Downtown Girl: The Ultimate Guide

Summer may be upon us but it’s never too early for some Autumn wardrobe inspo. The oversized jumpers you tossed aside in a previous lifetime? They’re having a moment, and god, are we here for it.  

We’re talking The Gilmore Girls, Keira Knightley in *that* Love Actually scene... pretty much every cozy grunge-fem gal you’ve encountered over the last twenty years. If this understated, effortlessly cool, and utterly timeless look is right up your street (see what I did there?), this guide is your go-to for embodying the Downtown Girl. 

The style is defined by bagginess, neutral tones and an overall bohemian sentiment. Think ‘frazzled English woman’ but a little more punk. There’s room to experiment and tailor your vibe to the occasion, so play and have fun with it! 

A casual, productive morning calls for jeans and a grey hoodie. Should you get flustered running around, you might need to lose a layer: a plain white t-shirt would go perfectly underneath. And what would Rory Gilmore pair with jeans and a hoody? You guessed it, low top converses.   

If you’re poking around the shops or a museum, you might be in the market for a statement piece. A tartan skirt, sheer black tights and a jumper would give early noughties Rachel Green a run for her money. Chunky black lace-ups are sure to create that preppy, sassy finish.   

We all like to step it up for our friends or partner, or even just ourselves – solo outings are a form of self-care, ya know. Think of this look as a jazzed-up, slightly more sophisticated version of the city outfit. A black buttoned jumper, a skirt with tights and heeled ankle boots combo strikes just the right note for an indulgent date night. Then, add delicate jewellery such as small, simple hoop earrings or a dainty chain necklace and you’re good to go. 

Jumpers and hoodies can be swapped for cardigans and jackets – the key, as mentioned earlier, is baggy and neutral: tones and shapes that evoke the colder seasons. 

None of these looks are complete without accessories – tote bags, over-ear headphones and claw clips really round off the ensemble, evoking a chic, unbothered queen energy. And if you can’t wait ‘til Autumn, swap the jumpers for loose band t-shirts and play pretend. Summerween is a thing, you know. 

And with that, you’re ready to sip coffee in bookshops and look mysterious. Autumn girlies unite!