Let me preface this article with putting the following statement out in the open: I am no fashion expert, in fact I hardly know how to pronounce various fashion designer's names and fashion-related sayings without butchering them. Although I still have a lot to learn, I still found myself greatly appreciating the different styles I saw abroad this summer and how drastically different Parisians and Florentians dress despite only being one country apart from each other. So the following information will only provide an extremely superficial glance at fashion trends in Europe. This mostly includes the everyday trends ordinary people wear on a daily basis.
FIRENZE, ITALIA
Just a few hundred kilometers southeast of Milan, the fashion capital of the world, Florence is a beautiful Italian city where history and culture collide. Home of Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's the Birth of Venus, Florence also houses a very interesting fashion style, similar to what is found in Rome and other large Italian cities.
I always had the impression that Italians were trying to give off the idea that their look was effortless and that they put very little time into getting ready, but all of their pieces came together to complete a very polished look, however long it took them that morning, whether that was 10 minutes or an hour and 10 minutes. If you want to fit in while vacationing or studying abroad in Florence, I recommend sticking with basic colors, such as black, white, and navy. Occasionally sneak in a more vibrant color such as red, but for the most part Florence natives wear very toned down clothing. You will rarely ever see someone walking around in an outfit that could be considered neon. This goes for nighttime attire as well, the more simple the better.
In terms of shoes, I only saw a woman wearing heels three or so times in the one month I was living in Florence. The sidewalks are tricky to navigate in heels and you are almost guaranteed to fall, break your ankle, and break your treasured heel. Protip: leave them at home and opt for a comfortable pair of boots or sandals that you will not mind walking for miles on cobblestone streets. I saw a lot of converse, Stan Smiths, and flats. Men often wear nice dress shoes with their pants rolled up a bit at the bottoms to show off their nice shoes and sometimes stylish socks.
LONDON, ENGLAND
BLACK, BLACK, AND MORE BLACK. When I was in London before my study abroad program this summer, I swear, I saw someone wearing a completely black outfit at least once every three seconds. Black blouses, pants, and shoes are wardrobe essentials and you will be lost without them. Leather jackets are a hit and you cannot go wrong with a scarf or hat.
In terms of shoes, Londoners wear Chelsea platform boots, platform sandals, and various shoes that are in guess what color ... ALL BLACK.
PARIS, FRANCE
Although Paris shares quite a few similarities with London fashion-wise, more Doc Martens, jean jackets, and black tights make appearances on the Parisian streets. Black is essential but so are bright, vibrant colors that often are what make the outfit. Although neons are more common in Paris than in Florence, dark colors such as black and maroon remain as staples.
AMSTERDAM, NEDERLAND
A combination of Italian, French, and British fashion come together in Amsterdam. On the Dutch streets you can find the ultimate hipsters wandering into their trendy cafes and restaurants. Everything is clean and put together. Lots of boots, jackets, and hats. Occasionally you will see someone wearing an article of clothing with cannabis leaves covering it, but mostly likely they are a tourist. LOTS OF DENIM AND MILITARY JACKETS.
Bottom line: there are several looks in Europe that scream unique and fun. There are endless possibilities for what to do with your wardrobe if you're looking to adopt a European wardrobe. Adopt pieces from these four cities but BE YOU!
