I Just Got Back From London—5 Things All the Coolest People Are Wearing There

London just does autumn fashion so well, and with some very UK-coded items trending this season (barn jackets, we see you), it only makes sense that the city felt especially cool when I visited from New York City last week. I was, as always, on the lookout for stylish pieces that seem synonymous with the local fashion set, and I have to say that I was truly thrilled with the chic yet low-key vibe that's currently trending across the pond.

Whether they were scooping up their flat whites from Jolene's in Shoreditch or Ralph Lauren on Bond Street, denim was very much the order of the day—so much so that, as someone who didn't bring a pair of blue jeans with me for this trip(?!), I could not wait to wear them when I got home. From classic outwear to highly wearable footwear to trending accessories, here are the key pieces Londoners are currently wearing on repeat with jeans this season.

1. Skinny Belts

Style Notes: The biggest trend takeaway from my trip? Ultra-skinny belts worn imperfectly with wide-leg denim. Please, pay no mind to the fact that it will be swimming in the too-big belt loops of those baggy jeans. That off-kilter alignment with the waistband only adds to the effortless vibe.

Shop Skinny Belts:

& Other Stories

Square-Buckle Leather Belt

£37

TOTEME

Embellished Croc-Effect Leather Belt

£240

COS

Skinny Leather Belt

£35

KHAITE

Lucca Snake-Effect Leather Belt

£870

BOTTEGA VENETA

Leather Belt

£530

Anderson's

Horsebit Buckle Leather Belt

£67

2. Barn Coats

Style Notes: I'm sure it seems obvious that we are never going to get through this story without a nod to barn coats, but something in me wondered whether London would be embracing their Barbour quite as much this season, or slightly shying away given all of us peasants are now embracing the trend. Turns out, the English aren't thinking about us at all. Contrast corduroy collars were everywhere, per usual.

Shop Barn Coats:

Barbour

Barbour Highclere Wax Jacket

£448

ZARA

Zw Collection Pocket Jacket

£80

Mango

Bristol Check Oversized Parka, Navy

£120

Pilcro

Pilcro Utility Swing Jacket

£148

MANGO

Turtleneck Parka With Pockets - Women | Mango United Kingdom

£150

Reformation

Harrison Utility Jacket

£248

3. Colourful Retro Sneakers

Style Notes: The era of trying to find my trainers among the slew of classic white Sambas with their navy stripes piled at the entry of my Pilates studio seems like a lifetime ago. While the low-top, vintage-inspired silhouette remains a mainstay of the fashion crowd, there was a rainbow of sneakers peeping out below London's denim. Wales Bonner collabs are always top of mind, plus any styles that mix in some on-trend suede.

Shop Retro Sneakers:

ASICS

Skyhand Og Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers

£105

NIKE

Cortez Leather and Suede-Trimmed Shell Sneakers

£80

Adidas Originals

Gazelle Bold Trainers in Burgundy Velvet

£95

Puma

Puma Palermo Vintage Trainers in Pink

£75

VEJA

Veja Campo Suede Trainers in Pink

£125

adidas

Adidas Vl Court 3.0 Trainers in Dark Green

£65

4. Herringbone Coats

Style Notes: Heritage fabrics never seem to be far from view in London, from tweed blazers to plaid-lined trench coats. Right now, it's menswear-inspired herringbone coats that are the moment. Wear them long, a little oversize, and with shoulder pads (optional but encouraged). When it comes to the styling, a quick denim note: I'm very into the above pairing of a tailored, winter-ready coat that's contrasted with super-relaxed, faded, summery jeans. I think this is a 10/10. Feels very cool.

Shop Herringbone Coats:

RO&ZO

Wool Blend Herringbone Coat

£229

ACNE STUDIOS

Oversized Belted Herringbone Wool-Blend Coat

£1500

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

Belted Herringbone Wool and Cashmere-Blend Coat

£6900

ZARA

Soft Oversize Coat

£70

Free People

Molly Tweed Coat

£188

hush

Rose Check Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat

£239

5. Woven Leather Bags

Style Notes: Speaking of pairing (supposedly) off-season things with autumn fashion, woven leather handbags missed the memo that they're typically thought of as summer accessories. From chic shoulder bags to practical weekday totes, it was giving everyone the air of having come straight from the airport having arrived from somewhere warmer.

Shop Woven Leather Bags:

Melie Bianco

Melie Bianco Larissa Woven Faux-Leather Shoulder Bag

£88

SERAPIAN

Secret Small Woven Leather Tote

£1860

& Other Stories

Large Braided Tote

£225

DRAGON DIFFUSION

Japan Woven Leather Tote

£362

LOEWE

Hammock Woven Leather Tote Bag

£3000

BOTTEGA VENETA

Hop Small Intrecciato Leather Tote

£2870