For fun: contrasting US and Europe styles
As I explain in my profile, I have a varied background. I spent half my life in Europe and the other half in the US. It is well known that style in the US compared to Europe (and pretty much the rest of the developed world) is informal. I passionately stuck to my European ways when it comes to dress, even if it means having to explain why I am all dressed up. First, I don't think of it as being all dressed up, and second, I don't need a reason to dress up. It's part of the things I enjoy in life.
Today I thought I would contrast what a European would wear on three occasions: lounging around the home, going grocery shopping, going to the office to what an American would wear on the same occasions. Of course everyone is different so this is only my interpretation (though I don't think anyone will disagree that Americans are generally more laid back in how they dress). Also, I don't own all the pieces of clothing other people do. For instance, I don't have much in the way of informal foot wear (another one of my quirks). So I had to do with what I had around the house.
US (left): Sponge Bob pajama bottoms, baggy sweater.
Europe (right): yoga pants, comfy knit top. Growing up, when my mom caught me wearing pajamas past 11am she would send me to my room to get changed, even if it was Sunday, god awful outside and there were not plans to go out that day. The exception was when I was sick in bed.
US (left): same as above, except sneakers for walking and car keys (in my right hand, can't see them). Though not everyone does it, I kid you not, I see people in stores wearing pajama bottoms.
Europe (right): jeans, informal button down shirt (layered over a sweater for warmth, it's February), Mary Janes. Yes, French women do wear heels to go grocery shopping (though it's not a must). I personally do. I use my older heels that may look a little two worn out for the office, or a pair that is comfy and easy to slip on that happens to be left by the door. Or just my office heels, there is nothing wrong with them. I personally will often wear a skirt or dress to go grocery shopping, but that's just me.
US (left): jeans, sneakers, and comfy sweater. Here, I had to look at what my coworkers wear and I think I completely failed at looking like an American. I look like a French woman ready to go out for a jog. Mainly because I do not own a pair of clunky flats (the most common footwear). Many female colleagues go for black slacks instead of jeans. I do see a few heels, but not a lot.
Europe (right): pencil skirt, cardigan, pearls, nylons, sensible heels. Nylons and heels a must.
I don't normally drop brand names and I don't own a lot of them, but here I have to give a shout out to thredup.com, an online store with a vast collection of high quality second hand clothing. I put together this outfit (the cardigan and the skirt) for under 20 dollars. The skirt is Banana Republic and the cardigan is Talbots. I am starting to see the value of brands. They do look different. They are better cut, the fabrics of better quality (the cardigan is merino wool and awesomely soft), and they carry small sizes.
So there you have it, my interpretation of US vs Europe wear. Hope you had fun.
Today I thought I would contrast what a European would wear on three occasions: lounging around the home, going grocery shopping, going to the office to what an American would wear on the same occasions. Of course everyone is different so this is only my interpretation (though I don't think anyone will disagree that Americans are generally more laid back in how they dress). Also, I don't own all the pieces of clothing other people do. For instance, I don't have much in the way of informal foot wear (another one of my quirks). So I had to do with what I had around the house.
Lounging around the house
US (left): Sponge Bob pajama bottoms, baggy sweater.
Europe (right): yoga pants, comfy knit top. Growing up, when my mom caught me wearing pajamas past 11am she would send me to my room to get changed, even if it was Sunday, god awful outside and there were not plans to go out that day. The exception was when I was sick in bed.
Going grocery shopping
US (left): same as above, except sneakers for walking and car keys (in my right hand, can't see them). Though not everyone does it, I kid you not, I see people in stores wearing pajama bottoms.
Europe (right): jeans, informal button down shirt (layered over a sweater for warmth, it's February), Mary Janes. Yes, French women do wear heels to go grocery shopping (though it's not a must). I personally do. I use my older heels that may look a little two worn out for the office, or a pair that is comfy and easy to slip on that happens to be left by the door. Or just my office heels, there is nothing wrong with them. I personally will often wear a skirt or dress to go grocery shopping, but that's just me.
Going to work
US (left): jeans, sneakers, and comfy sweater. Here, I had to look at what my coworkers wear and I think I completely failed at looking like an American. I look like a French woman ready to go out for a jog. Mainly because I do not own a pair of clunky flats (the most common footwear). Many female colleagues go for black slacks instead of jeans. I do see a few heels, but not a lot.
Europe (right): pencil skirt, cardigan, pearls, nylons, sensible heels. Nylons and heels a must.
I don't normally drop brand names and I don't own a lot of them, but here I have to give a shout out to thredup.com, an online store with a vast collection of high quality second hand clothing. I put together this outfit (the cardigan and the skirt) for under 20 dollars. The skirt is Banana Republic and the cardigan is Talbots. I am starting to see the value of brands. They do look different. They are better cut, the fabrics of better quality (the cardigan is merino wool and awesomely soft), and they carry small sizes.
So there you have it, my interpretation of US vs Europe wear. Hope you had fun.
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