European style personality
Timeless city chic!

If you love clothes that feel elegant, understated and effortlessly pulled together, you may have a European style personality.

This look is polished but relaxed with a finish that makes it feel modern and chic rather than formal or stiff. Think slightly oversized jackets, sleeves pushed up, beautiful neutrals, loafers, scarves, soft leather bags and that enviable air of having simply thrown it all on and looking fabulous!

There is often something a little bit 'off-duty' about this style. It feels sophisticated but in an easy way. A touch of city chic, a touch of quiet luxury and perhaps even that rather fabulous rock-star-going-through-the-airport energy.

For women over 50, European style works beautifully because it's flattering, timeless and never reliant on short-lived trends.

How to Know if you Have European Style

You may have a European style personality if you find yourself saying things like:

• I love neutral colors and simple combinations

• I prefer relaxed style to anything too perfect

• I like tailoring when it's not too stiff and formal

• I am drawn to scarves, loafers, quality leather bags and chic sunglasses

• I want to feel effortlessly polished but never overdone

• I admire women who always look elegant in a quiet, understated way but I still want to be individual

You may also find that very classic dressing feels too proper, while dramatic style feels too sharp or high-impact. You want ease, softness and sophistication all at once. 

The Impression You Give

A European style personality gives the impression of confidence, taste and ease. 

You manage to look chic without looking as though you've tried too hard. There's something calm and self-assured about the way you dress. People may describe your style as elegant, refined, expensive-looking or just quietly glamorous!

European style doesn't necessarily look expensive because everything is expensive. It looks expensive because very little looks accidental, it's beautifully chosen.  

This isn't a loud style personality, but it is certainly a memorable one. The overall effect is grown-up, modern and naturally stylish.  

What Clothes Suit a European Style Personality?

European style is at its best when the shapes are simple, the fabrics are beautiful, and the fit is relaxed but intentional.

Look for:

• beautiful silk or satin shirts
• fine knitwear, silk blouses and quality cotton shirts
• beautifully cut wool coats
• slightly oversized blazers and softly tailored jackets
• straight or wide-leg trousers and dark, beautifully finished denim
• simple but elegant dresses
• leather loafers and ankle boots, refined trainers
• silk scarves, good sunglasses and structured or softly luxurious handbags
• understated but interesting jewellery
• perhaps one unexpected color, texture or print

Color is a big part of this look. Cream, camel, taupe, navy, grey, black, white and soft olive all work beautifully. These shades create that effortless mix-and-match wardrobe European style does so well.

The key is to look polished without looking pristine. A little softness and looseness is part of the charm.

Hair, Makeup and Grooming

Hair, make-up, and grooming matter here, but they should never look fussy.

Hair often suits this style best when it is softly styled and natural-looking.

Make-up is usually fresh and flattering rather than heavy, with healthy-looking skin, defined brows, mascara and a softly polished lip.

This style also loves thoughtful finishing touches.

A silk scarf, a beautiful handbag, a pair of sunglasses, or simple gold jewellery can make even the most understated outfit feel complete.

Get the look, Shopping Tips for European Style

When shopping for European style, think in terms of wardrobe building rather than outfit buying.

This style is less about having lots of clothes and more about having the right clothes.

Your priorities: 

• Choose quality fabrics wherever possible
• Stick mainly to beautiful neutrals
• Look for pieces that layer easily
• Prioritise relaxed tailoring over rigid structure
• Invest in accessories that elevate simple outfits
• Avoid anything too frilly, flashy or obviously trend-led

Clever tips:

• silk shirt - look for a beautiful drape and subtle lustre; it doesn't necessary have to be silk
• cashmere knit - prioritise softness, fit and a lovely neutral color; a good merino or cashmere blend can create a similar effect
• leather handbag - look for excellent shape, hardware and restraint rather than a recognisable logo
• wool coat - the cut and fabric weight can matter more visually than the label
• loafers - clean shape and good quality-looking leather do much of the work
• silk scarf - the way it's tied can be as important as the price
• simple dress - beautiful fit and fabric can make an otherwise complicated dress look considerably more luxurious

Outfit Ideas for a European Style Personality

Each outfit should feel simple, wearable, and effortlessly smart. It needs that element of personal taste, worldly confidence and one little twist - the scarf, the unusual shoe, the vintage bag, the unexpected color, the slightly relaxed sleeve, the beautiful piece of jewellery.

Here are a few easy outfit ideas:

• Cream trousers, a white shirt, camel blazer and loafers
• Dark jeans, a fine knit, trench coat and scarf
• Black trousers, a silk blouse and a soft leather jacket
• A navy midi dress with ballet flats and oversized sunglasses
• White jeans, a striped top and a slightly oversized blazer

Celebrity Inspiration

For European style inspiration, look at women such as Inès de la Fressange, Charlotte Rampling, Juliette Binoche, Kristin Scott Thomas, Carla Bruni and Catherine Deneuve.

They each wear this look in their own way, but all have that same air of relaxed elegance. Nothing feels over-styled, yet everything looks beautifully considered.