Worn Around the World
Amsterdam
The Dutch are known for their practicality. I had always heard this, but I didn’t quite understand until I felt the tingle of rigidity upon attempting to navigate the bustling streets of Amsterdam. As I navigated my way around the city, I noted the practical design of roads, homes, bikes, and even clothing.
1. Blanket scarves. I know this is no new trend, particularly to Europe, but I would be remise to not sing the praises of the blanket scarf. While traveling, this piece can be a hood to protect from the rain, a pillow from those long bike rides, and many other wonderful pieces. Moreover, walking in the city through the cold gets old after a while, particularly with unfamiliar weather patterns. The scarf just provides a layer that becomes crucial when spending long days exploring in less-than-ideal conditions.
2. Pop of color. This doesn’t really matter what it is, but adding color obviously spices up an outfit. Don’t think I’m being revolutionary here, but what is unique about Amsterdamers’ style is that they tend to favor neutral jackets, but with a fun shoe, sock, or tote. I observed countless businessmen boast fun green shoes, bright red socks, or multitudinous other
3. Blundstones. I noticed so many dutchies wearing these in our cute little breakfast cafe or in the coffee shops. Something about the rain, biking everywhere so not wanting shoelaces, and the sleek metropolitan nature of the Blundstones just makes them perfect for Amsterdam
4. Ulta low-rise jeans with a basic tee. Lord knows I love a base layer and I was pleased to see the Dutch do it with a fun and sexy twist.
Cologne
Cologne was admittedly more fashion-forward than Amsterdam. This surprised me given that Cologne is far less metropolitan than Amsterdam; however, I also had my biases of the all-black, Bergheim-attending, German wardrobe. While we certainly spotted several individuals donned in countless layers of all-black, platform shoes, and tiered skirts, Cologne seemed to prioritize colors, cuts, and shapes more than branding or hyper-consumerism. Here are a few of my favorite pieces:
1. Extra-wide leg jeans with a nearly natural wear pattern on the middle of the leg and darker on the outside (insert picture)
2. Straight-waisted jackets, particularly leather. I love a good leather jacket. I mean … who doesn’t. But Cologne favored muted but interesting colors like cherry, taupe, and dark teal over black or brown – though there were plenty jackets in these neutrals. Interesting hardware on these jackets provided an element of interest to the outside of the look that was necessary given the weather. Given how cold it was, most wore their jackets zipped, so this hardware helped provide some interest to the outfit.
3. Slicked-back hair. Working with the clean lines of the outfit but in contrast to the seemingly mismatched colors, many German girls rocked a gelled slicked back look with either a ponytail, power-braid, or bun.
While these cities are only a three-hour train ride apart so they are naturally similar, each has its own style and spunk. Amsterdam is a city of immigrants and a true mix of cultures and that is felt in the influences of their style. I hope you can enjoy some of my jet-lagged observations.
Strike Out,
Written and Edited by: Jane Dodge
