Wardrobe help!

I was in Andalucia mid-November last year. It was light jacket/weather weather for me, with jeans/pants, no shorts. There were a couple of days of drizzle/rain. (For what it's worth, you and I should be acclimated to the same home climate—I live just an hour north of you.)

I usually carry a cross-body style bag, for practicality more than security, but the ability to swing it forward easily for security is valued. Mine's just big enough for an iPad (which I don't carry out and about) but small enough to usually evade bag checks.

I know it sounds silly but I would like to "blend!" even in a small way....

Some might poo-poo this idea, but if feeling more 'blended in' makes you comfortable, that counts for something. Re sneakers in Europe, in general: What I call 'fashion trainers' are always more discrete than proper athletic shoes. Something light, soft, and stylish, but not necessarily engineered for playing tennis or running 5k.

Weather info. Way more than you can absorb. https://weatherspark.com

As for my wardrobe, it never changes:
- cargo shorts (I do have a pair with zippered leg extensions for super fancy restaurants)
- polo/golf shirt
- comfortable, rubber soled walking shoes (mine are Giesswein)
- Darn Tough socks
- underwear

When the weather is cold and wet, then I break out the Patagonia down jacket.

I know that I can never blend in, so why bother to try?

Autumn should be cooler, but you could have all sorts of weather and temperature variations for the places you’re going since they cover most of the country. Follow the temperatures for each city and you’ll quickly get an idea of the temperature spreads between them.

I don’t worry about blending. Even if you speak fluent Spanish people will know you’re not local unless you speak the local dialect. While the words are the same, Spanish is spoken differently in the different parts of the country (pronunciation, emphasis, running syllables together, etc.).

I dress the way I would at home and avoid clothing with logos one normally only finds in the U.S. Since most things can be purchased online, there are fewer U.S. only items. Not specific to Spain, but I avoid wearing clothing with the U.S. flag. That stems from my business travel prior to retirement. While people will know you’re not local, they won’t necessarily know you’re from the U.S. Backpacks are common in Europe and both my wife and I normally have ours with us.

I was in Italy last November and am going to Spain this November, including southern Spain. I typically bring 2 pairs of pants, one black, both tailored-ish, but comfortable. Didn't bring jeans, but I think I will this year. Those can go with a variety of tops casual or dressy. I bring a sundress for the coast, but make it so I can throw a sweater or jacket over it if needed. I brought a long puffy jacket, but it wasn't great for rain. I'll switch it it up this year. I wore very comfortable ankle boots and will bring my most comfortable Altras for serious walking. I brought a small cross body bag that I tucked into my travel bag when flying. I brought way too many clothes, will pare back this year, even though we brought only one bag and a carry on. I used packing cubes too and I love them.

I carry a very small crossbody bag large enough for my iPhone (I have found not carrying as much weight is better for my shoulders). Obviously Barcelona will require a different level of awareness than Andalucia, but I use the same bag and find I don’t really need all the “what ifs” when I am out for the day in any of these cities. I am no help on weather, as I have only been there in March, nor on fashion.

I went to to all those cities on my trip several years ago during almost the exact dates that you will be there. With the climate changing I agree it is best to research average temperatures online to see what this year might be like.

For me, it was a little rainy and mild to cool in Barcelona several times. I wore a small packable thin puffer coat (filled with Thinsulate sp?) and needed a small umbrella a few times. I used my packable mid length raincoat in Barcelona and Madrid. Long or ankle length pants, layers on top. Tennis shoes with good cushioning or loafers with cushioning and traction soles for walking a lot. Layers worked best.

In southern Spain it was noticeably warmer, but not too hot that time of year when I was there. Long pants, layers on top including a denim shirt to wear as a sweater if needed. I did wear a hat for sun protection at times. I wore nice, dark wash jeans and a going out top in the evenings. I changed into ballet flat shoes a few times when going out to dinner for fashion or just a change for my feet ( Optional, I could have left these at home).

I agree with others, a medium size crossbody purse for essentials during site-seeing worked for me.

Madrid is quite high up in altitude.
The only time I was there was in October 2016, and it was chilly.
I had to wear everything I had with me!
And that was two days after swimming in the sea on the coast.
Just pack layers.

We were in Spain last October. Barcelona was hot, sleeveless and a skirt. Madrid was cool, long sleeves and a light jacket. So was Seville, Granada, Cordoba, and Toledo.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to look put together and comfortable. We were in those cities (except Barcelona) last Oct. It was very hot in Andalusia, I wore a skirt, dress and bought a pair of shorts! In Madrid (and I bet Barcelona) you could wear dark jeans/pants and a short sleeved top. Of course take a light sweater. I don't think you'll need a jacket quite yet. (except for rain if you want!)
Of course you'll have to wash clothes for that length of trip. And Spain Is inexpensive if you desperately want to buy a pice of clothing.
I love a crossbody but not a travel one, I just use a Michael Kors. You can wear it all the time (even when sitting) and an inside zippered spot is very safe from pickpockets.
One thing I will say about Southern Spain: in Granada, especially, the large cobblestones were rough on my feet! I mainly wore thick soled sandals but still-ouch. Those streets were not my favorite. But I'd take/wear sandals, leather ankle boots and sneakers if I were you. (I wore one and packed the others) I just got a pair of Ecco's that are so comfy and stylish!

As per my turf, Barcelona:

Dress in layers. Weather should be placid in October but it can also be a bit wet and/or fresh at times. A sweater and/or a fleece vest/jacket might come in handy.

Fashion-wise: not going to enter into the eternal discussion full of stereotypes from those that having visited for a few days fancy themselves as 'experts' already. My take as a "middle-aged" (LOL!) resident?... dress as you like, and nobody will care. The city has nearly 2 million souls, some 300,000 of which are residents from +120 different nationalities so, as you can expect, there's a melange of cultures, values... and "fashion styles". Yet the rule of thumb for those willing to "blend even in a small way" is to dress casual when out for dinner and semi-casual for the rest of the day. Obviously in the middle of our very hot and sticky summer, when you're doing your tourist stuff around, you'll probably want to wear the most comfy clothing you have.

But again, this depends a lot on your vibe, your age and/or the places you frequent. We Catalans care about our personal appearance and image. We wear a wide variety of types of clothes which are common in Western countries. However, generally, we do not wear overly casual clothes.

Thank you Forum Friends! Thank you Enric for sharing a local perspective.... sophistication with some layers, comfort and a discreet cross body bag. So many great suggestions! I will add that I bring body glide (runners use it) for blister prevention. Can't wait to arrive!