How Not To Dress Like An American This Summer
Dress like a local when you travel.
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If you thought the 2023 “Euro Summer” craze was just a phase, think again. It’s been five years since the coronavirus pandemic stopped the world and started the revenge travel phenomenon. The post-pandemic travel boom is still in full swing, and with it comes a new wave of TikTok-fueled vacation aesthetics.
It’s 2025, and traveling is more accessible than ever. From cheap flights to reward programs (and, let’s face it, Klarna and credit cards). And, more than ever, Americans are traveling outside of the country. According to stats for how Americans plan to travel in 2025, 86% will travel out of state, and 50% will travel internationally. That’s more than ever.
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Summer is coming, which means airports will become nightmarish convention centers for people satiating their wanderlust and living out their travel dreams. It’s jussttt about that time: when the annual mass exodus of Americans — who’ve decided that the only cure for their existential dread is to flee the country for a few weeks and pretend to be someone else — clogs the cobbled backlanes of Europe. The 2025 travel trends are already in full swing, but one thing is constant: Americans can make a nuisance of themselves no matter where we are.
If my social feeds are anything to go by, everyone has the same idea: get out of America and reinvent yourself. I know boys who are reading Murakami (or, sitting outside of coffee shops pretending to read Norwegian Wood) and getting really into sauna culture to prepare for trips to Japan. I know even more girls dreaming of finding love or their dream vintage Chanel bag while wandering the streets of Paris. But what I know more than anything is that our desire to reinvent ourselves can only manifest if we step out of our comfort zones and relinquish ourselves to the places we’re traveling to. And that means what we do and how we dress.
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If you’re anything like me, you’re not just chasing the dream of an Amalfi Coast vacation, a Bali yoga retreat, or a chic Parisian getaway. You’re chasing the feeling of being someone else. And, of being somewhere else. Especially these days, as America’s global rep is at an all-time low—we’re not exactly going to be welcomed with open arms.
Why Not Look Like An American in Europe
From the ongoing obsession with having a Euro Summer (because apparently, we’ve all decided we live inside Monte Carlo or Emily in Paris) to the rise of concert tourism, Americans are more eager than ever to pack a bag, hop on a plane, and escape their real lives. And honestly? Who can blame us?
The world feels increasingly chaotic, so naturally, we’re all looking for a reason to disappear into a romantic, cinematic fantasy. Some are chasing the White Lotus fantasy—booking luxury hotels in Sicily or Thailand, hoping to manifest their inner Jennifer Coolidge, driving down the Mediterranean coast (minus the whole murderous husband situation). Others are going full Emily in Paris, envisioning a whirlwind summer of café-hopping and questionable fashion choices.
And that’s the problem. As Americans, we often envision ourselves as the main character. But when we travel, aren’t we supposed to put ego aside, blend into the background, and simply experience culture? This is even more true in the age of concert tourism. Super fans from the Swifties and the BeyHive to everything in between are spending their savings on concert tourism, turning international tour stops into an excuse for a transatlantic vacation. But instead of walking around in your concert merch and Keds, take it as an opportunity to blend in.
According to travel trend reports, Americans are traveling abroad more than ever this year despite the rising skepticism from locals. The news cycle is telling on us — and citizens don’t want us to bring our chaos or our ignorance into their country. So there’s never been a better time to embrace local style and check your Americanness at the TSA gate. But with the resources of the internet, you don’t have to revert to the dark days of the embarrassing “loud American” stereotype — at least, we hope. In 2025, it’s all about blending in, both for style and comfort.
So, before you board that flight to Milan, Tokyo, or whatever Eat Pray Love destination you have in mind, here’s how not to dress like an American this summer.
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Choose Comfort: But No Cargo Pants — Or Athleisure
From wearing pajama pants to school to sweatpants on errands, Americans prioritize their comfort above all. While this is fine at home — I’ve worn sweatpants to the club, so who am I to judge? — most places have different sartorial expectations when you’re out and about. Yes, leggings and sneakers are comfortable. No, they do not belong on the streets of Paris.
Americans have a deeply personal relationship with athleisure. We wear it to brunch, to run errands, and — tragically — to places that require actual outfits. But the moment you step off that plane, swap the oversized sweatshirt and running shoes for something that doesn’t look like you just rolled out of a SoulCycle class.
Instead, embrace elevated casual: a linen set, a structured button-down with tailored shorts, or a chic sundress. For walking, opt for stylish Nike Motiva, Vejas, or Quince’s Italian Suede Penny Loafers — not chunky running sneakers that scream, “I just power-walked through an American mall.”
Lean into the style of your location
Leaning into the style of the country you’re going to doesn’t mean wearing a graphic tee that says I ❤️ Paris. One of the biggest American Tourist tells is the “loud tourist” aesthetic — cargo shorts, neon windbreakers, and anything that looks like it came from a gas station gift shop. And while Portia in the White Lotus Season 2 made the chaotic vacation wardrobe look entertaining, in real life, it’s just a dead giveaway that you don’t belong.
Instead, go for the effortlessly cool approach found in many European countries or go for natural fibers found in many Asian and African countries: neutrals, structured pieces, and timeless accessories. One pro tip to make sure you always look cool: try minimalism — sleek silhouettes, monochromatic outfits, and understated elegance. For tropical destinations, prioritize breathable fabrics over obnoxious floral prints or “Hawaiian” shirts.
Concert Tourism? Don’t Be That Fan
In 2023, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour changed the way Americans travel for music. Fast forward to 2025, and concert tourism is bigger than ever — and somehow, Beyonce is on tour again! So are Sabrina, Tate, and more. Fans are planning entire vacations around international tour dates, using concerts as the perfect excuse to explore new cities.
But if you’re traveling for a concert, don’t let your fan energy turn into Noxious American energy. Keep the merch subtle. That oversized Eras Tour hoodie? Leave it for the flight home. Instead, incorporate fan references into stylish outfits (like a subtle nod to an artist’s aesthetic) rather than wearing head-to-toe concert merch in a historic European city. Cowboy vibes can be stylish — just take cues from Bella Hadid.
Ditch the Giant Water Bottle & Cargo Backpack
Americans love to be over-prepared, but let’s talk about the Hydro Flask problem. We’re the only country that carries comically oversized water bottles everywhere. Don’t get me started on Stanley Cups. And while hydration is important, there’s no need to lug around a bottle the size of a small child.
Similarly, if you’re wandering around Rome with a massive cargo backpack packed with unnecessary items (multiple chargers, extra shoes, three different snacks), you’re overdoing it.
Instead:
- Use a sleek crossbody bag. But hang on, don’t underestimate the power of the fanny pack — which can be surprisingly stylish. Why not go for one from Anthropologie, Quince, or the hip and super affordable UNIQLO.
- Opt for a compact water bottle — collapsible or small enough to fit in your bag.
- Pack only what you need — the goal is to look effortlessly put-together, not like a contestant on Survivor: European Edition.
