The Idle Man teams up with GoAbroad to give you some college fashion tips for guys, served up with an international flair. Read
on for insights into how to study abroad with style, including the best
fashion-forward locations to sport your on-point style, the importance
of packing smartly, travel style faux pas you definitely want to avoid, and some other last minute study abroad packing tips.
Traveling for
college students is always a good idea, as it is for most; it is an
opportunity for learning and experiencing life in a different culture.
But beyond the photos and the new languages learned, one of the most
important things is *obviously* making sure your style game is strong.
Whether you’re going to class, indulging in the nightlife with your new
friends, or sightseeing, you don’t want to be remembered as a style
outcast.
Leather and flannel are a man’s best friend.
Most Fashion-Forward Destinations for Study Abroad
You’re probably wondering: with fashion on my mind, where is the best place for me to study abroad? Don’t
worry, we’ve got you covered! There are a myriad of international
destinations that will inspire you, and allow you to hone your personal
style.
Paris, France
First off, of course, Paris!
This fashion hub is without doubt first on our list. Paris has a rich
fashion history that can’t be rivaled; if you want to learn the
industry’s true roots, and be amongst impeccable street style, then
Paris is definitely the place for you to study abroad. There are a
plethora of shopping destinations on Champs Elysees, Rue du Fauburg
Saint-Honore, and the unbelievable thrift shops in Marais right at your
doorstep.
To make sure you fit in with the Parisian
style you are going to want to be equipped with the following
essentials: a leather jacket, Oxford shirts, long line T-shirts, black
or grey wash skinny jeans, trainers, and Chelsea boots. The key to
Parisian style is its understated simplicity and classic, chic feel, but
with a slight eclectic edge. These basic essentials will ensure you
have a good starting point to nail the Parisian style.
London, England
If you don’t think Paris is for you, or don’t want to deal with the language barrier, London should be first on your list. London
definitely has it all, insane street style, men’s and women’s fashion
week, and of course English fashion powerhouses, including Burberry,
Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, and Rick Owens. Studying abroad
wise, London has an academic prowess
and is an amazing city of opportunities for growth. For students, it
offers just about everything, incredible style, buzzing nightlife, and
is awash with culture. London certainly provides just about every
opportunity you could ever wish for as an international student.
With
the crème de la crème of street style, amalgamating Shoreditch’s
signature grunge and eclecticism with Canary Wharf’s high-end suit and
tie, you can get away with trainers and joggers, or a dapper suit. UK weather
is known for keeping residents on their toes, so you need to be well
prepared almost constantly for varying temperatures and conditions.
Ensure you are equipped with a quality coat, rain jacket, or trench,
which all happen to great with denim jeans or navy chinos and a casual
shirt.
Keep it classic with a jean jacket.
New York City, USA
Another English-speaking study abroad location is the
beloved Big Apple, a magical city indeed where you can rock a
coordinated corporate look, or go totally street vibe. This fashion
capital offers many tantalising treats like 5th Avenue, New York Fashion
Week, and of course, its elite array of fashion industry heavyweights’
headquarters, if that’s what you’re in to.
For the summer in NYC,
if you want something casual, then opt for chino shorts and an Oxford
shirt, with either loafers or boat shoes. For the winter, you can afford
to smarten up a bit, given that you will more than likely be wearing
Chelsea or Timberland boots, with skinny jeans and a good quality coat.
Other Fashion-Forward Destinations
Aside from these top fashion-forward picks, students should consider other favorites like Sao Paulo, Sydney, and Barcelona.
All of these are perfect locales for dudes who want to study abroad
with style. These places offer more relaxed, casual street styles and
beg for style experimentation with more summer looks, fun patterns, and
prints, whilst also offering an insanely diverse cultural experience.
It’s All in the Packing
Think you can pull off European chic with a manly twist?
Then let’s talk about what to pack for study abroad. Packing can often
be the most difficult part of going abroad, especially if you’re going
for an extended length of time. Whilst studying abroad you’re likely to
need a wardrobe suitable for multiple occasions, whether that be
classes, nights out, or just day to day chilling in the city. And while,
of course, you’ll want to be prepared for any eventuality, a capsule
wardrobe is your best way of keeping covered and ensuring you have the
basics; you can always top up on extras while you’re there. And packing
lightly, of course, means a great excuse to go shopping in your new
city!
Ensure you do your research before you go and
consider the main factors that could influence your wardrobe choices.
But, here are some tailored study abroad packing tips just for you:
There’s a reason we all know NYC fashion week.
Check the Weather Report
Make sure you know what season you are packing for, and
the destinations track record for the time of the year you will be
there; the last thing you want to do is land with a six month supply of
shorts and t-shirts, when you clearly needed your jeans and Oxfords.
Pack for Activities
If you know that your daily routine may include university classes, an office internship on the side
or weekends exploring with friends, make sure you pack outfits
versatile enough for every occasion whether they be smart or casual. Also,
when packing for study abroad, you want to make sure you have a
stylish, yet practical travel bag that you can easily use for day-trips
or daily trips to classes.
Avoid These Horrible Travel-Fashion Faux Pas
You don’t want to commit style suicide when you are trying
to find your place in a new city. To ensure this doesn’t happen, here
are a few study abroad fashion faux pas you definitely want to avoid:
- Sandals with socks — just wear trainers
- Fanny packs. Even though I trust you have more sense than that I thought I would still mention it… unless you are at a head-banging festival all weekend and need to carry supplies, there is never a place for guys sporting bum bags.
- Crocs — just a no.
- Flip flops. Unless you are at the beach or in dormitory/hostel showers, this footwear is a no-no if you are trying to impress people with your style.
Rock a rucksack and leave your grade-school Jansport at home.
How to Knock it Out of the Park
It’s not all about mindset. Pair that
good attitude with a slick pair of shoes and shades. Follow these study
abroad fashion tips for guys to round out your look (and your learning
experience!):
- Embrace the culture - Try your best to incorporate and get style inspiration from your surroundings
- Check out local thrift shops - If you’ve forgotten anything, this is a cheap way to replace it but also helps you to achieve the former tip.
- Don’t be afraid to be more daring - You’re in a new city, there’s no better time to be a bit more experimental with your style, or totally reinvent it all together.
- Make the most of the experience - Whether it’s shopping, the culture or the education the city has to offer, make the most of every second, and do it all in style.
Hopefully
this guide of college fashion tips for guys inspires an easy and
affordable style for you when studying abroad. Though trends are
important, you don’t want to put too much thought into it when traveling
and living the student life; you’re there to learn, after all (not just
to look good). Whether you’re going for show stopper, attention
grabber, a classic t-shirt, or another vogue look of choice, step out
with confidence and a smile to match by adding these fashion tips and
go-to items to your study abroad packing list.
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