Study Abroad Style Guide

As the fall semester starts to fade away, many students are gearing up to study abroad in numerous countries across the world. Going abroad comes with many sad goodbyes to friends and family staying home with new challenges soon to be faced, but an exciting thing to think about is the new fashion that will be seen in other countries. The only question is, what do you pack to live in a new country with new styles that may seem foreign? VALLEY has it covered, with a guide to the basic capsule wardrobe to wear abroad.

Remember to Pack Light!

One of the most important things to remember is that you’re gonna shop, shop and shop until there is no more money left in that bank account. It’s ideal to pack lightly before spending months in a new country, because girl math only knows the damage that will be done. Of everything that’s mentioned in this guide, think about packing three to four of those items. 

Building an Outfit with Staple Pieces

Walking to class? Exploring a new city? Enjoying lunch at a small cafe during the day? Any of these occasions calls for similar attire, especially if studying abroad during the winter months.

Try this outfit: Jeans of any wash, a long-sleeve tee (think neutral colors so they can pair with anything), a long trench coat to keep warm, comfortable sneakers for walking, paired with a cute and functional tote bag. Spruce up the outfit with accessories like headbands, sunglasses and fun jewelry.

This makes for a perfect outfit for casual occasions. Sweaters and dress pants in neutral colors are also great options to spice up an outfit.

The Almighty Black Mini Skirt

Heading out on the town? There’s one piece of clothing that almost every study abroad girl can rely on when needing a going-out outfit: a black mini skirt. Pair with a cute, but simple going-out top, fleece-lined tights (perfect for cold months), a leather jacket and black boots! Proceed with caution. This combination will probably make you look like everyone else, but basic doesn’t equal bad!

The Very Basics

For all the times that don’t require fabulous outfits, pack just a few staples such as leggings, sweatpants, shorts, pajamas and workout sets. It may seem crazy to only bring so little of everything, but the amount of items that can be accumulated over months spent in a different country is truly insane.

So that’s the clothing list! Don’t even get VALLEY started on everything else there is to bring and prepare for, but for now, you’re all caught up on how to dress the part of a local (hopefully)!

Have some great study abroad outfits to share for inspiration? Tag us on Instagram @VALLEYmag!

Related

Study Abroad Prep 101

Simple Steps to Study Abroad

Study Abroad Apartments: The Solution to Finding a Home Abroad