How Not to Look Like an American Tourist Abroad

If you ever watched the iconic clip “Modern Family” where Mitchell is increasingly troubled by the fact that people in France know he’s an American just by looking at him — that is, until he buys an outfit at a local store and blends in with the locals — you’ll see the plight of the American touristsSometimes our clothes betray us, even with the right language skills or a modest appearance.

That’s because Americans dress in a specific way, stylists say, whether they’re visiting Europe, Asia or somewhere else. And while fashion varies from city to city and country to country (and among different groups in that location), Americans still manage to stand out wherever they go.

Below, stylists from around the world share the styles that set Americans apart from the locals, and how to dress like an international traveler.

“People in America really like the idea of ​​dressing comfortably,” said Brooke Crumba fashion stylist who also organizes tailor-made shopping tours for visitors to Japan. This often results in Americans wearing sportswear while on vacation, Crum said.

When you think of training clothesCrum said there’s one item that comes to mind first. “What’s one thing you shouldn’t wear? Leggings, period,” Crum said.

“People wouldn’t stare, it’s not like, ‘Oh, this is an American person,’ but I think some people wear leggings more for comfort. So it’s a racerback tank top with just long leggings, and in Japan … if you go to the yoga studio, you wear yoga pants. If you go running, you wear a tracksuit,” Crum said. “Clothing has a purpose and athletic wear is for athletics,” she said.

When people in Japan wear sportswear outside of a training session, they do so consciously, she says.

“It’s more of an elevated, casual approach. So if you’re going to wear a shirt, throw a blazer over it, Crum said — or you can pair a track jacket with jeans.

Crum said it’s also more common in Japan for people to wear understated, monochromatic sportswear instead of bright separates, which creates a more put-together look.

According to Anne-Victoire Lefèvrea fashion consultant from Paris, you also often see Americans wearing baseball caps or backpacks, two things that also fall under the category of sportswear.

When we talk about casual clothes, Nathalie Olivera private stylist at the department store Le Bon Marché in Paris, said that Americans often dress too casually during the day (in sportswear and the like), but too smartly at night.

For women, too formal might mean wearing a special occasion dress with a pair of heels, or going all out with a chic skirt, blouse, and wedges.

“Men are probably the worst dressed Americans … from what I see,” Oliver said.

“I think most of them have the same outfit, which is a polo shirt, chinos [pants] and a pair of sneakers,” she said, adding that a navy blazer, chino pants and white shirt is another common combination for men.

To look like a Parisian, Oliver advises travelers to wear less refined outfits in the evening and not to be too fancy (for example, by wearing a navy blazer).

For women, a silk dress with a thick coat over the shoulders is a good option (extra points if it’s a stylish men’s coat). Or try a pair of jeanshigh heels and a blouse. For men, linen shirts, cotton pants and a pair of low loafers are a go-to for Parisian locals.

During the summer months, try to wear clothes in neutral colors, such as off-white, beige and camel, Oliver adds.

Going all out also applies to other aspects of American presentation. American women are much more likely to wear a full face of makeup, unlike Parisian women, especially in the summer, Oliver says.

“I always notice that American ladies dress up really nicely, they put on their makeup with foundation, it’s very sophisticated, and most ladies in Paris… they’re not like that at all,” Oliver said.

Additionally, Americans often have their hair and nails done perfectly, “which I think is fantastic because I know I have some American friends and they get up at 5am to look perfect at 7am so they can leave the house and go to work… that’s not our way of life, honestly,” Oliver noted.

“I think we pay more attention to accessories… I would say outfit is important, but shoes and accessories are for French women the best part of the outfit,” she said.

Lefèvre pointed out that Americans’ most comfortable outfits often consist of logo T-shirts or sweaters, or a bag with the logo and name of a museum you recently visited.

“I think we avoid logos and opt for timeless pieces that you can combine with your entire wardrobe,” says Lefèvre.

If you don’t want to be immediately labeled an American tourist, avoid clothing or bags with logos and “wear black, or just a classic white shirt with a tank top underneath and jeans,” she said, “and comfortable ballet flats [shoes] for ladies.”

This creates a more chic look, says Lefèvre.

“I’m not saying all Americans are like this or dress like this, but the general vibe we get is a mix between beach and sportswear,” explains Laura Carrilloa stylist and fashion designer based in Mexico City.

“I think it’s because most people think Mexico is just a country of beaches and cities, but our cities thrive on the urban energy and culture,” she said.

So, just because you’re traveling to a country known for its beaches doesn’t mean you should only pack beachwear – especially if you’re going to a country that isn’t close to the beach, like Mexico City.

“The culture of ‘fashion’ is relatively new in our country, but it’s coming fast and hard,” Carrillo said. “We have a long tradition with artisans and we quickly combine them into something unique.”

According to Carrillo, dressing like the locals in Mexico City isn’t as easy.

“It’s a different culture and energy. We have to remember that Mexico is not Condesa or Roma [fashionable neighborhoods in Mexico City]“It’s hard to say exactly how a local would dress,” she said.

According to Carrillo, tourists should not try to fit in, but should try not to stand out too much as a visitor.

“A lot of [Americans] “They have style and behave as they would at home,” Carrillo said. She advised visitors to “dress as you would at home and embrace Mexico as you would your own country.”

If you happen to be a fan of “American” styles, that’s fine too. You can always mix those looks with other styles to create a unique look.

“I think you just have to play with fashion,” Oliver said. “And if [you look] in the mirror, and you think you’re beautiful… go out like that.”

Fashion is subjective. There is no single look that will appeal to everyone.

“I really think it’s important for people to stay true to their own style, whether it’s casual, elegant or polished,” Crum said.

If you know something suits you and makes you feel confident, lean into it … and consider tweaking it a little bit. “For example, if a pair of wide-leg jeans looks good on you, wear them … wear them in khakis, wear them with slacks. Find different versions that accentuate your look or elevate your look,” Crum said.

It’s also important to have a collection of basics that work well for you — like white shirts, black shirts, jeans and blazers — to choose from, Crum added. “Then you can layer them really easily.”

You can even find fashion inspiration while traveling, whether you’re shopping at a vintage store or just taking in the culture around you. “Watch people on the street, sit at a cafe, have a drink in different places and different areas,” Oliver suggested.

“[You] “You just have to sit there and look around, and you see a lot of style, a lot of people, and maybe it can help you find the style that you like,” Oliver said, adding that she also gets style inspiration this way.

But it’s important to get ideas and inspiration, not an exact representation.

“I know that with my clients, every choice is different because they have different bodies, different sizes, different eyes, different professions… so you don’t copy and paste — there’s no point,” Oliver says.