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How to dress like a local in 22 cities around the world

Amsterdam, Netherlands

How to dress like a local in 22 cities around the world

Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut, Lebanon

Women slip on dresses or caftans, straight skirts, and bright accessories. Big, bright scarves, bangles, glittery clutches, and neon satchels are a way of expression, and at fancier events, draped, flowing gowns are all the rage.

Men highly favor two-button suits in navy or black while at work, and can often be seen in designer belts and loafers.

Source: Condé Nast Traveler, TripAdvisor

Berlin, Germany

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is laid-back when it comes to dress codes. In the summer, most people will throw on a pair of shorts and flip-flops. Even the business culture tends to be casual, so you'll rarely see people in suits.

During warmer seasons, women tend to wear denim jeans with flowing blouses in white, beige, and citrus brights.

Having a lightweight jacket or a casual cotton blazer is a great layer option for breezier temperatures. Avoid khaki shorts, as Germans typically don't wear Bermudas or khakis.

Since winters tend to get cold, locals will layer with thermals, stylish sweaters, hats, gloves, and a thick petticoat.

Source: Huffington Post

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels, Belgium

Jeans are usually paired with layers like a tank-top undershirt, light knitwear for the summer, and thicker long-sleeved shirts or cardigans in the winter.

The weather can drastically change in a day, so it's good to have multiple layers. Since most of the streets are cobblestone, comfortable flat shoes are preferred over heels.

Note: If you’re visiting a public pool, men are expected to wear Speedos rather than shorts.

Source: Fodor's Travel

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The style in Buenos Aires is casual, with jeans being a favorite for cooler temperatures.

Beige cotton pants or chino pants are great for the warm weather; women typically wear dresses or skirts with slingback shoes, light tops, and sandals or espadrilles.

You should avoid baggy clothing, and men won't typically wear shorts here.

Source: Fodor's Travel, TripAdvisor

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

In Cairo, most people dress conservatively. Men can wear trousers and T-shirts, but rarely will they be seen in tank tops.

For women, loose linen or cotton trousers and below-the-knee skirts with a sleeved blouse are good options in the summer, and jeans are good for winter. You want to avoid tight clothing, low necklines, or anything transparent.

Since there is a large amount of sand, most people will wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.

Source: Huffington Post

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark

In Copenhagen, the look is effortlessly chic. Since locals walk and bike so often, edgy flats, sneakers, slip-ons, and boots are preferred.

The fashion is simple, so oversized tees with skinny jeans are common. In the summer, women often wear feminine dresses with menswear-inspired shoes, or loose-fitting printed trousers and midi-skirts.

In the winter, it's important to have at least one chic coat, parka, or leather jacket.

Source: The Telegraph, About.com

Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy

The style in Florence is casual yet elegant — think textures and tailored cuts. Avoid flip-flops, floppy hats, shirts with logos, or mini-skirts and shorts.

Most religious monuments and churches won't allow for bare shoulders, so a long scarf is a great way to cover up.

Women typically wear gladiator sandals, street sneakers, or heels, while men will wear boat shoes, sneakers, or dress shoes.

Men are rarely ever seen wearing sandals in Florence, unless, of course, they are visiting the beach.

Source: USA Today

Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong, China

The dress style is casual, with sneakers and jeans as the norm. Flip-flops and shorts are quite common here, but it's important to note that clothing that is too short or revealing is not the best option for Hong Kong.

Women, in particular, will tend not to expose the top part of their body, wearing high necklines instead. Short skirts tend to be more acceptable than bare shoulders and camisole tops.

Source: Fodor's Travel, TripAdvisor

Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta, Indonesia

The style here is more casual, with button-down shirts and khaki pants being the norm for men, while women wear plain dresses, long-sleeved shirts, and minimal jewelry.

Levis or Lee jeans tend to be favored here, as well as polo shirts. During parties, men will often wear loafers, and synthetic fibers in vibrant prints are a favorite. For women, heel-covering sandals, sneakers, or ballet flats work best.

Source: Condé Nast Traveler

London, England

London, England

In London, light skirts and dresses with ballet flats or flip-flops are common in the summer. You'll see bright colors and pastels, as well as black for a go-to default option.

Londoners dress chic without appearing too done-up, so a relaxed yet stylish outfit is the best way to go. Wearing jeans with Chelsea boots or brogues along with a well-fitted trench coat will help you blend right in.

Since it rains so often, rubber boots and umbrellas are a must in the fall.

You'll also find that locals aren't afraid of patterned styles, so feel free to bring fun pieces along with you.

Source: USA Today

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California

The weather is pretty warm in Los Angeles year-round so tank tops, loose shirts, shorts, and skirts are a staple.

It's good to bring a sweatshirt or a light jacket, especially if you plan to go near the beach, since it can get chilly.

In the evenings, women will dress up in heels, dark jeans, and elegant tops when going to dinner. For clubbing, miniskirts, colorful blouses, and dresses are common. Men usually wear dark jeans with button-up shirts or a sport coat when going out.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid, Spain

In the summer, the typical attire includes chiffon shirts, loose tank tops and dresses, sunglasses, and sandals for women.

