While beauty (or fashion) is said to be in the eye of the beholder, there are certain cities that have a reputation for influential style – New York, Paris and Milan to name a few.
However, we can’t forget that the UK also has a wonderfully unique and diverse fashion scene, boasting a treasure trove of new trends and a host of legendary designers like Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney.
To uncover the most fashionable towns and cities on British soil, we’ve created an index by looking at the number of ‘#[CityName]Fashion’ hashtags on Instagram, the number of shopping listings on Tripadvisor, the number of thrift shops on Yelp, and the total monthly volumes for 50 top style-related terms searched for by the public within 121 UK major towns and cities.
Drumroll please…
The UK’s top 10 most fashionable towns & cities
Coming out on top, the most fashionable city in the UK is Bath! Boasting a whopping 93 shopping listings on Tripadvisor and 24 thrift shops on Yelp, it’s clear to see that this elegant, historic city knows a thing or two about fashion.
The north doesn’t fall far behind though. Achieving second place is Manchester – a city that’s become a hotspot for fashion bloggers and influencers exploring the character and individuality that it has to offer. Leeds sweeps the third position on our list – and it’s easy to see why. Offering an impressive number of shopping listings and thrift shops, as well as a strong interest in style-related search terms among its population, this West Yorkshire city is a fierce contender.
From their excellent shopping options to suit all personal styles to their Instagrammable photo spots that social media moguls can’t get enough of, here’s what we discovered about ten of Britain’s most stylish places.
1. Bath
A picturesque city steeped in history, not only has Bath featured in some of Britain’s best-loved period dramas, but it’s home to an incredible 9.94 shopping listings and 2.56 thrift shops per sq. mi. It’s fair to say that if you’re looking for a great city to go shopping in, Bath takes the biscuit!
Along with Bath’s Fashion Museum, a world-class archive of almost 100,000 fashion items from different time periods, you’ll find a special blend of vintage and contemporary stores. The city’s vibrant centre has six key areas – Central, Milsom Street, Walcot Artisan Quarter, SouthGate, Upper City and West Bath – though don’t forget to explore the side streets for quirky, independent shops off the beaten track.
Bath is the only designated UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a city in the UK, so it’s not surprising that it has plenty of photogenic spots to choose from. From the Roman Baths which are the city’s most famous landmark (for obvious reasons), to the swooping curve of the Royal Crescent with its cascading wisteria in the springtime, this small but oh-so-mighty city is bursting at the seams with historic architecture that makes for the perfect Instagram backdrop.
If it’s good enough for Jane Austen (who lived in the city in the early 19th century), it’s good enough for us!
2. Manchester
With a mighty 104,951 uses of the hashtag ’#ManchesterFashion’ and 17,610 monthly Google searches for style-related keywords, it’s no surprise that Manchester is second on our list of the most stylish British cities.
Away from the Big Smoke, Manchester is probably England’s best-known city when it comes to fashion. Though it’s no longer known as Cottonopolis (a nickname given to the city during the 19th century when it was the epicentre of the country’s cotton industry), you only need to take a stroll down its streets to see that Manchester is still very much on the fashion map.
Distinctive indie shops and eclectic vintage stores are in the celebrated Northern Quarter, while multi-million-pound brands have made the so-called ‘Capital of the North’ their new home. Manchester has become a magnet for the fashion-obsessed, with people in Greater Manchester spending an average of £1,007 on clothing and footwear (as of 2018[1]). Though you can find a menagerie of popular high-street shops and designer brands, we can’t talk about Manchester’s style without mentioning Affleck’s Palace. It’s an Aladdin’s cave of alternative clothing and unique accessories you won’t find anywhere else.
3. Leeds
Taking third place is Leeds. Once a textile powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution and more recently (well, in 1996) hosting the first Harvey Nichols store to open outside of London, Leeds has played a key part in the UK’s fashion history – and continues to do so. The ‘Knightsbridge of the North’ now offers a sizeable number of shopping listings and thrift shops (93 on Tripadvisor and 93 on Yelp), as well as 27,833 uses of the ‘#LeedsFashion’ hashtag on Instagram. Plus, with people in West Yorkshire spending an average of £1,033 on clothing and footwear in 2018 (that’s the third highest on our list!), it’s clear to see that Leeds is a shopper’s paradise.
Whether you’re shopping for high-end or high-street, Leeds mixes cool and quirky boutiques, the biggest brands and independent gems together to make a retail cocktail that keeps shoppers coming back for more. If late opening hours and familiar names are your cup of (Yorkshire) tea, Trinity Leeds has everything you’ll need under its iconic glass roof. For designer devotees looking for their next splurge, stroll through Victoria Leeds to discover high-end labels with inspiring window displays. Not to forget the magnificently restored Corn Exchange, which showcases the best independent makers and sellers that Leeds has to offer.
4. Edinburgh
Next up, Edinburgh brings it home for Scotland at number four on our list. From the labyrinths of cobbled alleyways and historic medieval architecture of the Old Town, to the contemporary shopping centres and vibrant culture of the New, the Scottish capital is understandably one of Britain’s most beautiful cities to explore.
