Observations on fashion in NL

After one week in NL, these are my observations on what folks seem to be wearing (Angie, and folks who live there feel free to correct me). It was rainy and cold, so bear in mind that may have influenced what people wore.

In Rotterdam and Amsterdam black was very much in evidence. Women wore skinnies or slim fitting pants that showed the ankle with stompy/chunky boots about equally with fashion sneakers. Lots of black leather moto jackets. Long hair. I also saw lady like (princess seam) wool coats in bright colours (red, yellow, green), with black tights and brogues or low booties (usually on young women whizzing by on bicycles, hair flowing).

Amsterdam seems more fashion forward than Rotterdam and I am seeing flowy crops (like full pants but short/above the ankle) worn with fashion sneakers. Also more denim, including one piece jumpsuits. A few silver puffers.

Men wear their pants (mostly jeans) much slimmer than North American men (or at least my DH ). I also saw a lot of men with light weight puffers in black or navy blue, and some double denim. Whereas I did see black leather boots on women (50/50 with sneakers) men are almost always in sneakers - with the exception of a few who wore leather tie shoes with a longish narrow toe. Good haircuts and grooming amongst the men.

I am seeing some berets and Greek fisherman's hats on women and wish I had thought to pack mine!. Fringed scarves around the neck on men and women.

6 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

How interesting! What is a Greek fisherman's hat?

Runcarla

#1 on a Greek fisherman
#2 coopted in the name of fashion

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Aha! I didn't know those were Greek fisherman's hats! Learn something new!

Style Fan

Thanks for the report Carla. I didn't know those were Greek fisherman hats either. It is always interesting to hear what others are wearing.

Anonymous

Thanks for the report. I love hearing about fashion in other areas of the world.

Staysfit

I like those hats! Nice to know what's seen on the streets in other parts of the world. I still see sports logo sweats here! LOL! A true college town!

Laura1975

Active Member

Something has just occurred to me...who was it was wondering how to avoid looking like a tourist? You mentioned men wearing slimmer jeans and I've just realised that's what sets American tourists apart. In general, clothes are looser fitting for both men and women. No rights or wrongs about it, just an observation.

Suz

(website)

Thanks for the report, Carla! Interesting.

My hubs wears a Greek fisherman's hat in cotton in the spring/ fall.

Turmeric

Slimmer pants are better for bicycling.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I enjoyed reading your analysis, Carla.

I think it's very hard to generalize about fashion in those Dutch cities - especially Amsterdam - because it's hard to see locals amidst the tourists. That said, you always see dark colours in a major city. The motos, skinnies, sneakers, bright coats, scarves and long hair blowing in the wind as the bikes go by sounds dead right.

When I go to the NL, it's 99.99% locals where my Dad lives. There you see authentic Dutch fashion. Blue and shades of white are the order of the day - not black. Always practical shoes and wrapping up to keep out the chill on bikes.

Jenn

I think those fisherman's caps are traditional to the Netherlands, as well as to Greece. My husband has one that he bought because it reminds him of his time living there as a child in the 80s.

Dianna

These kind of posts are some of my favorites. I find them so enjoyable. Thanks for the report, Runcarla.

JAileen

My dad used to wear Greek fisherman hats and also berets.

Sal

Thanks Carla and well done on your race as well!! I haven't been around much this week but I hope you feel very proud of your achievements.

I always think European men get their jeans fit right - not too tight, not too loose. I love the sound of the fashion that you have seen, it is classic but still interesting and practical and a bit funky.

approprio

Hope you're having a lovely time here in NL, in spite of the - uh - changeable weather. I sincerely hope you've hired a bike!

I concur with Angie that it's hard to spot locals among the tourists in Amsterdam city centre, but you'll see more typical styles around the canals and south of the centre. Short, wide crops with sneakers are very much the thing, and yes, lots of black!

I'm surprised you found Rotterdam less fashion forward than Amsterdam, because my impression of the street style there is far more adventurous. It's possible I only think this because I work at the art college though.

(PS: feel free to message me if you need any local tips)

(PPS: ETA well done on the race! I'm not doing a very good job of keeping up lately, but yay!)

Stagiaire Fash

Sounds like summer is all gone already.

The wide-leg pants confuse me, because they sound hard to bike in. Do they roll them up or use extra big ankle clips around the calves or what?

bridgie

Thank you for sharing this with us Carla. Loved it!

Joy

Thank you!

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