How I Learned to Dress While Living in Europe: 8 Simple Tips

I was in awe the first time I went to Paris.

The women looked incredible and had a timeless elegance and sense of style.

And the funny thing is that I know it’s cliche to talk about how Parisian (and other European) women dress.

That they’re this high standard when it comes to style.

But the truth is, their standard isn’t that hard to reach.

There isn’t some complex formula for how they dress. And they’re not all wearing overly expensive designer outfits. They just embody the essence of European chic with simple, elegant choices.

The truth is, they just dress intelligently, and that brings me to my first tip.

1. European Women Carefully Think Through Their Purchases

European Women…

• Understand what they’re searching for before they hit the shops.
• They know what works for their wardrobe and build a European fashion capsule wardrobe.
• And they don’t buy something just because they took the time to go to the mall.

I used to do that. I felt like I had to at least buy something.

But learning to not do this has saved me so much time (and money).

I used to go to the mall, have no plan, and buy whatever caught my eye.

Then I’d get home and realize that almost nothing I bought worked with my other pieces.

I went with my emotions instead of seeing what would really benefit my wardrobe.

So Here’s What Changed:

Before I even go to the mall, I write down everything I hope to find for my capsule wardrobe. It’s important to me that each piece almost always works with the others. 

By doing this, I end up having way more outfits in my closet because of all the pairings.

Also… because I became laser specific, I was able to keep my eyes open for specific items and tune out the noise of everything else around me.

There was a clearance rack of pink blouses? Cool, I’m not going for anything pink. There’s a blouse with a random but cool pattern? Don’t care, not even gonna spend a moment on it because it will not work with anything else that I have.

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Related – Capsule Wardrobe: What Is It and How Do You Build One?

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2. They Find Pieces That Are Comfortable and Stylish

Also, I feel that an important truth to remember when learning to dress like a European is that being stylish doesn’t have to sacrifice comfort. 

So before making a purchase, they’re gonna look for pieces that make them look great but also feel comfortable.

And with just a bit of looking, you can find cute button-ups and dresses that you could lounge around in all day. Or a cute sweater you could tuck into your jeans that’s so cozy you forget you’re not wearing sweats.

Also… it just feels incredible to ditch the good ol’ t-shirt and jeans for a pretty blouse and dress pants.

Side Note: Planning on visiting Europe soon? I found a nice guide on the best purses to have for when you’re traveling in Europe. It’s pretty helpful!

3. Tuck & Belt

There are 2 steps when it comes to easily leveling up an outfit, and both are important for a refined simplicity.

Tucking a cute top into your jeans is such a simple way to take your outfit up a few notches, but adding a belt makes it that much more stylish.

And if it’s a bright color, then it adds a nice pop to your look. 

Also, the belt kind of just makes you look like you know what you’re doing; that you’re a smart dresser.

4. Get a Nice Trench or Pea Coat

This was one of the main things I noticed the Parisian women wearing that impressed me so much. Trench coats are kind of the essence of timeless elegance and are a staple in European dress codes.

Also, it’s probably one of the most simple ways to up your outfit game.

All you need are some black tights or leggings (& a simple top) to go underneath, tie the coat up, do your hair and makeup and you’re all set.

No complex layering, the coat is your main statement. 

I kid you not, I loved rocking the fashionable fall pea coat around the French countryside and Croatia; it was such an easy way to look stylish.

5. The Basics Build on Basics

The basics are SO important. They’re the classics like the white blouse or black or beige dress pants. The simple flats or dark wash jeans. A black belt or a nice knit sweater.

And while trends can be fun, the European style leans on pieces that go past the fleeting trends.

Basically, they’re choosing outfits that won’t make them cringe when they look back at photos in five years.

Also, when you get a nice number of basic pieces in your wardrobe, you’re able to layer so easily.

So for example: That cute sweater can go over your nice button-up. Next, you can add a camel coat and a pretty scarf. Then you finish it off with some simple dress pants, dark jeans (or leggings), and flats. 

6. Neutrals Are Your Best Friend

It’s totally fine to have some fun colors, but I’ve found that having plenty of neutrals is always a good idea when trying to replicate continental fashion.

A neutral palette adds to the European allure of simplicity.

And while I might have my cute red hoodie or a blue and white pinstriped blouse, I’ll also have black jeans or a grey skirt.

It’s also a great way to look smart but easily add a pop of color without being over the top.

7. Look at How It Fits You

One of the most important things of European fashion is how it flatters your curves.

While draping tops and dresses can be nice, finding the right outfits that cut nicely to your body shape can go a long way.

For a while, I stayed away from shopping for new clothes because I had just that extra bit of weight.

I wasn’t large, but I still wasn’t confident in how I looked. I would constantly tell myself that once I lost that weight, THEN I’d go shopping. 

But once I finally just did it, I was amazed at how I looked. 🙂

Ok, so I had that bit of extra weight, but these dress pants and the long-sleeved top looked so good on me!

I actually felt like an adult and a stylish one too. Not just someone in their 20’s that fell back on jeans and a t-shirt all the time.

8. Invest in Some Good Ballet Flats

For years I would quickly buy a pair of simple ballet flats off the clearance rack or at a shop like Forever 21 which always has great deals.

But to be honest, they almost always fell apart or looked horrible pretty fast. Also… they killed my feet (and joints).

So a few years ago, I invested in some nice flats that were a bit more expensive, but they’ve lasted for around 2 years now and work with almost any outfit.

Definitely worth the money and a great way to elevate your wardrobe with carefully curated accessories.

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With just a bit of research, and my own experience with Euro chic looks, I found that it wasn’t so hard to learn the art of European elegance

And whether you want to know how to look like a local when visiting or you wanna add some modern European aesthetics to your closet, I think these ideas will be super helpful for you!

You really don’t have to be uncomfortable, you can find what the locals are wearing and the right outfits that feels great and make you look incredible.