shoes & clothing, women in UK

Black pants, black Tee, lightweight sweater top or silk shell, a variety of shirts/jackets to wear over this combo along with some scarves. Take 3-4 pair of pants and same number of Ts. I like to take what I call "big shirts"- button up shirts that can be worn alone or over a T- good for layering- 2 or 3 is plenty. They serve as a blazer/jscket alternative. You could substitute a pair of grey or khaki pants if you want a little varitey. Or use 2 or 3 different colored Ts (I like red, cobalt blue and deep purple). Just be sure each item works with at least 2 or 3 others- ie- the jacket type tops should work with at least 2 (if not all) of your Ts- and the pants should work with ALL tops. I wear black walking shoes (leather). You could take one pair of "dress" shoes- a lightweight pair of flats or nice sandals if you want. And if you fell you must, a little black dress or skirt can work in lots of situations. Take one or two necklaces or broaches and one or two pair of earrings.

While I have gone to London on business and then some sight seeing I have done the dark clothes and worn slip on flat walking shoes that look stylish enough for work and comfortable enough for long walks. Please no gym "trainers" shoes and def. not white, they shout tourist in London. Have fun

Thanks to you both!

Unfortunately, some of us who have feet put together with screws, or worse, have no choice, at times, but to wear athletic walking shoes. It's not a fashion choice but a medical necessity.

In my job (hospital medicine) it's job interview type out-fit if you're speaking from platform, more casual if you're just observing. Not sure if this'll match up with your job though. Difficult ... It's very job specific. Should be the same as the US - medical one are all over the world.
S

Margaret,
I took 2 pair of casual shoes to England this past fall, a pair of black Merrell "mary janes" and a pair of dark gray New Balance "trainers" since we were planning to take several hikes. With black socks and trousers, the Merrells just sort of blend in. I made sure I wore them when we met our British friends in London to go walking on Hampstead Heath. She showed up in a pair of dark trainers! She just laughed and said her daughter hated it when she wore "those shoes", but they were so comfortable and practical for walking. (My friend is quite stylish, not frumpy!) So for the casual part of your trip you'd probably be fine with a "gym shoe" as long as it's a darker color rather than white or a bright neon. Or go with a Merrell or other nice walking shoe; some of the dark leather ones could even be your "professional" shoes.

I travel in a pair of black new balance shoes. They are a bit like runners (or trainers as the Brits call them) and I find I don't stand out. Then I keep a pair of black ballet flats to wear in the evening if I go out. Black pants for the evening with a nice top are my go to. Depending on your budget, you can also look at GEOX or ECCO brand shoes. They are sturdy for walking and do look too much like runners. CM

I swear by Doc Martens: http://www.dmusastore.com/c-3-womens.aspx Filter for "refined" and you will see some really good looking and AMAZINGLY comfortable shoes. I wouldn't be caught DEAD in a frumpy trainer, but I am fattish and need support when walking, and my Docs are a beloved friend when I travel. (I like Corin, Deirdre, Carrigan and the 8065 Mary Jane. Also own the basic Vintage model.) I've recently experimented with bringing - gasp! - a suit along to Europe. Two piece, jacket and pants, tropic weight wool with a trace of spandex. Packs like a dream, and actually looks presentable - like real clothing. I can split up the pieces, too, which makes it very practical. I also recommend jeans, even though Rick doesn't. A great-fitting pair of jeans blends in practically everywhere when you are sight-seeing - just as long as you don't commit Mom Jean!

Actually my "feet" which require special support do better in some other options then "gym shoes' Depending on the shoe you may not be getting much for your money :) I use Merrills' with my insoles and that works fine, but the only way to know is to spend a lot of time trying shoes on and then wear them a lot before you get on the plane! :)

We have been in London three years in a row for a total of five weeks. I always wear black Munro's. They are suitable for walking and for dress. You can buy them on-line from Zappos.com or at some Nordstrom's, or at Nordstrom.com. You get free shipping (both directions) from Zappos. They have very simple returns. Nordstrom also has free shipping. You just have to return them to a Norstrom or send them back by mail. I wore the same Munro's two years in a row and still wear them. I also bought Munro sandals and wore them for three weeks straight. Then when we returned from Europe, I took them to Nordstrom for refurbishing. They look like new after spending $12.