A few months ago, I left the University of Birmingham (in England) behind to spend a semester studying abroad in Minnesota, USA.
As you can imagine, studying abroad in America has given me a bit of culture shock. But it’s also been an eye-opening experience.
Over the past few months, I’ve spent some time soaking up American fashion and observing how it differs from what we wear in England. And today, I want to share what I’ve learned with you.
{RELATED POST: City Girl Outfits: 10 Looks Inspired by US Cities}
Before I get started, I want to point a few things out.
First, while I have done lots of research, most of the information is based on my own experiences.
Second, most of the research I came across on this subject was very, very stereotypical and because of that, parts of this post may follow suit.
Finally, keep in mind that I am studying abroad in a northern Minnesota city. While I love it here, I know it is not the fashion capital of the world. I know fashion differs from state to state, and I’m sure what I see here in Minnesota is a world away from what I’d see in New York.
So, to sum it up, I know there are many, many exceptions to these ideas, and this article is not meant to suggest that everyone in either country dresses the same way. I’m not trying to lump people into categories – my aim is simply to lay out the overarching style themes I have noticed while studying abroad here in the US.
Emma Watson hit the nail on the head when she said, of British Style:
“It’s so funny because now that I’m in America, I’m more able to define it. Before I didn’t have an awareness of another style.”
This was precisely how I felt when coming to the US.
I’d heard that our high street was famous around the world, but as I would shop there on an almost weekly basis, I had no idea that it was so special.
I’d heard of fashion elsewhere was different and we were much more eclectic and unexpected in England. But I didn’t realize how different fashion would be until I got to the US.
Table of Contents
British Style Basics
British fashion has always been acclaimed for its “fearlessness” and Brits are famed for their individual sense of style. We’re often described as having a “thrown-on” feel to what we wear. We mix prints, patterns and styles and many girls pull this off effortlessly.
In my experience, the key to British style is never looking too polished. The festival look is popular year-round – think bed-head hair and vintage-style pieces. Also, as Emma Watson said in that same interview, we’re governed by the weather in this country. We wear our skirts and shorts with black opaque tights, and flip flops are replaced with plimsolls. Colleen was definitely right when she said British style is “girly but definitely has an edge to it”. This is how I would categorize British style, and my own personal style, too.
British Style Key Pieces
floral dress/striped top/plimsolls/trench/leather jacket/blazer/ shorts/tights/pearls/ boots/rain boots/scarf
I didn’t realize until after I’d made this collage, but you could easily mix and match nearly all the items here. The floral dress could be worn with the trench or the blazer or the leather jacket – florals and leather are a popular combination in England. The dress could be worn with tights and boots or tights and plimsolls – or even the rain boots.
If you want more info on British fashion staples, make sure you check out this list of 50 Things Every British Girl Should Own. The tea dress is a style staple – even better if it’s vintage!
British Style Icons
Carey Mulligan
Photo: Pacific Coast News
Recently voted the best dressed woman of 2010 by Harper’s Bazaar, British actress Carey Mulligan mixes classic ’50s chic with modern designer pieces. And her style is all her own – she famously turned down Anna Wintour’s advice to wear a short dress to the Oscars. Carey’s style is tailored, yet ladylike, and her daytime style is simple but eclectic.
Alexa Chung
Photo: Pacific Coast News
Alexa exemplifies the archetypal British style – eccentric, fun and edgy. She mixes her girly pieces with tough leather jackets and always looks utterly effortless. Her festival-chic style really demonstrates the just-threw-this-on side of British style.
Kate Moss
Photo: Pacific Coast News
And what list of stylish Brits would be complete without Kate Moss? The woman who started the skinny jeans and ballet flats trend is always effortlessly stylish, and yet her model-off-duty look is also completely wearable. She is a huge fan of layers, as well as mixing textures and prints.
British Style Shops
In my experience, the most popular stores in England include, of course, the ultra-famous Topshop. But if you’re shopping in England, don’t forget to check out Miss Selfridge, River Island and All Saints, plus Primark and New Look for on-trend bargains.
British Style in 5 Steps
1. Layer, layer, layer.
Invest in a few great jackets- especially a leather one and a blazer. Scarves are always a great accessory for keeping you warm as well as stylish. Also, wear tights with everything!
2. Always be prepared for rain!
It rains a lot in England, so if you’re spending some time there, always pack a cute umbrella and make sure your shoes are waterproof!
3. Add edgy pieces to a feminine look.
Wear leather boots with a lace dress, a studded bracelet with a prom dress or a leather jacket over your tea dress. Even after all these years, British Style still has an element of punk left in it.
4. Never look too “done.”
Keep your hair messy or your eye makeup slightly smudgy to get a real festival feel. Don’t worry if you have a run in your tights- wear them anyway! Mix and match unexpected patterns and textures for a “I just threw this on” look.
