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Differences between British and American fashion

208 replies

VintageRainBoots · 16/10/2012 18:00

Hi, all.

I'm new around here. Currently, I'm in Los Angeles, but my husband recently accepted a job in Guildford and we're in the process of moving to the UK.

I'm curious about the differences between American and British fashion tastes. For example, I've heard that British women tend to wear clothing closer to the body (i.e., more fitted) than American women; is this true? I could certainly see how it could be the case. "Baggy" clothing, especially t-shirts, are commonplace in the US. Few people bother to get their clothes tailored unless they're work clothes (e.g., suits for the office).

Also, Americans tend to dress quite casually (e.g., blue jeans and t-shirts), though I avoid t-shirts myself. In addition, people in the US tend to wear lots of "active" clothing, like yoga or jogging pants, even when they're not exercising! Is that done in the UK?

Finally, I have a closet full of Ralph Lauren polo shirts in a rainbow of colours (my berry coloured polo is my favourite!) and a large number of casual trousers (e.g., khakis and cargo pants). Would I stand out as the obvious Yank in such attire?

And, just for fun, what makes an American stand out as an American? Like, when you see someone walking down the street and you can just tell that they're American...what is it that they're doing/wearing that makes them us stand out?

OP posts:
UterusUterusGhouli · 20/10/2012 11:29

Adverse, that's brilliant!
Grin

BessieMcBean · 22/10/2012 21:27

Talking about recognising nationalities.

Canadians look like Americans with bad teeth Grin

This does seem to work with the older generation.

TiredMule · 23/10/2012 10:36

I'm 30 and when i was about 11 i was going to have a brace but I chickened out and mum let me big softie About 4 years ago I paid privately to have them done-best thing I have ever done! Just wish I'd done it when I was younger and hadn't had to fork out ££££ for it!

OP-I grew up in Farnham near Guildford.....I'd say don't try too hard to blend in but maybe ditch some of the more obvious things-sports clothing, trainers and tucking things in. You'll probably find that you'll naturally blend in a bit just by shopping over here and finding things/looks you like.

Good luck with the move!

dteb007 · 18/03/2017 23:10

I'm moving from NY to London this month, and would love any UK fashion advice. I've lived in downtown Manhattan my whole adult life, and while I've visited London quite a few times, I still have a lot of fashion and dress questions

  • is it ever warm enough to break out sandals? I love my Hermes slides, but I'm not even sure British people wear sandals unless they're on holiday.
  • I know Selfridges and Harrods are great for designer brands, but which High Street shops are worth checking out? I love a bargain as much as I love Self-Portrait dresses.
  • Why are all the Kardashian-esque online fast fashion brands (Missguided, Boohoo, Pretty Little Thing) based out of Manchester? Is it okay to shop at any of the aforementioned retailers if I'm 31? This is assuming I can find a dress that's longer than 32").

Many thanks in advance everyone!

Judydreamsofhorses · 18/03/2017 23:53

I just read this whole thread, fascinated - I wonder how the OP is getting on?

dte yes, you will be able to wear sandals in summer - even here in Scotland. Depending on what you like, Topshop, Zara, Whistles, Cos, &otherstories, New Look and H&M are my favourites and worth checking out. You may like Whitestuff, Joules, Fatface and (online) Boden, which are popular on Mumsnet. No idea about the Manchester thing, but those websites can throw up the odd gem, although the fabric can often look cheap - ASOS is a better bet in my opinion.

Acornantics · 19/03/2017 13:30

I lived for a while in a southern US state where the women seemed to have a penchant for glitter, sparkle, diamanté and very, very big coiffed hair. Jeans were embellished and either boot cut or high waisted, and always with bling. Lots of gym wear as standard, and cropped jeans or cargo pants with vests or tshirts.

We were always surprised to see how little effort people made to go to a restaurant, but then generally people ate out a lot more regularly than we did, it wasn't an occasion for them.

And people here don't wear baseball caps to dinner Grin...that'll make you stand out a mile as an American.

Glitteryfrog · 19/03/2017 17:55

is it ever warm enough to break out sandals? I love my Hermes slides, but I'm not even sure British people wear sandals unless they're on holiday.

Yes, but it's only ever warm enough about a week a year.

dteb007 · 19/03/2017 18:21

Thanks for the info!

A slightly different climate than New York, where July/August temps are around 26-29 C. I just don't want to be the girl cruising around town in a cutoff denim shorts and and an off-the-shoulder top, example, if everyone else is wearing... well I'm not quite sure what everyone will be wearing.

I've visited London many times, but haven't spent much time there in summer. Hmm

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