Converse high tops and Superga low-top sneakers are a typical choice for both men and women, and scarves are in fashion year-round.

In the fall and winter, women wear skinny jeans, oversized sweaters, a scarf and closed-toe shoes. Men typically wear dark grey jeans with a V-neck shirt and a leather jacket. For evenings, ironed jeans or slacks go great with a button-down shirt and stylish sneakers.

Bracelets and necklaces are also common, but go for long necklaces that have thin chains and dark-colored details.

Source: Condé Nast Traveler, TripAdvisor

Moscow, Russia

Moscow, Russia

In the spring and summer, women often wear dresses with tights, or jeans and a T-shirt. Men are expected to wear jeans with long-sleeved shirts, but don't forget a light jacket and umbrella, as it can still get chilly.

In the winter, tights and fur coats remain a staple. Gloves, scarves, hats, and sturdy winter boots are a must, but make sure that they are easy to slip off, as indoor places tend to blast the heat.

Women are often seen in stilettos, and it's not uncommon to find men dressed in designer brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Armani.

You won't find sneakers much in Moscow, as men typically wear dress shoes.

Source: New York Times, TripAdvisor

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece

Most of the islands in Greece tend to be casual, but in Mykonos it's more of a casual-chic attire.

In the daytime, it's common to wear linen trousers with stylish shirts, sweaters tied around the shoulders, and oversized sunglasses.

Chunky, dark-gold bangles tend to be a favorite for women, as well as skirts that are tailored to mid-thigh. On evenings out, men will wear dark denim pants and starched shirts.

Source: TripAdvisor, VirtualTourist, Condé Nast Traveler

New York City, New York

New York City, New York

New Yorkers love to have that "perfectly undone" look, so you want to dress for comfort but with statement pieces that add a bit of flair.

Black has long been the iconic go-to color for New Yorkers. However, that doesn't mean you'll only see black. The city is incredibly diverse, so there's a wide variety of styles and dress, but in general brights are accented with more neutral tones like blacks, ivory, navy, and grey to create a balance.

But the most important item? Shoes. This is a city where you're constantly walking, and New Yorkers love to find a balance between clunky running shoes and impossibly high heels. Go for booties, loafers, oxfords, brogues, or casual sneakers.

Source: Condé Nast Traveler

New Delhi, India

New Delhi, India

In New Delhi, be careful not to show too much of your arms or legs. Loose, linen pants and button-down shirts are good for the warmer temperatures.

Silk tops are a great choice for women, as long as you make sure they aren't too low-cut.

When the weather starts to get chilly, jeans are common with sweaters and button-downs.

Source: TripAdvisor

Paris, France

Paris, France

When you’re in Paris, be sure to leave your sweatpants, flip-flops, and white sneakers behind. Think casual-chic — women typically wear skinny jeans, a designer top, simple dresses, and either Converse sneakers or ballet flats.

Long scarves are a typical addition to outfits during colder temperatures, and a pair of brown derbies or black oxfords makes for a stylish look.

Parisians also love their trench coats and blazers. If you need to carry a backpack, go for a Longchamp or a leather purse or shoulder bag.

Source: Condé Nast Traveler

Rome, Italy

Rome, Italy

Romans tend to keep themselves covered in fitted T-shirts, jeans, flowy skirts, and knee-length dresses. Dresses, shirts, and pants should be tailored. Denim is popular here, especially for jackets.

Black tends to be a base color for most outfits, whether it's pants, a suit, dresses, or flowing shirts. In terms of shoes, you'll typically see sandals made from leather, long boots, and pointed dress shoes.

Source: USA Today

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California

In San Francisco, it's all about layering because temperatures can go from hot to windy in a matter of minutes.

You'll rarely ever see people wearing bright shorts in the summer. Instead, people typically wear jeans, lots of black, leather jackets, and comfortable but fashionable boots, flats, or sneakers to navigate the hilly streets.

Tank tops aren't worn often, unless they're layered with a jacket. Also, fur coats are definitely a big no-no here.

Source: Huffington Post

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden

In Stockholm, it’s all about classy minimalism. Statement pieces include hats or dark sunglasses, though the two won't typically be paired together.

Flat boots are preferred in the winter, and flats are the choice for the summer due to the large amounts of walking here. Think crisp and clean. For men, go for dark-colored denim with starched button-downs or clean, basic T-shirts.

Source: Fodor's Travel

Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia

Thanks to sunny days almost year-round, you can wear swimwear with a cover-up and shorts during the day.

Strap on a pair of sandals before hitting the beach to complete the outfit. Men often wear shorts, tees, and flip-flops or sneakers.

In the evenings, a pair of grey or blue jeans with a simple T-shirts and cardigans does the trick. Women can slip on a pair of wedges, and men can wear fashionable sneakers.

Source: Fodor's Travel


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