Very interesting reportage, Angie! I am surprised to see so many somber colors. I would imagine a warm city on the Mediterranean Sea to sport brighter colors. Still, it’s a fascinating peak at an exotic place. The photos are really great, they truly capture the low-key style. What is your next destination?

Actually looks like a typical So Cal dresser- Casual with accents of the latest trends.

I read your description first and was really surprised when I saw the pictures. The description made the clothing (and women) sound trendy, exotic, sexy, and gorgeous. The pics were eh. Most of those women were NOT stylish, as I think of the word–nothing seemed cutting edge, risky, or unique. That first row of pics was nowhere near fab. I’m not one to criticize how others dress, but I dunno, I guess I don’t get it. Maybe the picture didn’t do them justice, or maybe you didn’t get shots of the great outfits you saw. In any case, I love your blog–it’s the best fashion blog out there.

I think I would fit right in, would love to shop there. Did you find any interesting shops?
Do you think gladiators are going to stay in style? I actually really like that thong boot look but also worry about being a one season item. I love the global fashion blogs, we are so fortunate you love to travel!

Thanks for the glimpse into fashion in Tel Aviv..I loved your descriptions of the city and of Israel. Your photos are beautiful- almost like taking a mini vacation! I like how you found that women there seem to exude confidence and dress in a casual but put-together way. I agree that the style seems similar to So Cal. Any theory as to why there aren’t many brights? Did you come across any popular patterns?

I feel like I could fit right in with that style.
Maybe it is because I am from So Cal that this looks resonates with me. Well I am no longer a young thing with loads of sas so I guess it is time for me to move on from the look. Possibly this is a good example for the lists of things to change after a certain age when you need the hair and skin to give the look a glossy appeal.
Thankyou for sharing this trip with us. Your travel blogs are fascinating. My world is very small.

Your travel reports do so much to widen our world, sometimes showing how much we are alike as well as different. The women in most of your photos would fit right into Midwest street fashion…casual, lots of knits, long hair, but with more boot cut jeans and athletic shoes.

Given the warm weather in Israel I am surprised that so many women wear their hair long and loose. I have long hair and that can get extremely hot. If it gets even a little bit over 80 degrees, up it goes in a ponytail, bun, or other updo right away, and I always have a clip or two in my bag for that purpose.

Another thing I was surprised about was how few skirts/dresses they seem to wear, which are more comfortable in warm weather than pants (especially jeans, which look like they are extremely popular since most of your photos are of jeans outfits). Do Israeli women (like many Americans) also consider skirts/dresses as too dressy for everyday casual outfits?

Danja, watch this space our next travel destination

Greenglove you were the YLF forum member that sat on my shoulder as I watched Tel Aviv street style. It is SO up your alley. There are countless affordable shops selling product you’d like. As for gladiators, we are entering our 4th Summer season of them. They are completely mainstream. For that reason I do not expect them to die off as last year’s trendy statement. I say go for it. There are plenty of inexpensive styles out at the moment but unfortunately comfort is a concern.

Angela, you’re right. Tel Aviv is not the height of high fashion. We deliberately took pictures of real people and not women that looked like they stepped out of Vogue so that you could get a true vibe of the overall sense of style there. The dress is trendy, alluring, current and monotone BUT very casual. Real life impressions would definitely have made a better impact. Also you aren’t getting full pictures of heads and faces because that has tricky legal implications. I hope that makes sense.

Simba, I’m not sure as to why there were few brights both on the street and in stores – but brights were everywhere is Euro stores in that neck of the woods. Perhaps some of the Israeli locals will chime in with an explanation.

That’s interesting Joy. I have never been to the Mid West (accept Chicago) and don’t have a picture in my mind of what fashion looks like there, especially from a modesty point of view. But I have been to Southern CA and agree with the similarity.

Good point, Joelle. But it’s all relative. The weather gets MUCH hotter in Israel than when we were there and that’s when lasses wear dresses and skirts most of the time. It is not considered “dressy” at all. Quite the opposite. Also, there were plenty of woman wearing casual frocks. We just couldn’t get the right pictures of them. On the flip side, orthodox and ultra orthodox Jewish woman are not allowed to wear pants and you see LOTS of skirts and dresses in Israel because of it. For respectful reasons there are no pictures of this type of dress.

