I’m not a trend skilled.
The purpose of this information isn’t to show you the best way to look “European.” In reality, there isn’t a “European” look. Simply as in America, Europeans put on a variety of clothes types, and the subtleties differ from nation to nation.
That mentioned, types do are usually a little bit extra “put collectively” however loads of Europeans put on an off-the-cuff t-shirt, sneakers, and denims wardrobe.
After residing in Europe and visiting a number of nations, I’ve discovered there isn’t an enormous distinction between what the common 25-year-old American wears and what their European counterparts put on, since we’re all roughly buying on the identical shops (due to globalization).
The purpose of this information is to assist you “mix in” so that you’re not taken for an American vacationer from 100 yards away. If nothing else, this information will make it easier to appear to be a generic European vacationer.
HEY LADIES! We’ve created a information to girls’s trend in Europe with feminine trend ideas and recommendation. The information you’re studying now could be geared in direction of males’s model.
What Not To Put on In Europe
Understanding what **not** to put on whereas visiting Europe will get you about 90% of the best way in direction of avoiding wanting like a vacationer, so let’s begin there.
Athletic Clothes
Sporting head-to-toe athletic clothes is the largest “inform” that you just’re a vacationer… notably an American vacationer. Sure, Europeans put on athletic clothes, however we People are likely to take it to the subsequent degree.
So, should you’re sporting athletic shorts/leggings, an athletic prime, and trainers… then you definately’re in all probability going to stay out.
Overtly Athletic Footwear
Europeans put on sneakers!
So sure, you’ll be able to put on sneakers in Europe! I believe you ought to 1,000% put on sneakers in Europe since you’ll stroll a number of miles each day.
However you’ll not often see modern Europeans carrying full-on trainers. Nevertheless, even “cool” trainers have discovered their method onto the ft of modern Europeans.
Nike, New Stability, Puma, Adidas, and so on. make snug “athletic life-style” sneakers which are each modern and appropriate for miles of metropolis strolling. A pair of minimalist leather-based sneakers is one other good possibility if you need one thing a little bit extra modern.
Briefly, don’t really feel like it’s essential to put on good “costume” footwear. Try my information to the perfect journey footwear for males to see a few of my favourite journey footwear.
Flip Flop Sandals
Save the flip-flops for the seashore.
Shorts
Whereas Europeans don’t put on shorts as regularly as People, you’ll discover loads of Europeans carrying shorts all through the continent—particularly within the hotter areas.
So, don’t really feel like you’ll be able to’t put on shorts.
Nevertheless, as talked about earlier than, the hot button is to keep away from athletic shorts. Khaki cargo shorts are one other trademark of the stereotypical American vacationer.
Sweatpants and Athletic Pants
You’ll not often see Europeans carrying sweatpants in public, so I like to recommend avoiding them.
Athletic pants are additionally uncommon, so my rule of thumb is to keep away from something that appears such as you’d put on to run/play soccer.
American Baseball Caps and Different Fan Gear
Baseball-style caps aren’t unusual in Europe however carrying a cap out of your native sports activities group will typically peg you as an American vacationer. Different fan gear like shirts and jackets will even peg you as a vacationer so keep away from stuff like that if you wish to mix in.
Don’t Overdress, Both
However, some folks overdress fully when visiting Europe as a result of they hear that Europeans all the time costume like they’ve simply walked off the style present runway.
However this simply makes you stand out as a wealthy and/or clueless vacationer… which could entice the eye of scammers and pickpockets. Try my information to pickpockets in Europe and frequent vacationer scams in Europe to be taught extra ideas.
What To Put on In Europe
Right here’s the excellent news… only a few folks will care about what you’re carrying, so don’t overthink your outfits.
And making an attempt to decorate in addition to a “modern” native (who has entry to their closet filled with clothes) will solely end in you having to haul round a heavy suitcase.
That’s why my final purpose whereas touring is to be put collectively sufficient that I don’t look to be a clueless vacationer within the eyes of a possible scammer.
Listed below are a couple of fashion-related issues to think about when selecting what clothes to pack to your journey to Europe:
Cool Sneakers
As I discussed, a cool pair of snug sneakers is a prime precedence.
I have a tendency to stay with “life-style” footwear from New Stability, Nike, or Adidas since they’re widespread in all places, snug, and are available in a number of colour combos.
