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Europe is a diverse and densely packed place, so the fashion you see out your window can change even over the course of a day's drive. But even if Dublin doesn't wear the same clothes as Zagreb, there are definite trends that set Europe apart from other continents. There's nothing wrong with being or looking like a tourist, but it's undeniable that blending in, or at least making an effort, can get you a friendlier reception.[1] Good luck to you as you try to fit everything into that suitcase, and enjoy your time abroad!

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Shorts (indoors)

  1. Wear shorts only in informal outdoor settings. The etiquette around shorts varies a lot from place to place, but they are increasingly normal summertime wear for an outdoor stroll, especially in southern Europe. That said, you'll look out of place if you wear them to a museum or as a guest in someone's home, and may not be allowed into a nice restaurant.[4]
    • Many places of worship won't let you in if your clothing doesn't cover your knees, shoulders, and most of your chest. Definitely plan around this if you want to see the many impressive Catholic, Orthodox, and Muslim holy sites (mostly in southern and Eastern Europe).
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Athletic clothing

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Flip-flops

  1. Flip-flops and cheap sandals are only for the beach in most of Europe. Beyond this, though, Europe has become more relaxed about casual footwear. Feel free to pack a comfortable pair of tennis shoes, as long as they aren't too shabby.[10] There is a stereotype that sneakers (especially white ones) are "American" and "touristy," but that's getting more outdated every year.[11]
    • Don't go too far in the other direction and only pack high heels! Getting around European cities can mean a lot of walking over cobblestones, so comfortable, broken-in shoes are important.[12]
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Extra-loud colors and patterns

  1. Neutral styles are popular, but there is variation.[13] Europe is more muted in its clothing choices than, say, Latin America, but what exactly that means can vary a ton by country and season. In general, if you're used to wearing outfits with bright colors and bold patterns, consider paring it down a bit—unless you want to have fun startling the Swedes![14]
    • In general, northern countries and colder seasons lead to duller outfits. A Scandinavian crowd in winter can look nearly monochrome.[15]
    • Southern regions and summer weather means brighter clothes. A Spanish summer might feature warm but muted colors, stripes, and simple patterns.[16]

Warnings

  • Rules about swimwear can vary even from beach to beach, so look up local rules. In some places it's important to change back to streetwear before leaving: for instance, the rules on a French beach might be lax, but you could get fined if you wear a bathing suit back to the parking lot.[21]
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  • Many places in Europe have recently passed laws against traditional Muslim clothing, and/or seen a rise in violence against people of Muslim and Jewish faith. Look into the local situation if you plan on wearing religious symbols or religious clothing, especially face coverings.[22]
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About This Article

Archana Ramamoorthy, MS
Co-authored by:
Chief Technology Officer, Workday
This article was co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS. Archana Ramamoorthy is the Chief Technology Officer, North America at Workday She is a product ninja, security advocate, and on a quest to enable more inclusion in the tech industry. Archana received her BS from SRM University and MS from Duke University and has been working in product management for over 8 years. This article has been viewed 25,164 times.
12 votes - 67%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: January 23, 2022
Views: 25,164
Categories: Europe Travel
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