What Do I Wear There? Study Abroad in India & South America
For my final study abroad post (aw!), I want to look at two recently suggested sites–India and South America. As always, the same guidelines apply:
- All of the information here is taken from advice I have received–it is not a binding set of rules for how to dress in these locations! These are simply some helpful suggestions on what articles of clothing have proved most functional and worthwhile for those who have traveled abroad. However, for this article, it is important to note what is and is not appropriate to wear in these areas, as they tend to be more conservative than what most readers may be used to.
- Because of the nature of these posts–which are trying to cater to such a large crowd of people going to all different places within each of these areas–I am forced to generalize. However, I do understand that fashion is different not just in the different countries but also in the different regions of each country. Therefore, please feel free to correct me or add more detail in the comments if you think your specific location within these countries follows different fashion “rules” or subscribes to a different way of dressing!
(In case you missed my previous posts, see What Do I Wear There? Study Abroad, Study Abroad Fashion FAQ, What Do I Wear There? Study Abroad in the UK and Ireland, Study Abroad Fashion in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, Study Abroad Fashion in China, Israel, and Japan and Study Abroad Fashion in Scandinavia.)
Now let’s head over to India and South America!
India
General Tips
As my source, Meghan, said, “you want to leave the ‘daisy dukes’ and tank tops at home.” If you are studying abroad in India, heeding this advice might not be a bad idea, as you could offend the people there. However, it will get hot, so look for breathable fabrics (such as cotton) when picking out your clothes.
Daily Look
For a typical daily look, Meghan suggests a short-sleeved top (one that is not too low-cut and does not show your bra straps). As for bottoms, go for shorts no shorter than Bermuda short-length. Another great suggestion for a cooler, more “ethnic” look is to go for long, cotton skirts, which are “very comfortable for the climate.” Open-toed shoes are best but be forewarned that “your feet will probably get dusty if you’re walking around in a big city.”
Accessories
Meghan suggests to not bring accessories to India but to “buy them there” instead! She suggests visiting some of the local markets for really chic, cheap jewelry.
She also cautions to bring a bag that zippers shut, as India does have some problems with pick-pocketing. Your best bet is a bag that you can keep close to your body and zip all the way shut. Big, slouchy bags are especially great, as they allow you to carry your camera, wallet, water bottle, and other traveling essentials but are easy to hug to your side!
South America
For this section, I received advice from Andrea, who stayed in Brazil this past summer, and Tamara, who is from Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. However, both girls gave some advice that is good for South America in general in terms of weather and overall trends!
Weather
Tamara explained that “most big cities in South America…are located in very VERY humid places,” so you’ll want to bring the appropriate clothes/hair products/skin care. Anti-frizz serum or any other types of hair smoothing creams are great products to take along.
“Mittens, hats and furry boots” are NOT smart outerwear for South American climates. Stick with a lighter-weight coat, a raincoat, and layers (of course)!
Daily Look
The general feel of the style in South America is more relaxed but very feminine and body-conscious. Great pieces to achieve the South American sensual style are skinny jeans, form-fitting tops, a cardigan (if necessary), and cute, detailed accessories.
Tamara also suggests going for a “hippie” or “boho-chic” look, such as floaty sundresses and tunics balanced out by sleek cardigans or skinny jeans. This same relaxed, natural style is seen in the makeup, as the crazy makeup that is trendy now in the US (such as neon eye makeup or bold lips) is very rarely seen in South America, even at night. Instead, girls tend to stick to the basics, with mascara, eyeliner, and lip gloss being the essentials to look great. Since it is hot and sunny, I also strongly suggest bringing along some high SPF sunblock!
Night Look
A typical night out in South America calls for a more casual look than what is considered “night” attire in many of the other countries I have covered. A nicer top, some flashier accessories, and heels or chic flats are all you need to add on to a day look when the sun goes down.
A cute look suggested by Tamara for a fun night out is “a summer dress in a darker color, a denim jacket, statement earrings and black flats.”
