This summer, my sister and I traveled on a grad trip to France for a week, visiting two different cities of France: Nice and Paris. We also explored other towns along the Côte d’Azur: Antibes, Cannes, St. Paul de Vence, and I went on a day trip to Monaco as well. In Paris, we went sightseeing on historic boulevards, walked through city gardens, drove down the Champs-Élysées, and biked through Versailles. Just like I have done before on my trips abroad, I observed what people were wearing in France. What were the overarching characteristics of real, everyday French fashion between the two regions I visited? How did what the French wear compare with Americans’ preexisting idea of French fashion?

France, and especially Paris, is famous around the world for its fashion, with designers like Louis Vuitton, Dior, YSL, and Chanel. French women are also known for their iconic style, characterized by a certain restraint in dressing, with a timeless “less is more” approach making French fashion the definition of chic.

Just like when writing about the fashion of Italy, the biggest issue was the tourists. At especially popular landmarks and trendy shops and restaurants, tourists often outnumbered the French. For my article, I wanted to discover what French citizens wear on a day-to-day basis, rather than reinforce what tourists wear on a holiday in France. I have found it best to look at places such as small local cafes, grocery stores, the train station, and even the Air France airline where I met several French tourists going on vacation to Americas.

Just like my previous two articles on Japanese and Italian fashion, I collected information and outfit ideas, and then curated shopping links for readers to recreate them at home, using a mix of storied French brands and more accessible North American ones.

Here are some of the looks I observed the French wearing and how to incorporate French fashion into your daily life.

Casual / Daily Dressing

Tops

• Saint James Breton Shirt

• Sezane Embroidered Blouse

• Knit Cardigan

  

• Linen Button-Down

Bottoms

• Straight-leg denim

• Linen Pants

• Linen Maxi Skirt

Dresses

• Floral Mini Dress

• Wrap Dress

Shoes

• Veja Sneakers

• Espadrilles

• Simple Leather Sandals

Accessories

• Delicate Gold and Pearl Necklace

• Celine Straw Tote Bag

  

• Tortoise Sunglasses

  

Dressy / Professional

Tops

• Cardigan Jacket

  

• Knit Top

• Silk Shirt

Bottoms

• Tailored Trousers

• Tweed 2-Piece Set

• Classic Twill Pencil Skirt

Dresses

• Classic Shirtdress

• Polka Dot Slip Dress

  

Shoes

• Repetto

• Cap Toe Flats

• Block Heel Boots

Accessories

• Sac de Jour

• Classic Trench Coat

• Hermes Silk Scarf

• Diamond Heart Studs

Observations & Themes

Colors

The French wardrobe is built around a fairly concise color palette. Navy, black, cream, camel, and white were by far the most common colors, with the occasional red piece serving as a statement. Compared to American fashion, there was less emphasis on bright colors, pastels, or highly trend-driven shades. Instead, most outfits were intentionally coordinated around a few versatile neutrals.

Patterns

Unlike what Emily in Paris may lead you to believe, patterns were generally subtle. thin stripes were the most common, especially the classic Breton stripe. I also noticed some soft, understated florals and small polka dots, but bold prints were rare. Logos were also uncommon despite the abundance of luxury brands throughout France.

Shapes / Silhouettes

France’s preferred silhouettes are tailored without appearing restrictive. Clothing was often relaxed but intentional, with an emphasis on proper fit rather than oversized or skin-tight extremes. Knee or midi lengths, tailored trousers, straight-leg jeans, and structured jackets are common. The goal here is to create balance and proportion rather than following dramatic trends.

Regionality

France vs. America

Like in Japan and Italy, one of the biggest differences I observed was the role of athleisure. In America, athletic wear, lounge clothing, and comfort-focused dressing are common parts of everyday wardrobes. In France, people generally looked more put together, even for casual activities like taking the plane. This did not mean dressing formally or uncomfortably, but rather dressing intentionally. A simple outfit like a plain t-shirt with linen drawstring pants and white sneakers replaced leggings, sweatshirts, and athletic shoes.

Paris vs. Nice

Despite sharing the same fundamental pillars of French fashion, Nice had a very different aesthetic from Paris. The city’s coastal setting and strong Italian influence created a lighter, more relaxed aesthetic. I saw a lot of linen, poplin, straw bags, and flowy skirts, while in Paris women leaned more toward structured silhouettes, darker neutrals, and classic Parisian chic. Nice felt softer and more Mediterranean, while Paris felt more urban and restrained.

Tourist vs. Local

Many tourists dressed according to stereotypes of French fashion rather than how French people actually dress. Linen matching sets, oversized sun hats, dramatic floral sundresses, and curated “European vacation” outfits were common among visitors. Locals, on the other hand, tended to dress much more simply. Their clothing was practical, understated, and refined rather than designed for photographs or social media.

