In the realm of fashion, the European approach is often associated with timeless elegance, refinement, and uncomplicated chic. From the haute couture of Paris to the masterful craftsmanship of Italy, European style remains a guiding light for fashion enthusiasts and trailblazers around the world.
One of the things that I love about European style is its ability to blend classic and modern elements seamlessly. Whether it’s a tailored blazer paired with distressed jeans or a flowy maxi dress paired with sneakers, European fashion always manages to strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. Another thing that sets European style apart is its emphasis on quality over quantity. Instead of filling their wardrobes with fast fashion pieces that will only last for a season, Europeans tend to invest in timeless staples that they can wear for years to come.
But perhaps what I find most inspiring about European style is its ability to reflect the culture and personality of the wearer. Whether you’re in London, Paris, or Rome, you’ll notice that each city has its own unique fashion identity. From the edgy street style of London to the romantic bohemian vibe of Paris, European fashion is all about celebrating individuality and self-expression.
Defining European Style
As someone who lives in middle Europe and already traveled to a lot of other European countries, I can attest to the fact that European style is a unique blend of chic, elegant, and effortless. It’s a style that is characterized by clean lines, simple silhouettes, and a neutral color palette.
One of the hallmarks of European style is its simplicity. Europeans tend to favor classic pieces that can be worn year after year, rather than trendy items that will quickly go out of fashion. This means that their wardrobes are filled with high-quality basics like tailored blazers, crisp white shirts, and well-fitted jeans.
Another key element of European style is its emphasis on fit. Clothes are tailored to fit the body perfectly, creating a sleek and polished look. This attention to detail is what makes European fashion so sophisticated and timeless.
Elegance is not about being noticed, it’s about being remembered.
Giorgio Armani
When it comes to accessories, Europeans tend to keep it simple. They opt for classic pieces like a leather handbag, a silk scarf, or a pair of elegant earrings. These pieces add a touch of sophistication to any outfit without overwhelming it.
What to Wear and What Not to Wear in Europe
Europeans take their fashion seriously, and it’s important to blend in with the locals. In the following, I’ll go over the advised styles and styles to avoid when it comes to European fashion.
Advised Styles
When it comes to European fashion, tailored clothing is always a safe bet. Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, especially for meals and special occasions. A classic blazer, a well-fitted pair of trousers, and a simple button-down shirt will never go out of style. For women, a little black dress is always a good choice.
Classic blue jeans are also a popular choice for both men and women. Pair them with a stylish blouse or a tailored blazer for a sophisticated look.
Styles to Avoid
Flip-flops are a definite no-no in Europe. Save them for the beach and opt for a more stylish pair of sandals instead. Athletic shorts are also a big fashion faux pas. Stick to khaki cargo shorts or chino shorts if you want to wear shorts.
In general, avoid wearing anything too revealing. Europeans tend to dress more conservatively when going out. Also avoid clothing with large logos, prioritize well-fitted garments, reserve beachwear for appropriate settings, balance sneaker usage with formal shoes, opt for neutral tones over garish colors, and maintain cultural sensitivity.
Color and Print in European Fashion
As someone who loves European style, I find that color and print are essential elements to consider when putting together any outfit.
Neutral Tones
Neutral tones are a staple in European fashion. Think of colors like black, white, beige, brown and gray. These colors are timeless and versatile, making them perfect for creating a sophisticated and chic look. Neutral tones are also easy to mix and match, so you can create a variety of outfits with just a few key pieces.
When incorporating neutral tones into your wardrobe, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of the fabric and the cut of the clothing. European fashion is all about clean lines and simple cuts, so look for pieces that fit well and are made from high-quality materials.
Vibrant Colors
While neutral tones are a must-have in any European wardrobe, don’t be afraid to add a pop of color to your outfits. Vibrant colors like red, blue, and green can add a fun and playful element to your look. When incorporating vibrant colors into your outfit, it’s important to balance them out with neutral tones. For example, you could wear a bright red blouse with a pair of black trousers or a green skirt with a white blouse.
