America Vs Europe: A Fashion Face-Off
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Fashion is a universal language, but every region has its own spin on it. Europe and America have long been engaged in battles over which of their fashion styles is superior; the casualness and comfort of America or the elegance and class of Europe. These two contrasting styles illustrate how cultural differences can shape fashion preferences in a region. But who's to say you have to choose just one?
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Europe has a longstanding reputation in the fashion industry, so it is of the utmost importance to Europeans to maintain it by embodying elegance, class, and sophistication in their fashion sense, no matter where they go. European fashion is characterized by a well-put-together look, featuring blazers, trousers, and belts. In Europe, there is a social norm to dress classy, without straying too far from the established dress code. Standing out too much in a crowd can be uncomfortable for Europeans, so it is uncommon to see flashy colors or bold prints in everyday European wear. Instead, Europeans opt for neutral tones and classic designs to create a polished look. While Americans embrace and favor individuality, Europeans tend to value conformity and fitting into societal norms. This can be attributed to cultural differences between the two regions. In line with their fashion sense, Europeans aim to blend in with their surroundings and avoid drawing unwanted attention. Visitors from America who are rowdier tend to be looked down upon.
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While European fashion has been associated with a lot of effort and sophistication, recent trends have emerged that offer a new take on traditional styles. This new style allows Europeans to adhere to their fashion norms while putting in less effort. We’ve now begun to see European fashion icons embracing an aesthetic that combines classic pieces with modern touches. This trend is popularized by Swedish fashion influencer Matilda Djerf, who has revolutionized the effortlessly cool European fashion aesthetic. By pairing a satin dress with a blazer and ballet flats, she creates an elegant outfit that perfectly fits European fashion trends while only taking ten minutes or less.
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When it comes to American fashion, comfort is above all else. Picture a typical American college campus and you’ll likely see an array of sweatpants, hoodies, and sneakers. This laid-back style has not only left the confines of the home but has actually become a staple of American fashion. Casual comfort has evolved into a full-blown fashion aesthetic, as you can see someone sporting the look almost anywhere– from schools to stores and restaurants. Americans have always had a preference for choosing comfort over class, but recently, companies have found a way to blend the two and profit from it. Enter athleisure, a trend that has become a huge phenomenon within the United States with popular brands like Lululemon, Alo Yoga, and Adidas. The idea of investing in high-quality leggings or tracksuits might seem foreign to Europeans, but it is very custom in America. In fact, Europeans are often taken aback to see Americans running simple errands in sweatpants and a hoodie, something that is frowned upon in European fashion.
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While the casual comfort style is taking the States by storm, there is more to American fashion than athleisure. Americans have a way of dressing up, which is based on expressing individuality and standing out from the crowd. People are free to follow fashion trends with differing aesthetics because there is no social norm about fashion in the U.S, unlike in Europe. People may take inspiration from fashion icon Bella Hadid one day and Wisdom Kaye the next. In a way, American fashion is a reflection of the country's diverse and ever-changing identity, with its fashion trends constantly adapting to reflect the melting pot of cultures, religions, and lifestyles that make up American society.
The great thing about fashion is that you can break free from limitations and build your own style. You can mix and match elements from different styles to create a look that uniquely matches you. For example, you could blend European elegance with American comfort, or combine the boldness of American fashion with European refinement. Fashion is an art form that is meant to be molded to your own taste, so don’t be afraid to break the rules.
Strike Out,
Writer: Isabella Santiago
Editor: Racquel Gluckstern
Tallahassee