Ditch the 'Tourist' Tag: Dress Like a Local in 10 European Cities
So you're on your way to Europe and you're wondering what to pack? Of course there is something to be said for people who just want to be comfortable... but what about the more fashion-forward travelers?
Of course you wouldn't want to stick out like a sore thumb, and there are some DEFINITE ways to keep that I'm a tourist sign off of your back (avoid wearing a fanny pack, neck-dangling Nikon camera, and that I Love Rome t-shirt), but let's dig a bit deeper...
Besides being safer, and more socially-acceptable, looking more like a local is just plain FUN! While European fashion for foreigners can be a bit daunting, and is not an exact science, here is a quick cheat-sheet for Dressing Like a Local in 10 Major European Cities:
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Style: Active, colorful and comfortable
Men: Fitted jeans, leather jackets, cardigans, knit caps, solid, zip-up hoodies and blazers with jeans
Women: Ankle-length leggings or thick tights under dresses, skirts, or shorts, knit caps
Footwear: Bright, sporty sneakers and flat boots
Do: Bring an extra waterproof layer - rain can come quickly and unexpectedly
Don't: Wear baseball caps, flip-flops, or golf visors these are considered tacky and will instantly label you as a tourist
Photo credits Pinterest.com, Fashion.wikia.com
2. Berlin, Germany
Style: Laid-back cool
Men: Denim anything, skinny jeans, t-shirts, wool coats, blazers with hoodies
Women: Denim jeans with flowing blouses in white, beige, and bright citrus colors, over-sized scarves, and fedoras.
Footwear: Sneakers or leather boots
Do: Wear plenty of warm layers during the winter: stylish sweaters, gloves, scarves, etc.
Don't: Wear khaki pants or shorts as true Berliners never wear khaki
Photo Credit: dressingroommelbourne.com
3. Brussels, Belgium
Style: Fun casual/retro hipster
Women: Denim jeans, leggings, tank-tops, flowy long skirts, light knitwear and
cardigans
Men: Leather jackets, jeans, casual button-downs, v-necks and speedos at the pool (swim shorts will not be allowed in public swimming areas)
Footwear: Bring sandals, sneakers or other sensible, flat shoes for walking around on cobblestone streets
Do: Bring layers and waterproof gear for rapidly-changing weather conditions
Don't: Wear white shoes or white socks, baggy sweatshirts or baggy denim - these
are considered overly American forms of dress.
Photo Credit: pinterest.com, thesartorialist.com
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Style: Effortless cool
Women: Oversized tees with skinny jeans or leggings. Feminine dresses with
menswear-inspired shoes, or loose-fitting printed trousers and midi-skirts
Men: Black or navy trousers, dark jeans with t-shirts and sweaters, jean
jackets or blazer
Footwear: Edgy flats, sneakers, Birkenstocks, slip-ons, and boots
Do: Bring thick boots, a stylish parka, or leather jackets for chilly
evenings
Don't: Forget waterproof gear and a compact umbrella
Photo credit: Pinterest.com
5. Florence, Italy
Style: Casual classy
Men: Bold and slim suits, solid colored tailored pants and patterned slim shirts.
Women: Patterned tunic dresses, v-neck tees or tank-tops, skinny jeans, long skirts and oversized sunglasses
Footwear: Gladiator sandals, street sneakers, or heels. Men will wear boat shoes,
sneakers, or dress shoes
Do: Pay extra attention to the details scarves, socks, and shoes should be fashionable, yet classy
Don't: Wear flip-flops, floppy hats, shirts with logos, bare shoulders or mini-skirts and shorts. Much of this is considered inappropriate or gauche when it comes to visiting most tourist destinations.
Photo credit: thestylerebels.com, pinterest.com
6. London, England
Style: Indie Rock chic
Men: Denim pants and jackets (different washes please), trench coats and subtly-patterned suits
Women: Light skirts and dresses with layered denim or leather jackets, pleated skirts, plaid, cardigans and sweaters (jumpers)
Footwear: Chelsea boots, brogues, ballet flats or flip-flops in the summer. Rubber boots in the fall
Do: Tap into your inner hipster/indie rocker and get out of your comfort zone a bit
Don't: Wear local sports jerseys or I Heart London attire. You may run afoul of many locals, especially football enthusiasts.
Photo Credit: streetpeeper.com, searchpp.com
7. Madrid, Spain
Style: Flashy-fun
Women: Chiffon shirts, loose lace tank tops and dresses, sunglasses, skinny jeans and scarves
Men: Dark grey jeans with a V-neck shirt and a leather jacket. Bright, slim suits, light slacks, buttoned-down shirts, stylish sneakers
Footwear: Gladiator sandals, Converse or Superga low-top sneakers
Do: Wear watches and subtle jewelry like thin bracelets and necklaces
Don't: Wear sandals until summer, or with socks ever
Photo Credits: examiner.com, fashionsnaps-freaks.net
8. Mykonos, Greece
Style: Island-chic
Men: Linen trousers with stylish shirts, bright solid shorts, blazers with v-neck t-shirts, dark denim pants (not blue jeans) and starched shirts
Women: Chunky, dark-gold bangles, denim capri pants, light dresses and skirts that are tailored to mid-thigh
Footwear: Flat sandals, deck shoes, comfortable walking shoes, or hikers
Do: Be willing to go with stylish, all-black attire for night-time - for men or women
Don't: Wear flip-flops, shirts with cleavage, bare shoulders, or shorts if you plan on visiting any religious sites
Photo Credits: perpetuallychic.com, pinterest.com
9. Paris, France
Style: Casual-chic
Women: Skinny jeans, a designer top, simple dresses, and either Converse or ballet flats, long scarves and hipster hats
Men: Skinny jeans, solid zip-up hoodies, trench coats and blazers, leather bags and attaches
Footwear: Brown derbies or black oxfords, stylish sneakers and leather boots
Do: Conduct a little research in advance, styles change quickly in Paris
Don't: Wear sweatpants, flip-flops, baseball caps, backpacks or white sneakers — again they just scream American.
Photo Credits: Pinterest.com
10. Rome, Italy
Style: Crisp, Dark and Tailored
Women: Fitted dresses, fitted T-shirts, dark jeans, leather pants, flowy skirts, and knee-length dresses
Men: Tailored shirts, and pants, designer suits, and black or dark-blue Diesel jeans and jackets
Footwear: Leather sandals, long boots, and pointed dress shoes
Do: Wait to arrive before purchasing fashionable footwear
Don't: Go too colorful, Rome subscribes to a very dark and basic color palette. Again, don't show too much skin if you plan to visit religious sites.
Photo Credits: pinterest.com, stylebydaniela.com
Now that you have the basics on blending in to the local culture, don't you think it's time to book your European vacation?
Contact TravelPerks today to speak to our team of experts about booking your getaway!