Prints are also a great way to add some color and interest to your outfits. In European fashion, prints are often used sparingly and are kept simple. For example, you might see a blouse with a small floral print or a scarf with a striped pattern. When incorporating prints into your outfit, it’s important to keep the rest of your look simple and understated.
Incorporating Casual and Athleisure
As someone who lives in Europe and knows the fashion choices of locals, I can tell that European style is not just about dressing up for a night out. It’s also about incorporating casual and athleisure elements into everyday wear. In this section, I will share some tips on how to add these elements to your wardrobe while still maintaining a chic and stylish look.
Casual Chic
One of the most important things to keep in mind when incorporating casual wear into your wardrobe is to choose high-quality pieces that fit well. Investing in timeless staples like well-fitted jeans, loafers, and blazers can go a long way in elevating your casual look. For a more laid-back vibe, opt for oversized sweaters or turtlenecks paired with straight-leg jeans or tailored trousers.
To add a touch of European flair to your casual outfits, try accessorizing with a silk scarf or a statement bag. These small details can make a big impact and take your outfit from basic to chic.
Athleisure Trends
Athleisure is a trend that has taken the fashion world by storm, and Europe is no exception. The key to nailing this trend is to strike a balance between sporty and stylish. Instead of wearing traditional sweatpants and sweats, opt for leggings or tapered sweatpants in high-quality materials Pair them with a fitted turtleneck or a cropped sweater for a chic and comfortable look.
Sneakers are a staple in European athleisure wear, and they come in a variety of styles and colors. White sneakers are particularly popular and can be paired with everything from trousers to skirts. When it comes to incorporating athleisure into your wardrobe, it’s all about finding the right balance between comfort and style.
Incorporating casual and athleisure elements into your wardrobe is a great way to add versatility and comfort to your style. By investing in high-quality pieces and paying attention to small details, you can create a chic and stylish look that is uniquely your own.
Shopping for European Style
As someone who loves European style, I’m always on the hunt for the best places to shop for fashionable clothing that captures the essence of European fashion.
Street Brands
One of the best places to start when shopping for European style is with high street brands. These affordable fashion retailers offer a wide range of styles that are on-trend and easy to wear. Zara, Topshop, Bershka, Brandy Melville, and Abercrombie are some of european go-to brands for achieving that classic European look.
Department Stores
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all your European style needs, then department stores are a great option. These stores offer a wide range of brands and styles, making it easy to find everything you need in one place.
Local Inspiration
One of the best ways to capture the essence of European style is by taking inspiration from the locals. When traveling to cities like Copenhagen, London or Madrid, I love to explore the local boutiques and shops to find unique and stylish pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. These local shops offer a great way to add some individuality to your European style.
My Personal Thoughts
European Style isn’t that hard to understand and to dress as it might sound like. In general Europeans may tend to dress more elegant and classy as most of the Americans but thats just because they’re having a really good sense for good looking clothing combinations. Mostly the start by combining some basic pieces like sweaters and a blouse and then add some accessoires to highlight each of the outfits.
When I first started to gain more interest into the fashion world the best advice was just to watch other people during my travels or even on social media like instagram or pinterest and then at some point you will create your own style and you very own outfit combinations.
FAQ European Style
How to dress like a European girl?
Embrace classic styles with a mix of casual and sophisticated pieces. Choose neutral colors, tailored fits, and quality fabrics. Add accessories like scarves and minimal jewelry. Prioritize comfort and individuality. European style values simplicity, versatility, and effortless chic.
Are skinny jeans still in style in Europe?
Skinny Jeans in Europe aren’t in still anymore. Nowadays european people are more likely to wear jeans which have a looser fit and are a bit more wider to have a good comfort while wearing them.
European Style is building outfits by creating combinations whit some less simple but high quality clothes to create a modern and chic look.
What are your favorite european styles? Which color combinations do you like to wear the most? Let us know in the comments, have a look at our Pinterest and also read some of our other Posts!
