How *do* you dress like a European? (Buy most of our clothes there?)

Peter, assuming you are speaking about how to dress in the major cities of Europe (Paris, London, Venice, Rome, Amsterdam..etc.) It's really easy to blend in more with how most Europeans dress, in my opinion.
Wear mostly dark colors, jeans are OK (for men and women).
Don't wear white running shoes, if possible.
Leave the logo T-shirts,sweatshirts, windbreakers (and shorts!) at home
Just dress a little nicer than how you might dress on the weekend to go to the mall or ballgame...
If you plan to visit churches, be aware that modest clothing is required in Italy, and is a respectful way to be anywhere

For men, I recommend following how Rick Steves dresses in his TV shows, and at least do as well as he does.

If you want or need to buy clothing over there, you can find reasonable places. For Paris, there are innumerable shopping guides, Monoprix stores are inexpensive and all over, or shop during their twice yearly sales for great bargains!

I just got back from the uk,france, and italy.
I noticed that with the exception of women's fashion. Europeans dress mostly like we do.

I'm in my mid 20's and it seems that most every guy I saw dressed like I do at home. (tshirts, shorts, jeans) I didn't see anyone in their 30's or older wearing shorts. Most everyone wore jeans even in extremely hot weather.

Women I noticed wore a ton of leggings and huge furry boots with a jacket or sweater (in 90 degree weather).

Everyone also seemed to take a little better care of them selves than over here. More fitting clothes, clean shave, styled hair.

Most clothes in city's are geared twoard tourists, and are highly marked up. I did notice after awhile I could find shops selling affordable clothing, but the exchange rate to USD is so horrible that they were still spendy for american's to buy.

Hope that helps.
-Brett

Oh boy, here we go again. This topic always inspires heated debates. I'll give you my opinion quickly, then leave the argument to continue for weeks. To answer your questions:

1) You don't need to. You are on YOUR vacation, wear what you find comfortable and appropriate for the occassion. Anyone paying attention to you will know you are a tourist no matter what you wear. Your body language, accessories, mannerism and speech will announce who you are far more readily than your clothes.

2) More expensive than in the US, even adjusted for the exchange rate.

3) If they have them in France, you may see a C&A store in the cities, although probably not in the high rent areas. Just like in the US, you'll find the cheapest source of clothing on the outskirts of France's major cities- a Carrefour hypermarket, which is very similar to Walmart, but with better food.

Don't worry about how you dress- just don't go in full Panther's regalia with blue facepaint, Cat Man wig and cape! You are going to look like a tourist (your vidoe camera that you mention in another post is a real giveaway) so don't try to be a fashionista! Go for comfort and practicality. Docker's type pants, nice polo or plain T shirt or a simple casual button-up are fine for almost any activity. Try to take things that are easily hand washed in a sink and that dry quickly and without many wrinkles. Feel free to contact me by private message (did you notice I'm from nearby Charlotte?) if you have other questions. My hubby and I have been traveling to Europe for more than 20 years.

It's hard to say what a typical European wears, because they wear all sorts of things.

If you stick to areas where the tourists go, clothing will be more expensive, along with everything else: restaurants, hotels, shops etc. If you venture away from the tourist areas shop keepers might assume you're a local.

I don't dress like a European, since I am not one. I dress in my regular clothes, and that usually means I am not dressed all that differently from the average European. Not because I am trying to be like them, just because the differences in clothes aren't that great.

I think you should just be yourself. I think the exceptions to this are:

1) If you are going to a country where your clothing may not be culturally acceptable or where it will be easier to follow local dress codes (e.g. in India western women seem to get so much more respect if they wear Indian clothes).

2) If you want to have some fun with your appearance. When I travel I do like to pretend I am a local a little bit (to get an insight into their lives I suppose). If I was going to a place where people were very chic and stylish I would probably pack smarter clothes and have some fun swanning around pretending to be sophisticated! I have a Parisian friend who looks like the stereotypical chic Parisian dressed head to toe in black designer clothes. When she comes to London she loves buying a few pieces of cutting-edge London street fashion - she says it's very liberating to have some fun with clothes!

I usually buy things on sale, so not a very big difference in prices between the US and here. You won't find a lot of permanent press clothing over here, but you will find a lot of cotton, that will shrink if you toss it in the dryer. (I found this out the hard way, the first time I went home! All my clothes shrank) With so many chains being international, like Zara, H&M, C&A, or Bennetons, everyone tends to look the same. I wear a lot of clothes I bought in the states, and I blend right in here. It is the style a bit & the colors,but also how you wear it, your body language, your attitude, etc. I would not worry about blending though. Wear what is comfortable.

