Walking through the streets of New York City it is easy to spot a tourist — they typically have maps, fanny packs, running sneakers with their jeans and are sporting some sort of bright neon color because apparently, NYC is going to go black and it will be necessary to be in a glow-in-the-dark neon t-shirt. So naturally when I came to Europe, I thought that I would blend in because I would be in my normal everyday clothes. Turns out, I was wrong.
Prior to departing to Europe for the semester, some of my other American study abroad friends tried to update their wardrobes to fit the “European style”. I however, arrived in my regular American clothes, not thinking that styles would be drastically different. However, after being here for almost two months I have noticed some styles that I have not seen in the US.
1. Girls in jean shorts and tights. I have yet to go a day without seeing a girl in jean shorts and black tights, usually with leather boots.
2. Boys in Hollister and Abercrombie sweatshirts. This style is a phase most people seem to go through in the pre-teen years, but here, as explained by my roommate, because Hollister and Abercrombie are so expensive and the stores are extremely scarce, wearing the brands is like subtly announcing “I have been to America!”
3.
Girls in oversized knit sweaters and color jeans. I actually have invested in both of these since my arrival in Ireland. The knit sweaters are very practical to everyday life because the wind whips right through you and it is freezing here. I bought maroon jeans, but there are many more colors (18 options at the store I bought mine at!).
4. Franklin and Marshall sweatshirts. In America, Franklin and Marshall is a college in Pennsylvania so logically for the first month or so that I was here I thought it was so bizarre that so many Irish people had heard of F&M. I even messaged one of my good friends from home who attends F&M to tell her that apparently Irish people know about her school, but I was wrong. Franklin and Marshall is a high end (this sweatshirt goes for 108 euro or about 150 dollars) clothing store in Europe that cannot be sold in the US because of the school.
5. Leather oxford lace-up shoes for girls. Most girls I know wear these shoes with dresses, skirts, jean shorts and tights, jeans, etc.
Also, prior to coming to Europe, I was always confused as to how it was so easy for Europeans to spot the American, but now I know, from our brands.
One of the most obvious things is that Americans wear Northface jackets. I am not going to lie, I am a huge Northface fan and I have a rain jacket and a fleece jacket with me in Ireland. Northface is sold in Ireland, but at a much higher price than in the US. Another brand that is also sold here, but for much more money, is New Balance. And once again, I have New Balance sneakers. Another company that Americans tend to wear often and not even sold in Europe is Old Navy. Even though I know I sport these three stereotypical American outfits, I find myself eyeing people and knowing they are American immediately because of their Northface jacket, Old Navy sweaters and New Balance sneakers. But think about it: at home in the US how many people do you know that do not own one of the three brands? Very few.
Another style difference I have noticed is suede boots. In the photo I have my suede boots on and I know at home most of my female friends currently own a pair, or at one time owned a pair, I have not seen any girls here wearing suede boots. It may be because it rains so much in Ireland it is useless to invest in suede, but mine are waterproof and holding up well!
This weekend I am going to Edinburgh, Scotland and I cannot wait!