I Lived in Europe for 6 Months—I'll Never Make These Fashion Mistakes Again
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At home, I was used to throwing all my daily belongings in a slouchy tote bag and running out the door. While in Italy, I quickly learned that opting for something more polished (but no less roomy) made a world of difference in how put-together I looked.
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Though you may believe that an all-black ensemble is foolproof, I happen to disagree. All the stylish European women I spotted on the street knew that layering colourful accessories over their neutral outerwear creates a multidimensional look in autumn and winter.
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This was one of the most crucial style lessons I learned abroad. I realised exactly why European women are known for their good style, and it has to do with their reliance on timeless pieces. I took note of their clothing choices and wisely invested in pieces like blazers, loafers and black jeans that I now wear on repeat.
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On the whole, I observed that European women don't dress down as much as their American counterparts. I rarely (if ever) spotted leggings or joggers on the street. Classic white sneakers, however, were definitely a favourite. Europeans simply choose to style their sneakers with more elevated ensembles, and I quickly followed suit.
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Instead of piling on bulky layers like puffer coats, I noticed how my European friends wore slimmer coat silhouettes that allowed them to remain polished despite the winter chill.
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Unlike back home in the States, where I'm used to driving everywhere, I rarely stepped foot in a car while in Europe, so I learned right away that my shoe choices were of much consequence. I favoured lower heel styles like kitten heels and block heels whenever I wanted a little lift.
