European Fashion – What to Wear in Europe to not Look like a Tourist
Yes, you are a tourist. Some people say that it is ok to look like one. I personally like to blend in and not draw attention to myself. There is always a little feeling of accomplishment when I am walking down the street in some European city and a local asks me for directions or speaks to me in the local language. Here are my tips on European fashion and what to wear in Europe to not look like a tourist – or even better: What not to wear and how to look like a local.
When traveling to Europe, the key is to blend in with the locals in terms of European dress code and European style. You should not dress as if you’re off to the Oscar’s nor should you look tousled or disheveled, as if you just got out of bed.
What to wear in Europe is also important, because the more you look like a tourist, the more likely you’ll be targeted by pickpocketers and scammers. Finding the right outfit depends as much on what to wear as what not to wear in Europe and fit in a little more like a local.
The way you dress is important because it can lead to friendlier service while visiting Europe and it can serve as protection against being earmarked as an “out-of-towner” by pick-pocketers. Take your cue from the locals and blend in with the current European fashion trends and unique European style.
“The best thing a traveler can do is go to a local clothing store and buy a couple of outfits — then no one will ever mistake you for a tourist,” says travel expert Johnny Jet (aka John E. DiScala).
Most Americans have a certain way of dressing when traveling overseas that screams they are from the States. Don’t be that person.
Whether it is wearing ball caps, sports team shirts, white tennis shoes and socks, well-worn Levi’s, polo shirts, American logos, or backpacks filled with all your important papers and jewelry, these are fashions you may what to change while abroad.
Before coming to Europe, do not forget these 3 important points:
Visit my Travel Gear and Resource Page to see my recommendations on useful travel gadgets and helpful travel services that can help you with planning your trip.
If you don’t want to drive in Europe, you can use this website to book your train tickets between the city and for day trips. It is super easy and in English.
What to Wear in Europe: 10 ways to dress more with European Style when in Europe
1. Wear clean-cut conservative clothes
Europeans dress up more than Americans, especially for meals and special occasions. With that being said, don’t show up at dinner wearing sweatpants, shorts, or a T-shirt, and especially not pajama bottoms. They are NOT fashionable in Europe.
Another tip: Don’t wear workout clothes! People will most likely stare at you, unless you are actually working out, of course.
When you put your packing list together for what to wear in Europe, try picking up some clothing items at the following stores for fashionable European wear:
H&M — A Swedish clothing company that is popular all over Europe and in the US. Reputation for fashion without high price tags.
Urban Outfitters – Urban Outfitters has spread across Europe and can be found in a few countries.
Zara — Located the world over but with a heavy presence in Europe. A Spanish retail store that sells fashionable clothes and some beautiful travel dresses.
Ellos– Founded in 1947, they are Sweden’s leading online department store, with collections that reflect Swedish lifestyle & design aesthetic in sizes 10+. (My favorite)
2. Go Neutral
Ditch the camouflage, loud colors, and dizzy patterns for timeless pieces, wardrobe staples, and conservative colors like black, navy, blue, beige, tan, and gray. Make sure your clothes fit well and not be loose or baggy, but also not too tight. Wear things you feel comfortable in. Jeans, especially skinny jeans, are worn by many Europeans, but they don’t make for great travel pants, as they take very long to dry.
Build a European Fashion capsule wardrobe for your trip with pieces that you can layer and mix and match and wear with each other.
Wear colors that locals wear. Especially in the colder months, many Europeans wear black or muted colors, paired with one colorful accessory. For example, brightly-colored and loud Hawaiian shirts should only be worn while on the islands, and not while in Europe.
Generally speaking, the only people who wear white running shoes are Americans in sneakers. Leave them behind. Best to don comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and city environments, as Europeans love to walk. No cheap flip-flops or running shoes either. European women wear heels a lot, but they are used to walking on cobblestoned streets, so we recommend leaving them at home or only bringing them for special occasions where you know you won’t walk too far.
Keens, Clarks, and Naturalizermake very comfortable walking shoes that will let you put some miles on your feet without a problem. In the colder months, boots are very fashionable and common. Wear them on the plane to cut extra cost for overweight luggage.
4. Do Europeans Wear Shorts?
Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer. It depends. European fashion is usually a bit more conservative, but Europeans actually are wearing shorts – when they are on vacation or doing outdoorsy activities. Strolling through the city or in a museum? Not so much.
