photo: gap.com
What exactly is European style, and why do so many American women covet it? I was happy to see an email from GAP promoting a limited edition “European Collection”, but when I clicked through I honestly couldn’t tell the difference between a regular GAP sweater and one from this new collection (see photo). As someone who visits major European cities many times during the year, I can tell you that this collection is not distinctly European. The clothes seem a bit shapeless and bland.
In the spirit of Glamour Magazine’s “Do’s & Don’ts” page, here are some suggestions for blending in to the crowd in Europe instead of sticking out like a big American sore thumb:
Don’t: Khakis & basic button-down shirts. I love my J. Crew khakis that I’ve had for years. They still hold their shape and look smart for work paired with a button-down shirt. It’s a completely appropriate outfit for my workplace here in Boston, but not so much for a business meeting in Prague.
photo: jcrew.com
Do: Be a bit dressy. Now, J. Crew has jumped on this European style bandwagon and features a fashion video set in Prague. Instead of classic khakis, to the right is a J. Crew option that fits in better on the other side of the pond (for business, swap the jeans for tailored black pants).
What sets European women apart from Americans is that most of the time they look like they put some effort into getting dressed. Which brings me to another huge don’t: Do not, under any circumstances, wear anything that resembles gym clothes. I don’t care how comfortable that velour track suit is for the plane – you better change out of it the second you get to your hotel room.
Unless you’re a backpacker, don’t wear or carry anything made by L.L. Bean. During my first day of my study-abroad semester in England, I was walking down the street in London when a guy in a car rolled down his window and yelled, “Hey, it’s an American!”. I was not wearing an American flag on my chest, but rather a big L.L. Bean Gore-tex raincoat – essentially the same thing. So, do wear a great trench or simply carry an umbrella.
photo: piperlime.com
Do save your sneakers for the hotel gym. Sneakers fall into the gym clothes category, and will peg you as a foreigner immediately. Unless they’re leather sneakers – German guys seem to have a lot of those. Instead, do try a comfy flat, like these by Privo at Piperlime. Piperlime has a whole section dedicated to “comfy and cute” shoes, so there’s no excuse for wearing your Reeboks in Amsterdam.
You know how I feel about fanny packs, so do get yourself a great bag to carry all your travel essentials.
The key to great European style is to put in a little effort. Don’t settle for sweatpants when you’re at the market or walking the dog. Don’t use a backpack when you could use a great tote. Embrace your womanly curves and don’t hide yourself in oversized clothes. Most important of all, project an air of confidence - no matter where you are, that’s something that looks good on everyone.
