Some say that the clothes British people wear are British style. But is that really true? Just because someone lives in the UK doesn’t mean they dress in British style. Modern British people often wear contemporary outfits that may not represent true British style.
True British style refers to traditional clothing that has distinct British characteristics, which can be seen as a kind of retro attire. Modern Brits wear modern fashion. For example, the outfit I referenced—shirt, sweater, and jeans—is not British style; it reflects contemporary youth fashion.
There’s also a misconception that you have to be slim to pull off British style. This is false! In British style, fit matters, but it doesn’t equate to being thin. Many confuse fitted cuts with modern street fashion, while British tailoring focuses on being well-fitted and flattering.
To understand how to achieve British style, we first need to define what it is:
- Traditional British Women’s Clothing: Can historical outfits be considered British style? For example, costumes from the Tudor period or Victorian era are beautiful but not practical for modern wear. Although the 1920s brought more relaxed silhouettes, like loose dresses, these are also quite dated.
- Women’s Wear with Clear British Elements: Modern men’s suits have developed over the past century, with many items still worn today. For instance, the rough wool three-piece suit worn by women is a perfect example of women wearing traditional menswear. Classic British elements include Harris tweed, trench coats, newsboy caps, and various traditional British patterns.
- Mixing British Elements with Modern Fashion: Combining British elements with contemporary pieces is also a valid approach. For example, a tweed shooting jacket paired with wide-leg pants or a Harris tweed cap with modern denim can create a stylish look.
summarize:
- Not every outfit worn by British people is “British style,” just as not every outfit worn by Chinese people is “Chinese style.”
- The scope of British style is broad: it includes traditional women’s clothing, women’s wear of traditional menswear, and modern mixes.
- To better embrace British style, research traditional British women’s and men’s clothing can be very helpful.
- The more British elements in your outfit (aim for at least two-thirds), the stronger the British style.
- Accessories like hats and scarves can enhance the British vibe of your outfit.