Rather than taking the traditional route this spring break, I decided to visit a friend abroad in the charming city of Salzburg, Austria.
After immersing myself in the European culture for a little over a week, I came to adore their tasteful twist on modern style.
With boutiques like Comma, Passport and Vogue, one naturally comes to the expectation that the clothing inside would resemble American apparel.
I soon found out that this was not the case at all.
Rather than going by the books, as we Americans often do, Europeans avoid matching clothing and focus more on mixing colors in a way that is trendy but easy on the eye.
It is completely acceptable to pair patterned stockings with suede, fringed knee-highs, an emerald green satchel and a bright blue scarf.
Having been the so-called “founder of fashion,” Europe’s many generations have passed down a true knack for dressing with style.
It is not completely true that American styles typically stem from European fashion. Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister, and American Eagle are all symbols of American fashion.
Whether or not you are proud of their particular styles, it became apparent to me while abroad that Europeans do.
There were many teenage girls wearing these brands in an attempt to imitate the “California girl” look. Light, flared jeans, graphic tees and Old Navy flip-flops may not appear to be high fashion, but the trend has somehow managed to go global.
One other style that America can be granted tribute for is sportswear.
No, not the sports bras and spandex that we wear on our daily runs.
Sportswear consists of casual wear that is typically worn to spectator sports, but can also consist of daily separates such as blouses, shorts and skirts.
Combining sophistication and comfort, this ready-to-wear style has crossed the borders and even made it into the world of haute couture.
European style, on the other hand, has a sense of individuality and elegance that American designers will forever attempt to recreate.
Whether it is New York Fashion Week or a good old stroll down Fifth Avenue, anyone that has an eye for the European mode will come to see that many of their apparel is replicated in this country.
In fact, Fifth Avenue relied on France for its creative input until America developed “true designers” in the ‘60s.
Haute Couture originated in Paris, and has become a term used internationally to describe high-fashion and custom-fitted clothing.
While Americans are often concerned with what is “hip” and which name brand they are wearing, Europeans focus more on what is flattering to the individual.
With lavish textiles and distinctive patterns, there is a specific focus on detail and embellishment that makes every article of clothing unique.
The European legacy of classic style allows its population to mix things up in a colorful yet tasteful manner.
Do you think the British have spent as much time obsessing over Kate Middleton’s new style as the American tabloids have?
The American culture has based its fashion sense on its Hollywood starlets and glitzy celebrities for much too long.
Instead of finding a style that suits one’s individual character, Americans see tacky celebrity trends as a sign of wealth and status.
Fashion is not meant to consist only of brand names and contemporary trends, but more importantly of rare quality and radiant individuality.
If you ever have the chance to visit the magnificent European continent, I suggest that you leave some extra room in your carry-on for the garments with which you will surely fall in love.
Carolyn Hatch can be reached at cvhatch@spartans.ut.edu.