What to Wear in London in September

London in September is more haute than hot

September is a busy time in London, but unfortunately the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Not only are multiple festivals taking place, but this is also when London Fashion Week occurs and designers show off their Spring/Summer collections. This makes it particularly important to look chic in September.

Expect a drizzle

Even London’s tourism site admits that this city’s weather is particularly unpredictable, so checking the weather before going out is always a good idea. September still falls within London’s tourist season, which extends from the end of March through September and into October, but September is nearing the end of summer. As the third warmest month, average temperatures for September hover in the low 60s, with the average high topping off at 66 degrees F and the low coming in at 54 degrees F – and there is always chance of rain. Though rainfall averages only a little over 2 inches this month, it’s spread across 15 days. That means there’s a 50/50 chance of a drizzle throughout the month.

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Wear a jacket

Luckily, September isn’t a particularly warm month in London, so it won’t be too much trouble to wear a lightweight jacket. Other than that wardrobe staple, plan to dress appropriately for specific events and outings.

If going to fashion week, make sure to wear something that’s en vogue but can be complemented by a jacket. There are lots of unspoken wardrobe rules for fashion week – like wearing the designer’s clothes to the show when possible – but make sure to be prepared for anything. No one wants a pair of suede shoes getting ruined by a few puddles in the street. For a day of sightseeing or walking around the Totally Thames festival, wear comfortable, waterproof footwear.

The rule of thumb for dressing in London in September should be to check the weather, dress appropriately and be sensible. With a little planning and a good waterproof jacket that works with layered clothing, you'll be ready for any adventure that presents itself.

Dress to impress

While London may have unpredictable weather, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s a metropolitan city like many in the U.S. Aside from a nearly mandatory umbrella and lightweight coat, dress will depend on the occasion. For everyday sightseeing and running errands, jeans and a shirt are perfectly acceptable, but to enjoy some of the city’s finer offerings, a nicer ensemble may be needed. Men can sometimes get away with jeans and a sports coat at restaurants, but call ahead to make sure more formal wear isn’t necessary. Women should dress “smart” in order to fit in like a local. London is an old European city with a long history of famed tailoring, so dressing down isn't usually an option if you want to fit in with the locals. With designers like Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, hailing from London is safe to say that a shapely pencil skirt and blazer will do the trick for many occasions, and don't be afraid to add a bit of floral prints to brighten up the ensemble.