Major Style Mistakes Most “Uncultured” Americans Make
Let’s be honest, gentlemen—when it comes to style abroad, Americans have a reputation.
If you’ve ever stepped into a café in Paris, wandered through Rome, or explored a quiet alley in Prague, you might have noticed it: Europeans just seem to dress differently. They look sharper, more intentional, like they actually thought about what they put on that morning.
Meanwhile, many American men unintentionally give themselves away with style habits that are so ingrained they don’t even notice them.
The good news? These mistakes are easy to fix. And once you do, you’ll not only look better abroad—you’ll look better at home too.
1. Wearing Running Shoes With Every Outfit
I get it. Running shoes are comfortable. When you’ve got miles of cobblestone streets ahead, the temptation to throw on your trusty Nikes is real.
But here’s the thing: while comfort is king in the U.S., presentation is king in much of Europe. Pairing athletic shoes with jeans, chinos, or a blazer screams tourist faster than an “I Love Paris” T-shirt.
European men walk just as much as we do—often more—but they’ve mastered the art of elevated casual footwear.
Style Upgrade:
Replace bulky trainers with minimalist leather sneakers, neutral loafers, or Chelsea boots.
Invest in a pair of well-cushioned leather shoes—you’ll still be comfortable.
Break them in before your trip so you don’t hobble down the Champs-Élysées.
Fun Fact: In many parts of Europe, your shoes are a silent introduction. A polished, well-chosen pair tells people you respect the setting—and yourself.
2. Over-Reliance on Cargo Shorts and Athletic Wear
Cargo shorts are like that old college hoodie—comfortable, familiar, and way past their prime. Yes, you can store a small survival kit in those pockets. But if your goal is to blend in (or at least not stand out like a college freshman on spring break), they’re not your friend.
Athletic wear has also become a uniform in the U.S.—basketball shorts, sports jerseys, sweatpants at the grocery store. Overseas, that same outfit can look like you just rolled out of the gym.
Style Upgrade:
Swap cargo shorts for tailored chino shorts or lightweight trousers.
Bring a few versatile, well-fitted pieces instead of a pile of gym clothes.
If you love comfort, consider stretch fabrics with structure.
Pro Tip: If your outfit has more storage capacity than your backpack, it’s probably not stylish.
3. Ignoring Local Dress Codes
Picture this: you’re on vacation, excited to visit a historic cathedral in Florence. You step inside wearing flip-flops and a tank top. The guard gives you the look. You’re turned away.
This happens all the time. Many American men simply aren’t aware of local dress expectations, especially in religious or formal spaces.
Style Upgrade:
Do a quick Google search before traveling.
Pack a lightweight collared shirt or linen button-down to throw on as needed.
Keep your outfit smart casual—you’ll be covered for most situations.
Cultural Note: In places like Italy or Spain, clothing is seen as a sign of respect. Underdressing isn’t just sloppy—it can be considered disrespectful.
4. Too Much Branding and Loud Graphics
American streetwear culture loves a bold logo. Giant swooshes. Massive slogans. Cartoon graphics.
But when you’re walking through Paris or Barcelona, that “loud” look can feel jarring next to the subtle elegance of European menswear. Europeans tend to prefer clean lines, understated logos, and timeless cuts.
Style Upgrade:
Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns.
If there’s a logo, keep it small and tasteful.
Let your fit and fabric speak louder than the print.
Remember: You want people to notice you, not just read your shirt like a billboard.
Visit a tailor—seriously. A $50 alteration can make a $100 suit look like $1,000.
Learn your measurements: chest, inseam, shoulders, and sleeve length.
Understand the golden rule: fit is king. Always.
Fun Fact: Many European men inherit clothing from their fathers or grandfathers and simply have it altered to fit. It’s a quiet tradition of quality over quantity.
6. Neglecting Clothing Care
A wrinkled shirt can ruin a good outfit faster than a bad joke. And scuffed shoes? They’ll draw more attention than your tailored jacket.
