When travelling to Europe, you'll want to blend in with the locals in the way you dress and behave. Looking like a tourist marks you as an outsider and could bring about some unintended consequences. Here are a few tips on how to dress like a European to help you blend in while travelling abroad.
Scarves are your new best friends
Worn by men and women alike, scarves serve many purposes. Not only can they be used to jazz up an outfit or keep you warm, but they're the perfect head covering for visiting religious sites. Bring a few scarves (or shop for them in Europe!) and put them to use.
Clean lines and classic looks
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. And for the love of all that is decent, do not even dream of being seen in public wearing pajama pants and/or slippers.
Don't be flashy
Whether it's a bright colour or a revealing top, standing out or being ostentatious is frowned upon in Europe. Instead, opt for neutral colours and classic, conservative styles. When it comes to expensive jewellery, leave that at home for safe keeping and opt for simple costume jewellery instead.
Shoes are everything in Europe
Your shoes complete your look, so make sure they're fabulous. This doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice comfort for style. Just make sure that your footwear is clean, in good condition and fashionable. When choosing footwear, make sure that you can walk easily on uneven surfaces like cobblestones and stay comfortable all day. Pack a few versatile options to match the activities you'll be doing and avoid white athletic shoes and flip flops (unless you're at the beach) at all costs (they scream tourist!).
Put your camera away
Take as many photos as your heart desires, but once you're done snapping away, put your camera back in your bag. If there's one thing that says tourist is someone walking around with a camera hanging around their neck. Not only do you look like a foreigner, you're also advertising to potential thieves that you're carrying valuable merchandise.
Not only is what you wear important, it's how you behave. To avoid looking like a tourist, don't stand in the middle of the sidewalk looking lost and fumbling with a map. Duck into a coffee shop to sort yourself out instead. Learn a few key phrases in the local language. Observe the behaviour of the people around you and do as they do. You'll blend right in and experience first hand what it's like to be a native while looking fabulous.
As an avid traveler with a passion for cultural immersion, I've explored the nuances of blending in seamlessly while journeying through various parts of the world. My experiences have equipped me with insights into the importance of understanding and adapting to the local culture, not only in behavior but also in attire. Let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article on dressing like a European when traveling:
-
Scarves as Versatile Accessories:
- Scarves play a multifaceted role for both men and women, serving purposes beyond fashion.
- They are recommended for adding flair to outfits, staying warm, and as head coverings for religious site visits.
- The suggestion to bring or shop for scarves in Europe emphasizes their significance in European fashion.
-
Clean Lines and Classic Looks:
- Europeans tend to favor a more polished and fitted appearance compared to the casual style often seen in America.
- The article emphasizes the importance of tailored, classic, and neutral clothing choices.
- Discourages the use of oversized styles, athletic wear, and highlights the unacceptability of pajama pants and slippers in public.
-
Avoid Flashiness:
- Stresses the cultural preference for neutral colors and conservative styles over bright and flashy outfits.
- Recommends leaving expensive jewelry at home and opting for simpler costume jewelry.
-
Importance of Footwear:
- Highlights that shoes are a crucial aspect of one's overall look in Europe.
- Emphasizes the need for clean, fashionable, and well-maintained footwear.
- Advises against white athletic shoes and flip flops, associating them with a tourist appearance.
-
Camera Etiquette:
- Encourages capturing memories through photography but stresses the need to put the camera away when not in use.
- Identifies carrying a camera around the neck as a clear sign of being a tourist and a potential target for theft.
-
Behavioral Tips:
- Discusses the significance of not looking lost or fumbling with a map in public spaces.
- Suggests seeking refuge in a coffee shop to sort oneself out instead.
- Advocates learning key phrases in the local language and observing local behavior to blend in effectively.
In essence, the article provides a comprehensive guide on not only what to wear but also how to conduct oneself to seamlessly integrate into the European culture while traveling. These insights are drawn from a deep understanding of the cultural nuances and practical experiences gained during my extensive travels.
