Part 20 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad: Letting Go of Your Old Culture – New Clothing, Fashion & Style Rules

Darien Wilson
Apr 25
4 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

When Fashion Rules Change with the Zip Code, How Do You Adapt?

Fashion is cultural. And sometimes, as an American abroad, your wardrobe makes you stand out like cutoffs at a wedding.

I’m Darien, an American who moved to the Netherlands, and this is Part 20 of my 31-part series: 31 Things Americans Should Consider When Planning a Move Abroad.

Today’s topic? Fashion—and why your wardrobe might need a serious upgrade after you move abroad.

Why Your Clothes Might Not Work Abroad

Let’s start with style norms. Americans—especially in casual cities like Austin or Denver, where I’ve lived—love a laid-back wardrobe with a sporty or outdoorsy vibe. Think:

Leggings as pants
Technical fabrics galore
Flip flops all summer
Athleisure as everyday clothing for errands
Oversized hoodies or tank tops as daily wear

But in many European countries, people dress more formally.

Even young people. Even college students.

In the Netherlands, for example:

Leggings as pants? Will make you stand out as American from a mile away.
Wearing gym clothes or sweatpants to run errands? Generally not done.
Even “dressy” outfits feel different. The fabrics, fits, and cuts often reflect a completely different set of expectations—and a climate you might not be used to.

In the Netherlands, many people wear street clothes for the commute to and from the gym, and change into workout gear only during their actual workout. If you're at the grocery store in full athleisure, you'll probably be the only one. And it's one of the ways Europeans spot Americans in the wild. (Not to mention our...let's just say, difference in speaking volume.)

Weather Will Ruin Your Wardrobe Plans

Even if you’re not concerned about blending in stylistically, climate matters—a lot.

In my case, I moved from cold but dry Colorado to wet Dutch winters, which are chilly, but not as cold as Colorado. Here’s what didn’t make the cut:

Cute cloth flats that worked in dry weather?→ Unpleasant in constant rain and mud.
Short puffer coats that were perfect in Colorado's powdery snow?→ Wet knees in Dutch winter rainstorms, not to mention stinky wet down when they were soaked through by rain.
Light-colored outerwear?→ A magnet for winter grime while walking the dog or taking out the trash.

While experienced Dutch cyclists can ride while holding an umbrella, I’m not one of them. I need two hands on the handlebars and a hood that stands up to rain and wind.

woman in coat with wet jeans — Darien after being caught in a sudden downpour while cycling to an evening meeting where she sat in wet jeans for hours. Now she checks the Buienradar app before leaving the house!

Transportation Modes Impact Your Wardrobe

In most of the U.S., Americans have to drive to get from Point A to Point B. But in the Netherlands, we rarely use our car. Being on the bike, on foot, or using public transit necessitates a different wardrobe than one where you're always in the car. We need more weather protection in the Netherlands because we aren't going from one climate controlled place to another like we did in the U.S.

If you think about it, heading home from the gym in your sweaty workout gear is no big deal if you're taking a car. But if you're taking public transit, it's pretty inconsiderate to stink up the place, no matter how cute your leggings are. (I had the cutest leggings when I lived in Colorado!)

When You Move Abroad, Budget for New Clothing

You might be thinking, “I don’t care about standing out—I’ll wear what I want.” And that’s fine!

But for many immigrants, feeling at home includes looking like you belong. Most of us don't like feeling under or over-dressed no matter where we are. And let’s face it—locals dress the way they do for a reason. They know what works in their climate, and for the formality of their culture.

couple in winter coats. woman wearing a long coat with side slits for cycling — Now Darien wears a long, dark colored coat with a hood that's optimized for biking in the rain. (Photo taken on vacation in Strasbourg, France.)

So here’s my advice: depending on where you're from and where you're headed, when you're moving abroad, you'll probably want to add a budget for new clothing to your moving expenses. Whether it’s a new raincoat, city-appropriate boots, or just clothes that blend in better, it’s one more way to settle in smoothly.

And don't make my mistake and spend money shipping your old clothes, since there's a good chance many of them won't work in your new climate.

Final Thought

Moving abroad often means letting go of more than just old habits—it means letting go of old clothing norms, too.

If you're making an international move, expect to dress differently. Style abroad isn’t just fashion—it’s function, identity, and adaptation.

Did you find this helpful? Are you planning a move abroad? Work with me to make your move from a place of clarity and organization.