Hair & Beauty

Makeup

French beauty trends emphasize a very natural appearance. Makeup was minimal, with the focus placed on healthy skin rather than full-glam. The goal of French beauty is to enhance natural features rather than transform them. When makeup was used as a statement, it was through a classic red lip.

Hair Styling

French women generally styled their hair less than American women. Rather than blowouts or curls, many women seemed comfortable embracing natural hair texture, soft waves, or simple everyday styling (like the classic French twist). The overall effect was polished without appearing overly controlled.

Manicures

I noticed far fewer manicures or painted nails than I typically see in America. Instead, French women favored natural nails or neutral polish. One of our tour guides noted that women in France don’t spend their money on manicures, instead they will get a facial once a month, illustrating a greater emphasis on skincare and natural beauty versus highly visible beauty treatments.

Perfume

Perfume is such an important part of French style. Paris was filled with perfume boutiques and historic fragrance houses. In France, fragrance functions as an extension of personal style, and it is key to find your signature scent.

Final Thoughts

French fashion was much more casual and practical than one might expect. Luxury brands exist everywhere in France, yet relatively few people actually dress in obvious designer clothing. If Italian fashion can be summarized as glamour, French fashion can be summarized as chic- or stylish and sophisticated in a refined way. The French appear more interested in presenting a polished, sophisticated image rather than seeking to stand out. The result is a style that feels timeless rather than trendy, elegant rather than flashy, and confident without appearing to try too hard. The French invest in timeless pieces over short-lived trends, dress intentionally even for everyday activities, value fit and elevated basics, and embrace natural beauty.

I’ve always enjoyed fashion as a hobby, both developing my personal style and paying attention to trends: what people actually wear to class, what shows up organically on Pinterest before it becomes mass-marketed, and what starts to feel normal rather than performative. My fashion intuition comes from watching patterns repeat themselves: what girls on campus actually reach for when they’re heading to class, what pieces stick around longer than just a season, and what aesthetics feel like a response to the moment we’re in.

These are my 2026 fashion predictions, shaped by what I’m seeing on campus, social media, and everyday outfits. These are not runway extremes, but the slow shift toward what feels wearable, understated, and lived-in.

What’s In

1. Animal Sweaters

Charming, cozy, and grounded. A revival of the dog and teddy bear sweaters originally by Ralph Lauren, but now seen in all kinds of stores. This is the latest iteration of the flag sweater trend. Think of classic British animals like Labrador Retrievers, foxes, and horses with neutral, earthy shades of cotton or wool.

2. Dark Wash Denim

A polished and professional take on denim. Dark denim comes across as more intentional and mature, and is versatile for both casual and business casual looks.

3. Clear Mascara

1. Not wearing mascara is becoming a status symbol, but clear mascara can still provide confidence, making lashes look lifted and effortless in the no-makeup makeup era.

   

4. Curly Hair

Whenever a new season of Stranger Things is released, the ‘80s always come back in style. Curly hair is something I am seeing more and more of on campus, and I think that big/curly hair could be the next hair trend, as a reaction to the flat/sleek hair previously popular.

5. Elevated Loungewear

Loungewear isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but it’s getting more sophisticated: matching knits, tailored sweats, and pieces that are wearable in public. Quiet Luxury, but for lounging.

6. Maxi Slip Skirts

An elegant staple from the ‘90s. Slip skirts are easy to dress up or down, feminine without being pretentious, and exude quiet luxury.

7. English Aristocrat Country Estate Aesthetic

I am predicting that the Countryside English Aristocrat will be the dominant ‘aesthetic’ for 2026. I am seeing more and more of this look on social media. Think tweed blazers, green khaki tones, equestrian boots, chunky cashmere sweaters, pea coats, barn coats, and plaid scarves.

8. Matching Sweat Sets

A continuation of the Elevated Loungewear trend, matching sweat sets are all the rage. Baggy sweatpants and oversized sweatshirts in a matching color or print are very popular on campus.

9. Fair Isle Sweaters

Après-ski chic! Timeless and nostalgic, fair isle sweaters are the perfect winter trend. They are classic, cozy, and perfect for the colder months far beyond 2026.

10. Equestrian Boots

While English Country Aristocrat is the leading aesthetic, equestrian boots deserve their own mention. I have been wearing this trend my whole life, and is one of my personal favorites. Kate Middleton is the fashion inspiration here. Note: She is also wearing a Fair Isle sweater.

11. Leather Bomber Jacket

Relaxed but always cool. A softer alternative to rigid tailoring, especially in oversized or vintage cuts. This is quickly becoming a popular item for fashionable Gen Z.

12. Natural Nails

Short, neutral, and barely-there. Low maintenance and quietly sophisticated. Shorter lengths, sheer polish, and natural pearl looks will be in vogue.

13. Baggy Silhouettes

Gen Z loves baggy and oversized looks. Consider wide-leg sweatpants paired with an oversized sweatshirt, or baggy jeans and a baggy sweater. It signals confidence and effortlessness.

