Your Ultimate Style Guide to Dressing Like a European

Posted on 03/25/2024

Looking for some inspiration on what to wear or pack on your next trip to Europe? 

Here are a few tips to keep it chic, fashionable, and European.
 

Scarves are your new best friends

Worn by men and women alike, scarves serve many purposes. Not only can they be used to jazz up an outfit or keep you warm, but they're the perfect head covering for visiting religious sites. Bring a few scarves (or shop for them in Europe!) and put them to use.
 

Clean lines and classic looks

Europeans tend to dress up a bit more and prefer a sleeker and more fitted look. Shorts, oversized 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. And for the love of all that is decent, do not even dream of being seen in public wearing pajama pants and/or slippers.
 

Don't be flashy

Whether it's a bright color or a revealing top, standing out or being ostentatious is frowned upon in Europe. Instead, opt for neutral colors and classic, conservative styles. When it comes to expensive jewelry, leave that at home for safe keeping and opt for simple costume jewelry instead.


Shoes are everything in Europe

Your shoes complete your look, so make sure they're fabulous. This doesn't mean that you must sacrifice comfort for style. Just make sure that your footwear is clean, in good condition and fashionable. When choosing footwear, make sure that you can walk easily on uneven surfaces like cobblestones and stay comfortable all day. Pack a few versatile options to match the activities you'll be doing and avoid white athletic shoes and flip flops (unless you're at the beach) at all costs (they scream tourist!).
 

Put your camera away

Take as many photos as your heart desires, but once you're done snapping away, put your camera back in your bag. If there's one thing that says tourist is someone walking around with a camera hanging around their neck. To avoid looking like a tourist, don't stand in the middle of the sidewalk looking lost and fumbling with a map. Duck into a coffee shop to sort yourself out instead. Learn a few key phrases in the local language. Observe the behavior of the people around you and do as they do. You'll blend right in and experience firsthand what it's like to be a local while looking fabulous.
 

Are you ready for your European adventure? Check out these tours from Collette:
Imperial Cities
11 days | featuring Prague, Vienna & Budapest

Majestic Cities of Central & Eastern Europe
14 days | featuring Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest & Krakow

European Christmas Markets
9 days | featuring Prague, Vienna & Budapest
 

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