I'm in the process of packing for our move to Zurich next month and I was wondering about the clothing differences (if any - I couldn't really find anything online about this).
I wear jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers most days (I can wear that to work) or slacks and a blouse when going out. Is that common? Or do I need to find some dressier clothes/shoes?
Probably you won't be able to wear jeans and T-shirt to work (depending on your job of course), but slacks and blouse for work/going out and jeans and T for casual outings sounds fine. I think people dress up a little more here, but outside of the workplace, I say you stay true to your own style.
If you were to ask me for the biggest difference between the US and Europe (apart from the sizes of the waistlines), I'd have to say the thing that stands out the most is.... SNEAKERS.
When Europeans do wear sneakers it tends to be only when playing sports, or more trendy kinds of sneakers may be worn by younger people - but these tend to be coloured or dark and certainly not suitable for sports.
You'll usually see a European wearing proper shoes, even when not at work, so unless you want to identify yourself immediately as an American - buy some.
Of course, there are some exceptions to this, and unfortunately people are sometimes seen wearing sandals with white or black socks, but luckily this doesn't happen everywhere in Europe.
Best tip - once you arrive just look at people's feet.
And no sneakers at work please - even if you are allowed to wear casual
...and not forgetting that here Sneakers is the name of a chocolate bar...though I preferred the old name Marathon. The english word for sneakers is trainers...funny how in theory english and american english are the same but there are so many differences. However, you will be pleased to know that international companies where they have decided on a corporate language it is American english and not British english so sadly it will not tell you that "color" is mispelt.
All tongue in check and I hope you have a great start in Switzerland
Thank you - I was wondering about sneakers (tennis shoes here) as it seems like they would be the best to wear when walking all over the place. I will get some dark colored ones here and then take your advice and look at people's feet
Dear Jennova, I think you should be most concerned that you don't have anything more pressing to be worried about
You can come as you are. Wear whatever you like. What to wear at work depends on where you'll be working.
Do you run? There was a thread around here once by somebody concerned that they never see anyone running in the city. They were worried about being considered a social outcast if they should ever commit this disgraceful act. Use the search function to find this person. I'm pretty sure you can make friends
Have fun,
Diem
PS Just because you're paranoid, it doesn't meant they aren't talking about you.
... and Campers, allways a classic.... wear them all the time with business suits. For advanced users, Prada snikers. Specially with business suits. But, only if you want to look really very trendy...
Diem, my friend, bear with us ladies..... i still remember with great anguish my first few days of work in Switzerland... me, in my perfect urban modern slighlty overdressed Madrid chic style in the middle of rural Switzerland... I have shoes i never dared use in Switzerland. Question for me is justified and legitime - few things can be more disruptive than looking like a fly in the milk for your first day in the job..... you guys cannot go wrong with a tie and suit. Us ladies, have a lot more to worry about, mind you. J
Jennova, what you should wear to work depends on your job, of course.... With blouse, dark slacks and shoes are suitable for most occasions.
Actually, for the first time since high school I'm not going to be working, my husband is the one being transferred, so I don't think my trying to find out about all the little details is a bad thing (and this was only one of the things I was wondering about, not the only thing). I like to be prepared and I would like the move to go as easily and stress free as possible. You don't find anything out about other people/countries unless you ask. I thought that's what forums were for
Thank you, Lucy - you're right. It is a lot harder for us ladies to figure out what to wear. Guys pretty much wear the same thing wherever they are.
Lucy - thanks!!! Please tell me you're referring to something like the Prada American cup sneakers? I bought a pair last fall whilst home (NYC) and felt like I "stand out" here in Frankfurt when I wear them. It doesn't seem to be common... It's more like Puma, Adidas, Campers and Birkkembergs... So I put them back in their sleeping bags
But it's good to know it's at least recognized there. One more thing: in the states during summer, while it's trendy to wear flip-flops with just about anything including suits and dresses, women also wear wedges with summer pant suits. Is that ok there too, or is it always preppy loafers/flats... at least among bankers?
Anyone else notice a correlation between the lower number of people here wearing sneakers (and the floors all being made of very hard materials) and the absurdly high number of podiatrists? Seems like the 'podo' shops are only outnumbered by the hair stylists. :-/
I wouldn't expect any Prada article to be a mass consumer good.........It is Prada, a luxury brand synonim of distinction and good taste!!!! I have no idea what happens in Frankfurt, but the last few times i have been to Milan, i have seen a lot * serious * businessman using Prada snikers (in black, not the coloured version) with their suits.... it just caught my attention. In Zurich as well - not as many as in Milan, but yes, i have seen it before... and Camper and Puma.... About the flip-flops, i hate them with all my guts - but that is my personal opinion..... I would have no problem to wear wedges though.... actually i have seen a lot of ladies using them. Couldn't say what industry they work for by their shoes, though...... But, i would almost suggest that you check for yourself what your colleagues wear in the office and how tolerant they are for trendy and/or modern and/or cutting edge styles.....
I agree with lucy. prada shoes seem to be very popular with business men. i dont know why. and flip flops. i love them. as it gets so hot in europe (europeans are not big on air conditioners if you've read my thread), but i can tell most europeans think flip flips are very bad taste. most wont even be caught dead wearing flip-flops off the sand at the beach.
I love my flip flops what else am I supposed to be wearing on a hot summer day?? The worst is when your feet are sweaty...which can be avoided by wearing flipping flops...