Another fun entry. Getting a glimpse of the rest of the world is exciting! Thank you for this.

Very interesting! I have good fiends in Tel Aviv that I hope to visit some day, and their pictures convey the same style sense. It also sounds like such a vibrant and energetic place. I like the neutral palette, and I have to say that I always thought I look quite drab in colors like taupe, but somehow I feel better about them in Mediterranean climate. Maybe it’s the sun and the nature colors. The only thing I am surprised at is the utter lack of woven tops. I also noticed all the women pictured are young. And they do have gorgeous hair, like every Israeli I’ve met.

I just did a search for pictures of harem jeans because I had never heard of or seen this item before and was curious. I agree with Angie’s assessment of them. Yuck!

Wonderful write up– I love the fact that you took shots of regular people. It helps to dispel the myth that exotic equates to looking like you stepped out of Vogue and it helps me feel more community with the human race the world over. Your post does make me want to grow my hair out long and go exotic. Hee hee.

Coming from Texas, I’ll back up Angie and say that I wear jeans and closed toe shoes in the spring even when it’s 80-85 degrees because I know it will get 20+ degrees hotter and I want the opportunity for variation.

I’m with you on loving the linen and cotton scarves. I think I’d like to sew a few. I also liked the natural jewelry. I can see how natural fibers/jewelry worn with long hair are so feminine without being flashy.

The climate and food sound enchanting too.

Sorry to harsh on the fun, I’m just a bit troubled by your use of the word “ethnic”. I mean, it’s not “ethnic” clothing to them, and besides, using “ethnic” as a term for non-white people and experiences is kind of creepy because it kind of lumps us all together. Isn’t it enough to just describe the jewelry as earthy and natural?

This is what I DON’T like about the Sartorialist: he claims to take pictures of “real” people but they often end up being from the fashion industry, models, or sometimes even the odd mini-celebrity. The truth is that real (non-model) people usually aren’t cutting edge and unique, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a defined sense of style and look great. Honestly, in our day-to-day lives, who has the time or lifestyle to be risky, innovative, and edgy every day? New York is considered a great fashion mecca, but having lived there myself, I can tell you 99% of people are hardly “cutting edge” but they still look great.

That said, I think these girls all look great as well. They do not use a casual dress code as an excuse to look sloppy and unkempt. Take a lesson, America!

It is a personal dream of mine to visit Iran (my true motherland–India is more like a surrogate motherland)–first, to dispel any very common misconceptions of it, and second, because it’s just a beautiful country. One of the misconceptions is that all the women walk around in burqas and veils. Not true. While the dress code is strict, it’s always interesting for me to see how they work within those confines.

Wow Angie, you make us sound so good! You are indeed so kind
I live south from Tel Aviv (half way to Beer-Sheva about 40 min). Unfortunately what I see here is mostly sloppy ill-fitting clothes. Too low-waisted and tight jeans on girls all sizes (read – huge muffin tops), spaghetti-strap tops riding up and bra straps showing etc etc. Although you do get to see well-dressed and even elegant people. (I’m not saying I’m perfect but I’m trying – honestly!)
When you come to Tel Aviv you do see more interesting fashions and ideas. I love watching old ladies in north TA walking their tiny dogs and sitting in cafes. And artsy crowds on Sheinkin Street not far from the Carmel market. But then you go back to real life in a tiny town and… wake up.

By the way I’m delurking here. I’ve been reading your blog for over a year and I love it and love your advice and photos from your travels.

HI Everyone,
First Angie, I absolutely love your blog. I plod around several when I am websurfing and always come back to yours. It is by far my favorite: for being real/authentic, useful and not at all self-absorbed or attempting to always tune into my shopaholic self(please don’t, I am quite vulnerable there!). This is a great post about your trip to Tel Aviv, a place I hope to visit some day. And I agree with everyone else: great pics of casual but put-together women who are going about life but took the time to get their act together–the very goal I have every day. I would love time to try to look like a fashion model, but I can’t afford the entourage.
Have a wonderful rest of the trip,I can’t wait to read your post tomorrow!
Cheers

Angela: I too don’t personally like the words “ethnic” or “exotic” for the same reason: they tend to have a kind of strange European colonialist implication to them. The only time I think it’s fair to use the word ethnic is when describing garb that truly is culturally specific, whether it’s a sari, kilt, grass skirt, or baju kurung. “Exotic” on the other hand just rubs me the wrong way.

