1. Whether you’re traveling internationally for personal or business
reasons, it is important to understand the culture and etiquette
of different countries. Making a good first impression can begin
with how you present yourself.
Since fashion trends vary from country to country and even city
to city, it can be difficult to know what to wear. To help you blend
in like a local – and avoid awkward fashion mishaps – take note
of these looks from around the world.1
SPAIN
Business: Appearance is extremely important
in Spain. They dress elegantly, even for casual
occasions. Dress conservatively. Avoid bright
or flashy colors. For business, men should wear
jackets and ties, even in warm weather. If the
senior person takes his/her jacket off during
a meeting, you may do so, too. Women should
wear dresses, blouses, and skirts.
Everyday: Standard summer clothes include
lightweight blouses, tank tops, dresses, and
sandals for women. Men wear tee shirts and
jeans with sneakers. For evenings, jeans or
slacks are a go-to for men with a button-down
shirt and sneakers. Women wear scarves year-
round, and enjoy accessories. Shoes are the
most important element of dress.
CHINA
Business: Conservative, simple, modest,
unpretentious clothing should be worn. Men
should wear sport coats and ties. Slacks and
open-necked shirts are generally suitable in the
summer for business meetings; jackets and ties
are not necessary. Women should wear dresses
or pantsuits for business and should avoid
heavy make-up and dangling, gaudy jewelry.
Everyday: Jeans and sneakers are the norm. For
women, higher necklines and covered shoulders
are common. Flip-flops and shorts are go-tos in
warmer periods, but are weather dependent.
THE NETHERLANDS
Business: A traditional suit and tie is required
only in certain circles of business and government.
When conducting business in the Netherlands,
foreign men may wear suits and ties, though sport
coats are acceptable. Women should wear suits
or dresses. Taking off your jacket in an office is
acceptable. It means getting down to business.
Do not roll up the sleeves of your shirt. When
leaving an office, put your jacket back on.
Everyday: The Dutch prefer fashions that
are casual, unpretentious, conservative,
and subdued. Due to the country’s colder
nature, leggings are popular, particularly in
Amsterdam. They can be worn underneath
dresses, skirts, and shorts. In colder
temperatures or at night, layer with plain zip-up
hooded sweatshirts and blazers with jeans.
BELGIUM
Business: Belgians dress conservatively. For
business meetings, men should wear dark suits
and ties. Women should wear suits, dresses,
or skirts and blouses.
Everyday: With constant weather changes,
layers are a must. Both men and women
customarily wear jeans, tee shirts, and thicker
long-sleeved shirts or cardigans. Choose boots
over heels since many streets are cobblestone.
DRESS LIKE A LOCAL
MARCH 10, 2015
1
Sources include:
• www.ediplomat.com
• Talia Avakian. “How to dress like a local in 25 cities around the world.” Business Insider, May 19, 2015.

2. GREAT BRITAIN
Business: People in the larger cities dress
more formally, especially in London. Avoid
striped ties. For business meetings, men should
wear dark suits and ties. Women should wear
suits, dresses, or skirts and blouses.
Do not wear a blazer to work, as it is country
or weekend wear. For formal events, men may
wear black ties, business suits, morning coats,
or tails. Inquire which is required. Women
generally wear cocktail suits or dresses.
Everyday: Relaxed yet stylish dress is
encouraged in London. Men and women wear
wools and tweeds for casual occasions. Slacks,
sweaters, and jackets are appropriate.
Women go for brightly colored or patterned
dresses with ballet flats in the summer. Men’s
clothing often expresses affiliation rather than
style. School, army, university, or club ties are
worn. Since it rains often, rubber boots and
umbrellas are go-to accessories.
ITALY
Business: Italy is a major center of European
fashion. Italians are chic. Even people in small
towns spend a great deal of money on their
wardrobes and dress well at all times.
Men and women dress conservatively and
formally for business (men: suits and ties;
women: dresses or suits). Women should
wear feminine clothing. Dress elegantly but
conservatively. Jackets and ties are required
in better restaurants.
Everyday: When in doubt, go for textures
and tailored cuts. Avoid anything simple like
flip-flops and sandals, shorts, and tank tops.
Instead, opt for more elegant dresses, skirts,
and slacks, and only go casual at the beach.
ARGENTINA
Business: Argentines are extremely fashion
conscious. Dress well if you want to make a
good impression. Conservative, modest clothing
is best. Women are expected to dress with a
flair that does not detract from professionalism.
Everyday: Casual, relaxed clothes are
considered the norm here, with warmer
temperatures during the day. Lightweight
linen or chino pants are preferred for men,
and dresses or skirts with sandals for women.
Shorts are not common in Argentina.
DENMARK
Business: Never dress sloppily. Black-tie events
are common for the business community.
Everyday: Casual-chic is a good way to describe
the Danish style. Since locals travel by bike or
on foot, flats, sneakers, or slip-on shoes are
preferred. Simple dress includes oversized tee
shirts, jeans, delicate dresses or skirts, and
trousers. A stylish coat is a winter must.
INDIA
Business: For business, men should wear
suits and ties. During summer months, omit
the jacket. Women should wear conservative
pantsuits or dresses.
Everyday: Both men and women should not
leave the house showing bare arms or legs. For
most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose
linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts
are comfortable in the hot, humid weather. In
Northern India during the winter, prepare for
seriously cold weather. Bring jeans, heavy shirts,
and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
GERMANY
Business: Being correctly dressed is very
important. Casual or sloppy attire is frowned
upon. Men should wear suits (dark colors)
and ties. Women should wear dresses, suits,
pantsuits, skirts, and blouses.
Everyday: During warmer months, dress is casual.
Women wear jeans with blouses in neutral and
bright colors, and men tend to wear lightweight
blazers. In the winter, locals cover up with
thermals, stylish sweaters, gloves, and thick coats.
INDONESIA
Business: Men should wear a suit and jacket
for the first business meeting. Women should
wear skirts and blouses (never sleeveless) or
dresses. Avoid extreme fashions. Muslim rules
of modesty should be honored.
Everyday: Men are usually seen wearing
button-down shirts, polo shirts, khakis, and boots.
Women choose plain dresses, long-sleeved shirts,
and minimal, non-flashy accessories.
The information contained in this document represents the current research of Graebel Companies, Inc. on the issues discussed as of the date of publication. Graebel cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information
presented after the date of publication.
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