th, 2004 at 8:19pm

i live just outside London and as long as you dont carry a huuuuge camera round your neck...have a huuuuge backpack and constantly look at a map....you wont look tourist-y. basically ALL teenagers around here wear jeans so i wouldnt worry (those 'distressed' worn looking jeans are quite 'in' at the mo).
as for your camera..just keep it in your bag and your bag close to you and you should be fine. i go to london every week and dont live in fear of pick-pockets...i just keep an eye on my bag.
just be you and ENJOY! london is FABULOUS!!!!! i love it. ooooh and if you want to see the galleries....go to the Saatchi (by the 'london eye') its where all the weird cows chopped up stuff is! its fascinating rather than gross.
hope that helps! lets us know about your trip when you get back! Grin

Back to top

My hair is:&&Golden Brown&&44" ~ thigh length&&Fine, but fairly thick&&my goal is knee length&&

IP Logged

Cairn

Ex Member

Re: Going to London - what to wear??
Reply #6 - Jun 16^th, 2004 at 12:29am

I'll have to inform my parents of some of this; I guess on the last vacation we took (to Las Vegas), they were so annoyed with us four kids griping the whole time about what we wanted or didn't want to do, that this time they decided that they will pick out all the activities and we'll have to do it whether we like it or not. I'm kind of worried because there's a lot I want to do that the rest of my family isn't interested in. Oh well, I'm sure I'll have fun regardless.

Back to top

IP Logged

leia Diamond Offline Posts: 745 Dhaka, Bangladesh Gender:	Re: Going to London - what to wear?? Reply #7 - Jun 16^th, 2004 at 1:51am How old are you? If you're old enough, then maybe you could go off on your own for a while and meet them back somewhere. It's really not that hard to get around. I think you'll really like visiting the musem. Don't forgot to go to Oxford street for shopping!
Back to top	~Lioness~ IP Logged

Rapunzel Global Salon Moderator Offline Life is like licking honey from a thorn. Posts: 674 East Nottingham, PA Gender:	Re: Going to London - what to wear?? Reply #8 - Jun 16^th, 2004 at 2:13am And definitely the Tower of London to see the crown jewels! I want the Star of Africa (the huge diamond in the sceptor).
Back to top	Susan Maxwell Schmidt LongLocks HairSticks Boutique Rapunzel never had it so good... http://www.longlocks.com Style & Angst - The LongLocks Blog http://www.longlocks.com/style-angst IP Logged

bikerbraid Shooting Star Offline Life is short, Break the rules Posts: 6569 Bike Paths of the Midwest Gender:	Re: Going to London - what to wear?? Reply #9 - Jun 16^th, 2004 at 10:15am Quote: And definitely the Tower of London to see the crown jewels! I want the Star of Africa (the huge diamond in the sceptor). That would make quite the hairstick topper!! ;D
Back to top	bikerbraid Global Salon Moderator LongLocks HairSticks Boutique http://www.longlocks.com Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.&&Life may not IP Logged

Rapunzel

Global Salon Moderator

Offline

Life is like licking honey
from a thorn.

Posts: 674
East Nottingham, PA
Gender: female

Re: Going to London - what to wear??
Reply #10 - Jun 16^th, 2004 at 1:41pm

LOL! You'd tip right over! :D

Seriously, that thing is so bright you can barely stand to look at it, it hurtz your eyes! I've been to London twice and both times I just *had* to go look at the jewels in the TOL. But the whole place is just fascinating, from Traitor's Gate to the carvings in the walls by prisoners doomed to die hundreds of years ago (creepy!), and the Beefeaters are so much fun!

OHohohoh! And Madame Tussauds! You gotta go there too. And shopping on Carnaby Street and the King's Road. Woohoo! What fun :D

Now, if you wanna talk about Paris I could just go on for daaaaays!

Back to top

Susan Maxwell Schmidt
LongLocks HairSticks Boutique
Rapunzel never had it so good...
http://www.longlocks.com
Style & Angst - The LongLocks Blog
http://www.longlocks.com/style-angst

IP Logged

Cairn

Ex Member

Re: Going to London - what to wear??
Reply #11 - Jun 16^th, 2004 at 4:39pm

leia, I'm 17, and while I know I could take care of myself (I've done it plenty of times in Chicago and Washington DC), I don't think my parents would agree. Roll Eyes

But most of what I really want to see is on Oxford, anyway, and I think we're taking a day-trip there. I do have a friend who lives in London, though; maybe my parents would trust me with her, if we're able to meet up...

oohhh, I can't wait to see the Tower of London! Though I'm more interested in the history and the stories of the people imprisoned there than the jewels myself. Wink

I believe the hotel we're staying at is right near Paddington Station. I hear they have a big Paddington Bear there. I'm excited to see that.

Is there anything else close by that we should see?

Back to top

IP Logged

leia Diamond Offline Posts: 745 Dhaka, Bangladesh Gender:	Re: Going to London - what to wear?? Reply #12 - Jun 17^th, 2004 at 1:31am Ooh, I was born in Paddington hospital! How long are you going to be there for?
Back to top	~Lioness~ IP Logged

Cairn Ex Member	Re: Going to London - what to wear?? Reply #13 - Jun 17^th, 2004 at 5:49pm Very cool I think we'll be in London for three or four days, but before that we're staying at a time-share resort in Warwickshire for a week.
Back to top	IP Logged

leia Diamond Offline Posts: 745 Dhaka, Bangladesh Gender:	Re: Going to London - what to wear?? Reply #14 - Jun 18^th, 2004 at 3:13am It'll be hard to squish so many things into such little time! You'll have long days, LOL! I suggest you write out what you want to do every day so you can get everything done
Back to top	~Lioness~ IP Logged

	Welcome, Guest. Please Login