I Spent the Day People Watching at Designer Stores in Europe—I'm Copying These 7 Outfits

I strive to reach a point where I’ll dress casually to make a designer purchase, but unfortunately, I’m not there yet. Buying designer goods for me means getting dressed up, saying yes when offered champagne, and making myself feel like a princess along the way. I am currently stationed in Barcelona for a few weeks of observing the culture, and of course, one of my first stops to do so had to be some of my favorite designer boutiques. With short trips to Germany and Andorra during my time here as well, I've had a wide array of experiences, and I have many observations to share. I stationed myself in Passeig de Gràcia (a luxury shopping street in Barcelona) and took it all in.

Among designer shoppers, there couldn't be more of a diverse array of personal style to be found. With Barcelona being such an international city, there were people from all over the world—some dressed formal and some in casual looks. My favorite outfits were the ones that felt like an elevated approach to a laid-back off-duty look. Below, find seven outfits that I want to copy and paste off of the luxury shopping clientele ASAP.

Even though this clothing item couldn't be more casual, something about an oversize tee has an elevated appeal to me. I saw a shopper in a boutique wearing these staples, and it couldn't have felt chicer.

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Polo Ralph Lauren

Stripe Cotton Pocket T-Shirt

$65

DISSH

Tia White Linen Circle Skirt

$129

Maguire

Prato Ballerina

$210

I've always thought of a white or black maxi dress as an essential purchase because of the versatility it can bring. I like how this one has a bit of a twist with the lace trim. Pack this in your suitcase to have the appeal of the luxury shoppers you surround yourself with.

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J.Crew

Clio Dress in Textured Gauze

$138

A New Day

Sheer Mesh Ballet Flats

$24

Capris are officially back in full force, and I loved seeing European women prancing around from store to store Carrie Bradshaw–style in these. They just might be the perfect thing to wear in the heat of summer.

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EDIKTED

Sarafina Capri Pants

$52

Madewell

The Oversize Straight Hem Signature Poplin Shirt

$85

BP.

50mm Oval Sunglasses

$15

Some of the best styling moments happen when someone creates an unexpected outfit combination with two pieces that don't exactly come to mind as a match for each other. In this case, a striped skirt and cream blazer make a surprisingly good match.

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AllSaints

Deri Lyn Blazer

$399$199

Nordstrom

Rib Scoop Neck Cotton Tank

$30

J.Crew

Cashmere Fringe-Trim Sweater-Skirt

$168$135

It's a very L.A.-girl move to shop in a workout set, and I saw very little of that since I began spending time in Europe, but every once in a while, I'll see someone doing it right. There are active sets like this one that feel elevated and are still just as comfortable. The right accessories will dress it up.

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Alo Yoga

Cropped Doubles Only Full Zip Jacket

$148

Alo Yoga

Cropped 1/4 Zip Alumni Pullover

$118

Hermes

Taurillon Clemence Birkin 35 Brique

$9025

Similar to capris, Bermuda shorts have also taken over this summer, and there's no denying it. A silk button-down feels like the ultimate Euro-girl staple, so I highly recommend styling yours with it.

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MANGO

Satin Button-Up Shirt

$49

Favorite Daughter

The Low Favorite Bermuda Shorts

$178

Jeffrey Campbell

Persona Slingback Pump

$154$54

When you invest in a good tank top, it will do wonders for you. I went shopping in Germany during my time abroad, and this look would be 100% accepted there.

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KHAITE

Johnnie Ribbed-Knit Tank

$360

Reiss

Millie Wide Leg Pants

$285

J.Crew

Heart Classic Belt in Italian Leather

$59