Euro Chic is.....

nancylee

Like a fashion detective, I've been accumulating information about Euro Chic style from all the great discussions here on YLF. Here are the "clues" I have so far:

Uncluttered/clean lines
Low contrast colors or black and white
Natural fibers
Denim
Boots, booties, flats, or low heels
Good quality classics
More neutral than colorful
Classic elements with a touch of drama
Scarves
Few accessories/jewelry
Small wardrobe
Light makeup
Effortless
Gritty/Urban
Casual/simple/practical
Shorter hair
Small or minimal prints

Anything else?

12 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Kirti

Scarlet

Veteran

This sounds good to me, although I don't think hair must be short. One thing I have been thinking about lately is that Euro chic is a little less pristine than American chic. I think American women tend toward perfection whereas many stylish European ladies often have a touch of the undone somewhere--perhaps loose hairs or a fabulous but well-worn coat. I find the touch of entropy charming, although too much just looks careless. I don't know if anyone else shares this point of view. It's just my impression from a lot of traveling back and forth. On the other hand, in New England a lot of women don't wear a touch of make-up, but I find that very uncommon in Europe. A lightly made up face seems de rigeur (if I have spelled that correctly) at least in the city.

12 years ago

LoP

Veteran

What a great description. I'm often referred to as having a euro style and never thought that much into it. My description would be as poor as "you know it when you see one.". It totally makes sense when you all list it all. Thank you for the post.

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Natural fibres are not a must at all - think BLENDS!

Low contrast is not a must.

No need for shorter hair.

Definitely worn. You will see many worn designer bags and shoes on the streets of Europe because people wear their stuff for years and commute on foot in all types of weather.

12 years ago

Anonymous

I don't know about the clean lines. Germans and Dutch ladies layer a lot. I find it charming. Is more the vibe that reads "i'm not trying to hard" "this is how i rolled out of bed looking charming' that's accomplished by understated quality and often neutral pieces. Quality leather bags and shoes are worn in they have the "this is mine" look rather than the unapologetic "out of the box" classic style.

12 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I have visions of the euro chic ladies roughing up their new leather goods to obtain the worn in cool factor.

12 years ago

Anonymous

Rose and Joan, that's funny!There's no need. When you commute on foot on cobblestone, in winter and summer the look goes there naturally !

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I think European style is to American style as a French Curve is to a Ruler.

12 years ago

morethanbeige

Veteran

No high heels?

12 years ago

nancylee

Veteran

MTB, Angie is the final word, but I believe Eurochic means no high heels.

12 years ago

morethanbeige

Veteran

Oh, yes, nancylee, I just read the post on EC vs MC. Thanks for asking! I'm trying to distinguish this too.

12 years ago

JennyAnne

(website)

Veteran

What a fun list! I'm having visions of all the fabulous city girls during my years in Germany.

12 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Being in France, here are my two bits - French style involves a lot of bright lips - hot pink and firetruck red worn with simple overall makeup and dark neutrals. French women usually wear studs and small delicate necklaces, usually gold or silver. Ballet flats, patent loafers and brogues are currently the shoes I'm seeing everywhere! Hope that helps

12 years ago

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