European Fashion – What to Wear in Europe to not Look like a Tourist
Yes, you are a tourist. Some people say that it is ok to look like one. I personally like to blend in and not draw attention to myself. There is always a little feeling of accomplishment when I am walking down the street in some European city and a local asks me for directions or speaks to me in the local language. Here are my tips on European fashion and what to wear in Europe to not look like a tourist – or even better: What not to wear and how to look like a local.
When traveling to Europe, the key is to blend in with the locals in terms of European dress code and European style. You should not dress as if you’re off to the Oscar’s nor should you look tousled or disheveled, as if you just got out of bed.
What to wear in Europe is also important, because the more you look like a tourist, the more likely you’ll be targeted by pickpocketers and scammers. Finding the right outfit depends as much on what to wear as what not to wear in Europe and fit in a little more like a local.
The way you dress is important because it can lead to friendlier service while visiting Europe and it can serve as protection against being earmarked as an “out-of-towner” by pick-pocketers. Take your cue from the locals and blend in with the current European fashion trends and unique European style.
“The best thing a traveler can do is go to a local clothing store and buy a couple of outfits — then no one will ever mistake you for a tourist,” says travel expert Johnny Jet (aka John E. DiScala).
Most Americans have a certain way of dressing when traveling overseas that screams they are from the States. Don’t be that person.
Whether it is wearing ball caps, sports team shirts, white tennis shoes and socks, well-worn Levi’s, polo shirts, American logos, or backpacks filled with all your important papers and jewelry, these are fashions you may what to change while abroad.
Before coming to Europe, do not forget these 3 important points:
Visit my Travel Gear and Resource Page to see my recommendations on useful travel gadgets and helpful travel services that can help you with planning your trip.
If you don’t want to drive in Europe, you can use this website to book your train tickets between the city and for day trips. It is super easy and in English.
What to Wear in Europe: 10 ways to dress more with European Style when in Europe
1. Wear clean-cut conservative clothes
Europeans dress up more than Americans, especially for meals and special occasions. With that being said, don’t show up at dinner wearing sweatpants, shorts, or a T-shirt, and especially not pajama bottoms. They are NOT fashionable in Europe.
Another tip: Don’t wear workout clothes! People will most likely stare at you, unless you are actually working out, of course.
When you put your packing list together for what to wear in Europe, try picking up some clothing items at the following stores for fashionable European wear:
H&M — A Swedish clothing company that is popular all over Europe and in the US. Reputation for fashion without high price tags.
Urban Outfitters – Urban Outfitters has spread across Europe and can be found in a few countries.
Zara — Located the world over but with a heavy presence in Europe. A Spanish retail store that sells fashionable clothes and some beautiful travel dresses.
Ellos– Founded in 1947, they are Sweden’s leading online department store, with collections that reflect Swedish lifestyle & design aesthetic in sizes 10+. (My favorite)
2. Go Neutral
Ditch the camouflage, loud colors, and dizzy patterns for timeless pieces, wardrobe staples, and conservative colors like black, navy, blue, beige, tan, and gray. Make sure your clothes fit well and not be loose or baggy, but also not too tight. Wear things you feel comfortable in. Jeans, especially skinny jeans, are worn by many Europeans, but they don’t make for great travel pants, as they take very long to dry.
Build a European Fashion capsule wardrobe for your trip with pieces that you can layer and mix and match and wear with each other.
Wear colors that locals wear. Especially in the colder months, many Europeans wear black or muted colors, paired with one colorful accessory. For example, brightly-colored and loud Hawaiian shirts should only be worn while on the islands, and not while in Europe.
3. Bring comfortable walking shoes
Generally speaking, the only people who wear white running shoes are Americans in sneakers. Leave them behind. Best to don comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and city environments, as Europeans love to walk. No cheap flip-flops or running shoes either. European women wear heels a lot, but they are used to walking on cobblestoned streets, so we recommend leaving them at home or only bringing them for special occasions where you know you won’t walk too far.
Keens, Clarks, and Naturalizermake very comfortable walking shoes that will let you put some miles on your feet without a problem. In the colder months, boots are very fashionable and common. Wear them on the plane to cut extra cost for overweight luggage.
4. Do Europeans Wear Shorts?
Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer. It depends. European fashion is usually a bit more conservative, but Europeans actually are wearing shorts – when they are on vacation or doing outdoorsy activities. Strolling through the city or in a museum? Not so much.
Though you may increasingly find shorts in southern Europe and on younger people, generally speaking, it’s best to wear long/capri pants or skirts and say “no” to shorts. Especially American style khaki cargo shorts which are viewed as a trademark of American tourists. If you must wear them, save them for beaches and hikes.
