<p>So a main topic on the “don’t hate me because I’m beautiful thread” is the difference in “beauty” between British and American women. I don’t know much about that because frankly I don’t read much British media, but with my daughter going to London this summer for a study abroad program, do American girls really stand out in England? They encourage the kids to “dress British” but does “American Beauty” shine through that? I see most British women as more “prim” and polished, but maybe that is just a stereotype.</p>
<p>I’ve never been to Britain, so I guess I can’t really say much about their entire population with much authority, but I have a large group of girlfriends from England and they are very beautiful girls… and not remotely fitting the prim and proper stereotype. 
Perusing their facebooks, they appear to have dozens of very attractive friends, too-- who are similarly crass! </p>
<p>I think movies train us to associate the accent with that archetype even though it’s not particularly accurate.</p>
<p>We have better dentistry and orthodontia. But that’s about it.</p>
<p>What does “dress British” mean? Jane Austen gear and crowns?</p>
<p>white gloves and fascinators.</p>
<p>it is good to accesorize with a prince, whenever possible. :p</p>
<p>When we traveled to Europe three years ago DD, who had studied in France, advised against wearing shorts while in France. She said that females who wear shorts in France are looked at as prostitutes. I don’t really wear shorts, anyway (short, fat legs) but will, on occasion, wear a pair of walking shorts. I wore casual dresses and capris in France, but did wear walking shorts in Italy on a couple of occasions.</p>
<p>From what we have been told in regard to British fashion, the college uniform for girls at my D’s school, nike shorts and T-shirts, would be sore and out of place in London. It was advised that girls do wear shorts, but they are paired with tights and boots (short and sometimes tall) and that most girls also pair that with a leather jacket or a cargo type jacket. Also floral dresses with jackets and tights and those darn boots again. Jeans are worn but again, typically with a jacket…navy blazer, leather, or cargo type and those boots again. I have NO idea if this is actually the case, but just what is being circulated. Any word on the British street would be appreciated…lol. I also think for London, the influx of all cultures because of the Olympics can blur this fashion message.</p>
<p>Well their are shorts and there are SHORTS. But , I’ve been to the UK more than a few times(mostly Manchester and Oxford) The Brits I know dressed as casually during the summer months as we Yanks do. Though, one blustery August in Dorset, I required the sort of out door gear that would have been appropriate for trip down to Antarctica. Maybe they just want her to be prepared for weather?</p>
<p>Traveling there in my mid-20s, I found that most British women, probably about 90%, were within the “acceptable” range by American standards. Truly stunning women were rare, but so were the “hit in the face with a bag of nickels” women. It was actually quite nice to have so many available, decent-enough-looking options while out in the clubs. Another generalization is that we found them to be good conversationalists, substance over style. They did dress somewhat conservatively but the attitudes were less puritanical than in the US.</p>
<p>We had a contest - yes, I was that shallow at 24 - each time we went out to find the “top dog.” The author of that fluff piece of journalism would have won most of them.</p>
<p>When we’ve traveled in London I really couldn’t tell where people came from unless I heard them speak. Judging by clothing/mannerisms I could probably have taken a stab at income-levels but nationality? No.</p>
<p>I am a brit living in the US for 17 years with two teenage daughters. We travel back to the UK every summer.</p>
<p>sooooo… were to start ( or wear)</p>
<p>We can spot an American at 50 yards in Europe. Biggest clue is American Eagle ( hollister, old navy) t shirts and khaki shorts ( or Nike shorts for the girls) Fantastic white teeth are usually the next clue, followed by the mani/ pedi and long straight blonde hair.</p>
<p>Hair styles( male and femaie) in the UK are much more trendy than most teens have here. My girls usually get their hair cut when we are " home".</p>
<p>Fashion is a year or two ahead. We saw the florescent trend summer of 10. My girls US clothes are less trendy than our friends in the UK. My d’s tend to shop in American Eagle, Old Navy etc and have a preppy look. The girls love to shop in the UK and bring a lot back, including prom and homecoming dresses. Their friends love then stuff they buy.</p>
<p>pugmadkate- We can also usually pick out the Italians and the Germans pretty easily too.</p>
<p>Well, Gibson, share!</p>
<p>What about the Italians and the Germans? what gives them away?</p>
<p>Red sauce stained shirts and lederhosen?</p>
<p>:p …</p>
<p>I would think that sweats, hoodies, sneakers and other pieces of typically athletic clothing would stand out as “American” in the UK. Also, I don’t think the practice of wearing pajama pants in public is as acceptable as it is in the US.</p>