I agree that words like earthy, natural, and boho are all better descriptors.

Angie, I don’t want to put you on the spot. Just food for thought in the future

Thanks Angie! I love hearing about your perceptions from your visit. Your pictures of great. It seems you had a bit of a weather range as I saw shorts, T’s and slippers along with boots, jeans and sweaters. (Or it could be like Seattle, where today is warm enough for shorts and 4 days ago it was cold enough for boots.)

It is interesting hearing thoughts on “ethnic” and “exotic.” I think it speaks to everyone’s personal experience. I am personally fine with the term ethnic and exotic. In fact, I have been called exotic and I took as the compliment it was intended.

Maya, I didn’t realize that you were Iranian. I have never been there, but my sister-in-law is from Iran. (I have quite the diverse “ethnic” extended family with Chinese, Austrian, Native American, Hawaiian, Iranian, French, Italian, Spanish, and Mexican – and I won’t add the ethnic backgrounds included in my wedding party!) Anyway, my sister-in-law hasn’t been back in a while, but has a sister who still lives there. (She and my brother fled the country back in the 70’s.) Oh, and I love the food!

Looking stylish and put together does not necessarily mean getting all dressed up. You can absolutely look casual AND stylish at the same time. My perception is that Tel Aviv does this well. People don’t look dated, they don’t wear gear, they sport trends and generally wear clothing that flatters. That’s GREAT.

Angela, when I use the word “ethnic” I really do so in the dictionary definition sense – that is: “sharing a common and distinctive culture, religion, language, or the like”. The point here is that when we see a gladiator sandal in the Middle East it is ethnic because thousands of years ago people walking on this same ground were wearing sandals that inspired this trend. In fact, we saw the ruins of an ancient gladiator arena in Caeserea!

So although the jewelry could be described as “earthy and natural”, that is not what I mean when I say ethnic. I mean ethnic in the sense that it feels connected to the local history and culture (not in the creepy way you describe). In this sense it definitely is “ethnic to them”.

By comparison, western culture in the USA doesn’t have as much of this ethic content because most cultures have only been represented here for a few hundred years. So “ethnic” content in the USA is normally inherited from other nations – like the very “ethnic” feel of Little Italy or Chinatown in NYC.

Eva, the weather in the 8 days that we were there did indeed vary (daytime temperatures ranged from between 68 and 90 degrees). 68 degrees in Israel is boots weather (like it is in Texas for Patience).

Harem jeans? ACK!

You’ve done a marvelous job of evoking the style of Tel Aviv in one short blog entry – I feel as if I have a little window into that city’s style and culture thanks to you! It’s far from my style, but I appreciate it and would love to see it in person.

I LOVE IT!!! Count me in with Greenglove, Angie. I was hiding in her ethnic crossbody bag, while she was riding on your shoulder in Israel.

This does remind me of SoCA style too. I think that it would translate well here in Phoenix.

I’m enjoying your trip reports, especially since I’m “grounded” at the moment. When I’m done nursing…LOOK OUT!

Ever been to Morocco before? People there are pretty stylish too ^_^. Too bad I didn’t get to take pictures of the people there, I was too busy taking pictures of the buildings.

I love your blog especially your travel ones!! Is Israel safe by the way? I would like to travel there someday. =)

Angela and Maya, thanks for speaking up – I’ve been trying to think of how to broach this very subject for the past couple of days.

Angie, while I can’t speak for anyone, I thinks the point people are trying to make is that while the *dictionary* definition of “ethnic” is “sharing a common and distinctive culture/religion/language,” in practice the term has a history of being used by white people to talk about any and all non-white groups as a singular entity from which they can distinguish themselves (as an *exotic* entity, you could say!). Meaning, it doesn’t matter whether you are Iranian (Maya), Vietnamese (me, in part), Mexican, or whatever, you are just “ethnic.” Or your music is ethnic, or your food is ethnic. In any and all cases the entirety of non-white peoples/music/food is implicitly distinguished from white people/music/food – which is the default, of *course* – but also implied to be all the same. That’s one big reason folks find the term to be offensive.

