What style of clothing should I pack for a trip to Europe?

Question

I do not want stand out as an American woman during my travels. Any suggestions on what to pack and what NOT to pack?

Answer 1

Wear black slacks and a classically tailored black coat (not a jacket) with a soft scarf. Gloves. Simple, tailored sweaters and blouses.
No jeans, tennis shoes, sweats, "branded"or slogan clothing ... they brand you as American.
European women (in my observation) generally dress more simply, tailored, and stylishly (but not fads) than American women. They tend to wear more skirts, hosiery and comfortable dress shoes. The common thought is to dress as if you have a lot of money, even if you really don't.

Whatever you choose to bring, set it all out a week ahead of time. Two days later, put half of it back in your closet. Bring lingerie and blouses you can hand wash and hang dry overnight in mild shampoo.
TravelSmith.com has a great selection of travel-friendly clothing.

Answer 2

It depends on where you're going in Europe, because you do need to take the weather into consideration.

I suggest getting a copy of Marie Claire UK edition or similar and looking through that for ideas.

Americans tend to wear white sports shoes, so don't bring those, get good quality leather shoes instead. Also, invest in reasonably fashionable jeans, not the cheapo supermarket type. And instead of wearing the mass-produced man's type of t-shirt or sweatshirt, look at nice lady's tops and blouses and sweaters. Don't forget accessories like jewellery and of course pashminas. (I was born to wear pashminas, me. Let's just say they help me tap into my innate fabulousness. I love the things.)

What you could also do is buy your clothes when you arrive in Europe, just bring an almost empty suitcase and a full credit card (like Visa), and go to one of the department stores when you arrive.

Answer 3

I am assuming you are going in winter/fall; and when I was last in Europe not too long ago the people there did not dress very differently. Wear anything that you would wear here...except for maybe pack a little warmer since it tends to be colder in most of Europe. Scarves/jeans/t-shirts/sweater-vests/toques(sp?).

Answer 4

http://www.travelite.org/clothing/womenswardrobe.html

This is the style you should go for. Jeans are ok (especially in winter), but combine them with stylish blouse and vest instead of sweatshirts. The sweaters you take should be knitted, not made of sweatshirt fabric. Avoid trainers, jeans and sweatshirt together, they make you look like European white trash.

If you have, take comfortable dress shoes (Ecco, Mephisto or Rieker) instead of trainers.

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/womenpack.htm

Answer 5

I heard that they wear a lot of striped clothes ..like striped shirts and stuff ..But i am not 100% Positive ..Google it ..thats the best thing to do ! Hope you have a wonderful time ! I can't wait to visit their !

Answer 6

You should dress the way you dress in the US, but more fashionable. Europeans care a lot about their appearance and fashion.

Answer 7

Just wear normal clothing suited to the climate.
Leave the flag stuff at home.

Answer 8

The world is so small now we all wear the same things.

Answer 9

anything fluorescent.
the brighter, the better.
also, parachute pants are super euro.
dr.seuss hats and hockey masks are cool too.
and don't forget platform shoes.
them crazy europeans love shoes that are elevated!

Answer 10

If you are obese you might not escape from that fear.Otherwise dress smart.