Also keep in mind that in many countries (mainly Spain, Italy, Portugal, and some parts of Eastern Europe etc.) you will have to cover up when you visit churches or religious places of worship. Usually, the rule is covered below the knee and no tank tops. This rule includes men, women, and children. We recommend carrying a large scarf to cover up. See more info below.
5. Leave the baseball cap behind
Baseball caps are considered American and will have you stick out in a crowd. The same is true with sun visors – avoid wearing them, except for outdoor activities or on the beach. Those are simply not part of the average European dress code and will make you stand out as a tourist.
6. Accessorize with scarves
For the ultimate European fashion touch, wear a scarf. That holds true for both men and women. Also, women may want to carry a headscarf for religious visits. This scarfmight be a good investment: It has a secret pocket that can hide your passport, money, or cell phone and is perfect for travelers in Europe.
7. Leave the bling behind
Don’t advertise yourself as a mark by wearing expensive jewels and bling. Instead, travel with costume jewelry – anything you don’t mind losing.
8. Avoid U.S. logos and go slogan-free
Best to avoid advertising you are American by wearing or carrying American logos such as Coach handbags, Nike, Abercrombie, or American football jerseys. Try to go slogan-free to add mystery to where you’re from.
9. Bring a smaller backpack to wear in front
The large backpacks that many Americans wear on their backs are easy targets for thieves. Consider using a smaller pack you can don in front, especially when taking public transportation and when in crowds or at popular tourist spots.
Also, a good idea is to get one of the PacSafe backpacks that have multiple anti-theft mechanisms to keep your belonging safe. Another option is thisover-the-shoulder travel purse by Travelonthat boasts stainless steel wire mesh to prevent slash-and-grab thefts.
10. Be religiously respectable
Avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, and plunging necklines for the ladies. Dress conservatively in any country with fundamental religious views.
I was once on a photo tour in Chiapas, Mexico, where one of the women wearing a low-cut tank top, was revealing way too much cleavage. It was distasteful and tacky, especially since she was in her 50’s. She was surprised when she got dirty looks from the locals when walking through town squares and churches, areas predominantly conservative and very Catholic.
On another trip to the Blue Mosque in Turkey, one of our female members was told her pants were too tight (she was wearing black leggings under a tunic-type travel dress). She was issued a long skirt to wear over them before she could enter the Mosque.
Just be mindful of what the locals are wearing and have a plan b: Pack a scarf or cardigan to cover up if necessary. And maybe this bookcan help you with some more European style advice and tips on what to wear in Europe.
European Fashion – What to wear in Europe to not stand out as a tourist – Written by Karin Leperi for EuropeUpClose.com.
If you want to avoid looking like a tourist, don't wear clothes with location-specific text or designs. Whether it's a shirt with the name of your hometown or a cap that proclaims your love for the place you're visiting, nothing gives you away as a tourist more than branded merchandise.
Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Wear them with cool layers such as camisoles or a t-shirt for the summer, or warmer ones e.g. a long-sleeved shirt and jumper in the winter. However when the summer temperature heats over 40C you may want to opt for a lighter weight fabric.
Europeans tend to dress up a bit more than Americans and they prefer a sleeker and more fitted look. Shorts, oversize styles and athletic wear like sweatpants and T-shirts are not acceptable to wear out in public. Think tailored, classic, and neutral and you can't go wrong.
Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather shoes.
If you are going out for a meal or an occasion, Europeans tend to dress up a bit. So don't turn up in sweatpants or leggings. It is also uncommon to wear head-to-toe sports gear in Europe in general, so you may want to avoid that too.
Are Leggings Okay to Wear in Paris? Some travelers love wearing leggings for comfort, but they're often too casual looking as pants for Paris. If you're a big fan of leggings, consider pairing a black pair with long tunics during the spring, or wearing them under Paris style dresses and skirts in fall and winter.
Europeans tend to dress much less casually than we do in the States. Let's just say that wearing shorts is a good way to advertise that you're a tourist. Steve suggests dressing “for the occasion” and making sure you present yourself neatly.
is defined by a viewpoint where European culture is looked upon favorably and biased against non-western civilizations. Western beauty ideals include being thin and tall, having long hair, having light/tanned skin, having big breasts, large eyes, a small nose, and high cheekbones (1).
And this sends soon-to-be-travelers into a footwear-induced panic as they try to find the perfect pair of shoes that won't make them the laughing stock of Europe. Well, we have some news for you. Europeans wear sneakers. And no, they don't wear high-heels and loafers made from the finest Italian leather every day.
