How to Dress in Foreign Countries
Blending in with their country of choice is something most students studying abroad strive to do. After all, no one wants to look like a tourist for more than a month. Before heading to your destination, do some research on the local clothing styles. A little time spent learning about acceptable fashion will prevent you from accidentally offending the locals and looking foolish. Here are a few examples of appropriate clothing in different countries:
Dress Code
England – Study Abroad Dress Code
If you’re studying abroad in England, break out your wools and tweeds. These are two staple fabrics that never seem to go out of style. Studying in London? Then don’t bother bringing anything too casual. City dwellers are well-dressed at all times. Guys wanting to fit in should establish a fitted look and leave the baggy attire at home. Any blokes planning on wearing ties (which are fashionable in England), should be aware of their colors and patterns. Avoid striped ties, as these are associated with royalty. For both the ladies and the gentlemen, remember that you can never go wrong with a sweater.
China – Study Abroad Dress Code
Studying abroad in China? Young women in this country are currently following fashion trends from three other countries: Japan, South Korea and the United States. If you choose to follow the Japanese style, break out your inner child and say hello to Hello Kitty. For this fashion, anything cute goes, from Hello Kitty shirts to children-sized backpacks. If you’re more of a girl-next-door type of person, go for the Korean look. This style trends from popular television shows and involves looking good in a comfortable way. Girls who follow this trend go for a pretty and approachable look rather than sexy. If your style is “go big or go home”, you may want to join the Western trend. Miniskirts and tight shirts are worn by this group to show off their slender figures.
France Study Abroad Dress Code
Ah, France. The fashion capital of the world. Just as in England, overly casual clothes are frowned upon in this stylish European country, especially in larger cities such as Paris. So if you’re studying abroad in France, pack from the more fashionable part of your closet. Gentlemen, you’ll blend in better if you wear clothes that fit rather than baggy jeans and T-shirts. Running shoes should only be worn while exercising, and shorts are a no-no. But don’t stress out too much; young adult fashions are similar to styles in the United States.
Costa Rica Study Abroad Dress Code
Anyone studying abroad in Costa Rica should prepare to dress conservatively. Despite the heat, shorts should only be worn if you’re hitting the beach. Often men wear pants and long sleeve shirts, but T-shirts are perfectly acceptable. Women are encouraged to wear flowing skirts that are knee-length or longer. If you’re more of a pants person, go for it. The humidity will make it tempting to wear revealing clothes in Costa Rica, but if you don’t want to be the target of disapproving stares, cover up.
Australia Study Abroad Dress Code
Casual dressers rejoice. If you’re studying abroad in Australia, you can wear jeans and a T-shirt almost anywhere without getting odd looks. Australian styles are similar to U.S. styles, so don’t fret when planning what to pack. Just remember that December through February are the summer months down under, making the chillier of the months June through August. As long as you pack for the correct weather, you shouldn’t have a problem with dressing to impress in Australia.
Additional Countries Dress Code While Studying Abroad
Didn’t see your study abroad destination? Check out this website for some basic information on how to dress along with other cultural norms in a variety of countries:
It is important to be respectful of other cultural’s norms and traditions while a guest in their back yard. Being respectful of other countries dress code is a great way to an enjoyable study abroad experience.