We just had a HUGE Gymnastics festival here, and about 200,000 German tourists descended on the city for a week. Guess what they all had on to run around the city sightseeing? Yes, lots of white shoes, cameras, back-packs, maps, t-shirts and jeans, & sports jackets. They were here getting lost, asking directions, taking tons of photos, running around to see all the churches and historical buildings and having a blast. I thought of this forum every day I was downtown, wishing you all could see this. It would put every ones minds at ease. When I see groups of French people or Spanish people or Italians walk by, they also have on sightseeing clothes. Perhaps a little different, but not that much. Sometimes it is VERY apparent which country someone is from, but most the time not.

Just don't wear zip off pants and you will be OK.

It honestly varies by country/region. There isn't one "European" type of dress. Spend some time in Europe and you'll be able to pick the Londoner, Berliner, Parisian, etc. out of a line-up. And similar to the US, there's urban style vs. rural style.I agree with other posters - don't plan to buy clothes during your travels. If you happen to see something you really want, that's one thing. This might sound a bit snobby, but the really well made, beautiful pieces that are unique to Europe are quite expensive. (These days, you can buy imported, genuine hand-made sweaters, lace, scarves, and European jeans and shoes in any big US city.)But, if you are hoping to blend in a bit, keep this in mind - Europeans don't embrace the slob look like we Americans. We love our oversized sweatshirts, tees with all manner of graphics and sayings, and crusty/baggie jeans.Pack items that are comfortable, that you feel good in, and will be appropriate in a variety of situations. That will help you pack light and pack well.The very fact that you and your wife will have cameras and be looking about you, absorbing the sights will set you apart as tourists. My husband and I try to keep a low-profile, but our looking like tourists has helped us. On more than one occasion, while looking lost and pathetic at a busy intersection, some nice local has helped us with directions, finding our bus stop, or recommending the neighborhood trattoria :)

I just try to be appropriate. Appropriate translates to "business casual" - long pants, dark socks, dark shoes and a long sleeve button up casual shirt - for most occasions. I'll wear shorts, t-shirt and tennis shoes or sandals for real hiking, beach or pool. I'll also dress very casually - adidas warm-up pants and a fleece if I'm going to a pub to watch a game.

My wife does buy clothes there, but only when we're window shopping and spot a good sale. She has purchased some great items for less than we would pay at home. The department stores there seem to be a little more expensive than at home. Boutiques in chic shopping districts are expensive just like in the US but you can find the occasional bargain.

We leave some things intentionally unpacked. We travel in the spring or fall and pack for cool, rather than freezing, weather. If it ends up being freezing, we buy knit hats, scarves and gloves at a department store then bring them home as souvenirs.

Hi, I've noticed that the gals tend to wear alot of dark colors...ie, dark jeans,
tops, etc. with higher heels at times...some white shoes, but not alot.

Stopped by the Galleries de Lafayette in Paris today..they have some lovely
clothes...trend setting, and styles that would be unique in the USA.

You should wear comfortable clothes...and as other posters mentioned..
try to not wear logoed typed tee shirts, shorts, etc..they will know you're
an American by the way you dress...your mannerisms, speech, etc. I've seen
fellow tourists in waiting lines dressed in baseball caps, shorts, & white shoes..
not a big deal.

Whilel in Florence, walked by vendors at the San Lorenzo market..as soon
as they saw us...they spoke English to us.

The clothes in Rome & Paris can be pricey...mpre expensive than in the USA.

I am disappointed, this thread is not nearly as controversial as expected. Maybe I can help, I personally reject the position that you are free to dress as whim dictates without incurring some retribution. After many years of being a free-spirit, it pains me to say that clothes really are a reflection of you, and more importantly a show of respect for others. (I can see the smug smirk on my Mother's face now!) As a clear example, to stroll into St.Peters wearing short-shorts, tank top, and flip flops makes you look foolish and insults those who view the church as a sacred place...justifying any action taken by the Swiss Guard (and yes, they carry sub-machine guns, not just pikes). All that said, what should you consider when packing?

---Space/Weight: Jeans are versatile, but heavy, shorts are OK but not appropriate for all (many) situations, your goal is to find 2 to 3 outfits that basically work in all situations (Comfortable sightseeing, a nice dinner, visiting a church, etc.) Same with shoes, a nuetral pair of leather oxfords in a walking shoe are super versatile, carrying my dress shoes, a pair of tennis shoes (white or otherwise), a pair of sandals, and a pair of hiking boots is silly.
---Color coordination: Nuetrals are great because of your few outfits, everything can be mixed and matched. The further I deviate from nuetral...the more items I need to have the same versatility.
---Availability: I actually pack lighter than needed, with the expectation that I will probably pick up a shirt along the way, maybe some accessory, who knows.
Overall, taking this tact, I guess I might "blend" more, though not intended, but I probably do attract less attention. For those who debate the "security Issue" with dress, I guess I can only ask "What will a thief scanning a crowd in a piazza pick up on first?" and view as a "richer" target. a non-descript individual? or the Clark Griswalds of the world?

