When it comes to fashion, despite what you may believe, Europe and the USA are quite different. If you’re an avid traveler, and a fashion-savvy one at that, you will have noticed the vast difference in style between women from European capitals and ladies from the US, New York city included. Now, if you haven’t had the chance to personally compare and contrast, we’re here to give you all the details concerning the differences in the fashion and style department, and then you can be the judge as to who wears it better.

Paris vs. New York

Ok, the differences between a classic Parisian and New York gal could literally fill an entire book, but we’ll try to narrow it down. It’s important to emphasize that New Yorkers are always in pursuit of the next big trend, and they follow each and every one of them like there’s no tomorrow. They’re also known for those ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ impossible combinations that are just beaming with colors and prints. That is exactly why fashion here is much more disposable. Trends have a lifespan of a fruit fly, and it’s no wonder new clothes are quickly discarded to make room for new ones. New York girls also have a tendency to mix not only different prints but clashing styles as well – they’re all about the ‘notice me’ effect’. For instance, the athleisure style that has been dominating the streets of NYC for quite some time allows women to pair their tracksuits with expensive bags and patent leather loafers.

This is something you could never spot on the streets of Paris. Parisian girls are all about effortless and timeless elegance. Their staple outerwear doesn’t change with the arrival of a new trend – it’s always a trench coat and a well-tailored winter coat that fits just perfectly. For New Yorkers, denim and leather jackets, such as the ones by Ena Pelly Clothing, are staple outerwear items. With Parisians, the mix of color and fabric is very streamlined, and there’s always a poignant yet subtle detail gracing their outfit. Neutral tones and monochromatic outfits trump everything else. There’s a certain ‘underdone’ quality to their style, but it’s always impeccable, although a tad restrained. The Paris fashion week might be ostentatious, but modesty rules the streets, even when they’re wearing high-end garments.

London vs. New York

The style of your typical British girl could be described as “girly with an edge”. When it comes to high-street, there’s no denying that London girls do it better than anyone else. They will pair a floral skirt or shorts with black opaque tights, and complete the look with plimsolls. As trendy as New York girls are, they can never be as experimental as London girls. These gals will mix and match without giving it a second thought. In a way, they have that Parisian careless quality, but their choice of garments is bolder and edgier. 

As mentioned, the classic New York style revolves around trendy pieces and these women usually have that ‘just stepped off the runway’ look. British girls will rock their wacky colors and flaunt their ‘festival style’ all year round. The differences can be spotted even in garments from British and American designers. You have trendy and polished by Ralph Lauren on the one side and then punk, eccentric and clashing by the one and only Vivienne Westwood. You can now judge for yourself. 

Berlin vs. New York

As The New York Times Magazine points out, Berlin is a city of inexpensive living and a laid-back lifestyle. Everything is done at a slow pace, but it’s undeniable that Berlin is a cultural hotspot. It’s also a place where high-fashion meets flea market finds. Just like Londoners, Berliners have a knack for eccentricity and matching the unmatchable. Matching jeans and jacket thrown over a kimono topped off with a clunky scarf and black clunky boots – you’ll surely spot more than one person rocking this kind of thing on the streets of Berlin. Your classic New York fashionista wouldn’t be caught going to the grocery shop looking like this, let alone be photographed. Still, it should be noted that Berliners don’t shy away from trends. They will purchase a 70 euro shirt – but they will make sure it doesn’t look expensive. That’s the main difference – New York is trendy and polished, and Berlin is trendy but in its own quirky laid-back manner.