Estar en Moda - Iza Zant

Estar en Moda

The fashion differences I've noticed between my life in Spain and in Michigan 

Coming to Spain, I had the idea that I was going to attempt to blend in with the people here. I recently started my job at Express, and I was determined to buy anything that looked like it could be in style in Spain. Admittedly, I put my new 40% off discount to use. Although I love my new clothes, and still wear them here in Spain, I am 100% a tourist when it comes to the clothes I wear.

Out of my graduating class of 700 students, I was voted, "Most Stylish" which in my small town basically means I just looked put together most days, liked to wear wedged heels, and wore dresses a lot. All of these things are still true today. I'd prefer to wear a dress over pants any day, and I also ADORE extremely tall wedges. When I packed for Spain I packed two pairs of flip flops and one pair of wedges thinking that I'd still look good in these kinds of shoes. The shoes were all from Aldo, a fairly nice shoe store, and I just assumed that they'd be acceptable everywhere. So there I was, walking into Spain with my bag packed with fun, flowy dresses, flip flops, and only one pair of jeans...

I couldn't have been more wrong. I was aware that people in Spain always dressed nicer than we do in the United States, and it's 150% true that if you were any sort of legging or sweat pant here people will 1) assume you're going to the gym or 2) you're a slob. The truth about Spain, or at least Adulusia/ Granada, is that people here are EFFORTLESSLY chic. Their outfits are so simple, but always so cute. Most girls wear jeans of any color - white, black, blue, red, etc., with a cute flowy blouse, small heels or converse-esque tennis shoes, a bracelet, small earrings, and always sunglasses. It seems like such a simple ensemble, but I couldn't pull this look off if I tried. It's ninety degrees outside and these girls are ROCKING crop jeans and sometimes even a sweater or blazer. I couldn't handle wearing socks in this kind of heat, nonetheless a jacket! I have not even attempted this challenge, and that's mostly because I only brought Nike tennis shoes. God knows that would be beyond embarrassing to wear these anywhere besides YO10 (a gym). 

I've noticed many women wearing blazers if going to work or an occasion.  I really like the blazer with the jeans. Now I just need to buy a blazer...

An example of what I would consider a typical Spanish look. Simple shirt with jeans and little heels or flats. She looks effortlessly flawless. 

I've noticed "Rompers" are pretty in style here, so naturally I purchased one. My shoes make me look so USA however.

Me attempting to look ~chic~ and ~simple~ in my jean shirt. Did it work? I'm not sure. 

As far as makeup goes, I feel like I'm fitting in in that department. During the day I've noticed girls try to look fairly natural. At night, however, they are fully done up. I really love the brightly colored lipstick. Bright reds and pinks seem to be in. I'm a fan of always wearing lipstick, so I was happy about this.

For guys, I like to call this look "Glamorous Frat Boy." The style is so preppy. It's almost ridiculous at times. When I went to a discoteca in Sevilla, I swear the men had walked out of magazines. They are all perfectly shaven with just the right amount of scruff. Hair was perfectly sculpted probably with incredible amounts of gel product. The blazer suits were so sharp also. During the day, brightly colored pants with polos are popular. One other thing I've noticed about boys is also watches. Any guy who is any guy wears a high class watch. If you don't have a nice watch, you're not going anywhere in life... or at least that's the vibe I'm getting. 

The difference between Andalusian guys and American guys is simple. Guys here enjoy looking nice and presentable. American guys only do it because they are a) forced by occasion or mom or girlfriend or b) want to impress someone. This way of dressing is just what is expected here. Honestly, I could get used to it. Every girl's crazy for a sharp dressed man... Am I right? 

Classic suit look from Massimo Dutti. I've seen this kind of tailored suit EVERYWHERE. I actually love the slim fit look. It's about style not comfort... American guys need to catch up. 

Another image from Massimo Dutti displaying the trend of colored pants! 

I met a guy from the UGR business school, and I swear he was wearing this exact outfit - but he was also sporting a Rolex watch. Classic and simple, I think this look could be popular in American too except the pants would be looser and the shirt would be baggy and untucked. 

When I went to Barcelona this past weekend, I was surprised at the differences in clothes between it and the south of Spain. People in the Barcelona, although some are still fabulous, surprisingly dressed worse. Then again, I was hanging out in a very touristy area. It was a very big mix and I couldn't necessarily find any trends with clothing. Although the platform sandals were still being sold everywhere.... and I'm not sure how I feel about this. 

Ugly Platform Flip Flop from Zara

As far as hair, I've noticed that most people don't have extremely long hair. My hair is about to the middle of my back, but I have yet to meet any girl here who has as long of hair as I do. I'm not sure why this is. Also nobody really has highlights. Girls with dark hair have dark hair. Blonde girls have blonde hair. The colors seem pretty simple. Then again, there's always a few oddballs with purple hair or something, but I haven't noticed this to be a norm. 

Behavior is fairly similar among people here as people in the US. I have noticed the differences in affection. My host sister often kisses her best friends on the lips, which is something I would never do. Other than that the only other hard thing to differentiate is couples. Because everyone is fairly comfortable with being physically close, I've had a hard time understanding who is together and who isn't. There's a fine line between friends and friendlier.... 

I've been trying to adapt my behavior and style to the Spanish ways. I'm slowly becoming more comfortable with being physically affectionate. I actually don't mind when people touch my arm now (woo! winning!). I've raided Zara a few times just begging to assimilate. Even with a full ensemble I think my face just gives it away. And even when it doesn't, my mouth does. I once had a man ask me for directions and as soon as I said, "Ummm," he knew the truth about my homeland. It was a bit embarrassing, but I haven't given up! I still have about 2 weeks to get my act together. 

Me sporting an outfit entirely from Zara. Somehow I still look 100% American.

Besos,

Iza