I like Paul's and Cat's advice and agree that it does depend on where we're talking about. Paris is dressier than a lot of other places in Europe, for example. Just dress a notch better than you would at home. You can get away with more casual clothes for museum visits, etc, but dress up for dinner. I would never wear pants to dinner in Paris or Rome--skirts or dresses only. I like the advice of business casual for a man--that's how my husband dresses for dinner in Paris. Your wife might see women in fashionable jeans, but dressing nicely signals respect, and you'll get better service (or service at all--I remember once, in Florence, as a younger backpacker dressed in a T shirt and khakis, being refused a table with no explanation. I'm sure now it's because I looked like a slob.)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this link for dressing in Paris.
http://www.parisescapes.com/paris_wear.html

The link for men is kind of buried so I'll link that too:
http://www.parisescapes.com/paris_wear_men.html

I wear socks with my Birkenstocks,, so I look like a middle aged German man.. LOL ,, Oh, I am sorry, I just had to interject that ,, you can all go back to serious clothes discussion without my interference now.. LOL

I dress differently now since our luggage got lost on way to Berlin a few years ago. I found lightweight, neutral clothing and a pair of shoes that I can wear with almost anything. I try to buy clothing like that over here (and can usually find it in Macy's) because it travels well, meaning it's easy to pack and will dry overnight after washing it in the sink. I now pack a lot less, too.

I did panic, though, when I had to buy clothing in Berlin. I ain't tall by any stretch of the word, and was worried that I'd find any pants that would fit me, since Germans tend to be a lot taller than me. Lucky for me, this was when capris were just coming into fashion. Sure, German capris come to my ankles, but it worked just fine for me.

If you really want to blend-in in any European city, wear a business suit and carry a business case.

I'm on the train into DC every day and often ride the Metro. I never assume anyone dressed for business is a tourist. Foreign languages are common here even for non-tourists.

When I'm on vacation, however, I want to be comfortable so I'll let others do the blending. As I said, I'm just trying to dress appropriately.

"If you really want to blend-in in any European city, wear a business suit and carry a business case.
I'm on the train into DC every day and often ride the Metro. I never assume anyone dressed for business is a tourist. Foreign languages are common here even for non-tourists." BINGO! We have a winner!

Peter, your questions raises a lot of other questions. Is the real questions "how do Europeans dress"? or is it more correctly "how do Europeans dress for travel"? At Rome on the metro during rush hour I see lots of business casual, high fashion, heels nice accessories--- pretty much what I'd see here when people are going to work. But you aren't going to work, you're travelling. What's appropriate for a meeting with a CEO isn't necessarily appropriate for the Forum on a sweltering July day. Those high fashion stiletto Ferragamos that look so great at a high end ristorante are a prescription for a broken ankle or worse on the uneven pavers of a Florentine street. That stunning strapless sundress fresh from the cover of Italian Vogue will turn heads at a trendy winebar but will leave you standing out in the sun while others in their Target best get admitted to the Vatican and many other churches in Italy.It's ok to be American in Italy--- they actually like a a lot. Do wear clothing appropriate to the season in which you plan to travel and appropriate to the particular activities you've chosen for your itinerary. Someone planning on eating at 4 and 5 star restaurants and clubbing will need different clothing than someone who will be hiking, exploring ruins and dining in small local trattorias. Do have a plan for "freshening" your wardrobe either handwashing or planing one or two coin laundry stops which is my personal preference. In Rome we found a place near out lodgings that washed dried and folded our clothes for 8 euro! Do plan your wardrobe around a particular color theme so that everything will be mix and match. Simple styles that can be easily dressed up with a pashmina or jewelry or dressed down are your best bet. Do wear comfortable "well broken in " shoes, two pair if at all possible. We saw a LOT more shorts this year than in preveious years not sure if that's a fashion trend or a reaction to the early warm spell.

I dress one way when I travel and it's both easy and helps to blend in. Plus, I find it comfortable.

I wear either black or gray pants and everything else is in neutral colors. No loud anything. My shirts are either solid color or a light stripe. Black Shoes. Black Socks. Dark solid color sweater. Black backpack or messenger bag.

To some it might seem bland but I don't care. Plus, it doesn't show dirt.(I think khaki and light colors show dirt and stains too easily). Lastly, everything mixes and matches.

