Thinking hard about style....and Euro Chic

Ever since Angie dubbed my skinny jeans look "Euro Chic" I've been obsessed with discovering just what this look entails and whether this is maybe a good aspirational look for me. I know what I like and what I feel comfortable wearing, but I've had trouble nailing down a "name" for my style. Words like: casual, approachable, creative, and low-contrast appeal to me. I like boho elements and prefer to look effortless.

I've always loved the casual, effortless style of Europeans, and am starting to think it's a natural fit for me. This is exciting! I'm thinking it's time to pull focus and make a more concerted effort to "Euro-cize" my look since my style and wardrobe seem to pull in that direction already.

Here on YLF, I most identify with Sarah and Lisa as far as style goes. I've been introducing a little color into my wardrobe lately, but I'm uncomfortable with a lot of color and I'm definitely not high contrast. So the elements are there....

Here are a few recent photos (I think most of you have already seen them). Maybe you could help me point out the aspects of these looks that are Euro Chic, and aspects that might belong somewhere else? Thanks!

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....tern-scarf
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....elt-so-fab

12 years ago

Anonymous

How great that you acheived Eurochic without trying! That makes it really truly effortless, doesn't it? I have been reading up on Eurochic, too (try putting into the search engine) but still I am no expert.

There are some great pictures that Angie and Greg took of people on the street on their trips (Berlin, in particular, comes to mind).
All this is to say, I really can't answer definatively but I will for sure be watching this thread! I'm wondering what all these chic European women wear in the summer. It seems easier to do Eurochic in fall/winter with boots and lots of layers!

sarah

Veteran

I'm relatively new to this term, but Angie has been dubbing many of my recent outfits Eurochic, lately, so I *think* I'm sort of beginning to understand this term. The elements of your style that I see as being Eurochic are the emphasis on neutrals, the simplicity, the addition of high-quality but simple elements like those gorgeous tan boots and that scarf...but, as I said, I'm no expert, so I'll wait for the Europeans to weigh in. Oh, and that black and white combo strikes me as very Eurochic - did you see Bill Cunningham's (I think) photos of Paris fashion week and all of the black bottom and white top outfits?!

lyn67

I'm not an expert, so maybe cannot put right in my words, but live and travelled some in the EU, so my eyes are really used to this.:-))

I would say the most important elements of this style is using/and mixing(!) neutral colours/and natural fibers ALL YEAR ROUND (think linen for summer, Claire) almost exclusively for everything one can put on(clothing pieces, accessories, or makeup)

(think lots of taupe/grey/chock braun, white and dark blackish/blues (for jeans), stichings here and there, leather (jackets, shoes, bags and belts) mostly in their natural colour)

In German language there is also another word (and you will also understand, for sure!:-)) describing this like "sportlich elegant."

Cuts are simple (not sexy, but mostly flaterring with only few details) and clothing pieces are allways good quality, all is screaming of comfiness and and if possible elegance in the same time.

Kristine

Very pretty outfits and I think the look really suits you! What I see of Euro Chic in your photos are the scarves, the timeless pieces (such as button down white shirt), neutrals, polished hair and make-up without being overdone, sophistication with a touch of rugged (as if you might have just come from the airport or gone for a leisurely horse ride on your estate, hee hee).

What you could add if they suit your taste might be wrap or sheath dresses, a trench coat or faux fur, a signature leather bag, pearls or other classic jewelry.

nancylee

Thanks for the responses so far! This style does feel very natural to me, and I'm feeling very excited about using it to help me focus my look.

Here's another aspect I've been thinking about: It seems to me patterns and prints play a very minor role in Euro Chic. A printed scarf maybe or a tiny repeat print on a blouse, but always very low key and low contrast.

Does that sound right?

@Claire...You raise a good question: How do you dress Euro Chic in the heat and humidity of summer? Without scarves, how can you accessorize?

@Sarah (style twin!)....I did see the Bill Cunningham black and white layout...never miss him!

@Kristine, you make some interesting points about a more dressy Euro Chic look involving pearls and a classic dress. That's something I want to explore, too. I already have a lot of these elements in my wardrobe. It seems like there are two elements to this look: Euro Chic and Euro Casual. Hmmm.

Lisa

These are some personal observations of mine and I touched on additional thoughts with my reply in this post here.

In your WIW's I see eurochic in the simple, classic items with minimal accessories. The necklaces and scarves add the visual interest to the outfits. In general I do not associate strong printed items with eurochic style (prints on shirts, trousers, sweaters (jumpers). When I do see prints, they are often small (dots, stripes) and easy to remix into outfits. Larger prints are quite eyecatching and not as easy to remix, and Europeans are generally thought to have smaller wardrobes that are remixed often.

In the summer months, I've noticed a lot of times, the style tends a little to boho. Skirts are long and flowing, so are tops. The fabrics are lightweight, but the colors stay neutral. If scarves are worn, they are thin and only wrapped around the neck once. Bracelets and big rings are slightly more common.

Or I've seen this style go the other way with lots of ballet flats and dresses, dresses, dresses. In general, women dress with more dresses and skirts, versus in the US where I notice women tend to wear more shorts and jeans in the summer months.

Lisa, those are some great observations!

Scarlet

I think you already have a great mix of euro-chic and classic American.

Yes, forgot to say, plain items are always favoured over patterned ones, but still applied for accessories, like scarves.
In the heat and summer lots of linen (we don't mind wrinkles:-))).
A simplier necklace,/pendant is OK,+a shoulder/cross the body bag and leather, flats/embellished leather flips-flops and you're good to go!

lyn...that is very helpful advice. I've always dressed pretty simply for summer (due to the heat and humidity): skirt, simple top, flats, and a necklace. Good to know this is the go-to Euro Chic formula.

My goal next year is to find some simple sleeveless summer dresses to make things even more effortless during June-August.

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