We went to two place in Spain - Malaga and Madrid. Obviously, fashions are different in a beach, southern city and a capital of the country. When deciding on my own wardrobe for the trip, I kept it in mind. I didn’t want to wear my “resort” pieces in Madrid because I felt like Madrid would require more sophisticated clothing. But I had to wear my white linen pants once due to very hot mid day temperatures.

My own ides about bot places were correct. So, I’m going to report on each separately.

Malaga. It is a popular vacation place and it was busy. Because we were there off high season, there were less younger people and I had a chance to observe middle age and older women. Happy about that. I saw only a few trends.

Most popular pants - wide leg, cropped or full length.

No shorts, instead women wore dresses and skirts, below a knee or midi. Or loose fitting pants. Some sneakers but mostly comfortable sandals. Blouses and shirts but very few t-shirts. Overall it, women looked dressed up. From what I could see, their clothing was not expensive at all, it just had more personality and intend. My DH, who is not into fashion at all, noticed that people looked overall dressed up, especially for dining out and it gave the place more festive feeling.

Another one of my observations - not much grey hair. Older women in Europe are tend to cover grey hair. Also, more makeup and not always minimal. No backpacks - who can tell me why in North America women carry backpacks everywhere? I often see it in a gallery or a daytime concert.

Madrid. This is where I saw the latest trends, casual but also office attire. Very busy urban environment. Sneakers were the most common footwear but also some flats and loafers. I saw oversized blazers, suede bags, romantic blouses with frills or big collars. The trend I really liked was a satin a-line (not bias cut) midi skirts worn with chunky sweaters, sneakers and a ball cap. Ball caps are popular. Slouchy, low slung jeans but also barrel leg or tapped jeans - cropped, full length, raw edges or not. Styled with cropped tops, oversized shirts, big sweaters or t-shirts. Lots of black, white or cream, some brown. Some feminine shoes but still lots of Docs.

My DH decided not to wear his shorts in Madrid without my suggestions, on his own(!) It was ok in Malaga but not a vibe in Madrid. My DH like any other North American male, wears shorts while weather permits only with exception of special occasions. In Madrid we saw it only on a few teenagers.

I saw more 50+ women wearing some trends than I see I my own city. It was interesting fo someone, like me, who appreciate fashion. Variety of trends worn by all ages made the street style feel more like individual expressions of taste.

That made me think about trends I see where I live. I also live in a big, urban centre but my relationship with trends had always had a bit of uneasiness. I think I figured out why. Trends in Toronto feel like I’m back in high school. Some trends picked and then worn by every young female. Sambas? Everyone had a pair and I bought, too! Later sold them because I felt like I’m joining the “popular girls “, IYKWIM.

About a month ago, we were coming home in the evening and I saw 5 young women walking together through downtown. 4 of them wore mini skirts and cowboy boots! On another night, I saw about 6 girls in lines to different clubs wearing cowboy or riding boots. In was about +30C that night.

Aside from shorts, another thing I didn’t see was athletic gear worn as clothing. Sure, I saw people biking or running in gear but not casually strolling the streets in yoga leggings and cropped tops, like in Toronto. Who ever said that leggings or bike shorts is a universally good look on female bodies? Not to mention, it is made out of plastic.

So, these are my observations and general musings on fashion worn
Often, I come back from Europe inspired to be more intentional with my styling. Maybe dressing for others more. Because I appreciate when people around me dressed nicely. You?