Accessories
Jewelry–such as earrings, bangles, necklaces, and other fun, attention-grabbing pieces–is essential in South America and can help take your outfit from day to night. As with India, instead of packing tons of jewelry from home, you should definitely shop around for unique jewelry while you are there (however, Tamara urges that you should be careful purchasing earrings, as “most earrings sold in our countries aren’t nickel free”).
What Andrea noticed stuck out most to her about Brazilian style was the shoes. She noted that popular shoes in Brazil include ballet flats, Converse, and jellies. Flip flop sandals were also often seen on the South American streets and are a smart buy once you get to South America, as “they have more styles” and are “about a quarter of the price” of the ones you see in the US.
Andrea also noted that due to the strong sun, sunglasses “are a must,” so be sure to bring along your favorite pair!
Shopping
Both girls stressed the fact that the dollar is stronger in South America, so shopping is absolutely worth it! You can find lots of fun, original pieces at extremely reasonable prices in local stores and markets. One thing to watch out for is the differences in sizes–Tamara cautioned that clothing sizes tend to run smaller in South America, so make you sure try on clothes before you buy them!
What Do You Think?
Do you have any more tips for fashion in India or South America? Do these tips fit in with your experience? Let us know in the comments!
Also, be sure to thank all of the three girls who served as my sources for this article–these girls were kind enough to help you guys out, so show them your appreciation!
Next week, I will be back to my regular “What Do I Wear There?” column in which I answer your specific questions, so if you have a fashion question of your own, be sure to post it in the comments below as well!
Posted on on December 25, 2009 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: India, South America, Travel, Weather, What Do I Wear There?
Like this post?
Before you post a comment, please read the 
Suzi
Great advice girls!
I spent some time in Bogota, Colombia. Here are some of my observations:.
1. Don’t afraid to be sexy with your makeup and hair! Most women I’ve seen preferred more made-up looks rather than au naturel. Same goes for the clothes. If you’re there for an internship, you might notice that business casual there tends to be sexier than business casual in North America. Take cues from people around you and have fun with your clothes!
2. Some cities like Bogota are high up in the Andes and are definitely much cooler than places on the coast or at sea level. If you’re spending time somewhere at a high elevation, prepare for generally cool weather (think early spring), and dress in layers because mountain weather can change in the blink of an eye. Also, bring along an umbrella and prepare for rainy/foggy weather. La Paz, Bolivia, is another South American capital that’s up in the andes–at about 3660 metres above sea level it’s the highest city in the world.
3. Depending on what neighborhoods you’re staying in, some sidewalks aren’t well maintained and can have the occasional hole or jutting piece of concrete. So be extra cautious especially if you’re wearing more delicate footwear like ballet flats or anything with a heel. Follow similar advice that was given about cobblestone streets in Europe
Emily
I was one of the girls who requested India, so thank you for this! <3
Kaycee
This information is so helpful! I’m going to South America and I will definitely be keeping these things in mind when I travel there, thanks for the great fashion advice!
Anna
Ohh, I love this! I’m going to Brazil in the Spring and I am freaking out about packing!
I’m actually going to a very beachy area there- any word about bathing suits? (I realize asking about bathing suits in December is a little crazy, but I always plan ahead!)
Isabelle
I am actually living in Brazil as an exchange student, I’ve been here for 5 months and I’ll stay 6 month more. I’ve already went 2 times to Mexico as exhange student. So I hope my observations can help XD
In South America, generally, people are seperate by style. The richest dresses with a lot of Abercrombie, American Eagles, Colcci, and more like this. Those girls love to go out anight with fancy dresses, heels and beautiful jewerly. They have a lot of style and follow the new trends a lot.
I also saw this “hippy” look that screams : Jamaica. The colors of Bob Marley origin are everywhere. Dreeds hair are common as tattoo and percings.
For boys, a lot of them have ear percings. They use thight jeans ad basket shoes.
