European style is known for its elegance and attention to tailoring, qualities that can make travelers feel instantly out of step if they’re unprepared. Dressing well abroad isn’t about following rigid rules — it’s about understanding local sensibilities and making thoughtful choices. From what to pack to what to leave behind, personal stylist Wendy Pomeranz shares her tips for creating your transatlantic look.
Update Your Staples
“When it comes to European style, I feel like they’re a little bit more elevated,” Pomeranz says. “It’s just more refined. It’s more tailored.” You don’t have to start from scratch — you can lean into items you already own and assemble them in a chic way. Pomeranz suggests beginning with a nice pair of jeans, then adding a tailored tank and cardigan, along with attractive, comfortable flats and a chic crossbody bag. You’ll want to pay attention to fabrics, too, and choose natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool and leather, depending on where you’re traveling and the time of year.
Skip The Statements
Clothing that broadcasts a message — intentional or not — is best left at home. “Steer away from those shirts or sweaters [that] have slogans, anything that’s political, anything that could be offensive to any of the countries that you’re probably going to visit,” Pomeranz adds. The same goes for sporting attire, including leggings. “A lot of women feel like leggings can just be [worn] across the board, and I think that’s something to be very cautious about,” Pomeranz says. “Try to give a little bit more of an effort, where maybe you put a long button-down shirt with it, [and wear] your flats again. It’s a totally different look, as opposed to look[ing] like you just came out of the gym.”
Function Over Flash
European dressing is known for its subtlety, so a neutral palette is a safe bet. Pomeranz also recommends leaving flashy handbags and jewelry at home, both for taste and safety. (You don’t want to be targeted.) She suggests traveling with layers, like that aforementioned cardigan, to accommodate both changing temperatures and more conservative settings.