The center of Spanish fashion and capital of chic: Madrid. Unlike most cities in Europe, Madrid offers a fresh perspective. Spain is known for its vibrant culture, which comes in forms of energetic traditions and colorful clothing. Madrid perfectly embodies this feeling. The city is modern with deep-rooted culture impossible to not immerse yourself in. The fashion scene mirrors this blend of sophistication and creativity exceptionally.
Spanish fashion does not have an obvious and instantly recognizable aesthetic. It’s a blend of minimalism with eccentric notes, from prints to patterns and colors. Neutralized sweater and shoe combinations are paired with an unconventional pattern of pants. Combine denim jeans, white tee, blazer and cheetah print Mary Jane’s. Black mini dress and leather boot, but layer a rich burgundy scarf around your neck for duality. Get the idea? Eccentricity meets class.
To me, it seemed as if every local had the foundation to their wardrobe. They invest in essential clothing items and everyday accessories that last a lifetime. Their creativity shines through with bold accents.
Madrid is also a shopping hub. I spent three days venturing through the bustling city. Each day was a new form of shopping, starting with contemporary at one of the biggest Zaras in the world, among other trend shops. Next was vintage shopping and it did not disappoint. The streets were lined with thrift stores and vintage boutiques. It was nearly impossible to find a mainstream item. Last, I visited some authentic Spanish boutiques.
With the amenities available in the heart of the city, how can you not find these decorative pieces? The city was lively and vibrant. The people were bold and effortlessly expressive. Watching the seamless blend of personality and style was utterly captivating. Some notes I took back to Florence are as follows:
Gold Trim.
Gold trim blouses were the one standout detail for me. In any store or boutique, it was easy to identify the true Spanish pieces based on their design, whether it was an elegant trim or bold embroidery. The polished gold captures the Spanish-style aesthetic.
Playing with Plaid.
A timeless pattern and a trend that will always cycle back. Neutral color patterned pants are specifically coming out to play this fall into winter. Chic, sophisticated and unstoppable.
Pop of Color.
This piece of advice is a staple that may seem obvious in enhancing any outfit, but for Spanish fashion it is especially important. Don’t be afraid to add some color and texture. Try a burst of color with red socks in black loafers or a nuanced sweater wrapped around the waist. Turn minimalistic up a notch.
Mixing Warm Hues.
Many outfits played around with blending tones of burgundy, earthy browns and burnt oranges. Never my first option, but this sparks my curiosity. The warm hues of each garment seemed to effortlessly pop, but never seemed overdone. Simply fascinating.
It’s impossible to compare the fashion I’ve been lucky enough to experience at each stop I make in Europe: the brilliantly bold style that is Paris, the sleek look in Copenhagen, the timeless takes in Florence and now the expressive flair in Madrid. Each city leaves me with a renewed perspective I’m eager to bring home to the states.
