15 Fashion Mistakes Americans Always Make Abroad

Movies and television series show a very glammed-up version of Europe — which it can be, of course. But unlike Emily in Paris or Sex and the City, you won’t see women parading Paris’ stylish streets in stilettos and multi-tiered gowns. Fashion in Europe has always been about the “less is more” mentality. I quickly realized I packed entirely wrong on my first trip to Paris when I couldn’t wear a single dress without standing out. We all want to try and look (and travel) like a local, so dressing the part is the first step.

After spending the past decade living in France and traveling extensively throughout the continent as a travel journalist, I’ve seen my fair share of fashion mistakes from tourists. If you’re planning a trip to Europe this fall, keep reading: there are a few easy ways to blend in without spending a fortune. Follow these 15 rules and no one will begin to guess that you’re an American in Paris (or anywhere else in Europe, for that matter). From flattering faux leather pants and wide-leg jeans to a chic trench and the ultimate fall overcoat, here are the European styles to shop this season — starting at $15 at Amazon.

Don’t Wear: a Printed T-shirt

Wear This Instead: a V-neck Tee

In the U.S., people often wear sports memorabilia, even if they’re not going to a game — a sign of pride for your favorite team. While this may create a sense of community and camaraderie, it doesn’t exactly translate in Europe, where the only time you’d really don a sports jersey is for the World Cup. Instead, skip the logos and printed tees and opt for something neutral, like this V-neck, short-sleeve loose tee. An easy basic to mix and match with jeans, skirts, or corduroy pants in fall, this affordable find (just $15!) will go a long way in your suitcase. 

Don’t Wear: a Backpack

Wear This Instead: a Crossbody Fanny Pack

We get it: you want to be able to fit all of your essentials for a day of sightseeing plus anything you’ve picked up while shopping. But there’s no quicker sign of being an American than sporting a backpack — especially if you wear it to the front to avoid being pickpocketed. A hands-free option that’s just as convenient but much more stylish is this four-zipper fanny pack, which more than 37,000 shoppers have raved about. The long, adjustable strap allows travelers to tailor the fit to their frame so it can fall perfectly across your chest or under your arm, and the theft-proof hidden zippered pocket keeps valuables safe. 

Don’t Wear: Sweatshirts or Hoodies

Wear This Instead: a Crewneck Sweater

Europeans’ version of casual is a well-made basic (think: a pair of tailored trousers or a knit top). Hoodies may be popular in some spots like Berlin if you’re going to clubs, but for the most part, this extension of athleisure is a faux pas. Pack a simple crewneck sweater in a neutral tone like camel and it’ll become your go-to the entire trip. Pair with high-waist dark-wash jeans and a blazer or with wide-leg cream trousers for a look that’s both laid-back yet sophisticated — ideal for a day of gallery- or museum-hopping in Madrid or London.

Don’t Wear: Ripped Denim

Wear This Instead: Skinny Jeans

In countries that set the trend when it comes to fashion (and are major global hubs), the way to play it safe is to always go for something tailored and sleek — no holes, rips, or tears. While these styles may work in Los Angeles or New York, they’ll make you stand out quickly in Europe. Skip the ripped jeans and don dark indigo denim instead. Levi’s are just as popular in cities like Paris and London as they are in the U.S., so these skinny jeans can take you across continents and look stylish anywhere you go. 

Don’t Wear: a Rain Jacket

Wear This Instead: a Belted Trench Coat 

Europe is notorious for rain, especially in the fall. There’s nothing worse than touring a city like Stockholm or Amsterdam and struggling to stay dry, but instead of a heavy-duty rain jacket that looks as if you’re a reporter covering a hurricane, opt for something that still serves as a windbreaker but is a much sleeker look. A slim-fitting trench like this one is the ultimate staple of a European wardrobe — it’s classic yet functional and instantly pulls together an ensemble. On warmer days, throw it over a dress or jeans and a tee, and when the weather shifts, this piece is perfect for layering over thicker knits. 

Don’t Wear: Heels

Wear This Instead: Chelsea Boots 

Traveling for weddings or black-tie events are the rare times I pack heels. Unless you’re attending Fashion Week somewhere in Europe, you can leave your stilettos behind. Cities here are designed for walking, which is tough to do in heels. Since the weather can also instantly shift, the last thing you want is your vacation ruined because you slipped on a slick staircase in Rome or the cobblestones in Paris.

Save space with these waterproof Chelsea boots that can double as rain gear, their non-slip rubber sole offering a super strong grip. As someone who is a huge champion of Chelsea boots, these are some of the best — and most affordable — I’ve come across since they’re both lightweight and comfortable, yet effortlessly chic thanks to the slick matte finish. 

Don’t Wear: Cross-trainers

Wear This Instead: Vintage-inspired Sneakers

Sneakers may be trendy in Paris these days, but this refers to only certain types of sneakers. A general rule of thumb to follow is: if you can wear them to the gym, they’re instantly out. Sure, comfort is part of the equation, but so is style, which is why the French in particular have gravitated toward vintage-inspired kicks with a narrow silhouette that look just as chic with high-waisted jeans and wide-leg trousers as with a midi dress or skirt. 

