styling abroad
How To: Dress for Your City
by sloan miller
Studying abroad isn’t just about hitting the books—it’s about living, breathing, and dressing the part in a brand-new city. Every destination has its own fashion fundamentals, streetwear significance, and unspoken dress codes, one would think only the locals could crack. What you pack and how you style yourself will help you immerse yourself in the local culture and feel at home while navigating your brand-new world. Here are some style tips curated by city of choice, so your wardrobe can be just as global as your semester.
Starting strong with the city of fashion, Paris.
In Paris, fashion is far beyond clothes; the streets bleed rich with style and inspiration. Parisians don’t just buy fashion; they breathe it. Basics are a must: straight-leg jeans, tailored blazers, and neutral layering pieces. Accessorizing elevates minimal outfits, a structured leather handbag or a gold broach from the flea market can tie everything together for that “look like you didn’t try too hard, even if you really did” effect.
Next up is Florence, Italy, a hub for students studying abroad, especially those at Marist. It also attracts a plethora of tourists, year-round, so your style can set you apart from the ‘obnoxious American tourist’ archetype. Florence is known for its craftsmanship and leather works, so a timeless leather jacket will become a ride or die piece. Packing interchangeable clothing and accessorizing with gold jewelry will give you f lexibility for days of exploring and nights out on the town. Earthy tones contrast beautifully with the yellow Italian streets, and a leather crossbody keeps you stylish while outsmarting pickpockets.
Tokyo is a fashion major’s dream for experimentation. It blends tradition with modern creativity. Layering and oversized silhouettes dominate; street style tells your story.
Statement sneakers keep you stylish and comfortable, while wide-leg trousers and graphic tees will help you blend right in. Quirky accessories or monochromatic looks add a more futuristic approach. In Tokyo, individuality is more celebrated; being true to your style while also experimenting will hold more power than you’d think. If Dublin is your destination, embrace the cold and pack your layers! A cable knit Irish sweater is a must-have. Pair this with jeans and you’ve made a versatile outfit, perfect for whatever Ireland adventures you have planned. Since the weather is unpredictable, pack rain gear like a parka or windbreaker. Layering is key; it’s always better to remove layers than wish you had them. Boots are an all-year round staple; tan Chelsea boots are both trendy and trustworthy for Dublin’s unpredictable weather.
London is another city where layering is your best friend. A trench coat is one of the non-negotiables, as well as a funky umbrella which will get used so much it should be considered a part of the outfit. Wellies and knee-high socks help you blend in, in no time and blend comfortably at that. Patterns are a great way to get creative; grey plaid skirts, colorful sweaters, or houndstooth blazers, fulfill your “Notting Hill” fantasies. Vintage shops hold many treasures, so start with wardrobe staples and save space for the shopping you’ll do while there.
Overpacking will only make the trip home harder but feeling prepared sparks independence and comfort in your new home away from home. Focus on the essentials and versatile basics you can mix and match for a range of looks and weather conditions. A small, well-curated wardrobe will serve you better than an overflowing suitcase, leaving extra space for new pieces, souvenirs, and the memories you’ll collect along the way.
Although it’s tempting to keep your style the same as at home, dressing abroad is more than just being fashionable; it’s a form of cultural respect. It shows that you value the experience for all it is and shows true immersion. This is the goal of a student studying abroad, immerse yourself in your experience and in your city of choice. If you style yourself accordingly, you won’t have any problem blending in as a local, you won’t be viewed as a tourist stereotype and oftentimes be more respected by strangers and locals. After all, this isn’t a week-long vacation for sightseeing. This is a 4-month long experience that will change your life forever, and putting your best foot forward will have an extremely positive effect on your overall experience. Final words of advice, pack wisely, dress thoughtfully, and let your style speak the local language.