14. Preppy Revival

Preppy, once very much out, is starting to come in again. Polo shirts, rugby shirts, and tailored pants are on the rise for and a casual, collegiate, and classic look. Note: Jellycats are also very popular.

15. Straight Eyebrows

This is a slightly androgynous look, which represents a dramatic departure from the highly penciled, highly arched brows of the late 2010s and early 2020s. Inspired by K-beauty (and K-Pop Demon Hunters?) and influenced by makeup artist Nina Park.

16. Salomon XT-Whisper Sneakers

I personally don’t think they look very appealing, but I have seen an exponential increase in these shoes’ popularity growth rate, making them poised to become the next ‘it’ sneaker. Soon, you will be seeing them everywhere.

What’s Out

1. Bubble Skirts

Very dated and did not look objectively good, this trend will stay in 2025.

2. Mini Skirts and Mini Dresses

Not practical, comfortable, or elegant, and starting to feel very dated compared to flowy, longer skirts.

3. Polka Dots

These were so trendy in 2024 and 2025 that they are rapidly becoming of the times and will not continue as a fashionable trend in 2026.

4. Leggings

No longer fashionable, I really don’t see anyone wearing leggings anymore. I think this is because they are the opposite of the oversized aesthetic and come across as outdated.

5. Maximalist Nails

Also falling out of favor. Long, over-the-top nails and elaborate manicures are more for the early 2020s, while natural nails will be in for the late 2020s.

6. Crop Tops

Again, this item does not match the oversized look that is in. Crop tops look juvenile, not very polished or put together.

7. Milkmaid Dresses and Cottagecore

Very dated, circa 2022-2023, this aesthetic was once whimsical but never actually very wearable, and now its time has passed.

8. Loud Luxury/Mob Wife Aesthetic

Recognizably branded pieces, obvious logos, and flashy luxury accessories, as well as leopard print, are going out of style. Instead of showing off all the brands you bought, it’s considered more prestigious to show restraint, taste, and subtlety.

9. Fake Country Western/ Coastal Cowgirl

I love Western fashion, but this trend has reached the point of oversaturation, where it is no longer cool or special. Especially if you are not actually a cowboy. I suspect we will be seeing fewer jean shorts, cowboy boots, and western wear outside the actual rodeo arena or country dancehall.

10. Hair Accessories

This is an unfortunate trend, but it is true. I have noticed that no one wears hair accessories anymore at all. Just a few years ago, big hair bows and ornate claw clips like those from Emi Jay were all the rage, but now simple hair without accessories is the look. Headbands and scrunchies have also gone with the wind.

11. Curtain Bangs

Once the most trendy haircut, curtain bangs defined the early 2020s, but are no longer fashion-forward.

12. Labubu Dolls

These were clearly a 2025 bubble, and they have already peaked.

13. Adidas Sambas

This look was just too specific to 2025 and will no longer be the ‘it’ shoe in 2026.

Overall Impressions

So far, 2026 feels like a year of quiet refinement rather than dramatic reinvention. Fashion is moving away from hyper-trendy pieces and toward things that feel wearable, repeatable, and personal. There’s less interest in dressing for the internet and more emphasis on clothes that actually work in real life: on campus, in cities, in everyday routines. Comfort still matters, but it’s being filtered through polish and restraint. The key is intention: fewer statements, better choices, and a growing preference for pieces that feel like part of someone’s wardrobe rather than a moment. 2026 fashion is about quiet confidence.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Do you have any more items that you think will be trendy or un-trendy in 2026?

Gen Z is entering adulthood at a crucial time in modern history. Despite being more connected online than any previous generation, we’re also facing what many researchers call a “loneliness epidemic.” Young people often struggle to form genuine relationships not because they don’t want them, but because the social environment they grew up in has made dating uniquely confusing.

Between social media, a pandemic-filled childhood, and online dating, many young people feel disillusioned about dating before they have even gone on a single date. My peers often tell me they want nothing more than a committed relationship, but they aren’t sure how to navigate the modern dating landscape or where to find someone who is serious about connection.

As an economics major, I think of the dating market the same way I think about any other type of market. This de-personalized outlook will help you stay objective and optimistic. As behavioral economics illustrates, when incentives change, outcomes change. And right now, young people are experiencing a dating environment shaped by both unprecedented opportunity and unprecedented confusion.

But do not lose hope. As someone in a long-term relationship with a southern gentleman, I feel I have a moral obligation to write this guide to help my fellow Gen Zs find romance and hope in today’s dating conditions. I’ve only dated one person, my current boyfriend, but I’ve spent enough time observing my classmates, listening to friends, and studying human behavior to believe that Gen Z is absolutely capable of building healthy, lasting relationships. Sometimes they just need a reminder to be confident and genuine, and to know that fairy-tale love and romance are still possible.

So, here are some unconventional tips for dating that you may not have heard of before. Read on to learn how to have a positive experience dating, and maybe even begin a relationship that will last for many years to come.