Bikini, bikini and bikini. You will see them everywhere at the beach. But don’t be surprise if the bottom is smaller than normal. The brazilian girls are not shy to show what they have. The body is really important in Brazil. During their winter, the people work out to show them at summer, on the beaches. And of course, they will all be perfectly tanned. So you might wanna take a bronzer with you if you are as white as me !
For the weather, it depends where you go and in which time, but usually, long pants are great, even in summer. Jackets, light coats and covered shoes are useful too. But don’t forget either that South America is really hot, so light shirts, shorts, summer dresses and flip flop are a must.
Finally, my last advice is about shopping. If you are not sure about taking something with you, and you think you could buy it anyway during the trip, don’t be so sure. I’ve been surprise when I arrived in Brasilia to see a lot of expensive shops and few cheap. What you would like to buy is probably in the expensive one, and if you can’t afford it, you could regret to had left it home.
I hope I helped a little bit ! Good luck in your trip and enjoy the sun =)
serena
A very important thing to keep in mind in South America is body-consciousness. If you have a little bit of fat on your tummy, don’t wear an extremely tight shirt that will make it visible unless you want to be teased. I’ve lived all my life in Argentina, and I’ve heard some very nasty remarks on woman who decide to wear mini-skirts and they’re legs (for their standards) are not quite up to it. There is also the security factor, you want to look well put, almost effortlessly, but you don’t want to attract too much attention to yourself. Guys take many more liberties there than they do in North America.
In terms of humidity, during the summer months (November-February) beware of high heels on asphalt. They will stick to the floor you are walking on.
Make sure you search the local handmade festivals they have, you’ll find the nicest jewelry in a variety of metals (silver mostly) and semi-precious stones. If you are going to the andes, make sure to get a sweater made of either llama or alpaca wool. I’m living in Canada now, and that thing keeps me warm no matter the outrageous temperatures outside <3
Most important tip I can give though, keep yourself safe. Try to learn how to move around cities and not to look too much like a tourist. Thieves tend to like tourists. Keep your purses closed!
aish
hey im from india and i noticed some good points in ur article bt there are a few thi ngs to note:
1)tank tops and razor backs are fine in places like mumbai(bombay), delhi, pune, bangalore……….but if your going to other places its a bit of a risk. i live in chennai and i do wear tanks and spagetties. its fine.
2)shorts are fine as long as your ass does not hang out. this again applys to mumbai, delhi, pune, bangalore. even short skirts are fine.jeans and 3/4 are totally fine. gypsy skirts on harem pants with t shirts and tank tops are in. btw lot of people love bright colours.
3)people(college girls) usually us only eye makeup for everyday wear.(no more)
4)shopping for accessories at the local markets are a good idea as u can get beads, hoops, peacock feathers, shells, funky cut shapes and some look like dream catchers.But please take a local friend to help u bargain or u could get cheated.
5)you may want to bring a lot of sunscreen but places like delhi can get really cold(dec, jan,feb). dont forget anti frizz hair serum.
6)low necks are not advisable unless u are at a party. Btw no bikinis at the beaches unless ur at a pool party(bt im not sure about all pool parties)
7)Btw u should really check out the nepali flee markets. they have really amazing tthings(i got these nice purple plaid pants) but they are on the smaller size.
8)remember that these rules apply only to MUMBAI, DELHI, PUNE, CHENNAI, BANGALORE.
9)when visiting historical sites PLEASE be covered up or u might get thrown out.
10) finally, if ur going to Goa, please freak out. Its very liberal from its clothing, to crazy tattoos, to weed and booze, to gay marriages etc.its a mix of portugese,indian and jamaican culture. here everything goes.But please be safe. dont get into the drugs. some people dont make it out alive.
hope these were helpful….i can alos let you know whats in style here
aish
btw tunics and cotton shirts are great
and once again the rules i said were only for
MUMBAI(BOMBAY)
DELHI(be careful at night)
BANGALORE
PUNE
CHENNAI
GOA
dont risk it anywhere else.
