Study Abroad in Style
We can’t all be glamorous globetrotters like Kendall Jenner or Bella Hadid. With college budgets and Kardashian-level travel aspirations, planning a trip abroad can be difficult if not impossible. Enter the study abroad excuse (because “educational” is synonymous with “acceptable use of a few thousand dollars”). Not only do you get to travel somewhere amazing and exotic, but you kill two birds with one stone by earning class credit. One of the most fun parts of traveling is the anticipation, but with so many different places and climates and cultures, what in the world do you wear?? No worries, here are a few guidelines for stylishly studying abroad:
England: The birthplace of cool girl fashion, England holds one of the biggest fashion cities of the world, as well as plenty of study abroad opportunities. In England, it’s simply a matter of manners to look decent while out in public, so they may not be as accepting of sweatpants as we are on campus. With a mild but temperamental climate, layers will be your best friends. Rain gear is also a must, although umbrellas tend to be favored over squeaky rain jackets. While edginess is undoubtedly valued among Londoners, their style is more conservative when it comes to showing skin. Depending on what look you’re going for, the easiest way to guarantee an A+ look is to ask yourself: WWKW – What Would Kate (Middleton or Moss) Wear?
South America: They might love modest clothing in England, but sunny South America is a different playing field. While flashy outfits will label you as a tourist and should be avoided, bright colors, heels and statement jewelry are favorites for nighttime outings. For daytime, natural, light fabrics like linen, silk and cotton work best in the sun and heat. The heat and humidity will definitely affect your hair, so pack accordingly – hair oils, hats, headbands, etc. Also, if you think that South America is the land of skimpy swimwear, you may be right, but it’s in your best interest to stay appropriate. If you don’t want to be catcalled or stared at, dress more conservatively. Better to feel prudish than uncomfortable!
Italy/Greece: The Mediterranean is no doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world – and one of the most attractive to tourists. With seemingly endless sun and lots of place to walk, it would be easy to give into the ultra casual look of the tourists. But you want to look like a local, not a tourist! As in England, Italians have higher standards when it comes to public attire. Nonetheless, you definitely need to bring comfortable (yet stylish) shoes. Skip the heels, as they’re not practical at all on the cobblestone streets. If you want to bring more formal shoes for evening wear, go for block heels, wedges or platforms. As for clothing, bring light, airy attire that is low maintenance and easy to wash. Think Lena in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Tourist hotspots are also hotspots for pickpockets, so a cross body bag or a purse that closes will be essential for protecting your personal items. Last tip: don’t take electronic appliances like your hair dryer or straightener. Especially in Italy, these appliances are not compatible with the wattage and will be destroyed.
Morocco: If you fantasize about harem pants, ornate street markets and literal Arabian Nights, Morocco is the place for you (and I’m right there with you). With hot, sunny days and cool desert nights, a variety of clothing is needed for any trip to Morocco. Light, loose fitting clothing like billowy pants, maxi dresses/skirts and tunics all work great in the moderate climate and conservative culture. Sneakers should be packed for hiking and other outdoor activities, but most of the time sandals will suffice. You should also bring (or buy) plenty of headscarves to wear out of respect when you visit mosques. You don’t have to wear them elsewhere if you don’t want to, but many people use them to stay cool, cover their Humidity Hair, or embrace the local culture.
China: Great Wall or great wardrobe? In China, you can have both. When studying abroad in Asia, you’ll most likely stand out no matter what you wear, but it’s a sign of respect to dress according to native customs. No, you don’t have to dress like a geisha, but if you want to blend in, dark and conservative clothing is the way to go. Revealing clothing is not widely accepted as proper in China, and cardigans and hats tend to be very popular since they offer protection from the sun. The Chinese are known to value porcelain skin, so while you’re free to look however you want, a dark tan will stand out. As for shopping in China, there are tons of opportunities for unique finds, but if you’re relatively tall or have a shoe size of over 7.5, don’t plan on buying your whole travel wardrobe there, as these traits aren’t necessarily common.
South Africa: The birthplace of Candice Swanepoel and Charlize Theron, South Africa is one of the most underrated travel (and study abroad) hotspots. With safaris, beautiful architectural sites and a rich history, South Africa offers a lot of potential for creative fashion choices. Nonetheless, the essentials include clothing that is cool and comfortable. Neutral colors like beige, brown and khaki are most often worn on safaris, and light colored clothing will help reflect the harsh sunlight instead of absorbing heat. As with other moderate climates, the South African terrain can get cold at night, and long sleeves/pants will also help you avoid mosquito bites. Rain and thunderstorms are also common, so umbrellas and raincoats will be helpful.
France: Everyone knows that Paris is THE fashion capital of the world, so you have to look nice when you study abroad there. Whether you’re studying in Paris or one of the other amazing cities in France, layers are essential to fully enjoy the mild climate. Dark colored clothing tends to be more popular among the French, and simple, chic accessories will complete any outfit for a day in the city or an afternoon in the countryside. You’ll want to pack lightly for two reasons: 1. Buildings in France tend to be old with narrow hallways, so carrying a giant suitcase will be a pain. 2. You’ll have plenty of places to buy fabulous French clothes anyway – happy shopping!
