How to Avoid Looking Like An American Tourist Abroad
Want to travel like the locals? You should probably dress like a local, too
Emily in Paris just got renewed for a new season and this time, our girl is going to Rome. Having eaten her fill of croissants and learned absolutely no French, she’s taking on the Eternal City — and bringing her drama, whimsy, and nonsensical outfits with her.
No matter how you feel about the show, its title character (played by Lily Collins), or Emily’s outfits, you can’t deny their impact. Premiering at the height of the COVID pandemic, it was peak escapism. Once the season of revenge travel began, everybody channeled their inner Emily and headed to Paris — many for the first time.
The Emily effect
Emily isn’t the only culprit clogging up the international travel terminals. This digital phenomenon had real-world implications, with Americans flocking to Europe in numbers not seen since pre-pandemic times.
The resurgence of wanderlust-inducing TikTok trends has made the allure of European travel more irresistible than ever. But TikTok can be cruel, showcasing the ignorant American stereotype in 4K. It makes the fear of looking like a tourist more pronounced than ever. So, as we pack our bags and dust off our passports, how can we avoid the faux pas of looking like the obnoxious American tourist?
When Emily in Paris first graced our screens, it did more than just entertain— it made Miss Emily an instant fashion icon … but not always for the better. With her bold fashion choices and unapologetic American flair, became both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. While Emily’s adventures made Paris seem more accessible than ever, her questionable sartorial missteps served as a reminder that sometimes the best way to travel like a local is to try to look like one.
TikTok Travel
As if Emily in Paris wasn’t enough to stoke our European fantasies, TikTok has been stoking my dreams of having a European summer. But a Euro summer isn’t just about where you go — it’s about looking like you’re at home there. Is anyone else’s feed full of sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches, charming Parisian cafés, and historic Roman piazzas? If your FYP looks like mine, you’re probably on #EuroSummerTok. The hashtag #EuroSummer exploded, launching millions of TikToks of people looking for their own picture-perfect version of a European vacation.
To avoid looking conspicuously American, according to these TikToks, is about having a full closet of linen Revolve garments. But it can be much simpler than this. Looking like the locals is just about following some simple style rules, being mindful of the space you occupy (because the real hallmark of the obnoxious American stereotype is the sense of entitlement that comes off as, well, obnoxious), and being open to trying new things.
Instant identifiers of Americans abroad
How not to dress like an American abroad is also about avoiding some walking red flags that signal to everyone within spitting distance that you hail from the land of the free — and not in a good way.
Hyper-casualness
American style often prioritizes comfort above all else, and it’s gotten worse over the years. When I was in high school and college, leggings and Brandy Melville spandex ruled above all as the peak attire, either paired with Birks or Uggs depending on the era. Now, when I see teens lining up for the bus to their high schools, they’re literally all in pajama pants or athletic shorts. Despite what TikTok tells you, highly put-together microtrends are far from the norm. But there has to be a middle ground.
While there’s nothing wrong with being comfortable, the level of casualness common in the US. can be jarring in many European contexts. In Europe, even casual wear tends to be more put-together. Try linen pants or even soft corduroy. Incorporate a mix of comfort and polish from the second you start your Euro trip — yes, that means dressing for the airport.
Logomania
Despite the extreme casualness of American attire, lots of it tends to be riddled with logos. Your hoodie is probably displaying where you bought it in bold letters right on the front. Your bag or backpack, too. While not unique to Americans, it’s way more commonplace for adults in the US to display their brand loyalty prominently — whereas that’s often reserved for young adults.
In Europe, where subtlety is often preferred. It’s the home of designer clothing, after all, where stealth wealth and understated luxury are about quality rather than that American obnoxiousness. A designer handbag in Europe is more likely to be recognized by its shape and quality rather than a large logo. Same with all your clothing. Instead of relying on logos, bright hues, and large, bold prints to make a statement, tone it down. Embrace the European ease.
American Accessories
It’s not just your outfits that are giving you away; it’s your accessories. Flip Flops, for example, are a number one faux pas. In many parts of the U.S., flip-flops are considered acceptable footwear for a variety of settings. In Europe, they’re generally reserved strictly for the beach or pool. Sorry, even your trendy Havaianas won’t cut it unless you’re traipsing through a beach town. The ubiquitous baseball cap, worn forward or backward, is also a distinctly American accessory. I’m a big perpetrator of this one — I’m vain! I’m trying to shield my face from the sun. To avoid coming off as overly American, make sure to take off your hat before going out to dinner or to a bar.
What to wear instead?
There are many benefits of looking like the locals when you travel. For one, your pictures will come out way cooler. Instead of being bogged down by bulky backpacks and burning the eyes of your Instagram followers with your plaid PJ pants, adopting a more simplified travel style will make you look effortlessly chic. And like someone who travels a lot.
The more travel you do the more you realize you can replicate a lot of these travel looks anywhere outside America. Linen pants, for example, work just as well in coastal Europe as they do on an African safari or when visiting the Pyramids — trust me, I’ve done it all. Simple, versatile clothing is also more likely to help you blend in with local customs. I’ve seen people turned away from the Vatican because they were dressed inappropriately for the setting. Dressing more in line with local norms shows respect for the culture you’re visiting. It demonstrates that you’ve made an effort to understand and adapt to local customs.
Looking less obviously like a tourist will also help you have more authentic experiences. Locals may be more likely to interact with you naturally if you’re not immediately pegged as an out-of-towner. Want to ask where the cool clubs and restaurants are? Locals will give you their best tips if you look like one of them — bonus points for learning a bit of the language, too. Tourists can also be targets for pickpockets or scams. Blending in more can help you avoid unwanted attention.
So what should you wear? Adapting your style doesn’t mean completely abandoning your particular style. It just means tweaking it for the right time and place. I personally like to make a Pinterest board before I pack so I can see what styles call to me while also resonating with my destination. The goal is to find a balance between respecting local norms and expressing yourself. Here are a few tips for striking that balance:
Elevate Your Basics:
Less, but better. Instead of a graphic tee, opt for a plain, high-quality cotton t-shirt. Quality materials in well-chosen cuts will be your north stars. Even if you prefer a looser style, ensure your clothes are intentionally fitted rather than simply oversized. Choose items that can be dressed up or down. A nice blazer, for example, can elevate a casual outfit for evening drinks or a nice dinner. This will also help you pack light without compromising style.
Subtle Statement Pieces
While this might sound like an oxymoron, let me cook real quick. You can incorporate bold patterns or prints into a carefully chosen item that goes with other items in your suitcase. Animal print, for example, is trendy and surprisingly versatile, and you can get a lot of mileage out of it if you dress it down. Same with a carefully chosen designer piece. Don’t go matchy-matchy with a gaudy fast fashion set; instead, choose high-quality statement pieces that can show your style in a versatile way.
Accessorize with Intention:
Swap out the baseball cap for a stylish scarf or a subtle piece of jewelry. These can add personality to your outfit without screaming “tourist.” Leave the frat basement sneakers at home. Instead, pack comfortable yet stylish options like leather loafers, sleek boots, or a more elevated sneaker. Don’t try too hard to blend in with the locals. Emily in that beret still makes me cringe.
And off you go!
By understanding these aspects of American style and why they might stand out when you leave the United States, you won’t just elevate your travel wardrobe; you’ll also elevate your experience abroad. Remember, the goal isn’t to completely change who you are but to show respect for the places you’re visiting and open yourself up to new experiences. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can feel confident and comfortable while immersing yourself in a whole new culture.
