Europeans are known for their flawless style and with good reason! In fact, they tend to dress trendy, with classy clothing that makes the casual American look dull and boring. If you are planning to go to Europe for a trip or would simply like to bring European style to the United States, start with the following step to learn!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Choosing Colors and Patterns
Step 1. European fashion is mainly recognized for simple style
The cut of almost all clothing, from elegant dresses to dresses, is often refined with a geometric look. Look for simple yet elegant clothes.
Step 2. Wear clothes that match your size
North Americans tend to wear clothes that are too small or ridiculously large. Europeans, on the other hand, use clothes that fit perfectly to their body. Some women choose dresses, especially in summer, which drape over the body but at the same time show their slim figure. Make sure you choose clothes in your size!
When Europeans buy clothes that aren't exactly tailored, they take them to the tailor's shop. You should do the same too! It is not as expensive as it seems, for modifications it costs around 20 euros or less
Step 3. Stay away from bright and flashy fantasies
From this point of view, Europeans are the opposite of Americans and tend to choose more refined fantasies. In fact, they love texture and you will often notice garments like lace or knitted dresses, but never patterns that stray from the concept of simple and clean.
Sometimes there are exceptions, especially in the summer, where you will see floral, ethnic or island prints (usually in clothes)
Step 4. Adjust to European color palettes
Each season of the year there will be a set of colors that will be in fashion and you will notice that most of the stores will follow it. The colors that are fashionable in the United States are often very different, as Europeans have different tastes and preferences. Usually, they tend to favor neutral tones with bright, vibrant shades of color
- For example: black with emerald green, beige with bright pink or dark blue with white.
- Check out European fashion websites to see which colors are in fashion right now.
Step 5. Choose color combinations with strong contrasts
The color combinations usually chosen by Europeans have strong contrasts, with a light and a dark color.
Step 6. Coordinate the colors according to the season
The casual style of Americans has for good or bad the same colors throughout the year. Europeans, on the other hand, tend to use different color combinations based on the seasons. These are just some subtle nuances that you can follow if you wish.
- Winter colors tend to be neutral tones.
- Spring colors are composed of a combination of bright and pastel colors.
- The summer ones are bright and on.
- The fall ones are warm and strong.
Part 2 of 4: Having a Style
Step 1. Match clothing and colors well
This is the best place to start. Americans don't dress very well and don't think enough about what they wear. Lately European fashion is taking cues from the American style: from Converse to sweaters with university logos. So, what really sets Americans apart is the slightly scruffy style. Enhance it by matching the shoes to the bag, or by choosing a colorful shirt that matches the color of the pants. In general, think wisely about how your look will look with certain items of clothing.
Step 2. Dress slightly more elegant than usual
This is another element that differentiates the American style from the European one. Europeans tend to dress nicely and are certainly never found around in a tracksuit or yoga pants. For a European style, dress slightly cuter than usual.
Step 3. Dress the easy way
Europeans wear simple clothes and usually tend to keep their distance from what Americans like. Limit the use of accessories or layers and rely on simple clothes.
Step 4. Use jeans
The fact that Europeans don't wear jeans is just a myth. Go for medium tones, although any color can work well.
- Tight jeans in bright colors are currently very popular in Europe. They are very easy to find and go great with wide and long shirts, boots or ballet flats.
- Do not use khaki pants. In fact, when Europeans choose light-colored trousers, they opt for jeans in beige or white colors and do not wear other fabrics instead preferred by Americans. However, it's not quite the end of the world - don't worry if you want to wear your favorite khakis.
Step 5. Choose the right pants model
In general, Europeans avoid bell bottoms. Pants with holes in them or ripped are also very American but are now very fashionable in Europe.
Step 6. Wear more skirts and dresses
Women in Europe tend to use more skirts and dresses than American women, don't be afraid to wear these feminine garments! Leave at home wide and long clothes (very American) and prefer short ones with sheer stockings.
Step 7. Choose delicate accessories
Class is the secret. Avoid anything tacky, flashy, fake, or somehow kitschy. Choose minimal and simple accessories to complete your look. Try combining them with discreet clothing. Scarves, plain hats, necklaces, and other pieces of jewelry are fine. If you're traveling, don't carry around tourist backpacks but wear a leather shoulder bag (like the LeSportsac) or something similar.
Step 8. Wear flat, elegant shoes
Although career women over thirty often wear high heels (especially the French), the younger ones clearly prefer flat shoes. No matter the height, the style is always clean and elegant. Oxford lace-up shoes are a great choice for both men and women.
The shoe most used by young people and those in their thirties is usually the Converse All Star. Gangsta style sneakers are also very popular among European teenagers
Part 3 of 4: Things not to do
Step 1. Avoid college style and logos
You know those vintage-style logo t-shirts that look like they belong in a fake university? This style is very American and we recommend that you avoid it if you want to dress like Europeans.
Be that as it may, this style is becoming fashionable in Europe lately
Step 2. Avoid traditional T-shirt designs
The simple, traditional shirt is an American classic. Europeans also wear t-shirts, but the models are prettier. They often wear looser, tailored designs with shorter sleeves and V-necks.
Step 3. Do not use clothes with holes in them or ripped
Any item of clothing with decorations characterized by tears or holes, are to be avoided. Although in Europe they are fashionable among young people, they are not trendy at all.
Step 4. Don't use stained clothes
Bleach stained jeans are considered very American and should be completely avoided.
Step 5. Avoid track suits
For Europeans, tracksuits are only worn to be at home and in the gym. You won't meet a lot of Europeans shopping in tracksuits. Despite the popularity of the American style, very sportswear or pajama style has not yet been accepted in Europe.
Part 4 of 4: Inspirations
Step 1. Read the European editions of fashion magazines
Most Europeans read the same fashion magazines as Vogue, but they have special editions. If you want to stay up to date on new European trends, subscribe to one of these magazines.
Step 2. Read European fashion blogs
There are tons of blogs you can follow to get ideas on how to dress. Some examples are:
- https://bekleidet.net/
- https://www.josieloves.de/
- https://www.thecherryblossomgirl.com/
Step 3. Look at European clothing stores
You can also visit their websites. Some brands can also be found in the United States and the clothes belong to the same collections. Zara, H&M and Kookai are the most popular brands among young people under 35. Zara also has elegant clothing suitable for a more adult target.
Advice
- Remember that there are different styles in Europe. Start with the basics this article gave you and then start looking around. If you are staying somewhere for a long time, buy some clothes you see around in local stores. This way, your wardrobe will fit pretty much all European cities.
- Buying clothing in the right places is a good start. Try H&M, J. Crew, Kohl's, Ann Taylor Loft, Lord and Taylor, Zara, United Colors of Benetton, Macy's, Nordstrom, Banana Republic and Guess.
- If you need help choosing clothes, go to a tailor's shop. The prices are not excessive and you will certainly notice the difference!