Another reason is that “ethnic” is a generic term for “trendily but generically non-white.” For example, you referred to the sandal booties a few days ago as “super edgy and a tad ethnic,” which certainly doesn’t mean “sharing a common distinctive culture,” because neither you nor the shoemakers were talking about any culture in particular. So what does “ethnic” mean, in that context? I’d welcome an alternative explanation if you have one, but for now I’m stumped. Angie, I don’t want to make you feel bad, but I do think that many Westerners don’t realize just how often anyone who isn’t Western (or entirely Western) is made to feel like they don’t belong, or worse, like their own cultures can be merrily co-opted for Western benefit.

As for “exotic,” well, there’s all the lovely, colonial, Orientalist implications of white people calling non-white people beautiful but ultimately strange-looking. Again, it ultimately sets the white standard as the default. (Aside: I once told someone during a conversation about my heritage and they immediately responded, “Oh, that doesn’t surprise me! You look so exotic.” I doubt they’d ever have told me such a thing if they’d continued to think I was white.)

I don’t think anyone believes for a second that you’re trying to be a creepy, colonialist white person, Angie, but intent isn’t the only issue at play, here. A little bit of awareness goes a long way, that’s all we’re saying.

I still love this site and I love your blogs, but the past few posts have been grating, to say the least, and I had to speak up.

Okay, wow, and I apologize for the long comment of doom! I had no idea it would be that ridiculously epic! Heh.

Mai, I completely appreciate your position and your sensitivities, but Angie is one of the most inclusive and globally oriented style writers around. I have a hard time hearing her critiqued on this matter when one of her strengths is how inclusive she is of all cultures!

Besides, the issue you’re having seems to be one of semantics, not her intention or meaning, and she explained that already in her reply.

Love this post! Thanks so much for sharing pictures of your amazing trip!

Laura I agree with you 10000 %. Angie is so inclusive that it saddend me to read those things.

If the words Exotic, or ethnic offends you… Creepy Colonialist White person is repulsive when used in sentance with Angies name…Very Sad Day here.

Angie, I loved reading your thoughts and seeing photos of Tel Aviv style. Thank you for expanding our horizons and exposing many of us to new places!

Perhaps if there are concerns about a post one could choose to contact Angie privately in the “contact us” tab above.

Hi Angie! I love your posts and the pics are amazing! I just found your blog about a week or so ago and already have learned a ton! I am hooked on your site! Finding your blog has been wonderful and I have been able to incorporate a lot of your tips into my fashion. Thank you for the lovely posts, pics and information, it is invaluable to me, and I look forward to more!

Angie,

Such a lovely recap of Israeli style!! I have to warn everybody, though – Tel-Aviv is indeed the fashion capital of Israel. Other cities in Israel are not nearly that trendy (in case you have an impression that all Israelis dress super trendy ). Mai, I am Israeli, and I don’t see anything even remotedly problematic with Angie’s description. In contrary, your comment strikes me as a bit offending (though, I am sure you didn’t mean it!). Yes, we look ethnic and exotic. We have a rich history, and indeed gladiator sandals and earthy jewelry look especially appropriate here! I can imagine a very blond and short-haired Angie stood out in Tel-Aviv

I have two possible explanations to why there are so little bright tones in clothing here (to try to answer Simba’s question): (1) because of the heat, we prefer clothing from natural fibers, and a muted color gives it even more natural appeal – you know, like it faded naturally; and (2) as someone who once took a drawing class, I learned that in fact the colors look their brightest in an indirect light; bright sunshine “washes out” colors. So I think somewhat muted, “heathered” colors look most natural with our blue skies and a lot of sunshine. Hope that makes sense!

Ladies,
If you feel the urge to unfairly patronize Angie, at least have the tact to do it privately. No need to put her on the spot in a public forum.

These look familiar. I don’t live in Israel but the fashion in my city looks similar.

I’ve always thought Angie seems exceptionally gracious and caring. Its sad to me when a person is picked apart over a word, in spite of the history of acceptance she has always been known for.

Angie is the epitome of graciousness and intelligence. I don’t believe anyone needs to point her in the right direction as she knows what these words mean and would only say them with the kindest connotation. I am quite sure of that.

