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When touring Europe, would you like to mix in with the locals? There is no one “European” look, but by using the tips in this article, you may seem anything but an average American visitor. While it’s not necessary to overthink things, you can feel more at ease in the diverse cities of Europe by making a few small adjustments.
Athletic attire
Sportswear is infrequently used by Europeans, especially in urban areas. If you’re wearing basketball shorts and sports jerseys, you’ll undoubtedly be mistaken for an American tourist. Instead, choose for stylish yet comfy outfits that are perfect for foot exploration of the city.
Shoes: Stylish and Useful
While comfortable sneakers are essential for long walks, avoid bulky running shoes that scream “tourist.” Choose from a variety of fashionable and cozy sneaker brands, including Puma, Adidas, New Balance, and Nike. Leather sneakers are another excellent option for a put-together look.
Flip-Flops
Don’t wear flip flops to the beach. Comfortable as they are, they can make you stand out and are not appropriate for city strolling. Wear closed-toe shoes when exploring cities.
Minis
Europeans wear shorts, though not as often as Americans do, and usually not in cities. If you’re going to wear shorts, consider more fitting versions over sporty or cargo ones for a more put together, professional look.
Sweatpants and athletic pants
Sweatpants and athletic clothing are primarily worn for lounging and working out. If you want the comfort of athletic gear, choose performance-fitting pants that look like regular pants. They’ll keep you cozy without making you look like you just left the gym.
Sports Team Apparel
One method to recognize oneself as an American is to wear baseball hats and jerseys of your favorite team. If you must wear a cap, go for something more understated or neutral unless you want to show off your Yankees cap, which is surprisingly fashionable in Europe!
Refrain from Overdressing
Overdressing can be just as obvious as overly casual apparel. If you seem too glamorous or like you just walked off the runway, pickpockets and scammers can target you. Rather, focus on packing stylish yet practical for travel attire.
Cozy sneakers: Since you’ll be walking miles every day, shoes should be your first consideration when packing. Select stylish, basic sneakers from brands like Nike or New Balance, or choose leather shoes for greater versatility.
Correct Fit: The fit is crucial. Even casual outfits like jeans and a t-shirt look put together if they fit well. It’s possible to stand out by dressing overly big or little.
Neutral Colors: Darker shades, such those found in black, gray, navy, and earth tones, are simpler to match and combine with other colors while also disguising creases and stains better. This keeps you looking polished and makes packing easier.
Compared to t-shirts, casual button-up shirts can be just as comfortable and offer more versatility. For a refined, carefree style, wear it alone. In the winter, tuck it under a jacket.
Layers for Flexibility: Bring clothes that are simple to layer, like a denim jacket or lightweight coat, to easily adjust to changing weather. Additionally, layering makes a casual outfit better.
A Basic Watch: Conventional watches come with more complexity than this. If at all possible, choose a watch that shows the 24-hour time zone, as this is the one used by public transportation schedules in many European nations.
Day vs. Night Clothes: All day long, comfort is the most important factor. As you will likely be walking a lot and viewing popular tourist destinations, wear clothes that fit well, breathe well, and are suited for the weather. It’s not necessary to overthink things; just be careful not to appear unduly carefree or touristy.
Nighttime Style: On nights out, feel free to dress a little more formally, but maintain a minimalist look. A well-fitting button-up shirt combined with dark slacks and basic leather sneakers will look fantastic without being overly flashy for the majority of events.
Men’s Fashion Inspiration from Europe
Do you need some inspiration? Check out these stores and websites to explore European fashions this season:
Trendy, contemporary clothes is available from British stores Topshop and Topman.
Spanish retail company Zara is well-known for its chic yet affordable collections.
The Swedish clothing brand H&M offers fashionable options at affordable prices.
Urban Outfitters: Offers a range of fashionable, city-appropriate clothing that is popular in European cities.
Abercrombie: After a recent revamping, Abercrombie now offers a chic, urban style suitable for Europe.
The Sartorialist: This Instagram account, which features real European street fashion, is a fantastic resource for inspiration.
Final Words
Remember, the goal is not to appear like a local, but rather to avoid becoming obvious tourists. Wearing excellent attire can not only make you feel more confident but also help you blend in on your journey. All you have to do is make sure it is comfortable, useful, and just a little bit stylish.
Do you need any more travel guidance? For advice on packing wisely, avoiding travel scams, and making the most of your stay in Europe, check out my other posts!