Low-profile leather-based sneakers are a classy but snug possibility. Try my information to the perfect journey footwear for males for a deeper dive into my favourite footwear choices.
Properly-Becoming Garments
European city-dwellers are likely to put on well-fitting garments so it doesn’t damage to observe their lead.
Even one thing so simple as denims and a t-shirt or button-up appears good when all the things suits nicely.
Stick With Impartial Colours For Simplicity
You gained’t look misplaced by carrying colour, nevertheless it’s simpler to stay with darker colours as a result of they disguise stains and wrinkles higher than brighter colours. And darker colours are simpler to match so it makes packing gentle simpler.
That’s why you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with black, grey, darkish blues, and different darker earth tones.
Button-Up Shirts
A button-up shirt will be simply as snug as a t-shirt, nevertheless it provides you the flexibility to be dressed up or worn extra casually.
Layer Up For Versatility
A denim jacket or chore coat layered over an off-the-cuff button-up shirt is a straightforward and sensible strategy to elevate your model.
A Easy Watch
I’m an enormous fan of carrying a wise watch whereas touring, because it’s straightforward to lose observe of time, and I’d somewhat not depend on my cellphone to test the time. If attainable, discover a watch that shows army or 24-hour time, as most of Europe makes use of a 24-hour clock—particularly when checking practice schedules, and so on.
Primary Daytime & Nighttime Trend Recommendation
Daytime & Sightseeing Clothes
Consolation is vital throughout the day.
Give it some thought… you’re going to be surrounded by hundreds of different vacationers because you’ll most definitely be visiting the identical vacationer sights as everybody else.
And also you’ll be strolling for miles and miles.
So that you need snug footwear.
And also you need snug clothes that isn’t restrictive. You additionally need clothes that matches the season so gentle and ethereal throughout the sizzling summer season and heat/water resistant within the winter.
Once more, I’m not saying you need to appear to be a slob or a complete cliche vacationer, however you don’t have to overthink your outfit.
Nighttime Clothes
Be at liberty to place a little bit extra effort into your outfit if you’re going out at evening however there’s no actual purpose to go overboard except you’re hitting up tremendous swanky locations.
A well-fitted button-up shirt paired with a darkish pair of denims and minimalist leather-based sneakers is a good nighttime search for 99% of the locations you’ll go.
Males’s European Trend Inspiration Web sites
Listed below are a couple of web sites that can assist provide you with an concept of what many Europeans are carrying/shopping for.
- Topshop & Topman: British chain of clothes shops that operates in additional than 20 nations. Geared towards the “hip” 16-25 crowd.
- Zara: A Spanish retail retailer that sells modern garments. They’re situated all around the world however have a heavy presence in Europe.
- H&M: A Swedish clothes firm that’s widespread throughout Europe and within the US. They’re recognized for being modern and pretty cheap.
- City Outfitters: City Outfitters has unfold throughout Europe and will be discovered in lots of European cities. Numerous the stuff there ought to work nicely for a lot of twenty-something vacationers.
- Abercrombie: Abercrombie has gone by way of a rebrand over the previous couple of years and now a lot of their stuff has a cool American/European urbanite vibe.
- The Sartorialist: An incredible Instagram that options images of “actual life” European trend. Numerous these items is fashion-forward. None of it’s sensible for backpacking… however it’s attention-grabbing to have a look at and it’d provide you with some inspiration.
Trendy Journey Clothes
I’ve been a nerd about journey garments since my first journey to Europe again in 2006—now I’ve a closet filled with journey pants, shirts, underwear, and jackets.
It’s been refreshing to observe journey clothes evolve from hideous outdoorsy gear to trendy clothes constructed from high-tech materials.
Do you want journey clothes? No. However including a couple of items will be good. Right here’s my information to the perfect journey clothes and types if you wish to be taught extra.
Extra European Journey Recommendation From The Savvy Backpacker
Heading to Europe quickly? Listed below are some extra useful articles I’ve written that can assist you plan your European travels.
James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the writer of the e book “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Finances”. He is been running a blog about funds journey in Europe since 2010.
No Humorous Enterprise
The Savvy Backpacker is reader-supported. Which means if you purchase merchandise/companies by way of hyperlinks on the location, I’ll earn an affiliate fee—it doesn’t price you something additional and it helps assist the location.
Thanks For Studying! — James
Questions? Study extra about our Strict Promoting Coverage and How To Assist Us.