American and european style - what's the difference?

harmonica

I've been reading on the forum several posts that say i.e "this looks really European". I also read one of Jayne's posts where she said something about dressing American and not Norwegian when she first moved here.

But what is European style? How does it differ from American? And how does Norwegian or Scandinavian style stand out from European or American style? (not many Norwegians here, but still wondering... ;-))

My guess is that American style is a bit preppier, more sporty and casual. And when thinking of European style, I associate with french chic. About Norwegian / Scandinavian style - well, I would think of nature, minimalist and sporty.

11 years ago

General

10 replies

Latest reply was from ramya

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I will have to think about this a little Harmonica.

American style is hard to dissect, how do you compare the styles of New York, LA and Boston (to name a few). Each city has such a strong definable style stereotype that I find it very hard to envisage a single look as reading 'the American style'.

11 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I am not sure what American style is, probably because it's hard to see yourself as others see you, but as for European style, what I think of are dark neutrals, scarves, skinnies, boots, layered tops, trench coats -- and everyone riding around on bicycles. In my mind, it's all quite fabulous

Would love to hear what Scandinavian style is. Do tell!

11 years ago

Traci

Veteran

Very broadly speaking, I think American style includes more sportswear, sneakers, preppy style and color. I think of European style being a little dressier, classic, dark and neutral.

11 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

I always love these discussions

Even with the wide variety of American styles across the two coasts, the north, the south, etc. I still see some classic American style as being more colorful, more sporty, definitely more casual (to the point of more public slobbiness).

I don't have a lot more to add to Euro, but agree with what others have been saying.

11 years ago

Laurinda

Veteran

Having lived in the US and Scandinavia, I have an on-the-ground view of how real people dress. The big difference I'd say is the size of one's wardrobe. Clothing was much more expensive and people have an armoire instead of walk-in closets.

11 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I second that! Shopping in the US was a shock for this Scandinavian consumer, as my money lasted and lasted. But real fun, of course.

The difference between American, European and Scandinavian style is not very easy to put into words, but I agree that French chic is more common in central Western Europe, whereas the Scandinavian style often is a lot more casual and sporty in general. I read a few blogs from both sides of the Atlantic ocean, and the style of the Academichics is in fact something I find very easy to relate to as a Norwegian. The more refined French style is a lot harder to achieve when the temperature is freezing cold with snow and ice on every sidewalk.

11 years ago

celia

Veteran

Generalizing american or european style I would say that the American style is more crisp and streamlined than the european one.
I tried to find similar outfits in both styles(according to my perspective):

American style:
http://stylesncream.blogspot.c.....loser.html

European style:
http://www.zimbio.com/photos/I.....PoOXugZ9b8

11 years ago

harmonica

Veteran

Thanks for the input! This is really interesting and the visuals were helpful. Thanks Celia!

America and Europe are really large categories, but it is still fun to try to find some general differences. From your responses, I read that American style is more sporty and preppy than European. Eurochic is more classic and polished in a effortless way. Or?

As for Scandinavian style, I agree with Ingunn that (too) casual and sporty is a feature. Goretex jackets are worn almost all year round and I think it is an essential for most Norwegians, at least. I also think of some Swedish style as minimalist and graphic, and Danish as a bit more boho with volume and drapings. But that is just my personal associations. In any case, I think many are inspired by nature, either in fabrics, pattern or cut.

11 years ago

jayne

Veteran

Scandanavian style does not include alot of color It is more neutrals like cream, tan, you know nature's colors really. This is at least for the norrm, not the bloggers. Big chunky jewely is more common on the over 40 crowd, maybe late 30's, but neutral colored scarves for most generations. IN fact, scarf manuafacturers deliberately choose neutrals when selling in Norway in particular.

American style is super dressy at work for business people. You have dress codes and worry about lengths of the dress, skirt and closed toe shoes. Norwegians don't. Jeans, any type allowed, although normally holey ones are not work attire. The clothes are reused much more in Norway and I had a shock seeing a lady use the exact sme outfit two days in a row in my first work assignment. I am used to it now, but still forbid myself from the exact same in a week and usually go so far as to reuse only bottoms but not tops in the same 2 weeks. A hard cultural habit to break

The evening wear is the opposite as well. Norwegians (since I live here I cannot speak for Sweden, etc) dress up. The outfits in general are sporty but always include a scarf and more and more a NICE bag. Every kid owns Marc Jacobs.

i feel Americans are more likely to jump into sweats in the evening but Europeans do not and use them in public. Of course you ladies on ylf are fighting that. My Norwegian friends will not go to the cafe in Gear. Proper clothes for public, always. Exception is a ski suit, with ski shoes on, or hiking gear right out of the forest. Gear is not a substitute for casual clothing.

The difference to me from Paris to Oslo is the color of the clothes. There is a bit of the same style in use of scarves but Paris to me is black. And less sporty, more cosmopolitan.

I guess I should add these are my observations and not meant to offend. I tried a round of dressing the 40 year old norwegian lady, but neutrals, tan and beige kill me. Soft materials like tunic over tights,, and fluffy scarves, make me cringe. It is not my style. I have bought and purged alot to learn that. SO now I accept not fitting in and trying to find my own style. COLOR please!

11 years ago

ramya

Veteran

Jayne I agree, here I see lot of tights and leggings used... And the lack of color :)...
Bang on:)

11 years ago

Category