5. Be brave and have fun!
My favorite thing about British style is that we’re not afraid to have fun with fashion. So wear bright tights instead of black, or pair two loud-print pieces together instead of keeping one simple. Incorporate catwalk trends into your everyday look, and don’t be afraid to rock outlandish items with confidence.
American Style Basics
From what I’ve gathered in my time here, American style is much more classic and much less trend-focused than British style is. The style here is much more casual, comfort-focused, and laid back.
To me, American girls just seem to wear simple pieces with impeccable style. A simple black tank or white t-shirt is always made to look much more interesting with the addition of accessories. Plus, American girls (and guys!) really know how to rock a pair of jeans!
American Style Key Pieces
hoodie/plaid shirt/white shirt/blue tank/jeans/shorts/flip flops/cowboy boots/sneakers/tshirt
First and foremost, I have to talk about denim! Americans have a way of wearing jeans so they don’t look like a last resort; they look effortless and casual. I especially love the way American girls dress up jeans with heels and a nice top for a night out!
Above, I chose pieces inspired by clothes I saw on campus here. All the pieces I chose are incredibly versatile and simple, but also cute and classic. Denim shorts seem to be a staple over here in the summer, and of course, the denim jacket is, too. I love that you can do double-denim in a completely cool way, without looking too try-hard! Cowboy boots had to be included, too – we Brits can never seem to wear them without looking like we’re trying to be ironic!
American Style Icons
Jennifer Aniston
Photo: Pacific Coast News
Jen’s style is so timeless – it’s simple, yet elegant, and feminine without being too girly. She always looks perfectly polished, whether she is at a premiere or walking her dog. She also always wears classic pieces and chooses dresses that show off her figure, without being too revealing.
Whitney Port
We all love Whitney’s style because she takes risks without trying too hard. Her look is fun but sophisticated. She loves to mix prints but still has that cool Californian laid-back look, and she can rock a pair of short shorts like none other! Of course, she likes to follow trends, but she knows what suits her and has fun with it.
Katherine Hepburn
Photo by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio (work for hire) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
You College Fashion regulars will know we all love Katharine Hepburn’s style. Her look is a mix of old Hollywood glamour and never-outdated menswear-inspired style. She is the epitome of taking something simple, like a plain white button down, and making it look amazing.
Katie Holmes
Photo: Pacific Coast News
For me, Katie is the epitome of the all-American girl. She doesn’t try to be a style icon, but she makes a fantastic statement in everything she wears. She rocks a casual look better than nearly anyone else! Her style has definitely evolved from awkward teen to Hollywood royalty.
American Style Shops
American Eagle, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Target
American Style in 5 Steps
1. Keep it classic.
Go for simple pieces but make them your own. We have two great posts here and here on wearing a simple plain white tee in unexpected ways. Simple pieces do not have to be boring!
2. Invest in key pieces.
I wrote a piece on the twenty modern classics every girl should own (part one and part two) and I think these pieces are essential to having an easy-to-navigate wardrobe for any occasion. These pieces are the ones you can easily mix and match to create something new and fun, without having to constantly shop. This simplicity is definitely a big aspect of American fashion.
3. Don’t follow every trend.
One thing I love about American style is that everyone seems to be so comfortable in their own style – they know exactly what suits them and how to wear it well. To me, American style is all about finding out what suits you and looking good in it, instead of always being swayed by the catwalks. Of course, experiment with trends, but stay true to yourself and your style.
4. Think simple, laid back, and cute.
Americans get a lot of flack from Europeans about their style being “boring,” but I love its comfortable and effortless simplicity. It’s more about style than fashion here in the US. In America, it’s not so much about what you wear, it’s about the way you wear it.
5. Think (and shop) outside of the box.
The local mall here in Minnesota is an uninspiring array of preppy and plaid, so I love to see girls on campus who dress outside of this. One of the first posts I ever read here at College Fashion was this one, and I also think this one is fab for finding your own style. I have found it’s easy to shop in the same places as everyone else, but I have also found there are amazing items available online in stores you might not have nearby (for instance, Forever 21). So if you find all the stores nearby are too “American” in style, try new places!!
Your thoughts?
What do you think? Are you a British girl loving American style, too? Are the majority of your style influences a different nationality to you? What fashion experiences have you had in other countries? I’d love to hear what you think!
I find your selection quite funny. I’m from Tennessee in the U.S and I go to school here. Your picture of the items from the U.S. look like what I wore to High School, in Autumn, and when I was on my period. I know that sounds funny. I’m in college now and the only time I wear those items are Monday and Wednesday at my 8 am class.. I think it might be the area you were at. If you were in the city then you would see a lot of trendy styles. A lot of people in their 20s and early 30s are doing this Hipster look.