1. Prioritize in-person connection

The fact that you are reading this article in the first place is a great start! This means that you’re interested in dating, taking that risk and possibly starting something meaningful. This article is specifically about ways to meet a person in real life, not through dating apps. If you are interested in in-person dating, the first way to meet someone in real life is to make an effort to get to know other people.

In order to do that, focus on these three things, each of which I will expand on later in the article:

• Real conversations

• In-person chemistry

• Shared activities

2. Go to College

If you are in college (or grad school), you’re in luck! College is almost designed to be the ideal place to meet a significant other, and it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Never again in your life will you be surrounded by like-minded peers in such proximity of both distance, intelligence, and age. It’s important to focus on your grades, your future career, and friends in college, but college is also the perfect time to build a long-term relationship and this aspect of college should not be taken for granted. Choose wisely when selecting a college and in deciding the lifestyle you will live out at that college. And even if you don’t find your future spouse on campus, there will be plenty of opportunities in the professional world, using the doors that your degree has opened.

3. Don’t demand perfection of yourself

I watch a lot of videos about Gen Z trends, and one of the recurring themes about why Gen Z is hesitant to date is that they want to be perfect first. This could mean graduating from school, having a dream job secured, reaching a desired income level, being in perfect shape, etc. While self-improvement is an excellent goal, it is impossible to achieve perfection, and so most people just end up never dating. No matter where you are in life, it’s a good time to be dating, and you can even meet someone who will motivate you even more to achieve your goals. There’s something romantic about working together and achieving your goals side by side. Additionally, many people are terrified of rejection, but it’s not the end of the world. Statistically, this will happen, but don’t take it personally, although this sounds cliché, just view it as a learning experience on the road to finding true love, and continue your search.

 4. Become the best person you can be

Even if you can’t become perfect, you can be actively working towards becoming better, and you can still be looking for love while self-improving. Both are continuous processes. The great thing about dating is that you can find someone to work with. If you meet someone early in life, you can grow up together in a sense, as you graduate and navigate the world of careers, hiring, and apartment hunting. And in the meantime, before you meet someone, you should be working to become the person someone you would want to date would want to date. Learn about style and skincare, exercise, have hobbies, interests, and things that make you unique. And most importantly, study and network, so you can ensure your professional future will be bright.

5. Try new things, find common interests 

Rather than going clubbing and to bars, sign up for numerous social clubs and interest groups on campus that you might find engaging, and make it a goal to go to at least one meeting of each to conduct reconnaissance. Even if you are not in college anymore, look up local activities and young adult groups to join. This is a great way to meet someone with whom you might share a common interest, increasing your chances of this leading to a lasting relationship. If the club is terrible, eliminate it and move on to the next one. Find a group of people whose company you enjoy, and you will at the very least have friends. Simply getting out and about can lead to a chance encounter that may end up leading somewhere. Some interesting ways people I know met their significant others: Japan study abroad, country dancing, martial arts club, and walking their dogs.

6. Connection > criteria

Having specific boxes to check off is a certain way to kill your chances of finding ‘the one’. In reality, the only true way to know if someone is your one and only is if you feel in love with them. I know firsthand that love at first sight is real:). Feeling a spark when you see them, are with them, or talk to them is so important, and is the only way you will know if you are meant to be. For this reason, you need to meet them in person. Instead of a checklist, simply have a basic framework for what you want in a romantic partner. The most important thing is how someone treats you and approaches the relationship. You should make sure that you both agree on the same life goals and worldview, but it's okay if there is some variation in beliefs within the overall category. Do not date someone just for their specific religion or politics; having compatible personalities and shared interests is much more important in the long run. In the end, if you want a long-term relationship, look for long-term potential, someone you don’t want to stop hanging out with. A relationship is a long-term investment, not a bucket list.  

7. Show interest

Once you find someone you are interested in, DO NOT play hard to get or play games. This is manipulative and will only work on a weak-minded individual. Then this individual will just be acquired by the next manipulative person that comes along. Don’t be afraid to show happiness when they talk to you, ask them questions about their life, choose to sit near them, or study together. Meet their eyes and smile across the table. Most people of my generation have such low self-esteem that they will be flattered by any attention at all. Be genuine and don’t be intimidated! So, be friendly and polite, and be sure to show them special interest. Be assertive and don’t be passive- this goes for both genders, as does all of my advice. The thing about truly excellent advice is that it is universally applicable. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when you realize there is mutual attraction, and don’t throw away this chance.  

8. Don’t be weird or creepy

Be normal. One of the easiest ways to get a significant other is to simply not be weird. Do not wear weird makeup, overshare, or draw unnecessary attention to yourself. This is so important: do not create or consume online content that will come back to bite you. Keep a low digital profile and a clear head. Also, having good self-care and good style will go a long way. Even if your style is not outstanding, simply do not be actively bad. There is also a fine line between showing interest respectfully and being creepy. If someone does not reciprocate interest, do not push them.

