London Fashion Week: Editor Style Essentials- Citizen Femme

London Fashion Week is upon us, which means the industry’s leading editors, stylists and writers are planning what to wear.

While the fashion world might sell you a different look each season, the reality is most editors stick to a tried-and-tested uniform they’ve been honing for years. There will always be influencers outside show venues in the latest, statement-making looks, but you’ll find most style insiders fall back on outfit formulas and wardrobe classics that imbue an alchemy of authority, taste and, increasingly, comfort. No one’s wearing towering heels anymore, instead the front row prefers a timeless loafer or a Cuban-heeled boot. Black will always be an editor favourite, but a colour palette of chocolate tones is also recommended, and a pair of perfectly cut jeans and a slouchy trench will take you a long way.

Here, we spoke to five editors to find out which styles they always wear during London Fashion Week. We’re talking the jeans one Vogue editor depends on, the outfit-completing high-street blazer, and the timeless trousers that add a touch of polish.

Alice Newbold-Smith, Vogue Executive Fashion News and Features Editor: wide-leg jeans

“My LFW wardrobe veers between Raey denim – I stocked up on the brand’s high-waisted, wide-leg jeans before it shuttered (weep) – and Simone Rocha dresses, always paired with adidas X Wales Bonner trainers and a fit-your-life-in Prada bag. There’s so much newness around show season, so I find it’s best to stick to the uniform that makes you feel most like yourself, rather than getting swept up by the street-style juggernaut that just keeps on chugging.”

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Kitty McGee, Stylist Executive Fashion and Beauty Editor: tailored trousers

“I’d describe my style as classic, minimal and pared-back. I don’t wear a lot of dresses so, for me, a brilliant pair of tailored trousers – usually in black – can really make an otherwise basic outfit look smart. I have a great, super high-waisted version from H&M Studio (sadly, no longer available, but these are similar), and a brilliant style from Mango (pictured below), which I wear with a small heel or rolled up at the waist if I’m wearing flats. My current favourites are from Me+Em, whose trousers are excellent – the brand has just launched a service called The Trouser Lab, which aims to help shoppers find their ideal silhouettes. I never want to look too done, so this September I’m wearing them with flats – either with black leather Me+Em sandals or my trusty Birkenstock Lutry clogs, which I re-buy regularly (they’re always in stock at Schuh). I add a crew-neck white T-shirt, a blazer if it’s chilly and maybe a knit draped over my shoulders too.”

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Emily Cronin, Freelance Editor and Writer: a great blazer

“When I think about how I want to feel at Fashion Week, it’s a blend of polished, comfortable, authoritative, stylish… and protected. A blazer delivers all of those traits and more, tying simple pieces together into complete looks. The style I’m wearing below at New York Fashion Week (although I have also worn it at LFW) is from & Other Stories. It’s no longer available sadly, but this one is similar. This season, I’m lining up blazers from Kallmeyer, Me+Em and Altuzarra (via TheRealReal) – the latter worn as a top.

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Hannah Lewis, Freelance Stylist and Creative Consultant: a cashmere triangle

“For me, it has to be a cashmere triangle. I have multiples in different neutral colours and they’re an amazing styling piece to finish a look. There’s so many ways to wear, for instance tied around your neck, over the shoulders or draped over your front for a cape effect. They’re also practical; in temperamental London weather, they’re super easy to put in your bag if it’s suddenly too warm and can be easily whipped out if it’s time to wrap up. Mine is from Almada Label, which is known for its quiet Scandi minimalism.”

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Rachel Story, Citizen Femme Style & Commerce Director: a power suit

“For me, a suit is always a go-to for Fashion Week – it strikes that perfect balance of feeling pulled-together yet effortless (and comfortable, which is key!). I’m always drawn to details that add a point of interest, whether it’s a sharp shoulder, a belted waist, or a modern cut that keeps it from veering into corporate territory. Beyond the shows, a well-tailored suit is a true investment piece. It’s versatile enough to wear as a set in a more casual setting with a white tee, or as separates that will carry you well past the Fashion Week circuit. I like a high-low mix too; the suit I’m wearing below is an old ASOS find, and the bag is by Fendi.”