Fashion Trends Around the World: Germany

America hit peak melting pot this summer as people from all over the world descended on the Land of the Free for the 2026 World Cup . They came for the spectacle of sport (soccer, or football, depending on where you live), but got more than they bargained for as they discovered the vast landscape of our beautiful country. Many found themselves road-tripping to places they might never otherwise see, like Kansas City, Philadelphia, Houston, and Atlanta, and were surprised by the warm welcome they received. And while their opinions of America were naturally system-updated, the visitors left their mark on us, as well. Now that Spain has been declared the winner of the World Cup , and many of our foreign friends have left the country, we find ourselves more curious than ever about the cultures from which they hail. And being the fashion girlies that we are, we're most intrigued by their style, of course. Take Germany, for example. Caroline Daur, one of the most prolific German fashion girls, notably attended the World Cup final looking very chic in looks that said, "I kind of care about this" (sports), "but I really care about this" (achieving final form). She came, she served, she slayed. Someone get that girl a golden boot. Daur's elite performance got us wondering, what is German fashion all about? Is it similar to American fashion? Or is it very different? After a little digging, we found that we may have a lot to learn from our German counterparts. German style is equal parts fashion, form, and function. Germans care just as much, if not more, about their clothes supporting them practically as they do aesthetically. For example, when a fellow American style enthusiast was planning a trip to Bavaria (southeastern Germany), she turned to Reddit to procure fashion advice from actual Germans (i.e., the /AskaGerman subreddit). The responses were a bit surprising. In answering a very benign, reasonable question regarding what clothes to bring, the majority of the respondents were less than helpful. Most answers were some version of, "Why do you need to know, who cares about fashion?" and "No one cares what you wear," coupled with lectures about the weather. Not quite what she expected, I'm sure. The other theme that popped up frequently was an admonition to wear basic, neutral colors if you don't want to stand out while visiting (which, apparently, Germans do not). Black, white, gray, navy... anything you might see at a white-shoe law firm in New York City. Attorney at Law, Esq.-core. Noted. Lest you think that all Germans could not care less about fashion (outside of practicality and an inclination to blend in), if the Instagram girlies are any indication, there are plenty of fashionable Germans who very much care "what you are wearing" and would likely approve if they saw you on the street in your new Rouje dress. Refreshing. Don't want to stand out as an obvious tourist on your German vacay, though? Here's what you should bring: Neutral zone A few items that fit the vibe: Shop: Charles & Keith Calla Tote Bag in Espresso Brown, $139 Shop: DSW Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal, $175 Shop: Ariat Heritage Contour II Field Zip Tall Riding Boot, $380 Shop: Abercrombie & Fitch Long-Length Button-Through Vest, $45 Shop: Mint Velvet Neutral Cotton Cape Trench Jacket, $335 Shop: Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant, $27 Shop: Ferragamo Gancini Twisted Watch, $1,550 While neutrals aren't the only colors you'll see in Germany, they're certainly the most common. Not standing out in a crowd is indeed an important German quality. The majority of German wardrobes are made up of black, white, navy, camel, gray, and brown. Bright colors like red, pink, and yellow are aberrations, even a little rebellious. They definitely go against the grain. But fashion girls like Kristin K. and Xenia Adonts still find a way to weave them in, rule-breakers that they are. Our favorites: Rebellious fashion girls approved: Shop: Mint Velvet Red Polka Dot Print Scarf, $70 Shop: ASTR The Label Cameo Colorblock Windbreaker, $148 First class Even if it isn't an actual requirement to wear neutral colors while you're there, there's no question that proper German dressing is genuinely classy, in every respect. German girls would never step out in an oversized T-shirt and undersized gym shorts. Nein. An appropriate outfit involves the thoughtful combination of capsule-quality pieces. Chic boatneck tops, sleek silk skirts, tailored pants, or flattering dresses paired with leather ballet flats, boots, or kitten-heel flip-flops. Natural fibers like silk, wool, linen, and cotton are preferred, and impeccable fit is the goal (a tailored look is key). While fast fashion exists in Germany, it's far from the only thing hanging in girls' closets. High-quality pieces make up the core of a wardrobe, while fast fashion functions more like an occasional accessory. Try these: Shop: Alf The Label Teresa Tote (Pebbled Leather), $499 Shop: Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free Drop-Waist Maxi Dress, $100 Shop: ASTR The Label Holly Boat-Neck Knit Top, $98 Shop: Abercrombie & Fitch Slim Zip Vegan Leather Jacket, $120 Shop: Meller Oza Sunglasses, $65 Top minimalist Like the Scandinavians, Germans have their own flavor of minimalism, and it's a key part of their ethos. Less is more, and underconsumption is highly valued. They have mastered the art of the edit, and anything that does not serve a clear purpose is gone. If there is jewelry, it's understated. If there are accessories, they are useful. For as much as they want to blend in, Germans also don't want to be covered up by unnecessary paraphernalia. When pragmatism is driving, realistic effortlessness wins. The must-haves: Shop: En Route Gold Textured Bangle, $24 Shop: En Route Chunky Flowy Hoop Earrings in Gold, $22 Shop: Teddy Blake Claire Suede 14"Light Camel, $506 Shop: DSW Dolce Vita Ramia Sandal, $110 Shop: Abercrombie & Fitch Everyday Tee, $25 Shop: BAYEAS Maeve Mid Rise Straight Woven, $118 Shop: Goldie Tees Everyday Pant, $130 High functioning As we know by now, practicality is queen in Germany, especially when it comes to fashion. German Redditors weren't kidding when most of their fashion advice required thorough knowledge of the visitor's activities, and also, you guessed it, the weather. Of course, we all dress according to our activities and the weather, but Germans take it to the next level. Known for their efficiency and productivity, Germans want their clothes to go to work for them, and to keep them comfortable and functional at all times. So the footwear is practical (ballet flats, comfortable boots, minimalist trainers), the layering versatile (silk blouse under cashmere sweater under lightweight trench), and the outfit as a whole, sensible (tailored suit or dress with muted clutch), lest the famous German discipline and precision be compromised. Our favorites: Shop: WISKII Riviera Low Rise Capri Legging, $89 Shop: Gola Classics Women's Badminton Plimsoll Sneakers, $85 Shop: Charles & Keith Emiko Satin Bow Mary Jane Flats, $79 Dirndl szn Germans aren't all business all the time, however. They're also known for their epic parties, especially ones where a dirndl is required. Oktoberfest, anyone? We love any party with a dress code, but a dress code so epic it revolves around a singular traditional outfit... peak. What is a dirndl, you ask? A dirndl is a traditional Alpine dress consisting of four parts: a blouse, a fitted bodice, a full skirt, and an apron. Traditionally worn by women working the farm, it has evolved into popular attire for festivalgoers. If you ask me, dirndl season is something we should all adopt, for the Alpine milkmaid of it all. I don't think the Germans would mind the cultural appropriation. A couple we would wear: Shop: Etsy Beige Vintage Dirndl, $225 Shop: My Dirndl Arrach Women's Mini Dirndl, $244 Das Ende Germans are known for their precision: in craftsmanship, in design, and in their deep commitment to the precepts of German fashion. To assimilate, one must be understatedly elegant and quietly refined, and blend into their urban surroundings as much as humanly possible. We Americans, loud, opinionated, untamed beings that we are (though beautiful), could learn a thing or two from our German friends. A commitment to quality and underconsumption might just bring us the life slowness we've been craving.