Catalan style on the streets of Barcelona
February 18th, 2008European style is distinctive and you’ll notice its flavour as soon as you set foot on Euro soil. I’m in beautiful Barcelona, where men and women are generally well turned out, and I love it. While it’s the Parisians that lead haute couture, and the Londoners that lead prêt-a-porter; it’s arguably the Spaniards that lead fashion retail. Spain is home to Zara, one of the most successful clothing retail chains.
In true urban Euro style, the number one uniform on the streets of Barcelona across all age groups and body types is jeans or pants tucked into flat knee-high boots with either a belted knitted tunic or shorter piece of tailored knitwear. The look is finished off with coat, scarf and fab sling bag. Practical, put together and stylish. The same ensemble with flat ankle boots or fashion sneakers is the next most popular choice and to my delight there are loads of women wearing good old Converse. It’s Winter, so ballet flats are few and far between. The highest heels you’ll see on the streets are two inches, but that’s rare too. People in Barcelona commute on foot so it’s all about stylish flats and dressing in layers. The skirt-and-boots look isn’t as popular as it was in London, but streamlined knee-length puffer jackets, cropped leather biker styles and urban boots are a favourite and look great.
I chose not to bring my riding boots, but I’m right at home during the day in dark straight leg jeans, short, faux fur trimmed, belted leather jacket, a variety of fitted turtle necks and scarves, comfy cream and black Converse and black, biker sling bag. My heeled, cream patent ankle boots, dressy tops, cobalt coat and clutch come out at night. Easy!
February 18th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Angie, I’m so jealous. Barcelona is one of my favorite cities. The style is definitely more laid back in Barcelona with a funkier vibe than in other European cities. Thanks for reporting on the prevalent looks of the city and enjoy a cafe con leche for me.
February 18th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Can you tell me more about your “comfy cream and black Converse,” please. I have a bad back, so I’m unable to wear any kind of heel most of the time. I want to find something that is stylish so that I’m not traipsing around in my New Balance cross trainers all the time.
February 18th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Can we hope for some street-fashion photos ?
February 18th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Hi Angie,
What is prêt-a-porter? I haven’t heard that expression before.
February 19th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Pret-a-porter translates to “Ready to wear.” This is in contrast to “haute couture,” which no one would wear.
February 19th, 2008 at 8:30 am
I’m in Vienna right now (for the week with hubby) and am seeing the same thing here. This is my first time in Europe too… EVERYONE is wearing their jeans tucked into boots (flat and with heals), fitted wool coats with gorgeous scarves. The puffy knee-length jackets with fur trimmed hoods are really popular too. I absolutely love it. We just sat at Starbucks for over an hour watching people walk by outside. Even the children are dressed more stylishly than I expected.
I’m feeling pretty good with my fitted wool coat and knee length boots. Unfortunately I don’t have any tapered ankle jeans so I can’t wear my boots over my jeans, but that’s ok. While the boots over jeans is overwhelmingly the most popular outfit here too, I’m still seeing a lot of dresses with tights and boots too. Which is great because I brought some to wear with my boots.
LOVE IT!!!!!!
February 19th, 2008 at 9:00 am
I just got back from a week in London and the pants-in-boots look was everywhere! And everyone was wearing the best looking coats. The coats were mostly black but sparked up with bright scarves. Cross-body bags were common and very practical as everyone was traveling on the tube.
I did some shoe shopping in London…I was surprised at how comfortable the European shoes were! Every pair I tried on was comfortable…wider through the toe area than what I experience here! And there was a great selection of different heel heights. It was very hard for me to NOT buy every pair I tried on! I did buy a pair of knee boots..how could I resist???
February 19th, 2008 at 10:17 am
I used to live in Barcelona…they definately define style in their own Catalan way! How lucky you are to enjoy this beautiful city!!!
February 20th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Catalan style is truly a force to be reckoned with Josie and Isabel and I’m happy to hear that you feel the same way. I don’t drink coffee, but I had an extra cuppa Earl Grey with milk and sugar for you!
I must apologize for not sharing Barcelona street fashion photos with you. In my haste I forgot to bring the better camera. But have a squizz at this blog site. It’s by a French street wear photographer who lives in Paris and it’s pretty accurate. It brings back memories of when we use to live in France.
http://www.styleandthecity.com.....hion-week/
Prêt-a-porter refers to designer collections that are “ready to wear”. Most Haute Couture collections are un-wearable but they are important because they start the creative juices flowing for prêt-a-porter apparel. I hope that makes sense.
T, there are countless more stylish options to wear on your feet than New Balance sneakers. I do not sacrifice comfort and am very kind to my feet. Your trainers are for workout sessions alone. Invest in a pair of non-athletic fashion sneakers and ballet flats instead. Converse sneakers really work for me and they have become a timeless retro look for women and men of all ages. You need to choose your Converse wisely though. Keep them simple and streamlined if you are over the age of 35. Have a look on www.zappos.com for styling.
Glad that you are stylishly fitting into Vienna street fashion Jennifer. This look is fairly continental - London and Amsterdam are just the same. The ensemble works for Euro lifestyle.
Thanks for validating the availability of lower heel heights on great looking shoes in Europe Marlene. There is such a need for it when it comes to societies that commute on foot. Enjoy your new boots!
February 20th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
im so jealous! at the same time, thanks for the wonderful post…takes me back. i too lived in barcelona and that’s where i first fell in love with fashion. i just felt so free to experiment with different styles. and i’d pass two zaras on my walk to class each day! ah, the memories…..
February 21st, 2008 at 8:10 am
How lovely that you first fell in love with fashion in Spain budget babe. The perfect place to sooth a clothing and footwear addiction.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Hey, I am from the Caribbean and there it is sunny all year round! I am thinking about visiting Barcelona in a few months time but, after reading your description of the clothing, I am not sure I can get ready for this trip from home. You see, I have absolutely no access to any winter coats or winter clothing in general. Any advise?
February 25th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
You should buy it there.
March 26th, 2008 at 5:14 am
I’m going to Barcelona next week. I haven’t a clue what the weather will be like. I’m thinking Nice floaty dresses with a denim jacket during the day? Do you think that would be appropriate? Maybe a flat pair of boots as I don’t know if it will be warm enough for sandals.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:25 am
If you would like to see the Catalan style I have a blog where I share pictures and comments on men’s and women’s fashion from Barcelona.
Street Fashion from Barcelona