Très Chic: Top Tips for How to European-ize Your Style
Monday, October 10, 2011
By
If you’ve ever spent time abroad, you’ve probably had to endure at some point all the usual, clichéd American stereotypes. And while politics and cultural differences may be one thing, it seems the disparity in our style choices can actually be the difference that’s as vast as the Atlantic itself.
Truth is, us Americans often get a bad rap from our European peers when it comes to everyday fashion. While studying abroad in Florence, Italy, I learned the hard way what would make me instantly stick out as a tourist (packing those denim short-shorts turned out to be a complete waste of luggage space), and over time, I incorporated pieces into my closet that allowed me to look and feel more genuinely “Italian”—well, at least as Italian as a pasty blonde American can ever appear to be.
The world may be more global and Americanized now than ever, but picking out an American in Paris or for that matter, European tourists on the streets of New York, can often be as easy as uno, dos, tres.
So, maybe you’re suiting up to study overseas this fall and don’t want to look like you just got off the boat, or perhaps you just want to add a sophisticated foreign twist to your everyday style—after all, weren’t we all inspired by the Middleton sisters this summer?
Fashion week may be over, but there’s always time to update your look. Check out what girls across the world are wearing—and what essential tips we can pick up from our edgy European peers.
Truth is, us Americans often get a bad rap from our European peers when it comes to everyday fashion. While studying abroad in Florence, Italy, I learned the hard way what would make me instantly stick out as a tourist (packing those denim short-shorts turned out to be a complete waste of luggage space), and over time, I incorporated pieces into my closet that allowed me to look and feel more genuinely “Italian”—well, at least as Italian as a pasty blonde American can ever appear to be.
The world may be more global and Americanized now than ever, but picking out an American in Paris or for that matter, European tourists on the streets of New York, can often be as easy as uno, dos, tres.
So, maybe you’re suiting up to study overseas this fall and don’t want to look like you just got off the boat, or perhaps you just want to add a sophisticated foreign twist to your everyday style—after all, weren’t we all inspired by the Middleton sisters this summer?
Fashion week may be over, but there’s always time to update your look. Check out what girls across the world are wearing—and what essential tips we can pick up from our edgy European peers.
About the Author
Biography
Anna Williams is a junior at New York University, studying journalism and editing. She is originally from Chicago, IL and has studied abroad in Florence, Italy. She enjoys photography, fashion, foreign languages and traveling.
- Real Live College Guy Discusses: The Style Choices that Baffle Guys
- 15 Campus Cuties With Amazing Smiles
- How to Deal with Bikini Area Ingrown Hairs (& Not Get Them in the First Place!)
- Last Year's Trends: Which to Toss & Which to Keep
- HC's Ultimate Guide to Red Flags
- A Playlist For Every Stage of Your Relationship
- How To Dillo Like a Bro
- Guys' Take On: Girls' Makeup - The Dos & Don'ts According to Guys
- How To Build Up Your Resume in Your Free Time This Summer
- The Post-Grad Job Search: The 5 Biggest Myths Debunked
Comments
sure europeans are chic, but i'm looking at koreans and japanese fashion for now!
I like the helpful information you provide for your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and test once more here frequently. I am relatively certain I'll be informed many new stuff proper right here! Good luck for the next!
“Spanish girls dress to impress,” insists Boston College Junior Meghan Wilda - I actually disagree.
I just got back from studying in Spain and I disagree. I saw bra straps popping out from every shirt and they really don't care.
You introduce Regina as saying, "even of German fashion...", and I want to inform, from first-hand experience, that the modern German Volk is quite fashion forward. I don't know why you felt the need to add the qualifier "even", but I it's mildly offensive. Travel there for yourself and you'll see, the stereotypes you might know aren't how Germans really are.
I have seen the edgiest fashion in Berlin. Its a fashion hotspot. I agree, the "even" qualifier is COMPLETELY unnecessary. Italy and France are not the only fashion meccas, what about Eastern Europe? Scandinavia? This article is honestly a bit naive, poorly researched, and very American-student-abroad.
I am studying abroad in Spain next semester and I do not want to stand out as a tourist so this will definitely come in handy! Thanks!
I spent the summer in France. Trust me, you can wear just about anything, throw a scarf on it, and look French. Cardigans are also super big in France. My host sister's friend even wore two at the same time of different lengths! Europe is kind of chilly, windy, and rainy in the summer (and every other season) so layers are awesome! As for beauty, they tend to not wear much makeup, not tan (they pride themselves on healthy skin) and let their natural hair texture and color shine.
Thank you for this article! I'm studying abroad in France and this was one of my concerns since my style is extremely casual.
My tip: Lookbook.nu is great for inspiration!
Post new comment