While its striking landmarks and natural beauty are well worthy of a gander, it’s Edinburgh’s thriving shopping scene that captures the attention of many fashionistas who decide to visit. It has the most thrift stores by area of any others on our list at 130 (that’s 2.83 per sq. mi!), making the city a pre-loved paradise for vintage shoppers. Said to be the inspiration behind Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley with its twisted buildings and gothic spires chock-a-block with character, Victoria Street and its neighbouring Grassmarket are buzzing with independent shops selling vintage clothing, world crafts and antiques.
If designer labels, beautiful boutiques and high-street stores are more up your alley, Princes Street and its sibling George Street are a must-visit for followers of Edinburgh’s fashion. Located at one end of Princes Street is the latest edition to Edinburgh’s shopping centres, St James Quarter, which onlooks Multrees Walk – a lively, luxury shopping district.
5. Harrogate
At number five is one of Yorkshire’s most elegant destinations: Harrogate. Best known for its Turkish Baths, stunning gardens and traditional tea rooms, it’s easy to see why this renowned spa town is thought to be ‘The Belgravia’ of North Yorkshire.
Harrogate might have the smallest area of our top ten, at just seven sq. mi, but its hilly streets are packed to the brim with an eclectic selection of shops to suit every style and taste (5.59 per sq. mi to be exact – the third highest on our list!). A mecca for the fashion conscious, you’ll find cult high-street names sitting alongside stylish independents and specialist shops, tucked away in Harrogate’s courtyards and pedestrianised side streets.
Begin your shopping expedition along James Street, which offers designer clothing labels, independent jewellers and high-end beauty brands. Then, take a stroll over to Cambridge Street, which houses all your high-street favourites within historic Georgian architecture. Commercial Street is also bursting with quirky shops stocked with original gifts, second-hand books and unique homeware.
6. York
Another win for North Yorkshire, the historic city of York comes in joint-sixth place with Harrogate – according to our index’s final scores. Aside from its haunted pubs, Victorian tearooms and a seriously impressive medieval Minster, you’ll find the second highest number of shops by area after Bath, at 105 (8.07 per sq. mi). So, it’s fair to say that if you’re looking to treat yourself post-payday, York offers plenty of choice to do so.
Set along the city’s narrow, winding streets, you’ll find traditional market stalls, high-end labels, big high-street brands and indie boutiques that are a magnet for tourists who visit from around the world. However, by far the most famous of York’s shopping streets, is the Shambles. With its cobbled streets and ancient, overhanging buildings that are a marvel to modern engineering, this wonderfully preserved street houses cosy cafés, sweet shops, gift boutiques and more.
P.S. Not only is York a fashion-lovers’ dream, but any chocoholics reading this will be thrilled to know that it’s also the origin of some of the world’s most-beloved chocolate brands. Why not unwrap the city’s chocolatey past at York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square?
7. Newcastle upon Tyne
At lucky number seven is Newcastle upon Tyne. Often called ‘The gateway to the north’, Newcastle’s location next to the River Tyne means that its beautiful, natural scenery is complemented by the city’s striking architecture. The land of the ‘Geordies’ is famed for its spectacular seven bridges, industrial heritage, iconic sights and lively nightlife. Nevertheless, if you’re planning to visit Newcastle for a spot of retail therapy, you won’t be disappointed. With 7,530 monthly searches for fashion-related terms and 14,266 uses of the hashtag ’NewcastleFashion’, it’s clear to see that Newcastle’s residents are a style-loving bunch!
The city is equipped with high-street favourites, designer brands and unique stores, all set within shopping hotspots like: Grainger Market, Eldon Square Shopping Centre, The Metrocentre Mall, Fenwicks and Royal Quays Outlet. Slap bang in the city centre, you’ll also find Northumberland Street; a pedestrianised shopping street with a mix of high-street brands and independent retailers that comes alive with the sound of buskers all year round. Mooching down this bustling street is a great way to explore Newcastle’s impressive Georgian and Victorian buildings too – two birds, one stone!
8. Norwich
The birthplace of postcodes, Colman’s mustard and (most importantly) Alan Partridge – Norwich is a small city with a big personality, taking position eight on our list. Balancing its medieval history with modernity, this easterly city is a delight to explore on foot and features a beautiful river flowing through its heart. Must-sees include the spectacular Norwich Cathedral, Norwich Castle, and Felbrigg Hall to name a few.
With 9,235 total ‘#NorwichFashion’ hashtags and the fourth highest fashion search volume per person on our list, Norwich’s residents and visitors certainly show an interest in the city’s fashion offering. Besides its vibrant cultural scene, notable architecture, and buzzing bars that are a must to experience, Norwich’s shopping opportunities are also second to none. You’ll find all major high-street shops, modern department stores and two shopping centres (Chantry Place and Castle Quarter) concentrated in the city centre. Though there are also dozens of one-off stores if you’re after something different. Stroll through the Norwich Lanes, The Royal Arcade, Elm Hill, Timberhill and the Cathedral Quarter to feast your eyes on vintage finds, fashion boutiques, art galleries, book shops and more.
