Stylin' in Seville

It took me a month to pack before coming to Spain. I stressed over what clothes to bring to best fit in and packed and repacked a million times before I finally zipped up a four-month wardrobe into one suitcase with what I hoped would make me look like a local.

Four months inside these bags!

The truth is, you probably will never fit the “Spanish look.” Once in a while, I get to bask in the mistake of someone assuming I was Spanish because I wore a certain shirt or pair of earrings that someone here would wear. But most of the time, I am identified as different before I even open my mouth.

The locals in Seville have a distinct style of dress that would be considered much more fashionable than what we Americans tend to step out of the house in. Since I’ve been here, I’ve enjoyed dressing up and trying new styles that I wouldn’t normally wear, by mixing the clothes I brought from home with some pieces I've purchased while abroad.

Street style

Here are some of my top tips when packing for a semester studying abroad in Seville:

Dress for the Weather

It is very hot here in September through October, and dresses and skirts ended up saving me from the daily heat. Even in November and December, it would be what those from the northern United States would consider warm. However, Sevillanos will be bundled up in their winter coats and scarves bracing the “cold.” But don’t be fooled, even those of us that are proud to come from places where snow falls find ourselves breaking out the jackets.

Laundry Lessons

Remember to think about the way that Spaniards go about laundry. Clothes will be hung dry and at least in my home, we do not have an iron. If you shudder at the thought of wrinkly clothes, make sure you bring items made from materials that do not wrinkle easily.

Spanish Staples

Staple items in a Spaniard's wardrobe include: platform shoes, a pair of funky earrings, a leather jacket, skinny jeans, a fuzzy sweater, a pair of flowy pants, and a scarf.

Comfort is Confidence

Bring some of your favorite pieces from home. I decided to leave behind anything that didn’t quite fit the European look and I now regret not having some of my favorite tshirts that would have brought me a piece of comfort and home to my wardrobe.

Save Room for Shopping

There is great shopping here! My favorite big retailers are Stradivarius and Pull & Bear, but there are countless side street boutiques with very nice clothing.

Trying to beat the heat and still look nice!

Calle Tetuán, one of the big shopping streets in Seville

Nicole F. is the Fall 2017 MOJO Blogger in Seville, Spain. She is currently a Junior studying Mass Communication and Spanish at Towson University.