Though you may increasingly find shorts in southern Europe and on younger people, generally speaking, it’s best to wear long/capri pants or skirts and say “no” to shorts. Especially American style khaki cargo shorts which are viewed as a trademark of American tourists. If you must wear them, save them for beaches and hikes.
Also keep in mind that in many countries (mainly Spain, Italy, Portugal, and some parts of Eastern Europe etc.) you will have to cover up when you visit churches or religious places of worship. Usually, the rule is covered below the knee and no tank tops. This rule includes men, women, and children. We recommend carrying a large scarf to cover up. See more info below.
5. Leave the baseball cap behind
Baseball caps are considered American and will have you stick out in a crowd. The same is true with sun visors – avoid wearing them, except for outdoor activities or on the beach. Those are simply not part of the average European dress code and will make you stand out as a tourist.
6. Accessorize with scarves
For the ultimate European fashion touch, wear a scarf. That holds true for both men and women. Also, women may want to carry a headscarf for religious visits. This scarfmight be a good investment: It has a secret pocket that can hide your passport, money, or cell phone and is perfect for travelers in Europe.
7. Leave the bling behind
Don’t advertise yourself as a mark by wearing expensive jewels and bling. Instead, travel with costume jewelry – anything you don’t mind losing.
8. Avoid U.S. logos and go slogan-free
Best to avoid advertising you are American by wearing or carrying American logos such as Coach handbags, Nike, Abercrombie, or American football jerseys. Try to go slogan-free to add mystery to where you’re from.
9. Bring a smaller backpack to wear in front
The large backpacks that many Americans wear on their backs are easy targets for thieves. Consider using a smaller pack you can don in front, especially when taking public transportation and when in crowds or at popular tourist spots.
Also, a good idea is to get one of the PacSafe backpacks that have multiple anti-theft mechanisms to keep your belonging safe. Another option is thisover-the-shoulder travel purse by Travelonthat boasts stainless steel wire mesh to prevent slash-and-grab thefts.
10. Be religiously respectable
Avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, and plunging necklines for the ladies. Dress conservatively in any country with fundamental religious views.
I was once on a photo tour in Chiapas, Mexico, where one of the women wearing a low-cut tank top, was revealing way too much cleavage. It was distasteful and tacky, especially since she was in her 50’s. She was surprised when she got dirty looks from the locals when walking through town squares and churches, areas predominantly conservative and very Catholic.
On another trip to the Blue Mosque in Turkey, one of our female members was told her pants were too tight (she was wearing black leggings under a tunic-type travel dress). She was issued a long skirt to wear over them before she could enter the Mosque.
Just be mindful of what the locals are wearing and have a plan b: Pack a scarf or cardigan to cover up if necessary. And maybe this bookcan help you with some more European style advice and tips on what to wear in Europe.
European Fashion – What to wear in Europe to not stand out as a tourist – Written by Karin Leperi for EuropeUpClose.com.
With that being said, don't show up at dinner wearing sweatpants, shorts, or a T-shirt, and especially not pajama bottoms. They are NOT fashionable in Europe. Another tip: Don't wear workout clothes!
Jeans are not only acceptable to wear in Europe, but very popular. Jeans are part of the dress code in most Cities across Europe and are always a huge part of European fashion! It's not recommended to wear them in the summer but any time of year they are a great choice.
Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather shoes. Top it off with a scarf and you will look tres French.
Europeans tend to dress up a bit more than Americans and they prefer a sleeker and more fitted look. Shorts, oversize styles and athletic wear like sweatpants and T-shirts are not acceptable to wear out in public. Think tailored, classic, and neutral and you can't go wrong.
To avoid standing out as a tourist on the Parisian streets, avoid items like original UGG boots, clunky tennis shoes, flip flops, and sweatpants. Paris clothes look presentable at all times; your goal is to maintain a comfortable look, while exuding femininity and edge.
To prove my point, I took photos of people's shoes when I was traveling around Spain and France. I've also written a guide to the best shoes for travel and a guide for the best travel shoes for women if you want some more footwear ideas.
Europeans tend to dress much less casually than we do in the States. Let's just say that wearing shorts is a good way to advertise that you're a tourist. Steve suggests dressing “for the occasion” and making sure you present yourself neatly.