I think a lot of the English girls have great sense of their own style because most of their mothers and grandmothers lived through the sixties, which began a fashion revolution. We weren’t afraid of wearing gold coats, coloured stockings and bright floral dresses.
I am now in my sixties and still love dressing up and standing out in a crowd. That is what fashion is all about, being an individual and not looking like everyone else.
I would love to be young again but it doesn’t stop me following the fashion trends from around the world and still spending money on clothes.
Remember, it’s not how much you spend on an item, it’s how you wear it and what you add to it. That is real style.
I am American currently living in London. British fashion is totally amazing. Just walk around central London and be amazed by the style and variety of fashion worn by normal people.
People I work with shop at “charity” shops and come into the office wearing clever ensembles of old and new ….amazing ideas all the time.
I LOVE the lifestyle as well as the fashion, every American who wants to see how to really live with accessible stle for all should visit here, Brits are great once you get to know them, so different from Amarican boys, self-depricating and not self-obsessed with their “wealth”.
This article is pretty close!! I live in Pennsylvania and most of the girls here wear all of the pieces you mentioned as being American. We always wear a bunch of dresses and jumpers (well a British jumper is a sweater, I believe, and I really don’t know how to explain an American jumper. Maybe there’s another name for them but I can’t think of it at the moment LOL) we also tend to wear heels in the spring and summer (as well as flip flops and sandals) but stick to sneakers and boots in the winter and fall.We do wear a lot of jeans, though, but we wear them in a THOUSAND different ways. Umm…..we don’t really layer, but that might just be a comfort thing. I have a lot of denim skirts and jackets but I do have one leather jacket that I wear all the time! Edgy over here pretty much means girly and sweet with simple jewelry and up-dos. I dream of visiting London one day, but I hope I don’t get looked down upon if I stick to my American fashion!
I’m a Minnesotan as well, and I don’t know how entirely I agree with representation of American style here. I think it represents a high school student’s wardrobe more so than a college student’s. However I do think some college students do dress this way in smaller towns/ less urban areas. I’m from the twin cities area, and I’d say the British look is more accurate at my college. The hipster look is HUGE on my campus. The only difference would probably be that the American hipster look is a little earthier than the British pieces shown here. There are definitely many college students that don’t dress in that style though. I’d say a typical American college girl’s wardrobe would have a pair of flat riding boots (and in Minnesota I’d add a pair of Uggs), a pair of darker wash skinny jeans, a pair of yoga pants, a great sundress, and a college sweatshirt of some sort. After that, I think it varies from area to area and state to state. There are so many different styles and. cultures here that I think its hard to pin down what a typical American style would be. I don’t know know much about British day-to-day dress, but knowing their big designers, I’d say American style is less quirky overall.
The American clothes look like something I’d wear to hang around at home.
I think style in America is specific to what state you are from. America is so large that I do not really think there can be “American Style”. I am sure British style is the same.
I bumped into this as a 55 yr. old American from rural NY, looking for English style dresses (upcoming wedding, need a mother-of-the-bride dress). I really enjoyed reading your insights into another culture. Your assessment of American essentials are typical for western NY for the most part. I have often thought our use of jeans is almost universal, across most ages, almost a uniform of types. There was a time that was not so. Jeans went from men’s workwear, as Levi Strauss made famous, to fashion in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Prior to that, a girl or boy in jeans was likely to get picked on in school. (Those earlier ladies jeans were also side-zipped.) Denim bell bottoms started showing up then. However, the whole designer type, desirable name brands were a bit later. I think Jordache was the first of those. Patches went from necessity to fashion somewhere in there. Along with that came the rise of the t-shirt as a sort of billboard, not just a work clothes item. Oh, yes, “sweatshirts” were also a work item, now named hoodies. I thought maybe you’d enjoy knowing that. All those clothes were the things of working men originally, especially in the country. Farmers would wear jeans or overalls, t-shirts with plaid shirts over them, and sweatshirts, and still do. Country style still employs all those elements. Time to keep dress shopping.
