it doesn’t take long to figure out that fashion in shanghai is much different than in America. in fact, you’ll probably stand out just by walking down the street and set yourself up for getting spotted (and later jipped) as a tourist.
but no worries! by following these helpful tips you can blend in and dress like a young *local* shanghai resident in no time! (results are most effective when you’re asian, but anyone can pull it off.)
*to clarify: when i refer to dressing like a ‘local’ i don’t mean the upper class elite, because they typically dress like wealthy americans anyway, but the majority of middle/working class people in shanghai.
the following fashion advice has been quality tested and proven. i have often encountered people reacting in disbelief when i tell them im from america (one man even looked me up and down as if my clothes contradicted from the actual truth).
GENERAL NOTES:
- you do not need any type of fashion sense to dress like a local – in fact, you don’t need to match your clothes at all – dress casually – clashing patterns (like horizontal stripes and polka dots) actually work
-LADIES-
1. blouse: cotton t-shirt/polo, BUT you must have either a gaudy, girly design on it or it must be colorful with stripes or some kind of pattern…like polka dots. anything pink, purple, red, but hardly any black.
2. pants: here you have three options. (i prefer the latter)
a) full length jeans. not skinny jeans, just regular ones. or jean capris. sometimes you see jean skirts, take your pick.
b) flowy cotton skirts of any color or design. typically past the knee.
c) swishy cargo capris, again, absolutely any color. camo, green, black, brown, white, tan, etc.
3. shoes: crucial. almost all asian girls wear some kind of platform sandal or a pair of high heels. even when biking around they’ll have 2-3 in. sandals on. ive been pulling it off with a pair of vans, but then again i don’t need the extra elevation.
Remember! the more you don’t match the more likely you’ll blend in. wear clothing with designs! the people who stand out in the crowds the most are those wearing solid colors or are not dressed casual enough. dress simply. try it ladies, it’s refreshing.
Additional props: an umbrella. used when sunny, and if you can find one with a flowery design you’ll be set.
-LADS-
1. Shirt: any random polo or cotton t-shirt. again, i mean ANY type of color or design will work. as long as it looks like a t-shirt, b/c a long-sleeve shirt is just ridiculous.
2. Pants: you only have one choice here. the swishy cargo cotton capris. they can be the workout ones or the more casual walking ones. either way go for the capris and choose your favorite color because it really doesn’t matter with your outfit.
3. Shoes: a pair of sneakers/tennis shoes. the more worn the better.
Additional props: a cigarette in mouth (i highly disapprove of this, but if you’re going for authenticity…)
that’s it! mix in some of your own style and have fun blending in.
remember: you know you’ve succeeded when some random person asks you for directions.
dang straight! who cares if you don’t know!! victory is yours.
ummmm … i really need some photos, or i’m going to stop reading your blog daily.
I would like to pin point the lady wearing shoes on the bike. You have to understand Bicycle is still a local transportation for china. They are wearing it because they have to go to work. As for American, they use bicycle for leisure and exercise.
From my point of view, many Chinese are very strong and flexible. They are not afraid how people look at them and the way they dress now is because of $$$.., Also have to do with season.
If you been to “Xing Tian Di” or ” BUND ” in the evening, you will knock your sock off!