An excellent description – by the way the first person I saw after reading Angie’s sandal bootie post was a young woman wearing white sandal booties and short shorts – with blonde hair by the way. I agree with HannahC and Tatjana that Tel Aviv style does not reflect what goes on in the rest of the country, where you see a mix of things. Another look that is very popular with religious women of a certain type is the skirt over pants look – flowing pants under a relatively short skirt made of the same material. This look can be quite lovely, and is often accompanied by beautiful scarves covering their hair. The young girls at the religious high school wear a lot of skinny jeans under their skirts – skinny jeans are indeed everywhere.
Angie did you have a chance to stop at the Anne Fontaine shop on Dizengoff? (I thought of you when I first noticed a while ago.)

I love the down-to-earth casualness of these looks that fit their lifestyle. Women who know to be natural and feminine without going overboard with make up and high-fashion. Your list reminds me of streets of Izmir in Turkey. Very similar lifestyle and geographic location. (I’m from the area.) I saw a good amount of harem pants with gladiators when I was in Istanbul a few weeks ago. Maybe it really is the ethnic background.

Laura, my point is that this isn’t just about semantics; words have a history and they can hurt whether we mean them to or not. But on that note, since people have asked that this discussion be continued privately, I’ll cut this off here.

Such an interesting post! I hope to visit Tel Aviv someday, sounds like such an energetic and fascinating city.

Better late than never as I catch up on some of my reading. I have loved every post Angie has done when traveling and the write up’s on Israel were no exception. I am writing this as someone who has been “ethnic” and “exotic” in almost every place I’ve lived or visited and knowing that so has Angie. FWIW, this post totally did not offend me.

While I think words have a lot of power, we can also give them a lot of power. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “No one can make me feel inferior without my permission” – I may not have gotten the quote exactly right but it was something along those lines.

I also think that context and intent is everything. Great, if you’re trying to educate someone and point out the potential impact of their words. At the same time before taking offense yourself, you might consider the source, the overall tone of the forum and the individual themselves. I am struck by the very thing that some people are pointing out: words can hurt – that they might not be aware that their words can be equally hurtful. Is it ok for someone to say things that might be hurtful if they use “sanctioned”, politically correct words and not ok for someone to use words that might be misconstrued? While some people might be offended by the historical connotations of a word, some others might be offended by what is said and in what manner.

I don’t have a right answer. I doubt there is one. As a student of human dynamics, group interactions, and conflict, I am struck by the comments on this thread. And I hope that whenever I feel particularly compelled to point out something to someone else, that I am equally aware of the potential impact of my own words. And who knows – perhaps I am unintentionally doing the same myself right now

[...] Hong Kong, London and Tel Aviv. I’m kicking off the report back with Tel Aviv because the predominant style in that city is very different to my own, and I couldn’t look less Israeli if I tried. The ultimate [...]

I too live in Israel, and am alternately impressed and repulsed by what passes for style on the streets of our cities. Your observations of boundless self-confidence were spot-on, even understated. That, added to the balmy climate and newly-arrived European trends, makes for the best and the worst of Israeli fashion. I for one love to browse old photographs from the 1940s and 50s, in which men and women in dirndls or shorts and sandals and those legendary “Srulick” hats look crisp, effortless, comfortable, quaint, and inspiring. No offending muffin tops or criminal leopard-printed lycra then.

Knits have been a local a staple for a while. Many young local designers love the ease with which it can be deconstructed, ruched, wrapped, and draped (remember Rami on Project Runway?); it also serves well in a number of contexts and holds its shape, even on the most humid days or nights. It’s comfortable and shows off curves — Israeli women and men alike are very, very into their curves. That’s due to our Mediterranean locale, I’m guessing. And the fact that curves are still considered attractive here. (I’m speaking specifically of Tel Aviv here; the variance in Israel — in climate, culture, language, religion and religious observance, approach to dressing, etc. — is astounding for our geographic size.)

Twice a year (once per season), Tel Aviv is host to a local designers’ market, where visitors can browse and buy items by emerging, as well as more established, Israeli fashion designers, jewelers, shoemakers, etc. I’m fixing to go this evening — anyone else out there attending?