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The U.S. State Department has issued a warning that Americans traveling in Europe could be targeted in attacks on tourist areas.  In response to this alert, counter-terrorism experts recommend that you avoid clothing that identifies you as an American. Distinctly American clothing includes shorts, sneakers and boxy cotton separates. What you wear can bring you unwanted attention. How do you dress to fit in?

I lived in Italy for a year, traveled to fifty European cities in eight countries, and just returned from another trip to Italy, which included a stop in Milan during Fashion Week.  Americans are easy to spot in a European crowd because of the way they dress.  Paying attention to those differences can help you blend in.

In general, Europeans dress more formally than Americans.  Have you seen Mad Men, or Leave it To Beaver? Like Don and Betty Draper, Europeans advertise their adult tastes in fabrics cut to flirt and flatter.  Americans also wear styles from the 1950s – but they dress more like Wally and “the Beave.”  Americans, in sneakers, jeans, and baseball caps, wear what children wore  in the 1950s.

Americans are obvious in a European crowd because the color and cut of their clothing is distinctively American. In general, Europeans wear muted tones and form-fitting clothes.  Europeans wear black, and shades of beige, gray, and olive, not bright whites or bold colors. Here are specific tips for men, women, and kids:

What Do European Men Wear?

While American Baby Boomers wear cotton pants, like khaki colored Dockers, European men wear rayon or wool pants in dark colors. One odd exception: Italian men wear bright-brick-red pants; don’t try that at home. American men of all ages favor boxy cotton shirts in plaids or bright colors or baggy t-shirts; older Europeans wear fitted polos in darker shades.  European twenty-somethings don’t wear baggy t-shirts, they show off their slim torsos in tight-fitting polos or dress shirts cut to flatter their abs.

The term “European Cut” is, ahem, fitting: based on size alone, it’s easy to pick Americans out of a crowd. But well-cut clothes in darker colors are slimming and help Americans to “fit” in.

There are also definite differences in the way European men wear shorts and shoes. When vacationing in Europe, American men dress very casually, as if they’re going to a ball game.  Europeans may dress more formally because they’re on their way to work, not play. But even on vacation, European dress to impress. They tend not to wear shorts, but if they do, their shorts have slim-cut pockets (no cargo bulges) and are worn with a country-club polo.

What about shoes? Europeans wear athletic shoes, but the style of the shoe is different. Americans wear sneakers with very thick white soles, and  uppers that are bright white with lots of contrasting trim. European athletic shoes tend leather in black or muted colors. The sole of the shoe is thin, and the shoe itself is tapered, not clunky – European athletic shoes look more like regular shoes than sneakers. American sneakers do stand out, and you can be recognized as an American for wearing them.

To blend in, wear real shoes, or dark athletic shoes. Men blend best in dark-colored polo shirts, dark pants. Don’t wear Dockers – they are distinctly American.  Don’t use a fanny pack, get a man-bag in leather or a dark color, and put your camera and souvenirs in the man bag.  No baseball caps, either – that’s totally American, and let’s leave that to to the Beave.

What Do European Women Wear?

To dress like a Euro woman, think muted shades in drapey and fitted fabric. Boxy cotton in shades and prints that would look appropriate on the wall of a nursery or child’s room will stand out in a European crowd.

Women will blend best in muted colors, in rayon or polyester. Black works everywhere in Europe, and travels well. In Italy, the most popular colors are shades of plum, olive, taupe and black.  Jeans, even jean jackets, in darker shades are fine during the day, but don’t wear brightly colored cotton separates. Skirts are dressier than shorts, and look great with ballerina flats. If you wear shorts, they should be long (to the knee or lower) and not baggy.

In the fall, a Dark trench coat travels beautifully; for the winter, a well-cut black coat is chic and stylish. If you’re wearing sweaters, go for solid colors in darker shades, no plaids or prints. A black sweater you can dress up with a scarf is a great choice. Black pants with a touch of Lycra hide food stains, city grime and excess baggage. Sweater dresses with tights and boots are comfortable and Continental.

In any season, lose the bright-white, thickly padded sneakers! By all means wear comfortable shoes, you’ll need them. But wear leather shoes in muted shades. Always avoid flashy jewelry – that only gets you attention from people who want to steal it. Souvenir bags and cameras mark you as a tourist, so carry a big black shoulder bag for your camera and purchases.  And pick up scarves in silk or cotton – they’ll keep you warm and help you blend in.

What Do European Kids Wear?

European kids look like kids everywhere: they wear jeans, t-shirts, and shorts. European teens tend to wear dark, clingy clothes, hoodies, and skinny jeans. Kids wear Converse sneakers – but in bright colors, not white.

Oh Darn, You May Need to Go Shopping

Americans may be able to pull off a European look by scrounging in their own closets, but it may take a shopping trip: hey, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Where do you buy clothes that will help you fit in? Before you leave, look for fitted clothes in dark or muted colors.  Or, on your first day in Europe, go shopping. That sounds fun, doesn’t it? You can hit the department stores, but street markets in Europe are fun to shop and tend to have great prices. Be sure to bring a size conversion chart, because you usually can’t try things on.

If you’d like to shop with an expert in European fashion, Melanie Payge of PlanMilan will show you the best of Milan fashion – and help you focus your shopping on what looks best on you. For a fun expedition, for yourself and your friends, schedule a makeover with your very own fashionista!  http://www.planmilan.com/2701/index.html

If you’re on your way to Europe, get ready for a fabulous time, and enjoy every minute.  But during this alert, it’s a good idea  to look less like a tourist and more like part of the crowd. Especially when that crowd looks so fabulous.

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