9. Curiosity & intentionality go a long way

It’s the little things that make a difference. Dress up when you go out on a date to show that you care. Put effort into your appearance, even if you're just going to class. It pays off to look put together every day. Also, once you’re in a relationship, do sweet and surprising things for your significant other. Buy their favorite chocolate when you go grocery shopping, give them a handmade card, or send a sweet text. Simple is perfectly fine, but show that you put thought into it.

Another important thing is to have funny and entertaining stories to tell. Stay intellectually active by reading fine literature and interesting news stories, and everyone will love spending time with you for the great conversations. Cultivate your interests and passions, and never stop learning. Having a good sense of humor goes a very long way as well. People enjoy being around someone who can make them laugh. Additionally, show interest in your partner’s hobbies, thoughts, interests, and opinions! Hint: the most flattering thing you can do is ask someone their opinion. 

10. Bonus: Go dancing

What more romantic way is there to meet your future spouse? Dancing is fun and is the perfect opportunity to get to know someone. While you can bond through dancing and learning new moves together, you can also bond intellectually with your partner. Dancing is a low-stress opportunity to chat with someone of the opposite gender and get to know them better. Also, it’s fair to say that most people who go partner dancing are looking for romance in some way.

Closing Thoughts 

If you or your friend is a Gen Z ready to start dating and looking for uplifting and honest advice, or if you are confused and discouraged by the toxic relationship advice from influencers and e-mags, this article is for you. Give my advice a try and stay optimistic. Keep your eyes open and give people a chance, but if you know it won’t work out, cut your losses. Remember this: the right person is out there if you are in the right stage of life to meet them.

Let me know if you want a follow-up guide tailored specifically for men or for women. I’d be happy to write it!

Ingredients: makes 12-14 biscuits

• 2 cups flour

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of cold butter, diced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 & 3/4 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk, plus more for brushing

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 420 degrees Fahrenheit

• Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl

• Add the diced butter to the bowl

• Work the butter into the dry ingredients by hand, until the texture is of fine crumbs

• Make a well in the center of the dough, and slowly add in the buttermilk. Gently fold the mixture until the dough is just barely cohesive

• Pour the dough onto a floured surface and pat into a 3/4 inch thick rectangle

• Cut the dough into thirds and stack them on top of each other, rotate, and flatten

• Repeat the process one more time

• Take a cookie cutter or a glass and cut out round biscuits

• Place on a tray and brush with buttermilk

• Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown

• Enjoy!

The summertime has always been Americana: from Memorial Day cookouts, to Fourth of July fireworks, to summer lakeside getaways. This year, Americana fashion is especially popular and trending. Perhaps it is the nostalgic nature of the style that drives its appeal, clothes evocative of chasing fire-flies beneath the stars, eating ice cream on a boardwalk at an old-timey seaside resort, attending a local fourth of July dance with a date, fishing for bass off the dock, or road-tripping down Route 66 in a Ford pickup truck with a Labrador by your side.

What is it exactly that makes something Americana? To begin, the Americana color palette is inspired by the American flag: bright red, dark blue, and pure white. Classic American patterns like denim, gingham, and eyelet are also core elements. Finally, all-American heroes and legends shape the style: the cowboys of the Wild West, and prairie dress silhouettes like those of the pioneers that paved the way for civilization. Americana style also has elements of vintage American fashion from the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s, like red lipstick, midi dresses, and cherry print.

Here are the signature elements of Americana dressing and where to find them:

Denim

Gingham

White Eyelet

Flag Motif

Patriotic Stripes

Prairie Clothes

Cowgirl boots

Cherry Motif

To conclude

Americana fashion is a combination of girly elements, such as flowy skirts and eyelet, with utility workwear-inspired pieces, like blue jeans and cowboy boots. In this way, Americana fashion is reflective of America itself: the optimism and inspiration that guide the country’s vision, and the hard work and grit that make those dreams a reality.

I recently got back from a dream summer trip to Italy. In two weeks, I traveled to Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Liguria, Lake Como, and Venice. In addition to sightseeing famous landmarks, sampling authentic Italian cuisine, exploring hidden gems, and shopping for Italian-made souvenirs, I also made it a goal to observe the fashion of Italy, a nation famous for its fashion industry and glamorous style. Home of Prada, Gucci, Armani, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, and more, luxury fashion is deeply associated with Italy in the collective mind. The country is also renowned for its craftsmanship and artisanal works, including Florentine leather, Como silks, and Venetian glass. But what do Italians wear from day to day? What are the hallmarks of Italian style?

One of the challenges I encountered in conducting field research for this article was the overwhelming presence of tourists everywhere. I didn’t want to mistake tourists’ idea of “Italian summer fashion” for what Italian women actually wear in their daily lives. However, if you know where to look, such as at restaurants favored by locals, grocery stores, the train station, or other locations off the beaten path, I was able to encounter locals and recognize repeating themes and key pieces essential to every Italian woman’s wardrobe.