(halters, backless, tubetops, low cut (and the same with dresses)etc are fine at pubs and clubs in these cities. but please be safe there as well. some people there think westeners are loose and up for anything.
aish
btw sorry to post againg
bt im going to study in melbourne, australia in feb for 3-4 years can you please give me a few ideas on whats ok over there?. the city is near the beach.
Leia
I’m not really sure what a ‘daisy duke’ is but I’m chiming in with some more tips for India…
- lots of foreigners like to dress in the traditional ’salwar kameez.’ This is a great option as it consists of baggy trousers, a loose, comfortable top, and a ’scarf.’ They come in all colors and styles, and you can buy ready-made ones or have them tailored once you get there. They are a great option, especially in cotton, as they keep you cool in the summer time but also completely covered up.
- if you’re going to wear trousers, I would suggest capris. They’re comfortable but also cool. A great every-day look would be capris and fitted tees – comfy, casual, and modest. A lot of people (most people!) wear jeans, but I never wear jeans when I’m in South Asia: it’s too hot for me!
- just keep the context in mind. If you’re going to be spending time in villages or out and about, consider being more modest, wear salwar kameezes, try not to stick out like a sore thumb as a foreigner. If you are going to be studying or in a place where there are lots of other foreigners and ex-pats, you can pretty much wear whatever you want. Just be sensitive to where you are going and what you are doing and you should be fine! :)
Dryad
Hey, just came across this blog. GFood work! These are accurate tips. Adding to what Aish said about India- The city you’re in does make a huge difference to your wardrobe choices. But a general guideline for any part of India would be-
light ,breathable fabrics and slighlty conservative clothing choices (unless you’re out for a rave in a big city) which in India means staying covered up from shoulder to knee. :) Carry a STOLE w/you whereever you go so even if you feel your top etc is inappropriate for the occasion, you can cover up quick. Make up for daywear is limited to eyeliner + gloss as India is too hot for anything else. For the same reason, you’ll have to take good care of your leathers (handbags, etc). Kaftans, kurtas and tunic tops w/jeans, gauchos and harem pants work well for day-wear. http://www.fabindia.com/ has some pretty neat collections as well as stores across the country.
Cheers
Shriya
Hey, I agree with aish and Dryad about the tips on India. I stay in Chennai and I just moved this year so initially I was surprised to find that people here dress so “western”. In the big cities you can dress however you want, as long as you stay semi-conservative (basically no super short shorts or skirts and no low cut tops/dresses). Wearing shorts with tights and leggings is really popular. It’s okay to dress like this when going to malls, resteraunts, high-end hotels etc. but not to religious/historical/local sites.
Nathalia
Aaaaaaaah thank you thank you thank you!
I’m from Germany and about to move to Mexico with my family and not sure about my clothing at all. So thank you very much for this post!
In my guide, I read that Mexicans expect women to be very feminine and chic.
You all said the body is really important – everywhere in South America?
xoxo from Germany ;)
Nathalia
B
Hello! over the summer i will be going to St. Peterburg Russia, but i have no clue what to bring, what the climate will be, etc. I feel like a post about that general area would be helpful to many, thanks!
Nishi
1. Dresses, long flowy tops with leggings/tights are quite the trend at the moment
2. Gladiators/ flip flops in bright colours are extremely popular with college girls
3. Most college girls only wear eye makeup (black kohl) and gloss throughout the day, but you can go mad with colours at night
4. Everyone in the major cities like Delhi and Mumbai is extremely fashion concious so you better keep up with the latest trends!
5. Never, ever wear heels when you’re moving around the whole day, they (and you) will be a complete mess at the end of it
6. Low necks in the day are a big no-no
7. You get amazing bags and jewellery at the local flea markets so go there with a local so that you aren’t completely ripped off
8. Oversized bags in bold colours make a huge fashion statement
9. Sun screen is a must!
10. Carry hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE!
Kate
Can you do a post about what to wear in Russia this summer- both big cities like Moscow and also smaller ones? Thanks!
