Spanish culture is known for its very laidback lifestyle, especially compared to the fast-paced American way of living. However, interestingly, things change when it comes to fashion. For instance, before coming to Madrid, friends from Boston who had studied abroad here told me how I would most likely never see students wearing t-shirts and sweatpants or gym clothes to classes (which I used to wear a lot back at Northeastern!). And, after two months here, I can confirm they were right (this tip undoubtedly saved me a lot of space while packing!). I have found that, overall, most students here in Madrid take fashion very seriously; layers, leathery garments, and accessories are almost always part of their everyday outfits. If you are interested in fashion or not, I hope this helps you get a preview of what to expect, clothing-wise, when visiting Madrid, as well as helping you make packing decisions before traveling. I must admit that I am an innate over-packer. When packing for my semester abroad, I tried to shove my first two and a half years of college inside my two bags. I thought that I needed to bring every single thing I used in Boston, plus more. After two months here, I wish I could go back in time and leave some stuff back home.
Many factors make dressing up here different than doing so in Boston. For instance, the weather. Spring in Madrid starts kind of cold but gets warmer by the second. In these eight weeks here, I have not faced any weather below 0ºC (which is one of the perks of skipping the freezing January in Boston). Also, despite how it sometimes drops to around 4ºC, there is much less wind here and a whole lot of sun. I used to bring my heavy coat to class, but after a few days of walking back and forth to the University, I realized it was a bad idea. The weather would make me feel suffocated while walking to class, despite it being 4ºC. Two years in Boston surely taught me what real cold feels like! With that in mind, I have noticed the importance of having versatile outwear in Madrid. Back in Boston, I used to depend on a single heavy winter coat. Here, since the weather is rapidly changing, that winter coat has not been handy; it has stayed in my closet, untouched for the past two weeks. If I could, I would leave it back home to save space and bring different outwear variations. For instance, students here use a lot of trench coats, puffer jackets, leather jackets, and fur-like vests; since the weather in Madrid is anything but stable, bringing more outerwear options might be a smarter choice than bring a big, bulky winter coat.
Moreover, very much like Boston, people in Madrid walk A LOT. So, footwear choices are ones to be thought through. Here, I have noticed that both men and women make boots an essential part of their everyday outfit. Aside from being a practical day-to-night piece, boots can make a simple outfit seem very put-together. Despite having been through surprisingly warm weather days in these two months, I have not seen anyone wearing open shoes, like flip flops or sandals as they are unpractical for the amount of walking done. Also, I am glad I left my heavy rain boots behind since it has only really rained two days ever since I have been here! When it comes to sneakers, however, I have seen it all (basic, flashy, retro, you name it!). I think that bringing around two pairs of basic, day-to-day sneakers, and a pair of more “formal” ones is a smart move; it has worked for me!
That said, people here in Madrid invest more on accessories than in having a lot of clothing variations. Clothing-wise, I have observed how most people tend to rely on classics, like denim jeans and basic long and short-sleeved shirts. However, they always manage to look more stylish as they merge that classic look with a pair of boots and a coat. Honestly, I wish I had known this before. My closet is, unfortunately, full of things that I have only used once (or never) while being here. For instance, I brought an array of thick sweaters in different colors, which are merely occupying closet-space. If I wear them to class, I will feel overheated once I arrive, which is why, wearing a basic, long sleeve t-shirt, under a jacket is a smarter choice. Also, layering is a huge deal in Madrid; not only is it fashionable but practical as one can adapt its use to how much weather changes throughout the day. I wish I could swap those thick sweaters for a bunch of neck scarves that will make my outfits more stylish and versatile, and I can easily take them on and off during the day.
Furthermore, when it comes to activewear, you must know this: most apartment buildings in Madrid were built decades ago; thus, most have no gym facilities. Back at Northeastern, I used to throw on the first gym clothes I saw, and take the elevator to the gym or quickly head towards Marino. If you are into sports and gym, save some space for activewear, as you will have to walk a few minutes towards your nearest gym. Bringing a roomy backpack is also a good decision. Since my University is around half an hour from where I live, I pack my gym clothes and running shoes so that I can head to the gym without having to stop at my house. On the other hand, when it comes to sweatpants or loungewear, you will notice how they are of no use while being here. I thought that bringing pairs of sweats and hoodies was a good idea so that I could wear them to travel with on weekends. I was wrong. Thus, I realized that weekend trips are so short that I would have to wear something that I can tour around with as soon as I get off the plane or train.
There are also some essential things you must keep in mind. Firstly, if you ever talk to a student who has studied abroad here in Madrid, they will very likely tell you how drying machines are not a thing. So, you better prioritize space in your bag for daily essentials (like socks), which you have to wear every day, so you are not forced to do laundry every week. Moreover, things like skincare and haircare products are MUCH cheaper here in Spain; so, do not get frustrated if you need to leave some stuff behind. Lastly, if you intend to bring things like blow-dryers or any other electric devices, make sure that they are compatible with European adaptors. (Pro tip: travel with a European charging adaptor in your carry-on bag, so you avoid arriving with no phone battery after a long flight; better be safe than sorry!)
I am sure that, as time goes by, I will find out more specifically, what are the truly essential things and what are the unnecessary ones, when it comes to packing. I wrote these tips based on my observations and personal experiences so far and, hopefully, they helped you get a glimpse of how daily-fashion works in Madrid. Planning ahead is a must, but keep in mind that, as ready as you think you are, it is completely normal to face changes and learn how to adapt basic things, like clothes, along the way.