I live in Michigan and i am in LOVE with British styles! I honestly cant stand the fashion here, its so boring. At my high-school basically every girl just wears yoga pants and an abrecrombie tee Every Single Day! I dunno, it just seems kinda trashy, you know? and abrecrombie is soo expensive! I would love to be able to be fearless with my wardrobe, haha i still do, i just get alot of flack from my friends for it (but i know some people with similar style sense who give me compliments so its all good haha). I do go to canada alot though and they seem to have more European styles there, its alot of fun:) Ripped tights, leather boots, mix matching, “bed head hair”<3 oh, and thats another reason why i wish American fashion was more like yours. I have the most perfect kind of wavy/curly messy hair without even teasing it but it still looks nice, just not in America :/ haha i have to iron it till i see smoke instead
I think what it all boils down to is dressing appropriately for the environment where you live. I loved what you said about Americans being more interested in style than fashion–I think this is true in general for the average American girl, but others who commented that styles differ vastly by state or city are also right. For instance, in the Miley Cyrus song, “Party in the USA,” she sings about arriving to LA from Nashville, and everyone staring at her for “rocking kicks,” when all the other girls were wearing stilettos. Sometimes I think the amount of pavement available is directly proportionate to a women’s inclination to wear heels–lol. I’m from small town Mid-Michigan, so my style is very much like the look you painted for the typical American girl–and I LOVE flip-flops (which I’ve read is a total don’t in Parisian Chic). The Parisian style is one that I admire, but I think I might die if I couldn’t wear flip-flops in the summer! Also, I love heels, and have at least half a dozen pair collecting dust under my bed right now. Reason being? There just never seems to be enough opportunity to wear them practically (or comfortably) for my lifestyle. People here are used to super hot, humid summers, where we hang out on lakes, have barbeques and go to bonfires at night. We also have freezing cold winters with sledding, chili cook offs ON the frozen lakes, ice skating, snowmobiling and hot tubbing…many of us just stay inside til the weather warms up–lol! I know my favorite spot is by our wood burner downstairs 😉 The point is there’s not much room for high fashion in the average Mid-Michigan life style. What there is room for though is NOT dressing like a slob, but being comfortable and stylish in clothing that is durable, practical and cute–hence the ease of wearing denim so effortlessly well. I love being American, AND dressing in a way that works for how I live, but I do very much admire my European ladies and their beautiful fashions…I just think I would fall over and break an ankle trying to wear them while running around my countryside–especially with the extremes of both seasons, and the mud of the in between!!!!
I’m a 21 yr old born and raised californian, with my maternal grandma& aunt being from england, so that’s the source of my perspective. I was curious to see if british women wore mostly slacks instead of jeans and fit the steriotype of dressing prim and propper. I am happy to learn that british style isn’t as formal and cookie-cutter as i thought, and actually seems very much like what i see in the SF bay area, although we definitely wear jeans as a staple, at least i know i do, even when i worked at Forever 21. I loved this article the only correction i would make is that the tennis shoes you picked out are only worn in urban areas from my experience, converse,vans,flats,and sandals are common all over CA , heels and nike are cool in urban areas and citys. hope this gives a different perspective
i love love love british fashionn,,especially from london everyday is like a catwalk with u guy andd i admire thatt,,the greatest superrmodell cam frommm naomi(my namesake )and kate of course. anyways i think the american style you potrayed is pretty acurate for like midwestt,,, come to new york and u will c where the style is at lol..
alsoo for any british people does anyone watch the tv show skins ..i just started watching it and they sstyle is pretty acurate to wat u postedd..
I love British style clothing for the part that it is elegant, classy, and cute. I have worn nice clothing by following British trends in America and it’s more of a question mark look on other people’s faces, I think cause everyone in America does focus on like you said, laid back, and cute. But I do wish more people dressed in British style clothing maybe than we wouldn’t have people who wear their pants to their ankles, or girls who go around in a skirt that shows to much and a very low cut top. Thanks for the post :D!
As a Canadian who has visited both countries, I thought this was pretty accurate. I liked this article because it made me think about where Canada fits into this. Like most other things, I’d say were a mix of British and American, but with some of our own key style items, too (chunky knits winter accessories, for example). I think that I lean more towards the British style, but I’m not as polished – when I was in London, I don’t think I saw a single person in jeans!
I’ll stop rambling now. Amazing article Charlotte.
I feel like the British fashion is really close to what we wear here everyday in Seattle. And I know for sure that the American fashion is what people wore when I lived in Texas…
My guess is this is because British fashion is still quite heavily influenced by the ‘Seattle scene’ fashions of the 90s. And the Seattle fashions themselves were influenced by the Punk styles of Britain. I suspect Seattle residents and Brits share a love of the rebellious and unkempt.
I’m a Brit and I have the typical traits of an aversion to too much formality and an irreverent sense of humour. Brits are very comfortable mocking authority figures, and our political satire can be ruthless. I think this anarchic aspect of our culture is expressed through our edgy fashion.
i am from england and i think what you said is really quite true. a lot of people at the moment are going for the ‘individual’ look and so vintage and charity shops are really popular. (also alot cheaper to shop this way)
i really agree with the bit about the festival look being fashionable all year round, its so true. messy undone hair and just thrown on colthes that dont match perfectly
i love having british style, its looks quirky and rockish and although its not the best plavce to live in the world, i love being recognised as british because of the clothes i wear.