The Ultimate Guide: 5 Dress Codes You Need to Follow In Amsterdam

Amsterdam is probably one of the most well-visited countries in Europe, and it ranks 29th in the Top 100 City Destinations Ranking list for 2017. The city welcomes almost 18 million of tourists every year and is projected to grow in 23 million by 2025. It’s not surprising though, with its perfect sceneries, panoramic views, and breathtaking architectural structures, it’s no wonder why this city is a constant top lister in the bucket list of many.

Before setting your foot in the Venice of the North, follow the practical dress codes below so that you can blend in with the locals and to avoid looking like an estranged person from another village.

For Men: Leave Your Sweatshirts Behind

I know sweatshirts are comfortable and most people lived with them for years. But you’re better off if you leave those thick articles of clothing behind. Besides taking up a lot of room in your luggage when packing, men in Amsterdam rarely wear sweatshirts, because when they do, they are most likely heading to watch sports.

What you need to bring instead is a zip-up hoodie in cool or solid colors and patterns which you can buy on some fashion sites like Seed Heritage, because it works well with how locals dress up. As a bonus, hoodies are easier to roll and more practical to bring.

[amazon_link asins=’B01FHIIKK6,B00JUM4SR0,B00GKF3W90′ template=’ProductCarouselwithoutheader’ store=’thewisy-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’bf065fe5-a434-11e7-908b-ef585f720bfc’]

For Men: Ditch Your Chunky Sneakers

Take heed, European men do wear sneakers. But, it’s not the chunky basketball shoes, the kind that will bury your feet and ankles. Choose a sneaker with neutral colors, comfortable cushioning support and low-cut as possible.

Adidas, Nike, Converse, and Puma are popular brands among men in Amsterdam who love athletic brands. These brands are often on the street on a daily basis. And, don’t be surprised if you see someone sporting a pair of shoes that resemble soccer shoes because they love it.

[amazon_link asins=’B00IYBCLRW,B000PRLCJG,B00NUZDVL2′ template=’ProductCarouselwithoutheader’ store=’thewisy-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’fec38368-a434-11e7-810f-675d3c32f254′]

For Women: Tights are Sensible Choices

For ladies, it’s a good decision to bring some ankle-length thick tights because it’s a fashion staple among European women. Women usually wear tights under skirts, dresses, and shorts.

Tights are lighter to pack and only takes a minimal space in your luggage compared to jeans and denim pants. Also, tights dry up faster. Other than that, they can also make your legs look longer and slimmer. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone because you get to wear comfortable clothing and look thinner at the same time.

Slip on a pair of good tights, layer it with a short skirt and finish the look with a slinky top, and you’re ready to go.[amazon_link asins=’B00X6CYBGI,B01M12N84A,B01M8GEFEU’ template=’ProductCarouselwithoutheader’ store=’thewisy-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’1f4c5ef5-a435-11e7-9207-cb829e57c0ce’][amazon_link asins=’B00NOU54XG,B0002THW6E,B004YJSHLW’ template=’ProductCarouselwithoutheader’ store=’thewisy-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’27d96537-a435-11e7-919f-cd8c97209173′]

For Women: Bring the Proper Boots

 As for ideal footwears, there’s a high chance that women will need a comfortable pair of boots to explore the outskirts of Amsterdam. If you plan to spend some days to trek the Alps, then you might have to bring an extra pair of hiking boots.

The topography of Europe consists of flatlands, and cities swell with hand-laid cobblestones, so it’s practical if you ditch stilettos and opt for comfortable boots with a thick heel that can withstand friction from rough cobblestones.[amazon_link asins=’B00S3835MG,B01N2M1CGL,B074KXXS11′ template=’ProductCarouselwithoutheader’ store=’thewisy-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3ffd5bf5-a435-11e7-80c7-cb859bbb7e4c’][amazon_link asins=’B014R4QMR4,B074NDTVNM,B01BCQME2M’ template=’ProductCarouselwithoutheader’ store=’thewisy-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’872db1e5-a435-11e7-983e-cfd70ad82534′]

Flip-Flops, Golf Visors, and Baseball Caps aren’t Necessary

Yes, visors, baseball caps, and flip-flops are practical, but Amsterdammers don’t wear them on a daily basis. Many clothing stores in Amsterdam sell fun, cool and affordable hats, that are equally useful and great as souvenirs. Other option would be buying your staple of clothing online.

There are various online shops that sell specific clothing goods appropriate for European weather. And while we’re at it, do not bring flip-flops because they’re ideal for beachwear only. If the weather is too humid or hot, find a sturdy pair of sandals.[amazon_link asins=’B01DNAA0E4,B0756WB7YW,B074S79JR1′ template=’ProductCarouselwithoutheader’ store=’thewisy-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’a9ce975b-a435-11e7-87e4-9fc17404bd68′]

Extra Tip: Amsterdammers’ NightLife Dress Code

Every location in Amsterdam has their club policy and dress code. As a tourist, it’s important for you to know what is the required dress code for each nightclub or experience. So, how do Amsterdammers dress up when they’re out clubbing?

Nightlife in this city has a few different dress codes which vary according to the nightclub or experience you want to avail.

For Men

The rules are pretty easy to follow when it comes to men’s dress code in Amsterdam. But, in general, the image that most clubs in Amsterdam prefer to see with their customers is a clean and casual look. For the more formal and elegant dress code, attention to details is everything.

For Women

Dress codes for women are relatively simple. However, it’s highly advisable to make sure that you’re well-dressed wherever you may go and pay attention to details as well. Most clubs and experiences require women to dress up in a chic and casual manner.

Some clubs have higher dress code standards that will affect your entry to that location. Make sure to look stylish,  feel good, and party hard!

One Last Piece of Advice

You’re done packing for your OOTD (Outfit Of The Day), and you think you’re good to go. Not so fast ladies and gentlemen. It pays to have some quick lessons about dos and don’ts when you are out exploring foreign countries. Every country has different cultures and customs that tourists should abide.

As for Amsterdam, shouting or yelling outside is a no-no! Think twice before you decide to shout across a street, restaurant, train, car or a bar just to get your friend’s attention.

Walk over to your friend and speak about your business, or wait until your friend approaches you because that’s what Amsterdammers do. The last thing that you want to happen is to appear as a stereotypical, clueless and loud-mouth tourist who have no respect for their customs.

Takeaway

A rewarding trip is impossible without the presence of comfortable clothes that you can wear while embarking on touristy endeavors, especially in a lovely country like Amsterdam. Before you bombard your social feeds with enviable photo snaps, make sure that you’re dressing appropriately for the occasion first. Follow the dress codes above and make good memories while exploring the beauty of the enchanting Amsterdam.