Just like my viral “Fashion Observations of Tokyo, Japan: Japanese vs American Style” article, I gathered information and outfit ideas, and then collected shopping links for readers to recreate them at home.

Here are some of the key looks I observed Italian women wearing and how to incorporate iconic Italian glamour into your daily life.

Casual/Daily dressing

These were the looks I saw Italians wear when sightseeing, shopping, or getting gelato. Simple, everyday dressing is elevated through tasteful selection and quality construction.

• Tops- for casual and recreational looks, tops included a simple black or white tee or the ever-classic linen button-down.

  • Basic T-Shirt

    

  • Linen Button-Down

    

• Bottoms- linen wide-leg pants are an iconic Italian look, worn by tourists and locals alike, and worn with the above t-shirt or button-down. Classic denim in straight or wide-leg silhouettes and a dark wash is another go-to casual bottom.

  • Linen Pants

    

  • Classic Denim

    

• Shoes- Italian women wear basic sneakers, just like pretty much everyone else, but Supergas are my favorite Italian-made canvas sneaker. I also saw flat sandals with a bit of shine or sparkle as a popular shoe choice.

  • Supergas

    

  • Embellished Flat Sandals

    

• Accessories - the popularity of red lipstick was a significant difference I noticed about Italian women versus American women, who mainly wear sheer lip glosses. A bold red lip is a statement-making style choice that adds instant glamour to any look and is worn for everyday life. Statement jewelry, almost always in gold, elevates any outfit. Large, bold, chunky styles give an iconic Italian look.

  • Red Lipstick (from an Italian Beauty brand I discovered in Florence)

    

  • Chain Necklace

    

  • Malachite Hoop Earrings

  

Dressy and Professional

How can you look instantly glamorous, put-together, and professional? Whether for a high-end dining experience or commuting to work in the city, Italian women have figured out the formula.

• Tops - Italy is known for its silk, and I saw this reflected in silk-scarf style tops and dresses, as well as just scarves. Tailoring is also popular, with tailored sets and blazers worn for upscale occasions, almost always in black.

  • Scarf Top (not real silk)

    

  • Pucci Silk Scarf (real Italian silk from a historial Italian brand)

    

  • Tailored Linen Top

    

  • Classic Black Blazer

  

• Bottoms- Again, classic, tailored silhouettes

  were prevalent. Tailored shorts and tailored pants were a go-to bottom for a more put-together look.

  • Classic Tailored Pants

    

  • Tailored Shorts

    

• Dresses- dresses are an essential part of Italian dressing, and the popularity of dresses is something I love about Italy. Linen dresses are naturally very popular. Lightweight and easy, they are perfect for summer afternoons. For an evening out, on the other hand, a sleek all-black mini dress is classic Italian chic.

  • Linen Midi Dress

    

  • Red Linen Dress

    

  • Little black dress

    

• Shoes- for dressy shoes, espadrilles are popular for the summertime, and high-quality leather boots with statement-making heels or embellishments are a cold-weather option.

  • Espadrilles

    

  • Statement Boots

    

• Accessories- what is Italian fashion without dramatic sunglasses? Unlike the tiny sunglasses which are popular in America, large, glamorous movie-star sunglasses are the preferred silhouette in Italy. Additionally, all Italian outfits need a high-quality leather accessory, whether an artisanal belt or a designer handbag.

  • Prada Sunglasses

    

  • Gucci Milano Belt

    

  • Bottega Veneta Andiamo

  

Here are some other observations on general aesthetics about colors and styles:

• Colors: The color scheme of Italian clothing is made up of dark neutrals and an occasional pop of jewel tones. Italians tend to dress in dark colors, and I didn’t see many pastels or prints. Classic black is the most popular, as well as ecru (linen), navy, and dark gray, with splashes of cherry red, vermilion, or emerald green.

• Patterns: Solids are by far the most common, and I found that Italian women do not wear many prints. The prints we most often associate with Italy, like fruit prints or Italian tile prints, are mostly worn by tourists visiting Italy. I didn’t see any animal print patterns either, contrary to the “mob wife aesthetic” stereotype.

• Shapes: The main silhouettes are classic and structured. Tailoring is popular, as well as easy, flowy linen pieces. The looks generally are consistent, either being a structured outfit, a sleek look, or a flowy outfit, rather than mixing and matching.

• Athleisure: Just like in Japan, Italians do not wear athleisure very often. Workout culture is not common in Europe, and so people don’t wear workout clothes as a fashion statement either. For practicality, however, I did see sneakers/running shoes worn, as well as black athleisure pants that were not leggings.

