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What to Wear in Europe: Paris, London & Madrid
If you're an American traveling to Europe, don't trust any advice saying you should dress like a European. You're you. Dress exactly how you want to. Not sometimes. Every time. For instance, if you're a New Yorker going to Berlin, forget about trying to wear typical Berliner duds, whatever they are. However, it is advantageous to know at least a few trends that German gentlemen are paying attention to so that you can choose your wardrobe accordingly, so that you can avoid clashing with — or aligning too closely with — those looks.
However, today we're laser-focusing on just one aspect: which ties go with particular face shapes.
Traveling to chic European cities, you'll have to make some hard decisions (there are only so many items of clothing you can fit in a suitcase even with superior packing skills). We've compiled this travel series guide to ensure that your trip is as stylish as it is successful.
London
The capital of England is often dreary, cool, and damp. Even summers can be mild. So even if it's July, consider bringing a light jacket.
In London, black, gray, and other neutral colors are common. Men from London generally dress casually. They're more interested in wearing everyday clothes from their favorite department store than high-end brands. We suggest using this to your advantage by dressing slightly more upscale. This approach will set you apart in the same way that dressing up on "casual Fridays" can get you noticed for all the right reasons.
Paris
Paris has such a well-established tradition of fashion that conversations about clothes are as commonplace as those about politics or the arts. The kinds of fashion you'll see in the City of Light will run the gamut from experimental to conservative, from bizarre to run-of-the-mill.
The operative word for Parisian men's fashion is "fitted." Fitted blazers. Fitted shirts. Fitted jeans or pants. You name it. Frenchmen are also passionate about simple, clean lines. For instance, suits often have a sleek and geometric appearance.
So, if you're flying to Paris and wondering what to bring, think simplicity and sophistication.
Madrid
Located in the geographical center of Spain, Madrid is the cultural heart of the country. A highly fashion-conscious metropolis, men rarely leave their homes wearing anything less than smart casual. In some of the posher districts, such as Salamanca, men are frequently flawlessly dressed. This is not to suggest that style is win-lose. But it does suggest that if you're heading to Madrid you might want to pack dress shoes rather than sneakers, tailored fit shorts rather than sporty shorts, and so on.
Summers in Madrid can be beautiful yet brutally hot. So opt for breathable and lightweight clothes to stay comfortable in the heat. Also, consider bringing a fedora or homburg hat to shield yourself from the sun's strong glare.
Bon Voyage
In the U.S., it's difficult to comprehend that the number one "fashion" brand in some states is a sports clothing or outdoor product company. Such a phenomenon would be scoffed at in Europe, where bona fide fashion designers are household names. We hope you're inspired to look your utmost best during your European voyage.
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