Europeans sure know how to dress.
We’re a pretty functional people in the United States. Efficiency is our best friend: fast lines and quick oil changes, followed by a discount at Starbucks mark a happy, happy day.
When I got to Europe I discovered just how much our culture influences how we dress. My aspiring fashionista era was born that summer, so thought I’d try some new looks. Baggy mom jeans with a crop top, bandana in my hair and hoop earrings. I thought I was at the height of fashion until one day in Greece a guy sat down next to me and said “Are you American? I can tell by your clothes.”
Which set me on a mission to create a new wardrobe.
Here’s all I learned about Spanish fashion during my quest!
The Best Places to Shop in Barcelona
The four best places to shop are Avinguda Diagonal, Passeig de Gracia, Plaza de Catalunya and Plaza de España.
Avinguda Diagonal
Diagonal is one of the main streets that goes through the city. It’s where I stayed while I was looking for an apartment and one of Barcelona’s busiest places. It runs from the family district of Les Corts to where the city meets the Mediterranean, and passes some of the greatest landmarks including the Sagrada Familia. But you’ll be doing your shopping in the business district: Eixample.
Eixample on Diagonal is where you’ll find stores filled with business casual styles. It’s where I got my outfits for orientation (which felt slightly important because it was being filmed). On this street you’ll see business people walking around in suits and nice dresses and hear very wealthy sounding laughs from nice bars in the evening. For lovers of all things prep and old money, this is where you want to be!
Passeig de Gracia
This one will make the fashion lovers’ hearts sing. The iconic Passeig de Gracia is the street where all the designer stores live.
Loro Piana, Christian Louboutin and Valentino live at the north end of the road where it intersects with Diagonal. At the south end towards the beach you’ll find H&M, Zara and Stradivarius (Stradivarius is where I got my Carnaval outfit).
If you care about high fashion in any way, you’ll want to shop here. And don’t worry if you can’t afford their prices! Passeig de Gracia is where the iconic Miranda Priestly monologue in The Devil Wears Prada comes to life. What’s €5,000 in Bottega’s window will soon show up in H&M’s for 1 percent of the price!
You’ll also find stores like Nike and Adidas for all your athletic needs, plus the official FC Barcelona boutique!
Plaza de Catalunya
There are many places for the typical department store shopping as well. The most popular mall in Barcelona is called El Corte Ingles, which is very much like a Macy’s.
Around the corner was where I got most of my necessities: Primark. You probably haven heard of it in the States. I believe their only locations here are in New York City. They’re a British clothing store just like Forever 21 – the clothes don’t last super long, but they are cute and the prices are low! I got a pajama set there that felt like sleeping in a warm hug. It’s also great for last minute needs like boots and jackets.
Plaza de España
Last but certainly not least, Plaza de España! Shopping happens in the Arenas de Barcelona, a massive stadium that used to be bullring. It’s now a giant mall with a beautiful view of the city on the roof! Most of the stores in here are similar to those in Plaza de Catalunya – Mango, Calzedonia, Desigual and more.
How to Shop in Barcelona
I found that in Barcelona, shopping itself is an art form. You decide where to go based on what style you need to purchase. Clothes for a presentation? Head to Diagonal. Want designer and dupes for an event? See you at Passeig de Gracia. There’s a method to the madness, you see.
Many of the stores have multiple locations within 1 mile of each other. I didn’t understand why until I was there long enough to see the changes in collections. What’s available on this street is not available on that street! Shop based on the style you’re looking for!
Build Your Wardrobe Little by Little
Another big thing about Spain is the mañana culture. “Why do it today when we can do it tomorrow?“
In the US we like to get everything done quickly. We plan the day, eat breakfast, and head out the door with the determination that we’re getting everything we need!
Which means: hauls.
Bag upon bag of new pieces, accessories and shoes. What’s better than the fashion show you put on for your roommates when you get home?
Not so in Spain.
That’s not to say that no one does hauls or shopping sprees over there. They’re just not as common.
People are not in a rush to purchase everything that they need, which seemed genius to me. After all, shopping should be a soothing, stress free experience. I want to take it slow and enjoy my day, so I started the same habit. The more you’re in flow, the better your shopping will go. And if you can’t find it today, get it tomorrow!
How to Dress in Barcelona
The Seasons!
Fashion in Spain and most European countries are influenced by the climate! Everything from colors to fabric and fit and made for maximum comfort amongst the elements. Silhouettes are usually loose and boxy with a cinched waist, and in all cases they live by the three color rule! Follow these simple trends and you’ll blend in with the locals in no time.
How to Dress When the Autumn Leaves Start to Fall
First things first, the fabrics. Soft, smooth, like walking around in classy pajamas. I had knit tops with high waisted wool pants. It starts in the high 60s in Barcelona, so my knit top was sleeveless, and as time goes on the amount of material on the sweaters increases. Everything is snug, not tight, with ample stretch so you can walk around.
Colors include oranges, tans, browns and burgundies. And no, there will be no other colors available for purchase! Shoes include sneakers, loafers, and flat heeled booties!
How to Dress When You’re Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Cold weather brings thick sweaters in black, white, deep blue, and forest green. Pants are either tight in wool and cotton, or loose and long to encourage layers.
People over there don’t usually stray outside of the norm, so most of what you see as far as keeping warm are long suede coats and scarves. All of the girls wear boots with thick soles for comfortable walking!
How to Dress When You’re Springing Forward
The spring was my favorite time of year in Spain. All of the orange trees get ready to drop their fruit and the designer stones drop their new lines. That means new styles and new colors!
Most pieces remain bright: Bottega green like the leaves on the trees or cherry blossom pink. Skirts start to make a reappearance; they’re long and loose though, not many mini skirts to be seen. Florals abound. Tops are sheer, silky, or loose fitting and are accompanied by a light sweater or cardigan.
Here’s one peculiar thing about Barcelona: nobody carries umbrellas! I went shopping on a day when the clouds were overcast and thick. It wouldn’t pour, but it wouldn’t stay dry either, so I brought a little umbrella with me. When the rain came I was the only person on my side of Plaza Catalunya with one! Everyone else put on long rain coats and stood under the awnings until it lightened up.
I don’t know what that’s about, but once I figured it out it was nice to have one less thing to carry.
One other thing: modesty. Spain is a Christian country, and as such both the men and women cover up regardless of the heat. You won’t see much leg or cleavage there!
How to Dress in the Summer Summer Summer Time
Summer was when I knew America had missed a spot fashion wise.
In the South we do jean shorts and crop tops as soon as the sun comes out – the less you’re covered, the cooler you feel. In Spain they are all about loose fits and flowing fabrics. Women wear satin dresses that blow in the wind. Men wear unbuttoned linen tops with matching shorts. Sandals finally make an appearance when the thermometer hits 85.
My favorite thing is that the colors are bright! This is the time of the year when you get to see the people in their full spectrum of shades and hues. Cerulean, tomato red, you name it. All vibrant, all eye-catching. The key is bright, basic and breathable. That’s how you stay cool and fashionable!
That’s All!
I hope this post adds new inspiration to your Pinterest boards! Fashion is such a fun way to express yourself. Add a bit of international inspiration and it becomes all the more exciting!
Next, read about the beautiful things you realize when you travel.
Thanks for reading! I love you!
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