NEUTRALS ARE YOUR BEST FRIEND. Packing neutral colors is a must if you want to pack light and fashionable for Europe! I know bright colors are in right now, but I promise you'll get tired of wearing the same hot pink skirt. You are going to wear it once or twice and then forget it the rest of the trip.
Avoid Wearing Heels: While Paris is a fashion capital, it is also a city full of cobblestone streets. Wearing heels will not only make it difficult to walk, but you will also likely end up with sore feet. Instead, opt for a pair of comfortable flats or sneakers.
Remember that Parisians tend to dress conservatively, even in the summer. What is this? Avoid anything too short – knee-length is best, although midi and maxi dresses are also trendy these days – or low cut.
Speak quietly and don't draw attention to yourself. Don't behave like a tourist, and be polite and courteous. You probably won't fool people thinking that you're European for long, but you can leave them with a good impression of yourself. Don't assume that everyone speaks English.
Tacky tourist is term referring to person dressed up in obvious, bold, sometimes even tacky or obnoxious holiday clothes, wearing funny pack and socks in the sandals, simply put being an eyesore. While some tourists might be oblivious to their tackiness, other people dress purposely in such fashion.
“First and foremost, avoid fanny packs like the plague! Another tip is to not wear sports jerseys or baseball caps from a home sports team. If possible, also avoid wearing clothing from a chain store with large and recognizable logo placements.”
Dresses, skirts, dress pants, short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops. Depending on the season, you should bring some short-sleeve/long-sleeve tops, a sweater dress to wear with tights, a skirt and some dress pants. All these items are a must for your Europe packing list.
Do people still wear leggings & shorts in Europe? The answer is “yes,” they do wear shorts and tennis shoes when they are purposeful, going hiking, going to work out, or to the beach. However, they do not wear those sports shoes and jogging outfits out into the city to shop or have lunch.
Just like in America, Europeans wear all styles of clothes and it varies from country to country. That said, styles do tend to be a little more “dressy” but many Europeans are moving toward a more casual, t-shirt, sneakers, and jeans wardrobe.
Key Elements of Euro Chic Style. Sleek, High Quality, Polished, Comfortable, but Chic Footwear. European Tops Are Dressy Even Off Duty. Best Euro Style Pants. European Ladies Prefer Neutral Color Skirts and Dresses.
Instead, in Paris, it's far more common to see women wearing comfortable flat shoes such as ballet flats, loafers, and sneakers. Indeed, since Paris is a city where the locals walk everywhere, sneakers are probably the most stylish and comfortable shoes to wear every day.
So, the good news is you can wear your jeans in Paris, but make sure you uphold the Paris Insiders Ideal by only wearing jeans that are stylish and well-fitted.
Lingerie is an integral part of a French woman's fashion wardrobe. Yes, a great bra also plays a practical role in her life - French women covet comfort and support in their bras like everyone else.
It is improper to put one's hands on one's lap, or to stretch one's arms while at the table. Resting one's elbows on the table is also considered to be poor manners. Do not leave the table until everyone has finished eating. Drinking beverages other than water or wine with a meal is quite uncommon.
Are jeans appropriate to wear in Italy? While Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, you still can wear jeans in Italy. However, avoid acid wash and extremely distressed denim and opt for medium-dark blues and blacks. Black skinny jeans always look chic in Europe!
In 2015, a global survey by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons placed South Korea in the top ten of countries who had the highest rate of cosmetic surgeries. Korean beauty standards prioritize a slim figure, dewy skin, v-shaped jaw, pale skin, straight eyebrows, smooth skin, and large eyes.
Shoes also take a lot of space in your luggage, so we recommend bringing 2 pairs. One pair should be the most comfortable walking shoes that you will wear during the day. These might be tennis shoes or sandals, depending on the weather. Another pair can be used to wear during the night when you go out.
This is then closely followed by the Air Jordan 1 High "Volt", the sacai x Nike VaporWaffle "Villain Red", and the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 "Bred". France's fifth most popular sneaker of 2021 so far is the Nike Air Max Plus "White".
Sandals are the most comfortable shoes for traveling in europe in the summer, particularly in destinations with hot weather such as Rome, where the heat is absolutely overwhelming. If your feet swell in the heat, wearing enclosed shoes might feel torturous.
Having a bag with a detachable shoulder strap is a great idea while you're travelling in Europe. This feature allows you to detach the shoulder strap and attach the bag to other objects for safety.
The easiest way to create a simple packing list for 2 weeks in Europe is to take 7 tops. Based on the Travel Fashion math example mentioned above, this should provide you one unique top per day per week. Alternatively, you can also mix things up and take 5 tops plus 2 dresses or 7 dresses.
