An extremely common question among all holidaymakers for Spain's summer tourist season: what clothes should I pack? Western Europe's cities are famous as centres of fashion, but travellers also need to factor in comfort and convenience.
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The advice here won't apply to everyone or every event, but should help provide some broad guidelines for prospective travellers.
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Dress for the heat
Even on the coast, Barcelona's summers get hot, especially in July and August. Temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit (high 20s and 30s Celsius) are the norm. Especially if you're going to be spending time walking around outdoors, you should be sure you're bringing clothes that can breathe.
The sun also gets harsh; be sure to wear either shirts that will keep the sun off of your shoulders or plenty of sunscreen. Sundresses and blouses are common for women, while button-ups, polo shirts, and jerseys are popular for men. It's a good idea to have a hat on hand for the sun as well; baseball caps are less commonly seen in Spain, but they're still around. Sunhats or bucket hats are more common.
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Colours and styles
Catalan fashion does not usually focus on especially eye-catching colours or patterns. If you are wanting to fit in with the local fashion, consider focusing a little more on neutrals or slightly more muted colors. If you have a more casual style, it's not necessary to overthink. Jeans and shorts are always fine, and you can't go wrong with t-shirts.
When it comes to patterns, simple is better; stripes, polka dots, and simple florals will all work fine.
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Shoes and sandals
Barcelona is a very pedestrian-friendly city; some of the city's most historic areas, such as the Gothic Quarter, are mostly or entirely pedestrianized. The best way to get around the city is also usually by making use of the public transit, which involves no small amount of walking to and between stations. As such, comfortable shoes are a must.
Sandals are very common, but avoid anything with heels; large parts of the historic city have cobblestones laid down that can be dangerous for narrow heels.
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Formality
The fear of being either over- or under-dressed can be a concern for many tourists. Catalan everyday wear tends to be slightly more formal than some other countries such as the United States, so if you want to really fit in with the local style, it may be a good idea to steer clear of athleisure wear or t-shirts with gym shorts. However, plenty of people in Catalonia also dress more casually, and it will not necessarily make you stand out as a tourist.