Don’t Wear: Cargo Pants

Wear This Instead: High-waisted Palazzo Pants

Cargo pants may have been declared one of the key “It” items this past spring, but the pants that you should add to your European wardrobe are high-waisted palazzo pants. Wide-leg trousers like these are one of the easiest ways to dress up an outfit, and the silhouette looks flattering on a variety of body types. Wear them with a long-sleeve top or bodysuit, add a belt with a statement buckle to dress it up, and throw on a pair of block heels for date night.

What’s more, these pants are so versatile that I’ve worn them as a chic plane ensemble on flights throughout Europe as well as to a fashionable dinner party in Paris. There are even more than 20 colors and patterns to choose from.

Don’t Wear: Leggings

Wear This Instead: Faux Leather Pants

This one should go without saying, but it’s surprising how many people still wear leggings while traveling around Europe. Even when I go to the gym, I change into workout gear once I arrive. I get it, leggings are comfortable. But save your Lululemons for the plane ride over. A better pick is a pair of faux leather pants like this wallet-friendly gem at Amazon. Designed in a hand-washable fabric that has some stretch, these pants instantly elevate an outfit, yet they’re still casual enough to wear everywhere from the markets in Barcelona to galleries in Antwerp or bars in Berlin. 

One of my favorite pieces in winter, they pair well with a simple crewneck smoke gray sweater, oversized wool coat, and ankle boots both day and night. 

Don’t Wear: a Puffer Jacket

Wear This Instead: a Double-breasted Wool Coat

When my parents visited me in Paris in early spring, they both wore bright puffer coats the entire trip. While they have no qualms about looking American (they also wore Paris Olympics T-shirts), the tone changed immediately everywhere we went. My French was useless — I was also considered a tourist by association. I understand the practicality of a puffer, but a piece just as easy to throw on that will keep you as warm is this elegant, notched-collar double-breasted coat.

I love that it’s knee-length instead of down to the floor, so it feels more fitting for fall (and won’t weigh you down). The windproof and thermal wool blend fabric is the perfect shell to protect you on the many fall days in Paris when the whipping wind adds an unexpected cool factor when strolling around town. 

Don’t Wear: Baseball Caps

Wear This Instead: a Wide-brim Fedora

This tip echoes the one about printed tees. Keep your athleisure and sports memorabilia at home. The same goes for trendy pieces like bucket hats. If you want to blend in with the locals, your best bet is a classic staple like this floppy, wide-brim fedora. Lightweight and breathable, this is an easy piece to pack and sport whether you’re strolling the stylish streets of Milan or hiking in Switzerland. The buckle is a subtle design detail that makes this hat look more expensive than it is.

Don’t Wear: a Designer Purse

Wear This Instead: a Faux Leather Tote

You’re in the land of Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent. You want to show off your new designer bag in Europe’s fashion capitals. But you’ll quickly notice a lack of labels in favor of neutral handbags that are hard to distinguish — and less enticing to steal. Leave the designer pieces safely at home and go for a sleek tote that looks every bit as stylish as what everyone in Milan and Paris is sporting — and carries less risk of theft or pickpocketing. At just $17, this faux leather tote is a steal too good to pass up.

Don’t Wear: a Mini or Bodycon Dress

Wear This Instead: a Button-down Midi Dress

While the Kardashians may have made bodycon a wardrobe staple in the U.S., this look never crossed the pond. Unless you’re in Eastern Europe, steer clear of anything too tight and short — you’ll avoid unwanted attention this way. An elegant alternative is this button-down ruched maxi satin dress, which hugs all the right places without clinging to your curves. A great day-to-night piece that’s easy to pack and won’t wrinkle, you can dress it up with micro-kitten heels or wedges or wear it more casually with tights and ankle boots. You can also easily layer a leather jacket or trench on top when the weather is chilly.

Don’t Wear: Shorts

Wear This Instead: High-waisted, Wide-leg Cropped Jeans

With the increasing number of heat waves in Europe, there’s no avoiding shorts in summer, and high-waisted styles continue to be popular picks in July and August. But at the first sign of fall, these are quickly packed away in favor of layers and more practical pieces. Even in the Mediterranean, you won’t see anyone wearing shorts in October — even if it’s on the warmer side. An alternative that embraces the summer spirit but transitions just as easily for fall is a pair of cropped, high-waisted jeans, like this wide-leg pair at Amazon.

An easy day-to-day option while traveling in Europe, these jeans can be paired with a white long-sleeve button-down, knit top, sweater, or tee on warmer days. And, if you want to dress them up for an evening out, all you need to do is don a pair of block heels or wedges and you’re ready for a night on the town. 

Don’t Wear: a Safari-style Travel Vest

Wear This Instead: a Utility Zip-up Jacket

Similar to hidden travel wallets and traveler’s checks, safari-style travel vests are just as outdated. Looking less like a tourist protects you more against pickpockets than these obvious pieces. Instead, opt for an anorak with a utilitarian feel (and will keep you warm on cooler fall days) and plenty of pockets to hold smaller items like tissues, headphones, hand sanitizer, and lip gloss. For the more valuable essentials, a small, zippered crossbody is a better go-to and will ensure everything is kept safe and secure while exploring a new city. 

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