What to wear when traveling abroad

[momopi]

http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/501630

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RUSSIA

At a meeting: You'd be hard-pressed to get hems higher or necklines lower than those of Muscovite businesswomen. While Americans shouldn't try to keep up, they're expected to spend time on their hair and makeup. Men accessorize mullets (a trend!) with double-breasted suits, preferably pin-striped.

On the street: Scanty outfits require tights and fur coats during frigid Russian winters; men flash as much Dolce, Versace, and Armani as possible, along with acid-washed Italian jeans. Sneakers draw incredulous stares.

At a party: "The average Russian woman has higher cheekbones and longer legs," says Peter Savodnik, a Russian-based journalist. You can catch up with stilettos (worn 24/7) and local fave Stella McCartney. Men have it much easier, Savodnik says: "Brush your teeth, use some product, tie your shoes, don't make eye contact with cops, and everything will be fine."

P.S. "Super Euro cologne—and especially anything Armani—is the height of hip; the more the better," says Savodnik.

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A TALE OF TWO CITIES

Can anyone really not call Paris and Milan the fashion capitals of the world? After all, one is home to Chanel and Dior, the other to Prada and Armani. But how can you tell your Milanese hipster from your Parisian sylph? We asked Scott Schuman, the mastermind behind the popular fashion blog The Sartorialist, for some clues (his book, The Sartorialist, was released in August)

Milan
Hair should be up.
"The Milanese girl wears whatever's on trend in a sexy, overt way. She doesn't do anything vintage or sporty."
Must be a colorful print.
"The overall effect is resilient and formal. She's not one to mess around."
"Milanese girls' style is set: all Italian, all big brands, all off the runway. She loves D&G. Prada's too intellectual, Marni's too quirky."
Skin should be tanned.
"Shoes must be high to show off her legs."

Paris
Hair must be mussed.
"Unlike the Milanese girl, she's not brand obsessed: The Parisian will mix vintage with French brands like Isabel Marant and Vanessa Bruno, and throw in some cheap stuff from A.P.C."
Oversized white tee falling off her shoulder.
"There's a come-hither kind of sexiness to a Parisian girl: She's covered up but seems somehow barer, more fragile. She's more precious than your Milanese young thing: The Parisian girl is like a gift, with a sultry quality that's underlying but never plain."
These are her boyfriend's.
Her shoes are Balmain.