Tan France’s Expert Advice: Dressing Chic in Europe Without Looking Like a Tourist
As travellers flock to Europe for their summer getaways, instances of tourists behaving inappropriately are not hard to come by. It’s only natural to desire to blend in seamlessly while exploring the streets of Paris or lounging on Italian beaches. The good news is that Tan France, renowned for his role on “Queer Eye,” is ready to offer his insights.
In a recent conversation with Insider, Tan France discussed his newly launched style guide in collaboration with Trainline. He graciously shared some valuable tips on how to exude elegance in Europe and how to avoid the classic signs of a conspicuous tourist.
One of France’s key pieces of advice is to refrain from packing items that are stereotypically associated with the destination you’re visiting. He uses the example of a beret in Paris to illustrate his point. While it might seem fitting, the reality is that locals don’t typically wear them, and you might find yourself feeling rather self-conscious. France humorously emphasizes, “A beret is real cute — wear it in America, wear it somewhere else, maybe just don’t wear it there.” He further clarifies that anything you’ve seen in cartoons depicting Parisian fashion is often far from accurate in real life.
Another classic giveaway of a tourist is the combination of socks and sandals. France acknowledges that while this trend has gained some traction, it is largely an American phenomenon. If your goal is to avoid being immediately identified as an American traveller, it might be best to leave the socks and sandals at home.
Tan France also offers his advice for strategic packing when embarking on a vacation. He suggests opting for clothing made from cotton and linen materials to remain comfortable in the sweltering summer temperatures. He highlights, “Anything that feels cumbersome is going to feel horrible when you’re in a place that doesn’t typically have air conditioning, and most places in Europe don’t. You might have a gorgeous silk dress, but silk does not do well in humidity or heat.”
When it comes to traveling around Europe, France personally swears by using only a carry-on bag. He explains that navigating through various destinations becomes significantly more convenient with a compact bag in tow. If your trip spans around four to five days, he assures that fitting everything you need into your hand luggage is entirely feasible.
In a world where cultural sensitivity and a desire to adapt to local customs are vital, Tan France’s advice holds great value. His insights not only help travellers blend in fashionably but also encourage a deeper appreciation for the nuances of each destination.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 10th August 2023
