Fashion in Sevilla, by Ella Williamson

I have chosen to reflect on the fashion in Sevilla and the differences I have noticed from the United States. In Sevilla I have realized that many people dress up a lot to go to class and work, and even just to leave the house. I live with a host family, and my host mom will often put on makeup and nice clothing just to go onto the street to walk the dog. This is very different than the US where many people will walk their dogs in athletic gear or relaxed clothing such as pajamas. At university in Sevilla many students dress wearing nice shirts, dresses and fancier clothing. At my school in the US many students come to school wearing sweatshirts and sweatpants or just very relaxed casual clothing.

The difference in ress can be seen throughout a lot of European countries. I believe it has to do with historical differences in geography and culture. Importance of looks and clothing can be related to wealth and well-being therefore, still emphasized in Europe. In the US, where homesteading was historically common, dress was not as important. In class, we discussed this concept as culture is easy to see and judge on the surface when there is so much more underlaying the surface. Clothing is an example of material cultural; it is something expressed physically. Further, culture is deontic meaning culture has rules that explain how to act which includes dress. These norms are typically implicit rather than explicit. This news article talks about the different Spanish style and details that differ from a lot of American fashion. The article talks about how in Spain, comfort is typically of lesser importance.

https://ics-seville.org/dressing-in-spain/