9. Liverpool
Famous for being the home of The Beatles, its friendly citizens, the ‘scouse brow’ and its reputation for dressing to the nines (even in the daytime) – it’s no surprise that Liverpool makes it onto our list of the most fashionable British cities at number nine. The scouse city boasts the second highest number of ‘#LiverpoolFashion’ hashtags on our list, as well as a total of 14,880 style-related Google searches every month.
Offering a kaleidoscope of high-street favourites, top designer boutiques, interesting gift shops, indie stores, and not to mention the largest LUSH in the world, it makes sense why Liverpudlians spent £1,130 on clothing and footwear in 2018[2]! Some of Liverpool’s best shopping areas are located just a stone’s throw away from the iconic waterfront, including the Cavern Quarter, Albert Dock, Bold Street and Church Street, as well open-air shopping centres like Liverpool ONE.
Once you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, why not explore one of Liverpool’s countless museums, art galleries, listed buildings or parks (so many in fact, only London has more)? Alternatively, soak up the grandeur of the city’s two majestic cathedrals before sampling its vivacious nightlife.
10. Chester
Last, but certainly not least, is Chester. This beautiful north-westerly city not only hides an ancient history within its Roman walls, but also a wealth of interesting sights, independent eateries and (of course) shops galore. Chester is a hugely popular tourist destination, with attractions such as Chester Cathedral, Chester Zoo and the infamous Eastgate clock encouraging an incredible 24.5 million visitors in 2021[3].
However, its most prominent sight is the Rows – a shopping district set on cobbled streets with 700-year-old, two-tier shopping galleries that line the four main shopping streets (Northgate, Eastgate, Watergate and Bridge Street). Past meets present on these Tudor-style, black-and-white mezzanine rows, which house an abundance of fashion boutiques, high-street heroes and independent retailers within its covered arcades. Hear the gentle creaking of the twisted floorboards as you discover art galleries, jewellers, gift shops and more. With double the number of shops compared to a standard high-street, it’s a no-brainer!
The city also has a great second-hand offering at 2.52 thrift shops per sq. mi. so there’s something to please every kind of shopper. With people in Cheshire spending the most on clothing and footwear of our top ten at an average of £1,178 in 2018[4] when it comes to shopping with a side serving of history, Chester is hard to beat.
How fashionable is your town or city?
If your town or city didn’t quite make it into our top ten but you’re curious as to how fashion-forward your stomping ground is, check out the full data set below. Featuring all 121 locations, scroll down the list to find your town or city and its total score.
To work out the most fashionable cities, the ONS list of major towns and cities[1] was used to compile a list of 121 locations in the UK (with a population of over 75,000). The number of ‘#[CityName]Fashion’ hashtags on Instagram, the number of shopping listings on Tripadvisor, the number of thrift shops on Yelp, and the combined monthly search volumes for 50 fashion-related search terms were then gathered for each town or city.
These metrics were divided by the location’s population or area and scored out of 121 – the higher the number, the higher the score. These individual scores were then added together and translated into a final score out of 100.
How to style your outfit around your shoes
If you’ve recently bought some new shoes or have your eye on a pair but are put off by not knowing what to wear them with, here are a few tips and tricks for styling your outfit around your footwear:
- Consider the colour: choose shoes and accessories that are one shade darker than your outfit for a modern look that isn’t too matchy-matchy or reminiscent of the ‘80s. Or, if colour-blocking is more your thing, add some zest to a plain outfit by wearing some in a bright, contrasting hue.
- Experiment with textures and prints: if you have a pair of shoes in a bold pattern, unique texture or with statement embellishments, let them do the hard work for you. Home in on a colour found within the details and choose clothing in complementing shades. You could also add texture to an outfit by contrasting clothing textures with footwear finishes e.g. metallic shoes with chunky knitwear.
- Be smart about seasons and occasions: it may seem obvious, but paying attention to the time of year and where you plan to wear your footwear will have a big influence on the outfit you choose. For example, you wouldn’t rock up in trainers to a black-tie event or wear flip-flops and shorts outside in the British winter (though some will have tried!).
So, there we have it, the ten most fashionable towns and cities in the UK. Did your city make the cut? Let us know over on Facebook or Twitter! For more style tips and inspiration, head over to our blog, or for an incredible selection of trending shoes at affordable prices, browse our range for men and women at Wynsors.
[1] https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/regionalaccounts/grossdisposablehouseholdincome/datasets/regionalhouseholdfinalconsumptionexpenditurenuts2subregions
[2] https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/regionalaccounts/grossdisposablehouseholdincome/datasets/regionalhouseholdfinalconsumptionexpenditurenuts2subregions
[3] https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/your-council/key-statistics-and-data/state-of-the-borough/culture-and-tourism
[4] https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/regionalaccounts/grossdisposablehouseholdincome/datasets/regionalhouseholdfinalconsumptionexpenditurenuts2subregions
Towns and cities in the UK – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
