Although super cliché and predictable, being an American student in London has made me experience different fashion and beauty trends. Being from small rural areas in the U.S., I think I can speak for most Americans in saying that fashion and beauty hacks are no where near as edgy and expressive as they are in England. These are five beauty and fashion trends that I’ve seen in London culture, along with affordable methods to achieve these trends as a college student.
1. Oversized Clothing
Personally, I feel like this is a trend is happening globally, especially with the pandemic, as people are staying at home due to the lockdown measures (therefore, no need to dress up). However, I saw this trend happening in Europe for some time now. I especially love this trend because it is comfy and stylish simultaneously and flatters all types of bodies.
Some great places to look for baggy sweatshirts, jeans, t-shirts, etc. include:
- ASOS
- Missguided
- Amazon (yes I know, but trust me they have everything)
- Ebay (for vintage/original pieces)
- Vinted/Depop
2. Colurful Geometric Eyeliner
The next beauty trend I have taken notice to is the colorful geometric eyeliner. I have also seen this style with nails, and usually involve multiple colors. Although, makeup can be hard at times, especially with someone who does not have a steady hand (aka me), I have found a couple of hacks that have worked well. Firstly, using scotch tape on the corner of the eye can get a super sharp eyeliner for those that are not as skilled in the makeup department. You can also achieve this same sharpness with using a bit of translucent powder to clean up any mistakes. This beauty trend is super fun and I love seeing the different techniques people use to create a small work of art.
Some great places to look for affordable colored eyeliners include:
- Amazon
- Boots (NYX, Makeup Revolution, etc.)
- Elf Website
- Glossier Website
3. Co-Ord Outfits
This trend is one of my favorites, just because I feel like it looks so put together, without feeling super put together. I have noticed the co-Ord outfits in all variations: sweatsuits, workout set, skirt and a cropped top-the list really does go on. Once again, I feel like this trend is timeless and can make something so simple and comfortable look classic and put together.
Some places to look for Co-Ord sets (sweatsuits, blazer/trousers, workout, etc.) include:
- Monki
- ASOS
- Missguided
- Amazon
- Pretty Little Thing
- Boohoo
4. Low Slick Back Bun
The first time I noticed this trend was through taking the tube in one of my first weeks in London. Almost every girl on the tube had their hair pulled back with gel and a middle part, and each one looked so good in their own way. The way to achieve this is of course to part your hair down the middle, and then gel back the sides. This looks super good and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. You can even get a bit crazy and add clips or other hair accessories to dress it up even more.
Some places to get gel, comb, other hair accessories to achieve this look:
- Boots
- Tesco/Sainsbury
- Pound Land
- Amazon
- Shien
5. Patterns- On Literally Everything
This last trend is one of my favorites just because it is so unique and fun regardless of what the patterned item is. This can be accessories-earrings, purses, shoes, etc. or the actual outfit itself. I have noticed this trend includes crazy color palettes and layering of patterns on top of one another, which can seem bold and daring, but super cute if done correctly. It can even be super subtle through rings or smaller earrings.
Some places to get patterned pieces include:
- Amazon
- Etsy
- Shien
- ASOS