After 13 years spent working in this industry, I have seen firsthand that fashion has the power to create positive change, and his sentiment was evident at the annual #SheInspiresMe Charity Car Boot Sale, hosted by Women for Women International in Selfridges’s car park in Central London earlier this month. The event brings together sellers from across the fashion industry, offering thrifty shoppers the chance to get their hands on pre-loved pieces that oftentimes are special, of a high quality and that they may have had their eye on for a while already. I must stress, this is no regular car boot sale where you have to hunt for a gem, if you’re lucky enough to find one at all.
With contributions from editors, influencers, style experts, big-name brands, and celebrities (i.e. the people with the most impressive wardrobes and the labels you’ll find within them), the pieces on offer are of an entirely different caliber to your local end of month car boot. So, when the opportunity presented itself for us to be in attendance to support, we naturally leaped at the chance, not only to hopefully snag something we love and contribute to the overall funds raised (more on that in a second) but to also document the chic outfits that we’re also on display.
We’re always interested in capturing real-life style in action, and the #SheInspiresMe sale proved a slew of chic street style looks for us to admire and, ultimately, document, We sent a photographer down to the event to capture the action—that’s right, our summer street style series is finally back for 2024—and what a way to kick it off! The variety of outfits was striking, all sharing a common thread of effortlessness and that eclectic fashion flair all the city’s inhabitant’s seem to share. Jeans paired with unique separates, dresses worn with trainers—these ensembles were easy to put together yet intentional in their makeup. In terms of colour, there were neutrals, as dictated by the wider trend cycle, but also colour, and talking pieces that make the outfits we saw all the more unique and individual-looking.
The event wasn’t just a feast for the eyes; it also raised more than £365,000 with 100% of the proceeds going towards supporting women survivors of war. This is over 30% more raised than last year’s event. Needless to say, this is truly worthwhile Saturday out and one I recommend you mark in your calendar when the 2025 date is released. Until then, scroll on to see the standout outfits from London this May, which are sure to serve as a source of inspiration for your own looks over the coming months, too, along with some shopping suggestions on handy items for re-creating their ensembles.
STREET STYLE LOOKS WE SPOTTED IN LONDON THIS MAY
Style Notes: Our assistant social media editor, Annie Wheatland Clinch, stopped by to soak up the atmosphere at the event, and did so in a trending gingham-print minidress which she expertly layered over some near-perfect straight-leg jeans.
Key Buy:
Reformation
Lovella Linen Dress
Style Notes: Sporting not just one excellent look between them but two, Lauren and Abbie’s roles as brand specialists at Selfridges mean they have an eye for a chic, statement-making piece. Between Ganni’s leopard jeans and that impressive Coperni floral heart bag, their looks are a proverbial roll call of cult pieces.