<p>I spent several weeks a few years ago with my d in London - d is fairly fashionable, and she never wears sweats, athletic shorts outside of the gym, and she loathes Hollister and Abercrombie stuff. Otherwise, she wore her usual casual dresses, leggings, cute tops, jeans and I’d say that she fit right in clothing-wise. She did stand out because of her very white straightened teeth, and also because she is quite thin and toned - a body type that seems less common there.</p>
<p>Not sure why this thread is fascinating to me, but it is. Gourmet…what do you think the typical body type is there? And if they “typical” body type is different, why do you think that is? I think my fascination is because when my D chose England for her study abroad…I thought…“well that is so the same as the US, why bother?”…but the more I read, I see more cultural differences than similarities…</p>
<p>And why we are on the subject…calling all Brits…how about some scoop on all the British phrases or words out there. She has been “warned” that “pants” refer to underwear and “trousers” are the word for the US “pants.” She was also told that “loo” is not really used and must Brits say “toilet” instead of “bathroom” or “restroom”</p>
<p>"I don’t think the practice of wearing pajama pants in public is as acceptable as it is in the US. "
Is that really “acceptable” anywhere now days?!</p>
<p>We see more extremes in the US, ranging from obese to quite fit. More people in the UK tend to be in the middle of the range.</p>
<p>I’m half British, half American, live in London, grew up in the US.</p>
<p>The main difference, apart from the teeth, is grooming. British women are not as groomed (Hair, nails etc) as their US counterparts. You need to understand that looking as if you’ve tried too hard, be it on grooming, your outfit, your shoes, your bag, is not cool. You need to look as though you haven’t tried, but still look good. Hence the messy hair, and ‘thrown together’ look of many outfits, and minimal make up. </p>
<p>I have an American female colleague who cannot understand why lots of men in our office are in love with one of the BAs from IT who always arrives with wet hair, no make up and wearing her converse with her suit (she does change into shoes on arrival). American woman thinks she doesn’t ‘take care of herself’, British men think she looks naturally lovely and low maintenaince</p>
<p>It is also a regional thing. Londoners are far more relaxed and more as I have described above. When you go out to the regional cities (e.g. Manchester) or the London suburbs, girls are more groomed, with the blow dry and the fake tan - but people in London often laugh at them… </p>
<p>It is also a class thing. Those from the middle/upper middle classes will look much less groomed than the Essex girls (outer reaches of London)… for a crass and over simplified view, consider the stars of the 2 reality shows: The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) and Made in Chelsea. </p>
<p>My fashion advice is to wear Converse trainers with EVERYTHING. Then you can’t go wrong. You also need skinny jeans, a military style parka, a Barbour style jacket or a fake fur gilet, some casual dresses and skirts. You need to mix it up as well - wear a smart top, a blazer and skinnies - with your converse! Don’t blow dry your hair. Always look as if you have just pulled together an outfit without really thinking about it. H+M, Zara, Topshop and Primark will have great outfits at good prices</p>
<p>And if you are lucky enough to have an expensive designer purse (LV or whatever) leave it in the US. British students like to play on the ‘we’re so poor and put upon’ thing, regardless of their parents’ income, so flashing a designer bag screams American (it is also part of that ‘flash your cash’ thing that the Brits don’t really like)</p>
<p>Also leave at home or use only for their intended purpose: Patagonia outdoor wear, white tennis shoes, Nike tempo shorts. </p>
<p>On the other hand, London is a HUGE cultural melting pot with people from all walks of life and numerous ethnic and national backgrounds. People actually really won’t care what you’re wearing - it’s one of the great advantages of living in London :)</p>
<p>PS I’m off out for brunch now. I washed my hair last night, so it will do for now (it looks kinda messy, but that is cool). I’m wearing skinny jeans, a sweater from H+M, a checked shirt and a barbour style jacket I actually bought from Banana Republic in NY seven years ago…and my Converse!</p>
<p>College shopping - all of those words/phrases you listed above are correct</p>
<p>Restroom, especially. and bathroom are not used to describe the toilet, or loo, although people should know what she means</p>
<p>I would also say to Americans coming here to live/study that the UK in general, and London especially, could be a little to a lot more liberal than you may be used to, depending on the part of the US you’re from. This is terms of both economic and social issues. And especially so amongst students… Contrary to some views, the political spectrum goes much further to the left than Obama! ;o)</p>