Leona
great post, but no pics w/ inspiration??
Valeria
Wow! Since I live in Chile, I can say that this was an AMAZING post! You really got the whole fashion idea that we have here in South America.
We’re very relaxed and we stick to the basics here. Your best accesory is your personality ;)
stina
every single one of these posts has been inspirational, even though I’m not planning to study abroad in any of these places! the fashion from each culture is SO fascinating and your take on it is brilliant! x
Nayeli
I live in the US but I’m Mexican and Ive gone to Mexico LOTS of times.
I also have many Mexican friends, and really fashion in Mexico is basically the same
in US. So (to the girl from Germany) I dont think theres a big difference in German and American clothing (if any at all) so i dont think you would have to worry to much.
Mari Trigo
Hi! I´m from Brazil!
I’m so glad that you will come here! I hope you enjoy this country!
Dont´t forget the shorts and top tanks, here is really hot!!!!!
If you need more tips just tell me!
Kisses
Monica Hernandez
Hi!!
I’m from Brazil but I now live in Florida and I agree with everything you said. I have a few things to say about going to South America:
1. Traditional american bikinis are a big NO NO in Brazilian beaches. Unless you buy the styles that say “cheeky” or brazilian cut, people are going to think you look funny with you bottom fully covered. So buy a bikini there, it’s cheap. At least the bottom.
2. Always make sure you check how the weather is in the city where you will be staying because Brazil is mostly hot and humid, but it can be COLD at some areas and some times of the year. If you are going to the south of Brazil (Porto Alegre, Caxias do Sul) in August, for example, temperatures reach 35. It’s not a snow type of weather but it can be pretty chilly.
3. Makeup is very basic except when you’re clubbing at night. If you are going to the North East (Salvador, Recife, etc) and will depend on public transportation your makeup will melt and smudge because of the heat. So don’t even bother to apply more than eyeliner/mascara and lipstick during the day.
4. Flip flops and flats are very important because the sidewalks may be damaged, specially in the big cities, so heels will make your life a lot harder… The buses are usually out of schedule and sometimes you have to run to the bus stop to catch it. Imagine doing that in heels. You don’t wanna do that.
5. Most important of all, if you are going to a big city such as Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Salvador, Recife, and others, NEVER walk around with your nice camera on your hands. Keep it in your purse when not in use and be alert when you are using it. And keep your valuables always with you and don’t show them off in public places such as the bus. If you are taking the bus, I recommend you don’t wear expensive jewelry.
Brazilians are very friendly and I’m sure you will have a great time there. There are lots of things to do and to see. Make sure you don’t go to Mc Donald’s everyday but instead try the local food. Acaraje, tapioca, bolo de rolo, canjica, goiabada cascao, queijo minas, munguza, coxinha, guarana, açai… yum yum!!!
Just keep in mind that it is also a country still in development and unfortunatelly there are lots of social problems so be alert. It is a wonderful place but it is not heaven yet. LOL!
Have a good time in Brazil / South America!
Aproveite bastante!
Patricia
What a great post! It’s nice that you travelling gals care about how to look good when coming South :), we really appreciate that!
Just a quick piece of advice for North American girls coming to Chile, my homecountry:
1. I have noticed a lot of North American girls bringing your typical North Face jackets and backpacks and wearing them everywhere. While they’re truly practical and comfortable, you should definitely give local fashion a try. There are lots of street vendors selling colorful, low priced stuff that will spice up the most basic of outfits.
2. Don’t go overboard with your night attire. Everybody likes a girl looking cute and put together, but sky high heels or heavy make up aren’t thaaat popular with young people. Skinny jeans, a pretty loose top and a nice pair of flats are all that you need for a fun night out!
