I’ve been thinking a lot about British style recently and what it means to me and why I choose to dress the way I dress. My style has definitely changed over the years and I finally feel like I have found the right style for me - midi dresses, colour, print, checks and easy relaxed shapes yes please! Certain British icons always spring to mind when I think of fashion and my influences - from Alexa Chung, Twiggy, Kate Moss and Princess Di to iconic brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Laura Ashley and Burberry. I feel that the definition of British style is individuality, a disregard for the norm and that we are certainly more willing to take fashion risks than many of our European neighbours! We love to create our own unique and eclectic looks, ranging from punk to polished and always mixing high street, vintage, boutique brands and designer. It’s ok to be different and quirky, putting our own spin on trends and looks, mixing colour and pattern in our own ways.
I think we are more aware than ever of the damage from the fashion industry on our planet and the importance of vintage, re-sell sites and slow sustainable brands are now much higher up on our shopping requirement and destinations. We are also being heavily influenced by the tribes of women we see on social media - from the neutral brigade to the dopamine dressers - sharing their own unique ways to wear and outfit ideas. Colour - from navy to pops of lilac and green are more important than ever when I consider what I wear and denim/ indigo is such a modern neutral that I certainly live in.
Dress by Jutine Tabak, Bag Wicker Wings both at Percy Langley
British wardrobe staples in my eyes would definitely be the trench (thanks to Burberry), a floral dress (Laura Ashley such an influence here!), a blazer, a black rollneck and loafers. We are very good at mixing the classics with more contemporary pieces to update our looks each season. We are obsessed with the weather here in the UK and layers tend to be our go to pieces whilst we wait for it to get warmer or get colder.
Dress by Aligne back with Ellapopshop Vintage Laura Ashley knit, Wicker Wings Bag and The Wellworn patchwork gilet all available at Percy Langley.
Emily and Lovely wear The Felicity Dress and I wear The Rosalie Dress both by The Well Worn made in deadstock fabrics.
This navy check seersucker dress (worn above) is my top pick for Spring Summer and definitely defines my style - easy to wear with a relaxed fit, worn belted or loose, statement sleeves and can be worn dressed up or down with boots or sandals…it’s by newish British small brand Aligne who work hard to be as planet friendly as possible and have good price points too.
I’ve been loving the new season at Percy Langley who I have supported for a couple of years now. Their ‘collective of independent designers spearheading the slow fashion movement’ always defines great British style, from William Morris and Liberty prints to vintage 70’s shapes and pretty attention to detail. They represent the modern British aesthetic and charm of trans-seasonal pieces that will work hard in your wardrobe whilst being kinder to the planet.
Above: Dresses to be worn all year round - Gingham Dress by Aligne and Denim Dress by Dilli Grey at Percy Langley.
Percy Langley champion slower fashion - they have smaller runs, many made here in the UK with more sustainable production methods and eco conscious commercial practice. They are also working with some of the most sought after British independent designers including Justine Tabak, Aligne, Minkie, Albaray and The Well Worn.
Above: Annie Dress - made to order in the prettiest Liberty print fabric, statement sleeves, mini cord trim and ruffle details by Minkie at Percy Langley. Please note the sleeve length is actually full length with a small cuff frill.
I’ve created a few looks with some Percy Langely pieces that I feel define my style at the moment but would love to hear how you define your style and what pieces are important to you in your daily wardrobe.
Above: Gingham Sleeve Top by Aligne - perfect back with jeans, trousers or skirts.
Above: A British classic - Vintage 80’s Navy Trench by Ellapopupshop at Percy Langley Spitalfields. Colour pop upcycled bag by LPOL made from surplus and dead stock materials.
This unique Ophelia Set in peach by Attique is made from drapey damask fabric and would be so fun to wear to a wedding or somewhere on holiday like Palm Springs! Such a playful co-ord with all the British vintage vibes!
This denim skirt is a brilliant wardrobe staple (more stock coming in May!) and even featured in Vogue recently, I’ve teamed it back with a pretty blouse by Justine Tabak and Cable Knit by Aligne.
SEE MY EDIT FOR PERCY LANGLEY HERE
Percy Langley also have a shop in Norfolk (37 North Street Burnham Market, Norfolk, PE31 8HG) and London (105a Commercial Street Spitalfields Market, London, E1 6BG). Otherwise you can shop most pieces online:
This post is sponsored by Percy Langley, please note pieces were loaned to be photographed. All opinions expressed are my own and outfits styled by me!