Final thoughts

The words that best describe Italian fashion are glamor, elegance, and quality. Italian fashion is not soft or muted; it is striking. Even so, it walks the fine line between bold and gaudy through its devotion to high-quality craftsmanship and timeless pieces, and classic silhouettes over trends and fast fashion. Italians, however, are not above a bit of flashiness in their style and love bold accessories. Italians dress to look stylish for the sake of being stylish. Dressing up is an art form, a way of life, “la bella figura”, or dressing to make an impression. While their fashion is meant to be eye-catching and statement-making, it’s also grounded in timeless silhouettes, tailoring, and high-quality materials and storied artistry. This approach to fashion reflects the country’s extensive historical devotion to art and aesthetics, from the marble sculptures of the Roman Empire to the Botticelli paintings of the Renaissance and the Baroque Basilicas of the Vatican. Perhaps the Italian motto “La Dolce Vita”, “the sweet life” or “the good life”, best sums up Italy’s approach to style and dressing. It is a reminder to embrace and enjoy the finer things in life, from the way you eat to the way you dress: from homemade pasta with local olive oil, to a luxurious linen dress and designer sunglasses.

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The flour tortillas from the bakery of Texan grocery store HEB are a staple in the diet of someone very special to me. He will even eat them plain as a snack. He moved from his homeland to Colorado this year, and though he loves the skiing, hiking, and mountains that the state has to offer, he said that the tortillas in Colorado are awful (HEB is not in Colorado). In fact, he once got pulled over by airport security for bringing 3 or 4 packs of 20 tortillas back from Texas.

Not only are most store bought flour tortillas not fresh or high-quality, but they are also full of unncessesary ingredients and additives. So, I decided I had to make flour tortillas for him from scratch that “taste better than HEB” and are healthier too. Here is a recipe with only 5 ingredients for making handmade flour tortillas anywhere.

Ingredients

• 4 cups flour

• 1 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted

• 1 1/3 cup hot water

Instructions

• Mix the dry ingredients: flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl

• Slowly add in the melted butter and hot water while stirring

• Stir until the dough just comes together

• Then, knead the tortilla dough for about 5 minutes

• Section dough into small balls: make 20 small tortillas or 10 for large tortillas

• Let the dough balls rest for 30 minutes

• Now, the hardest part is flattening the tortillas. You can use a tortilla press, or rolling pin, but we didn’t have either and just stretched them out by hand

• Heat a pan on medium-high heat until very hot

• Cook tortillas on both sides, 10-15 seconds per side and remove from pan

• Let cool, then enjoy plain or in tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, etc

The Turnpike Troubadours, a red-dirt country group from Talequah, Oklahoma, released a new album on April 11, 2025. They are probably my favorite band and certainly my most-listened to. This is the first album they released since I became a fan, and it was fun to listen to a whole new album of their music for the first time. For my review, I listened to each song at least three times and wrote down my initial thoughts and impressions.

On the Red River

• Description: Nostalgic tone, themes of loss, memories, and change, with country and Americana imagery of animals and pickup trucks 

• Best line: “We had Kelpies and good Quarter Horses”

Searching for a light

• Description: a moderate tempo and country sound, themes of searching, letting go, the past versus future, fiddle, introspective tone

• Best line: “Like a small-town force of nature”

Forgiving You

• Description: Slow, methodical pace, stripped down sound, acoustic guitar, mentions Denver, lonely and lovesick, Americana sound, vivid imagery, personal growth

• Best line: “I relate to it all as a Whip-poor-will calls”

Be Here

• Description: a unique call and response format, sounds like a folk song, about the working man’s life and getting by, appreciation for situation in life, while also choosing change and something different 

• Best line: “Cyclone in my soul, be still”

Heaven Passing Through

• Description: small town imagery, mentions a honky-tonk and two-stepping, about the importance of living in the moment, the difference of stages in life, a smooth and ethereal sound

• Best line: “We washed the Xs off our hands at the honky-tonk”

The Devil Plies His Trade

• Description: reminiscent of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” a fast-paced folk ballad, heavy on the fiddle and banjo, futility of worrying about the past/future, living while you can, the world is gone to hell, making a deal

• Best line: “While the Gulf Coast drowns in the wind and rain”

A Lie Agreed Upon

• Description: strong steel guitar, classic Texas country song sound, two-step beat, catchy, leaving the past behind, freedom from the past, starting over, cast with a shade of doubt

• Best Line: “Who knows? I may start believin’ that every word you say is true”

Ruby Ann

• Description: My favorite song from the album, Mountain West Imagery, Colorado, most archetypically Turnpike Troubadours’ song of the album, rock and roll influences, fast-paced, themes of devotion and love

• Best Line: “I know you, darlin’, you’re a Colorado high”

What was Advertised

• Description: About life not working out the way he wanted, down on his luck, being sold short, waiting for something good to happen

• Best Line: “The years of passersby”

Leaving Town

• Description: Journey/traveling, about becoming a part of the small town he wanted to leave, reminiscing on being young, vignettes from the past

• Best Line: “Porch swing is hangin’ from the cottonwood”

