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How to dress like a local in 25 cities around the world
How to dress like a local in 25 cities around the world
Talia AvakianMay 20, 2015, 01:35 IST
No one wants to stick out as a tourist when they travel because of what they wear. But fashion trends vary from city to city, making it tough to know what to wear in different destinations. To avoid those awkward fashion mishaps, we've broken down what locals wear in 25 cities around the world. From the cool, casual ensembles of Copenhagen to the chic, tailored looks of Florence, this list will help you blend in like a natural.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Leggings are a staple for women in Amsterdam. Thick tights that end at the ankle are worn under dresses, skirts, and even shorts. Go for sporty sneakers like Converse, Puma, Adidas, or Nike with bright colors. In the winter, flat boots are a must.For layers, wear solid color zip-up hoodies and blazers with jeans at night. It's also good to make sure to have at least one outer layer that is waterproof given the unpredictable weatherSource: USA Today, TripAdvisor, EuroCheapo
Beirut, Lebanon
Women slip on dresses or caftans, straight skirts, and bright accessories. Big, bold 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. Lebanon is a Muslim country, so women will need to wear headscarves and dress modestly to enter any religious monuments.Source: Condé Nast Traveler, TripAdvisor
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is quite 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
Jeans are usually paired with layers including 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
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 and 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
In Cairo, most people dress conservatively. Men can wear trousers and T-shirts, but rarely will they be seen in shorts, tank tops, or wearing jewelry. 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
In Copenhagen, the look is effortlessly chic. Since locals walk and bike so often, edgy flats, sneakers, Birkenstocks, 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
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 having a long scarf is also 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
One of the most-used items in Hong Kong is a retractable umbrella. Men and women usually keep an umbrella with them on hand for high amounts of rain in the fall and winter, and for shade from the sun in the summer. That's why synthetic shoes that dry quickly are also a favorite. The dress style is casual, with sneakers and jeans being 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
Men rarely wear ties during business meetings in Jakarta. The style here is more casual, with button-down shirts, khaki pants, and closed shoes 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 are a favorite in vibrant prints. For women, heel-covering sandals, sneakers, or ballet flats work best. Source: Condé Nast Traveler
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 getting 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 go-to in the fall. You'll also find that locals aren't afraid of patterned styles, so feel free to bring fun pieces along. Source: USA Today
Los Angeles, California
The weather is pretty warm in Los Angeles year-round so tank tops, loose shirts, shorts, and skirts are a staple. Men will layer lightweight shirts over tanks with jeans or shorts, and casual sneakers like Vans and Converse. 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 sports coat when going out. Source: USA Today
Madrid, Spain
In the summer, the typical attire includes chiffon shirts, loose tank tops and dresses, sunglasses, and gladiator 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. Finally, bracelets and necklaces are common, but go for long necklaces that have thin chains and dark-colored details. Source: Condé Nast Traveler, TripAdvisor
Moscow, Russia
In the spring and summer, women are adorned in 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 be 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 blast heaters. 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
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 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 become the iconic go-to color for New Yorkers. However, that doesn't mean you'll only see black. In fact, 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. Simplicity is often embraced when it comes to jewelry. Go for a basic gold necklace, tiny rings, or one statement cuff. 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 Vans and Converse. Source: Condé Naste Traveler
New Delhi, India
In New Delhi, be attentive not to show too much of your arms or legs. Loose, linen cotton 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
When you're in Paris, be sure to leave your sweatpants, flip-flops, and white sneakers behind. Think casual-chic, where women typically wear skinny jeans, a designer top, simple dresses, and either converse or ballet flats. Long scarves are a typical addition to outfits during colder temperatures, and a pair of brown derbies of black oxfords make for a stylish look. Parisians also love their trench coats and blazers. Finally, if you need to carry a backpack, go for a Longchamp or a leather purse/shoulder bag. Source: Condé Naste Traveler
Rome, Italy
People tend to keep themselves covered in fitted T-shirts, jeans, flowy skirts, and knee-length dresses. Dresses, shirts, and pants should be tailored. Diesel is a favorite denim brand in Rome, especially in black and dark blue tones and denim is also popular 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
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 uphill streets.Tank tops aren't worn often, unless they're layered a jacket. Also, fur coats are definitely a big no-no here. Source: Huffington Post
Stockholm, Sweden
In Stockholm, it's all about classy minimalism. Statement pieces include hats or dark sunglasses, though the two won't be paired together. Flat boots are preferred in the winter and flats are the choice for the summer due to large amounts of walking. Think crisp and clean. For men, go for a dark-colored denim with starched button-downs or clean, basic T-shirts.Source: Fodor's Travel
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, graphic tees, and flip-flops or sneakers. In the evenings, a pair of grey or blue jeans with a simple tee and cardigans does the trick. Women can slip on a pair of wedges, and men can wear fashionable sneakers. Source: Fodor's Travel
Tel Aviv, Israel
While Jerusalem is a religious hub, Tel Aviv allows for less modesty. Women love to wear knitted tops and dresses with intricate draping and details, single-bare shoulder tops, wrap dresses, or leggings with tunics and gladiators. Skinny jeans and harem pants are a favorite for summer and fall, and you'll often see men in sandals because there are so many beaches in the area. When temperatures are cooler, women will wear ballet flats and knee-high boots, while men often wear Converse.Source: Condé Nast Traveler
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo's style varies widely from Harajuku bright and bold colors to more contemporary looks. When dressing for business, men will wear basic black suits and women are seen in sharp skirts, neat and fitted blouses, and heels. Otherwise, typical attire includes a tucked-in shirt or trim trousers, dark jeans or dress pants, and minimalist shoes like Converse, Superegos, or Espadrilles. Women tend to dress modestly. Most of the time, when skirts are worn, they are paired with tights. Above the knee skirts, long flowing skirts, or slacks in dark colors work well. If you're wearing a lower-cut shirt, wear a camisole or slip underneath. It's good to note that Japanese men don't wear shorts, unless they are exercising or on the beach. Men are also clean shaven and make sure to have polished hairstyles. Source: Condé Nast Traveler
Zurich, Switzerland
Here, the style is clean, simple, and sophisticated. Avoid wearing too many accessories and try to stay away from colorful, clashing clothing. The typical palette is dark colors in black, grey, and browns.
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Sporty winter jackets are only worn while skiing, so wool or tweed coats, petticoats, military coats, and trench coats are what you should have for everyday winter walking. Also, try to take clothing that is tailored, as most styles tend to be neat and form-fitting.