Americans often underestimate how much presentation matters abroad. Europeans iron their shirts. They shine their shoes. And their clothes look cared for—not just worn.
Style Upgrade:
Pack a travel steamer or learn to iron properly.
Polish your shoes regularly.
Retire clothes that have lost shape, faded, or frayed.
Pro Tip: A well-pressed shirt can elevate even the most basic jeans.
7. Wearing Flip-Flops Everywhere
Flip-flops are great… on the beach. That’s it.
When worn in cities, restaurants, or cultural sites, they scream “I didn’t try.”
Style Upgrade:
Pack loafers, espadrilles, or minimalist leather sandals.
Keep flip-flops for the pool or sand only.
If you want breathability, wear lightweight canvas shoes instead.
Cultural Note: In many European cities, footwear is part of how people communicate respect. Flip-flops say “I just rolled out of my Airbnb.”
8. Wearing Hats Indoors
This isn’t just a European thing—it’s etiquette. Wearing a baseball cap inside a restaurant, church, or someone’s home is widely considered disrespectful.
Style Upgrade:
Remove hats indoors. Period.
If you love headwear, elevate it. Try a flat cap, Panama hat, or fedora (worn properly, outdoors).
Pro Tip: Confidence isn’t about hiding under a cap—it’s about standing tall without it.
There’s bold—and then there’s chaotic. Clashing plaid, camo, and neon is not a statement. It’s a distraction.
Style Upgrade:
Stick to one statement piece per outfit.
Build your base with neutral colors (navy, gray, white, olive).
Introduce patterns slowly—think stripes or checks, not a pattern explosion.
Style Tip: Europeans lean heavily on texture over loud prints—wool, linen, tweed. These fabrics add depth without shouting.
10. Neglecting Grooming
Even the sharpest suit can’t save bad grooming.
Unkempt beards, dirty nails, scruffy hair—it all sends the same message: “I don’t care.” And no man aiming to look sharp wants to say that.
Style Upgrade:
Trim facial hair regularly—or commit to a clean shave.
Keep nails clean and neat.
Invest in a quality fragrance and apply it properly.
Develop a simple skincare routine (no, it’s not just for women).
Fun Fact: In ancient Rome, barbershops weren’t just about grooming—they were social hubs. How you presented yourself said everything about your status.
The Bottom Line
Most of these mistakes aren’t made on purpose. They’re habits. We dress for comfort, we don’t always think about local expectations, and sometimes we underestimate the power of details.
But here’s the truth: fixing these habits doesn’t take money. It takes awareness.
Focus on fit, not just brand.
Respect the places you visit.
Keep your appearance intentional, not accidental.
When you walk through another country looking sharp—not overdressed, just put together—you don’t just blend in better… you command respect.
And people notice.
Quick Recap — Common American Style Mistakes:
Wearing running shoes with every outfit
Overusing cargo shorts and athletic wear
Ignoring local dress codes
Loud logos and graphics
Ill-fitting clothes
Poor clothing maintenance
Wearing flip-flops everywhere
Wearing hats indoors
Clashing colors and patterns
Neglecting grooming
Pro Packing Tip: Travel Light, Dress Right
When traveling, versatility beats volume. A few neutral, well-fitted pieces can create dozens of combinations.
One blazer can dress up jeans or down a button-down.
Two pairs of shoes (sneakers + loafers) can handle 95% of situations.
A clean shave or sharp beard elevates everything.
Style isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention. And when you get it right, you don’t have to say a word—your presence does the talking.
I'm Antonio Centeno, the founder of RMRS. I'm a former Marine Corps Officer with a BA in Evolutionary Biology and Philosophy (Cornell College 98') and an MBA from The University Of Texas at Austin (07'). I studied the Science of Style in London, Hong Kong, and Bangkok and have created over 5000 videos/ articles to help men dress better. Click here to discover more about me and our mission here at RMRS.
Ready to earn more money and command respect with the right clothing? Want to start dressing sharp today? Click here to discover The Style System , the BEST Professional Style Course on the planet!