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Long pullover or cardigan. As you'll be seated most of the time, it's important to wear a top layer that's a bit longer so that your back isn't exposed. ...
Any clothes with decorative rips or holes are a giveaway American fashion. Though they are starting to come in fashion in Europe, especially among the younger crowd, they are generally seen as low fashion and should be entirely avoided.
But still, on the whole, Europeans tend to dress more formally than we do. Shorts are something you mostly see in a beach resort. If you see them in the city, it's rarely on locals.
Are Leggings Okay to Wear in London? Some travelers love wearing leggings for comfort, but they're often too casual looking as pants for London. If you're a big fan of leggings, consider pairing a black pair with long tunics during the spring, or wearing them under dresses and skirts in fall and winter.
Unless you just want to wear them when taking Instagram photos in Paris, but if your plan is to wear them as your everyday shoes, you may want to think twice! Firstly, you need to know that Paris is best discovered on foot and the city's streets are covered in cobblestones!
Jeans (besides dark or black-wash) are usually safest to avoid. I'd recommend a skirt, tights, and a nice blouse—paired with either boots or heels. If you're ever unsure of what would be allowed, opt for semi-formal attire: a dress or skirt (always with tights) or slacks.
Both European men and women enjoy natural features, nicely done hair with a color that complements the skin tone, short and clean nails, beautiful skin, and makeup that doesn't stand out too much.
As mentioned, layering is key for traveling in Europe. Bring a long-sleeve shirt or flannel to throw on for travel days or casual cooler evenings. If you're going out at night, it's nice to have a cute cardigan to wrap yourself in when it gets chilly.
Modern European design includes plenty of interior touches. You'll see lots of details like beautiful moldings and woodwork, and paneling is often used (think timeless wooden walls, not 70's basem*nt rec room). We'll often see cathedral ceilings with beautiful exposed beams and old-world details.
Instead, in Paris, it's far more common to see women wearing comfortable flat shoes such as ballet flats, loafers, and sneakers. Indeed, since Paris is a city where the locals walk everywhere, sneakers are probably the most stylish and comfortable shoes to wear every day.
Parisians do wear jeans and t-shirts, but only in appropriate situations, and you'll notice their jeans and t-shirts are a lot more design-y and cut a lot slimmer. When you're going out to eat in a restaurant, think of how you'd dress for that same level of restaurant back home, and then dress nicer than that.
Avoiding the white-coloured clothing for long-haul flights is essential. A bright, but darker colour will any accidental spills, and also brighten your complexion. Look for fabrics like Merino Wool, or Tencel which are naturally wrinkle-resistant.
Opt for loose-fitting trousers, like comfortable tracksuit bottoms or stretchy leggings. Whatever you go for, make sure the waistband is elasticated too – this will help you feel more comfortable while sitting down for long periods of time.
If you're too exhausted to cleanse, Dr. Kluk suggests avoiding spot eruptions and irritation by choosing mineral or non-comedogenic makeup, as it won't occlude the skin. Dermatologist Dr. Sam Bunting agrees: “If it's a short-haul flight, it's fine to leave your makeup in place, but make smart choices.
While there isn't a dress code per se, the European dress style is first about chic and then about comfort. You don't see many Parisians wearing something ill-fitting or unflattering just because it's comfortable! Traditionally, clothing is much more expensive in Europe than in other parts of the world.
Shoes also take a lot of space in your luggage, so we recommend bringing 2 pairs. One pair should be the most comfortable walking shoes that you will wear during the day. These might be tennis shoes or sandals, depending on the weather. Another pair can be used to wear during the night when you go out.
For the first time ever, the Nike Air Max 95 OG "Neon" takes the top spot here, with the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 "Bred" making its second appearance since France. This is closely followed by three AJ1s including the Air Jordan 1 High "Dark Mocha", the Air Jordan 1 Mid "Banned", and the Air Jordan 1 High "Volt".
Are crop tops acceptable in Europe? Sundresses, shorts, tank tops and even crop tops are perfectly acceptable ways to dress throughout Spain. If you plan on going into any museums or churches, just be sure your stomach and shoulders are covered so as not to offend.
Are jeans appropriate to wear in Italy? While Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, you still can wear jeans in Italy. However, avoid acid wash and extremely distressed denim and opt for medium-dark blues and blacks. Black skinny jeans always look chic in Europe!