In very hot weather, I do the same but wear very lightweight clothes. (Although I try to avoid traveling in Europe between the middle of June and the middle of September.)

I've never been hassled by anyone in all of my travels. I think it's because I don't stand out as a tourist the way so many others do.

I just returned from Spain and Paris. While people dressed a with a lot more style in mind in Paris, I think the best advice is to dress appropriately. For dinner in a nice restaurant wear business casual. European dress is very much like American dress, mens colors aren't as hung up as American, you'll see lots of pink or purple shirts on men and for sale at department stores. In the warmer climate of Spain, I saw everyone including locals wearing shorts. Dressed like you might dress at home (without a camera of course) you might even be mistaken for a local as my wife and I were in France and in Spain.

I think Brad should win the best answer of the month award.

... with Maggie coming in a close second.

Hi Peter,
As long as it's for fun and you can afford it and don't mind wasting your time shopping for clothes-- go for it. If you're trying to "blend in" fuggedaboutit. It won't work. Yeah, it'll be waaaay expensive. 2. There isn't one dress uniform for all of Europe, just as there isn't for our continent, well, except for Clark Griswold's...good point 3. Ditto Ellen, BG, Cat, Brad, Paul.. Huh? what happened to everyone who I usually disagree with?

The times that I've visited Europe I noticed that shorts are not common for the natives and that they don't wear as many bright colors. If you don't want to "stand out" as an obvious tourist leave your shorts, baseball caps, and bright colors at home and keep your tourist accessories (guidebooks, maps, camera) stowed away when not immediately using them (as in, not wearing a camera hanging around your neck). I think feeling like you need to buy your clothes over there is going overboard. Certain plain kinds of clothes (like the solid color button-down shirts and khakis Rick wears on his show) are universal. There are so many things you would rather do with your time in Europe than shopping for clothes beccause you didn't bring any.

solid color button-down shirts and khakis Rick wears on his show) are universal.

As a European I'd disagree with this. What Americans call "khakis" have never really been a fashion staple in Europe like they are in the US. All this "only Americans wear jeans" stuff is rubbish - the real American "uniform" is a pair of beige slacks with a tucked in polo shirt.

Last year on the feast of Corpus Christi I made a mad dash for the last Mass at Santa Maria Sopra Minerva--- the irony being that I was leaving my uncle's house full of priests LOL. Came running in mid Kyrie wearing my trusty black travel knit dress and my handy Italian missal. At the end of Mass the priest was signalling to me and came up to me--- handed me a large candle and gave me some fast marching orders in Italian. Apparently I was going to be one of the candle bearers in the procession around the neighborhood. Later I recounted my "passing" for a parishioner to my uncle and fellow priests.Uncle: "Well you came late, dressed in black, sang on the songs, I guess they thought you were Italian. How much did you put in the collection?"
ME 5 euroUncle + chorus of priests: "Oh no way they thought you were Italian>"

Can't help but have fun with this one.
Generally it is correct that as soon as you open your mouth, your cover is blown. Secondly, I agree with the general statement that Europeans and Americans don't dress as differently as they used to. In fact, maybe it is a generational thing. Young people are very likely to wear sports shoes, baseball caps, logo t-shirts, etc (all the things that were once considered American trademarks.) I also agree that Europeans will generally tend to dress a tad more formally for dinner, for church, etc. Having said that (and in the spirit of fun) here are a few "what the Europeans wear" observations (They are true. But not to be taken too seriously):
(1) Scarves! Except during the hight of summer (and sometimes even then) European men and women love their long scarves.
(2) Leather shoes. Although Americans have by no means cornered the market on tennis shoes, leather shoes are more traditionally continental.
(3) Orange! Americans don't wear the color orange. Europeans do. (especially --but not limited to-- the Dutch.)
(4) Loud stripes on men's suits (perhaps that is now in style in America too. I don't know). I've also noticed that my European bought suits have a slightly different lapel cut than my American suits.
(5) Man Capris and man bags. I'm not into it myself, but, oh well.
(6) Lots of tatoos and piercings on young people.
(7) Women: Hair that is dyed sort of an unnatural henna red/Maroon.
(8) Woman: The braless look in summer. (and generally more cleavage.) No letters, please! I'm just callin 'em as I see 'em.
(9) Adult men can wear grown-up hats without receiving comments.
(10) 70's styles have never gone out of fashion: disco boots and (in winter) leather disco pants are still "in".
(11) Disagreeing with Rick's anti-safari jacket stance. This year, at least, safari and military style jackets are hugely in style for both men & women. May change by next year.
(12) Agree that dark colors are a safe bet.
Have fun!