How to dress up like Europeans and avoid looking like tourists

I'm not a fashion expert.

The purpose of this guide is not to teach you how to look “European”. In fact, there is no “European” appearance. Just like in the United States, Europeans wear multiple styles of clothing, and subtle groups vary from country to country.

That is to say, the styles are indeed more “put together”, but many Europeans wear casual T-shirts, sneakers and jeans wardrobe.

After living in Europe and visiting multiple countries, I found that there was no huge difference between the average 25-year-old American dress and the ones in Europe, because we all shop roughly in the same store (thanks to globalization).

The purpose of this guide is to help you “integrate” so you won't be taken away from American tourists 100 yards away. If nothing else, this guide will help you look like a universal European visitor.

Hey, ma'am! We are European women's fashion Have women's fashion tips and suggestions. The guide you are reading now is designed to target male style.

What not to wear in Europe

Knowing what** don't wear clothes when visiting Europe will give you a 90% chance of avoiding looking like a tourist, so let's start there.

Sportswear

Wearing a head-to-toe sportswear is the biggest “telling” you are a tourist…especially American tourists. Yes, Europeans wear sportswear, but we Americans tend to take it to the next level.

So if you wear sports shorts/leggings, sneakers and running shoes, you might stick with it.

Public sports shoes

Europeans wear sneakers!

Yes, You can wear sports shoes in EuropeI miss you Should be worn 1,000% of the sneakers in Europe Because you walk many miles every day.

However, you rarely see stylish Europeans wearing all-round running shoes. However, even the “cool” running shoes have entered the footsteps of fashionable Europeans.

Nike, New Balance, Puma, Adidas, etc. Make comfortable “sports lifestyle” sneakers that are both stylish and suitable for miles of city walks. If you want something more stylish, a simple pair of leather sneakers is another great option.

In short, don't feel like you need to wear beautiful “dress” shoes. Check out my guide The best travel shoes for men See some of my favorites Travel shoes.

Trigger sandals

Save the trigger on the beach.

shorts

While Europeans don’t wear shorts as often as Americans, you’ll find many Europeans wearing shorts throughout the continent, especially in warmer areas.

Therefore, don't feel that you can't wear shorts.

However, as mentioned earlier, the key is to avoid sports shorts. Khaki shorts are another trademark of stereotyped American tourists.

Sport pants and sports pants

You rarely see Europeans wearing sweatpants in public, so I recommend avoiding them.

Sweater pants are also rare, so my rule of thumb is to avoid anything that looks like running/playing football.

American baseball caps and other fan equipment

Baseball-style hats are not uncommon in Europe, but wearing local sports team hats usually treats you as an American tourist. Other fan gear, such as shirts and jackets, will also secure you as a tourist, so avoid something like that if you want to blend together.

Don't overdo it

On the other hand, some people are completely overdone when visiting Europe because they hear that Europeans always dress like they just left the fashion show runway.

But it just makes you stand out for a wealthy and/or ignorant tourist…it can attract the attention of scammers and pickpockets. Check out my guide Pickers in Europe and Common travel scams in Europe Learn more tips.

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What to wear in Europe

This is good news… Very few people care about what you wear, so don’t overthink your outfit.

Trying to wear clothes as well as the “stylish” local (they have closets full of clothes) will only cause you to drag your heavy suitcase.

That's why my ultimate goal when traveling is to be put together enough that I don't look like a potential liar who seems to be an ignorant tourist.

There are some fashion-related things to consider when choosing clothes to pack for European travel:

Cool sports shoes

As I mentioned, a pair of comfortable sneakers is a top priority.

I tend to stick with New Balance, Nike or Adidas' “lifestyle” shoes because they are trendy everywhere, comfortable, and come in a variety of color combinations.

Low-key leather sneakers are a stylish but comfortable option. Check out my The best travel shoes for men To get a deeper look at my favorite footwear options.

Fit clothes

European urban dwellers tend to wear the right clothes, so following their lead will not hurt.

Even everything is fine, even something as simple as jeans and t-shirts or buttons looks good.

Stick to neutral colors for simplicity

You won't be too dismissed by wearing colors, but it's easier to paste darker colors because they mask stains and wrinkles better than bright colors. Darker colors are easier to match, so it makes packaging lighter colors easier.

That's why black, gray, dark blue and other darker earth tones can't go wrong.

Button shirt

Button shirts can be as comfortable as T-shirts, but it gives you a more versatility to wear or wear casually.

For multifunctional

Layering denim jackets or miscellaneous jackets on random button-up shirts is an easy and practical way to enhance style.

A simple watch

I’m a big fan of wearing wise watches when traveling because it’s easy to waste time and I’d rather not rely on my phone to check it out. If possible, find a watch that shows military or 24-hour time, as most parts of Europe use a 24-hour clock, especially when checking train schedules, etc.

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Basic daytime and nighttime fashion advice

Daytime and sightseeing clothing

Comfort is the key to daylight.

Consider it…you will be surrounded by thousands of other tourists, as you will most likely visit the same tourist attractions with everyone else.

And you will walk for miles.

So you want comfortable shoes.

And you want comfortable clothes that are unlimited. You also need clothes that fit the whole season so in hot summers/water resistant in winters.

Again, I'm not saying you want to look like a cliché or cliché tourist, but you don't need to overthink clothes.

Nighttime clothing

Feel free to put in more effort on your clothes when you’re out at night, but unless you’re going to hit super stylish places, there’s no real reason to over-roll.

A fitted button-down shirt with dark jeans and minimalist leather sneakers is 99% of the night look you go to.

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Men's European Fashion Inspiration Website

Here are some websites that can help you understand what many Europeans wear/buy.

• Topshop and Topman: UK clothing stores operated in more than 20 countries. Facing the “buttocks” crowd of 16-25.
• Zara: A Spanish retail store selling fashionable clothes. They are located around the world, but have a huge presence in Europe.
• H&M: A Swedish apparel company that is popular throughout Europe and the United States. They are known for being stylish and cheap.
• City Clothing: Urban Outfitters are already spread throughout Europe and can be found in many European cities. Many things out there should be suitable for many travelers in their twenties.
• Abercrombie: Abercrombie has undergone a rebrand over the past few years and now many of their stuff have a cool American/European urban vibe.
• Tailor: A stunning Instagram with photos of “real life” European fashion. Many things are fashionable and edgy. Backpacking isn't practical…but interestingly, it might give you some inspiration.

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Fashionable travel clothing

I've been nerd in travel suits since my first trip to Europe in 2006 – now I have a closet full of travel pants, shirts, lingerie and jackets.

It’s refreshing to watch travel clothing go from ugly outdoor gear to fashionable clothing made of high-tech fabrics.

Do you need travel clothes? No, but adding a few pieces is fine. This is my guide The best travel suits and brands If you want to know more.

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More European travel advice from savvy backpackers

Heading to Europe soon? Here are some more useful articles I have written to help you plan your trip to Europe.