Ladies: It is a well-known fact, that you should avoid white and ivory at weddings unless expressly encouraged to wear these taboo colors. No one wants to upstage the bride (or heaven help us) be confused with the bride, if we can help it.
Women in Italy wear yoga pants and cotton leggings all the time! Of course it's better to wear them for an informal, quick lunch in stead than at a fancy restaurant in the evening. But don't be worried that they wouldn't fit the dreaded “Italian dress code” because it's not the case.
Tourist (or overnight visitor): A visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) is classified as a tourist (or overnight visitor), if his/her trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same-day visitor (or excursionist) otherwise (IRTS 2008, 2.13).
With his character boasting a heavy Northern Irish accent, many viewers took to social media to make the same joke about how an Irish person in Australia might fair with memory loss in real life.
Sweden. The least polluted country is Sweden with overall score of 2.8/10. The amount of carbon dioxide is 3.83 tonnes per capita per year, and the concentrations of PM2. ...
Finland and France. Finland shares second place with France with a score of 3.5/10.
If you can't bear to board the flight without makeup, I would use a non-comedogenic tinted moisturiser and concealer as a base and then mineral makeup for anything else.
Slip-on shoes are easy to take on and off as there's no laces to contend with. They're also flexible, breathable, and lightweight, making them an easy choice for long airplane rides.
Europeans tend to dress much less casually than we do in the States. Let's just say that wearing shorts is a good way to advertise that you're a tourist. Steve suggests dressing “for the occasion” and making sure you present yourself neatly.
European fashion style is typically more sophisticated and well thought out. People like to dress nicely and often wear custom-tailored or well-fitted clothing no matter where they're going.
“First and foremost, avoid fanny packs like the plague! Another tip is to not wear sports jerseys or baseball caps from a home sports team. If possible, also avoid wearing clothing from a chain store with large and recognizable logo placements.”
Are leggings okay to wear in Italy? Some travelers love wearing leggings for comfort, but they're often too casual looking as pants for Italy. If you're a big fan of leggings, consider pairing a black pair with long tunics during the spring, or wearing them under dresses and skirts in fall and winter.
You should avoid wearing tank tops or other clothing that exposes the shoulders when entering the Vatican or a church. Try not to wear anything that is too revealing as that can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect. Wearing mini-skirts or short shorts would be frowned on in the Vatican.
And this sends soon-to-be-travelers into a footwear-induced panic as they try to find the perfect pair of shoes that won't make them the laughing stock of Europe. Well, we have some news for you. Europeans wear sneakers. And no, they don't wear high-heels and loafers made from the finest Italian leather every day.
It is rude to chew gum or keep one's hands in one's pockets whilst talking with someone. Cross your legs by putting one knee over the other. It is impolite to rest your feet on furniture. Tight punctuality (Pünktlichkeit) is expected in most professional and social situations.
In many German towns there are cobbled streets, so wear comfortable shoes or sandals, depending on the season you travel. Sneakers are fine for exploring the cobbled streets but opt for a smart-casual pair (over a workout pair).
If you are not German, there is no reason you can't wear a dirndl! Dirndls have this magical effect on people: they can make you feel elegant, confident, and flirty. They are fitted in a way that shapes the body and many styles can also have details that reflect your own personality.
Introduction: My name is Fr. Dewey Fisher, I am a powerful, open, faithful, combative, spotless, faithful, fair person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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Europeans dress up more than Americans, especially for meals and special occasions. With that being said, don’t show up at dinner wearing sweatpants, shorts, or a T-shirt, and especially not pajama bottoms. They are NOT fashionable in Europe.
Generally speaking, the only people who wear white running shoes are Americans in sneakers. Leave them behind. Best to don comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and city environments, as Europeans love to walk. No cheap flip-flops or running shoes either. European women wear heels a lot, but they are used to walking on cobblestoned streets, so we recommend leaving them at home or only bringing them for special occasions where you know you won’t walk too far.
I was once on a photo tour in Chiapas, Mexico, where one of the women wearing a low-cut tank top, was revealing way too much cleavage. It was distasteful and tacky, especially since she was in her 50’s. She was surprised when she got dirty looks from the locals when walking through town squares and churches, areas predominantly conservative and very Catholic.
