What do people wear in Madrid?

Question

I'm moving to Madrid in two weeks and I want to know what kind of clothes women wear there in the winter, since I want to blend in. What trends are popular now? I'd appreciate any other suggestions, especially from people who live or have lived in the city before. Thanks.

Answer 1

First, don't pay ANY attention to Jade, that's a young guy, not a businesswoman.

Do bring some clothes with you, don't throw away everything as noplomoj suggests, because I don't think they're going to go for you walking around nude through the streets of Madrid, but, following the advice Torrejon, bring nice, simple clothes, and not too much, because you will want to buy new things to fit in.

I was in Madrid in May, and I had brought along some dressy shoes, because I knew that's how the natives know where you're from.  Tennis shoes, or running shoes are a definite tip-off in all of Europe (of course, I found that being on my feet all day, my poor American dogs couldn't take it, anyway).  The thing I noticed right away, though, was that even still, I would have stood out.  My nice, dressy, American flat shoes looked NOTHING like what the women there were wearing, and though I was tempted to buy something there, I decided that I would probably never wear THEM here.  That actually took a great deal of restraint, shoe shopper that I am.  But, yes, Torrejon's advice on shoes is very good.  

The thing that I noticed was that women all wore scarves, even in May.  It is very chilly in the mornings in Madrid in the late Spring (or it was last May, at any rate), but the women put on these light, gauzy scarves and wear them all day.  What I saw for sale was the type that were intended to be used by Muslim women to cover their whole heads, but the other women wrapped them up, and slung them about their necks, so you might want to bring along a few scarves if you have them, or you'll find place to buy them there.

You might want to have a look at some Italian and Spanish fashion magazines before you go.  They might help, too.

Rolando:   Gracias.  I´m going to save that page.  I´m pretty sure you don´t want to wear the third outfit out of doors, though.  ;)

Answer 2

theres a picture of a guy at the bottom of this link

http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au/street/

Answer 3

Elegant, cosmopolitan, European clothes.  Yes, of course, you see people in jeans, in shorts in August...but if you are over the age of 25, jeans and sports shoes will stand out.  The typical Madileña wears the best she can afford.  Always leather shoes, unless at the gym!!  Quality shoes and purses are definitely noticed.  Trousers or skirt with blouse and a jacket is the hallmark of the typical European woman.  Accessories and real jewelry are admired and noticed by all....men and women alike.  

Madrid enjoys all four seasons.  You will need warm winter clothes/coats and cool summer clothes....and everything in between.  In general, you can find anything  you could possibly want at  El Cortes Inglés....ask ANYWHERE and they can direct you.

Answer 4

Don't take ANY clothes with you... then buy new when you get there... and you won't have to worry about blending in... and don't forget the shoes... those will trip you up every time.

Answer 5

Hi! I don't live in Madrid, but from what I remember, it doesn't change so much from Barcelona.

Well, you don't say what you're moving to Madrid for or your age. Meaning, you wouldn't dress the same if you are an executive or if you're a student.

I'm a lawyer and I can tell you what I would normally wear. I know high heels are not usually the most comfortable thing to wear but  most Spanish women were them. They just make you look classier, although as I'm pretty tall myself I don't wear v. high ones. Boots are now especially fashionable, high ones, and also the ones that reach your ankles.

Madrid is colder than Barcelona, so you will need a nice coat.  Here in Barcelona raincoats are the "in" thing now. As someone pointed out, scarves are really popular, although not so much here in Barcelona, although they were two years ago. Hats are the new thing here.

Popular trends? Again, I'm a lawyer, so maybe my dress style wouldn't fit yours. For example, one of my best friends works as an Industrial Chemical Engineer and she obviously wears comfortable shoes (no high heels) and jeans, because she's always wearing a white coat, so she doesn't bother. Another is a teacher and again, she needs comfortable clothes to run around pursuing children. I, on the other hand ,usually dress up much more. Today I'm wearing a black high waist skirt with a black belt/corset much above the nave,a  white blouse and high black heels. Just remember that accessories are important, such as a nice necklace, watch, bracelet...That's what truly shows style. Long necklaces are now v. fashionable. Also take care of your hair, as the average Spanish woman visits the saloon regularly.

If you really want to fit it, maybe it would be better to wait and buy clothes in Madrid. It's not expensive at all.

Have a look at Spanish magazines and clothes catalog's for a little guide. Zara and generally Inditex group (Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, Bershka...) are v.popular, so if you've got some of this in your city, go and check what they have. These are the sort of shops I personally like:

www.massimodutti.com

www.zara.es

www.blancoint.com

Answer 6

i f you are a man

http://www.elcorteingles.es/tiendas/port...

if you are a woman

http://www.elcorteingles.es/tiendas/port...