Wardrobe Challenge - 8 months in Lithuania

I have a huge wardrobe challenge and I will definitely need your help! I will be spending 9 months in Lithuania next year -- January through August -- doing research for my dissertation.

I plan to pay excess baggage fees and may ship a box over, but I'm still limited in the amount of luggage I can take with me AND I have to take clothes for three seasons:

Winter (Jan-Mar) will be below freezing --as much as 20 below Fahrenheit.
Spring (April May) will be 40s-50s.
Summer (June-Aug) will be in the 60s-70s.

Where is Lithuania, you ask. It is in north eastern Europe between Poland and Russia, south of Finland (it's colored bright yellow on this map). It used to be part of the Soviet Union and is now part of the European Union.
http://i514.photobucket.com/al.....pe-map.jpg

I'll post separately as I am planning each season, starting with winter soon, but I have a general question. Women my age (early 40s) in Lithuania rarely wear jeans. I, of course, as an American and currently a graduate student, wear jeans all the time. I'll mostly be spending my days in government archives and the national library doing research. It's not an issue of being culturally sensitive in my clothes (like I imagine being in a Muslim country would be), I just wonder if I should dress how I normally dress (jeans with smart casual) or dress "my age" in skirts and trousers while I'm living there. I don't mind looking like an American and I'm probably over-thinking this, but I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks!

17 years ago

Dawn

(website)

Active Member

Hi AJ,

I spent five months in Poland on my Erasmus/ study abroad experience from September 2007- January 2008, and have some insights into how women in 'Central Europe' dress. Women around my age (20) dress smartly in dark-wash jeans, skirts, boots, well-cut knit tops, etc. Women around your age would dress similarly; some wearing jeans, others wearing trousers or skirts. One thing I noted was that many of them wore muted colours but everything fitted very well. Also women there, including college students, tend to dress smartly during the day. I think you can get away with wearing jeans in a smart casual outfit there just as long as they are a dark-wash.

marianne

That's fascinating, AJ. When was the last time you went there (I assume you've been before since you're doing a Phd)? Even though I've never been, but it's not that far to where I come from and I think you'll be fine wearing jeans. It's more practical anyway and I don't think you'll stand out that much. But you'll probably have to bring skirts and pants as well for more special occasions. You could probably get away with a wool winter coat if you layer well... although a puffer would be nice for winter. You should check the Rack, they often have puffers for a great price. Otherwise it should be pretty close to Seattle, weather-wise.
Are you going to be in Vilnius? What are you writing your dissertation on? Sorry you don't have to answer if it's too private.

Inge

Moderator

WOW AJ, that's fantastic! You've got quite the experience ahead of you. I'm excited for you! And it looks like you are leaving quite soon too?

I've never been to Lithuania but I agree wit Tassajara and Marianne. I think you can definitely keep dressing smart casual. From what I have seen and heard many Eastern Europeans opt for a very elegant and modern look, with a good eye for cut and quality.

Tanya

Veteran

What exciting news AJ! It's going to be quite an experience.

I have never been there, but I am originally from Eastern Europe ( much more south though) and I did a spent a summer in Ukraine quite a few years ago.
My general notion is that women tend to wear more form-fitting and more dressy clothes. I think smart casual will be Ok, but do bring some dressier items, especially for theaters and such. Also, I am not sure ( you should check) how available public laundromats are, it could be that there are none, or very few. But if you are renting a room, most of the houses should have a washing machine.

We will be glad to help you a season by season, as you prepare. What fun!

Amanda

I was hoping our European members would chime in -- thanks! I have traveled to Lithuania a number of times -- mostly in the summer -- and it always seems to me that women are more dressed up. I took particular notice last summer that I didn't see women my age wearing jeans.

The last time I lived in Lithuania through a winter was 15 years ago -- I wore jeans, wool tights, hiking boots and fleece pullovers all winter. I'd like to look more stylish than that! I'm glad to hear that you all think smart casual with dark wash jeans is the look to have.

Antje

Wow, what an awesome opportunity!
I can't really help much with the style questions (though great boots and a warm coat sure come to mind) just wanted to say how very cool this is. And you'll have to report back on fashion and general culture in Lithuania; it'll be great to have a YLF outpost there

Anonymous

You look so good in your own personal style that you have created for yourself. I vote to just be yourself and wear your collection of clothes.
By the way congratulations for taking this opportunity. You are a very intelegent and beautiful woman who is making the most out of life. I'm proud of you.
Can't wait to get posts from you in Lithuania.
Dressing with dignity is always good and you have that down. Be yourself. If you get there and feel out of place with the rest there will be plenty of shopping adventures. I wish I was going with you!

Basia

What a fantastic time you will have!! Don't be scared from jeans at all! For many years they been a fetish thing in Eastern Europe, sort of only connection with the world behind the iron curtain. The only way the Americans give themselves away are the white Adidas shoes which I am quite sure you will not have! Have a fabulous time!

Ellen

AJ, that sounds amazing!

Your outfits sounds fine... beyond that, do you know if the shopping is good there? Because you may want to save some of the money you'd spend to ship things and pick up some great clothes there.

Nicole

I know nothing about Lithuania (funny that I turned to my husband and said "Where the heck is Lithuania" and then I read on and saw that was your next comment.) But I think it's great that you are going to go back and work on your dissertation.

I was going to suggest the same thing as Ellen. Maybe pack lighter than you planned, and do some shopping there, and you can ship your things back home as the seasons change.

To Basia's point about the jeans - when I was little, women would spend twice their monthly salary to get a pair of authentic jeans at the black market. Things changed, of course.
AJ, I am sure you'll have a great time! I don't know about the shopping options there but I was also thinking you might want look into custom-made clothing while you're there... it could still be affordable.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

WOW! Fabulous aj. I have a few jewish friends who hail from Lithuania. I LOVE an adventure as long as I don’t need to struggle with the language – which I don’t think you will. After all, you’re studying the language, right?

I have nothing to add, but that we expect a post from you on Lithuanian style!

yublocka

I have nothing of substance to add but just wanted to chime in and say how exciting it is that you're doing this! Congratulations!!

Lena

Very cool. I've never been to the Baltic states, I wish I could help you more, AJ. And from what little I know about their culture and style, my Russian experiences may not help much in this case. I would expect that style is more W. European than E.European. As for jeans, I think that dark wash denim will be just fine.

I also think your smart casual outfits will be perfect.

Good luck!

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