3. Boho-inspired jewelry is really trendy here. Don’t be afraid to wear your favorite bangles, cocktail rings and dangling earrings all together. What is more, you can find great deals in local flea markets so there’s no need to overpack in your homecountries ;)
Kisses and hugs!
av
hey, all the comments and tips are for the summers and south india, but if you’re anywhere in north india you’re going to require a lot of woolen clothes. the standard in delhi is to wear skinnies with boots and layers on top, sweaters, scarves, high necks, ponchos, coats..
and if you’re going partying, anything you wear in your country goes in India.. so long as you have safe transport to and from the party.
Nelle
I’m disappointed that this series is over because I would have liked to see Russia/Ukraine/Former U.S.S.R.
What are some other sources of advice?
aish
yeah i wanted to c australia
this was such an awsome post idea
Colleen - NYU
Hey guys!
I only stopped writing these because I did not receive any more information about any other sites. However, I am absolutely open to continuing it if I receive more info from readers. In my next “What Do I Wear?” post, I will ask if readers will continue to send me more to whatdoiwearthere@gmail.com. If there is enough interest and information, I will certainly look into doing more spots!
Glad you all found this series helpful and thank you so much to everyone who added additional tips =]
Colleen
aish
hey colleen
thanx a lot for writing these articles
they wer really helpful
what kind of information do you need to recive from readers in order to continue the series?
thanx
Nelle
http://www.journeywoman.com/ccc/default.html
Advice for women contributed by other women on how to dress in countries ranging from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
Nelle
Unfortunately they don’t have Ukraine. I’m stuck.
Paula
Hey !
Just wanted to add some things about brazil!
You need to know exactly where you are going because, although we are one country only, cities like são paulo and rio de janeiro are very different
in são paulo, people usually wear more makeup annd dress up more than
people do in rio. Maybe it is the beach? I don’t know really. Lol. Still, don’t expect people to be as bold as they are in america. Makeup here means blush, concealer, mascara and maybe a lipgloss, whereas you may spot most girls from cities like salvador and rio de janeiro with less or even nothing but a shiny lip balm on!
As for night outfits, it is nice to pull more different ideas off but remember to stay away from crazy stuff like you already said! In são paulo, most girls go out in skinny jeans (bootcuts have NEVER been fashion here i guess). If you are in cities Next to the beach, go with a cute dress!
Check out the weather too because it can get really hot here. I mean, REALLY hot. Last week it was like july in Vegas in rio de janeiro !! And not so dry so yeah your hair may scream for sos!
But have fun ! O Brasil é um país maravilhoso!
Last thing;
look for these stores:
cantão
le lis blanc
costume
bobstore
filitty
rock lily
daslu
leeloo
m officer
lola e maria
Paula ferber <- awesome shoes! really unique
shop 126
redley
spezzato
folic
Anything u need, just say it!
I LOVE collegefashion
Dani
aaaaaaaww, the pic from Brazil is in my city! Rio de Janeiro! And the beach that brazilians are always going (Ipanema!). First thing you have to know is what city are you going. If you are comingo to Rio, for example, no matter what time of the year, make sure you ALWAYS bring shorts, light shirts and a good and confortable flat. If it’s cold, put a coat and thights. And if you want, add it a converse! ;) It works almost every time! Here, our style is basically beachy, since our city is known ’cause of it’s beautiful beaches!
College and teenage girls here uses only the basic makeup (like everybody on the comments is saying!)
And don’t forget the flip-flops! If you want an original Havaiana, buy it here, is cheaper and has waaay more styles! Don’t forget you sunglasses, we’re always with ours!
Get some cute dresses, add the flip-flop or the flat or a jelly! (I don’t know the price in US but here is around 100, 150 reais, depends of the model! I bought one in heels it was almost 200 reais!)
Well, no matter what, enjoy your stay and make sure to take LOOOOOOOTS of pictures, ’cause when you leave it, you’ll miss it :)
Niamh
Hi! I’d love to see a post on Russia aswell, as I’m planning on going teaching there soon!!