People in Europe tend to wear more basic colors like white, grey, beige, and black. If you want to add some color to your outfit, pastel colors are really popular. Europeans often feel really uncomfortable when they're wearing bright colors and prefer to blend in with the crowd with neutral colors. Thanks!
Avoiding the white-coloured clothing for long-haul flights is essential. A bright, but darker colour will any accidental spills, and also brighten your complexion. Look for fabrics like Merino Wool, or Tencel which are naturally wrinkle-resistant.
French women know good jeans – look for straight-leg, in classic denim blue. To be paired with smart blazers or casual knits, flats or heels. Denim should be one colour, not faded, and with no fraying or rips.
U.S. dollars are not accepted in most establishments, though some hotels, shops, and restaurants may accept U.S. dollars at an agreed upon exchange rate. Coins: 2€/1€/50 cents/20c/10c/5c/2c/1c The Euro is divided into 100 cents, or centimes.
Parisians do wear jeans and t-shirts, but only in appropriate situations, and you'll notice their jeans and t-shirts are a lot more design-y and cut a lot slimmer. When you're going out to eat in a restaurant, think of how you'd dress for that same level of restaurant back home, and then dress nicer than that.
Keep It Simple. A French woman over 50 will never wear overly-complicated clothing, as it can make her look older than she is. The best thing to do is keep it simple by wearing plain pieces that don't have patterns or embellishments.
Dressing like a tourist is easy! A bright Hawaiian shirt is a classic look, but neon prints and souvenir t-shirts are also great shirt options. For bottoms, definitely go with khaki shorts or cargo shorts. Slip into a pair of white crew socks and strap your sandals over them to create an iconic tourist vibe.
Europeans tend to dress much less casually than we do in the States. Let's just say that wearing shorts is a good way to advertise that you're a tourist. Steve suggests dressing “for the occasion” and making sure you present yourself neatly.
Locals can always spot tourists a mile away by their “I Heart NYC” shirts. If you really want one of the iconic t-shirts, purchase one, then wait to wear it when you get home. Chances are locals in your neighborhood will think it's way cooler than any NYC locals who see you wearing it.
Men: Bold and slim suits, solid colored tailored pants and patterned slim shirts. Don't: Wear flip-flops, floppy hats, shirts with logos, bare shoulders or mini-skirts and shorts. Much of this is considered inappropriate or gauche when it comes to visiting most tourist destinations.
How to avoid looking like a tourist with what you wear:
Bring a headscarf or cover-up if that's common in the country you're visiting, or if you plan to bring to visit religious sites including temples, mosques, or churches.
Avoid bringing expensive clothing, jewelry, or flashy accessories that may make you stand out.
Are jeans appropriate to wear in Italy? While Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, you still can wear jeans in Italy. However, avoid acid wash and extremely distressed denim and opt for medium-dark blues and blacks. Black skinny jeans always look chic in Europe!
Women in Italy wear yoga pants and cotton leggings all the time! Of course it's better to wear them for an informal, quick lunch in stead than at a fancy restaurant in the evening. But don't be worried that they wouldn't fit the dreaded “Italian dress code” because it's not the case.
It is improper to put one's hands on one's lap, or to stretch one's arms while at the table. Resting one's elbows on the table is also considered to be poor manners. Do not leave the table until everyone has finished eating. Drinking beverages other than water or wine with a meal is quite uncommon.
Switzerland may not be the fashion capital of the world, but that doesn't mean you should walk around looking like a schlub. ... Look Like a Local: Mastering Swiss Fashion
On the other hand, golden hair, pale skin, a strong jaw, a narrow nose, and wider lips are the features of choice in countries throughout Western Europe, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, the United Kingdom, and Spain.
Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
Europeans dress up more than Americans, especially for meals and special occasions. With that being said, don’t show up at dinner wearing sweatpants, shorts, or a T-shirt, and especially not pajama bottoms. They are NOT fashionable in Europe.
Generally speaking, the only people who wear white running shoes are Americans in sneakers. Leave them behind. Best to don comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and city environments, as Europeans love to walk. No cheap flip-flops or running shoes either. European women wear heels a lot, but they are used to walking on cobblestoned streets, so we recommend leaving them at home or only bringing them for special occasions where you know you won’t walk too far.
I was once on a photo tour in Chiapas, Mexico, where one of the women wearing a low-cut tank top, was revealing way too much cleavage. It was distasteful and tacky, especially since she was in her 50’s. She was surprised when she got dirty looks from the locals when walking through town squares and churches, areas predominantly conservative and very Catholic.
