Fashion Influences Across The Atlantic
By Gloria Requena, Fashion Editorial Assistant
It is incredible how crossing the Atlantic highlights unique approaches to fashion. Three months have passed since my arrival in Madison from Valencia, Spain, and every day I gain inspiration from American style. However, despite cultural differences, global influences foster more similarities than one might think.
For example, Europeans are adopting casual wear in everyday outfits more and more. This American style influence is evident in rising trendy sneaker sales, a current wardrobe staple sold at fast fashion retailers like Zara, Mango and Uterque. Moreover, sneakers have found a place in workwear paired with formal suits—an unexpected combination that former European style leaders would not have approved. Graphic t-shirts and college logos, quintessentially American trends, have also infiltrated mainstream European style. One might be surprised to find a University of Wisconsin-Madison sweatshirt when browsing the Spanish store, Pull and Bear’s new collection!
On the other hand, Europe has not only influenced the US with top designers and trends, but it has revolutionized shopping behaviors by introducing the fast fashion business model. Fast fashion retailers sell on-trend, affordable clothing that customers often dispose of in favor of fresh designs when new seasons arrive. Consumers have demonstrated the fast fashion effect by frequenting stores like Forever 21, the American equivalent to European fast fashion retailers such as H&M, Zara and Topshop.
Despite global similarities, Americans and Europeans do approach dressing differently. American individuals often dress for comfort and seek styles similar to their peers. This social element of style reflects the human desire to feel a part of a community. In comparison, European individuals tend to emphasize personal appearance and dress more formally. Presentation in everyday dressing is more critical in making impressions, encouraging individuality.
Local weather patterns play a part as well. In Spain, particularly in my hometown of Valencia, we rarely see temperatures below 32ºF—a temperature most Wisconsinites would not consider a real winter. Therefore, people living in places with relatively moderate climates can approach the winter fashion with more versatility. In contrast, in the frigid Wisconsin winter, I do not see myself swapping my insulated winter coat for trendy outerwear anytime soon! Overall, although different cultures exhibit unique style codes, global influences through online connectivity bring us together and forge more parallels than ever before.