Nothing You Can Do

• Description: Catchy beat, electric guitar, fiddle, and harmonica, imagery of small town life, about being helpless in various situations, stuck in life

• Best Line: “To the ancient sea, the anchor’s tossed”

Final Thoughts

The album has themes of time, the past vs present vs future, memories, and distinct images of small-town American life and the working-class experience. Overall, I enjoyed the album; it was fun listening to it, and many of the songs would also be good for country dancing. It captured the essential style and themes of the band, and in true Turnpike Troubadours manner, the lyrics are complex and distinct, and the more you listen to the songs, the more you discover about their meanings; often, they are interrelated. I wish there were more fast-paced and upbeat songs, like “7 & 7,” as these were always some of their biggest hits and capture their most iconic sound. I would also have liked some songs that told stories or narratives like “The Housefire” and “The Mercury” in previous albums. Still, the album represents a more sober and reflective era for the band, which is valid in its own right. Anyway, if you like this band or have listened to any of their songs, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

The most important things to keep in mind are honesty, consistency, and frequent communication. It’s crucial to be open and honest with each other, to let each other know your thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Consistency is key. It’s easy to overthink things when you’re apart, so give each other peace of mind by responding to texts as soon as possible, and by making and keeping plans. Finally, communicate often; stay in correspondence every day!

Here are 15 ways to improve your long-distance relationship.

1. Text Good Morning and Good Night

This is such a simple yet meaningful way to show your loved one you care when you aren’t there to say it in person. Texting good morning and good night shows that he or she is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning, and the last thing on your mind before you fall asleep.

2. Talk on the Phone or FaceTime Every Night

Every couple is different, but its honestly beneficial to talk every day. Make time at the end of each day to hear each other’s voices, catch up about your lives, and say how much you mean to each other. Depending on your schedules, it doesn’t matter whether you talk for 2 hours or 2 minutes, but it's so important just to communicate. 

3. Check In on Each Other

Make an effort to communicate throughout the day. Ask your partner how their day is going, tell them what’s going on in your life, send pictures, and share parts of your day with each other. If you have a question or decision, ask their opinion just for fun. Send a spontaneous and funny text now and then. What matters is that you’re on each other’s minds and including each other in your life.

4. Send Written Letters, Too

Corresponding with physical letters through the mail is such a classically romantic way to stay in touch over distance. Sending a handwritten letter with a thoughtful message is the perfect way to make anyone’s day. There’s just something about ink on paper in your own handwriting that’s more personal than digital text.

5. Go for a Walk on the Phone

Since you can’t go for a walk together hand in hand, schedule a phone call and both go on a walk at the same time while you talk on the phone. This is a great way to get outdoors and catch up with each other at the same time. Additionally, a change of scenes can help inspire creativity and conversation.

6. Have a Book or Movie Club

Have a book or movie club with your significant other while you’re apart. Choose a book, movie, or show that you’re both interested in. Then, in your own time, read a few chapters, or watch an episode, and reconvene afterward over FaceTime to discuss what you liked and didn’t like about it. Alternatively, if it's a movie, you could watch it together over Zoom and react in real-time.

7. Makes Plans for When You Meet Up

Having an end in sight is psychologically important. Knowing the date that you can count down to gives you both something to look forward to and set your sights on. Even if you don’t know when you’ll next be able to see each other again, make plans together and discuss all the things you want to do when you do finally meet up. 

8. Browse the Internet for Dream Homes or Vacation Spots

This is a fun activity to do over FaceTime. Browse the internet for locations that you both like, and where you could see yourself either living or visiting. Online window shop for houses on real estate websites, explore google maps, or look at lists of top places to live and best vacation spots. Imagining being together in a new location is a good escape from being apart.

9. Send a Care Package

Send a care package to your loved one. Fill a box with their favorite items and some surprises, too. Send something to remind them of you, a favorite snack of theirs, a book you think they’ll enjoy, and a self-care item so they don’t have to buy it for themselves, and something they’ve always wanted but would never buy for themselves. Alternatively, to create a more long-lasting experience, send the gifts one at a time throughout the time your apart

10. Learn Something New About the World Together 

Learn something new together by choosing a topic and looking it up on the internet together while you FaceTime. Think of an interesting and unusual topic, like psychology, natural disasters, time periods, fatal mistakes in history, or influential leaders. Research, discuss, and see where the conversation leads you. Who knows where you’ll end up.

11. Take an online quiz

Take an online quiz together, over FaceTime. Go through question by question and then compare your results. You can do a funny quiz like what character you are from a certain book or movie, or a serious one, like figuring out your love language or personality type. 

12. Continue To Learn about Each Other 

Since you can’t be together physically, focus on the emotional and intellectual aspects of your relationship. A long-distance relationship is an opportunity to focus on each other’s personalities and continue to get to know each other on a deeper level. Ask each other thought-provoking questions to see the world through the other’s eyes and better understand each other’s unique thought processes. 

 13. Play truth or truth or “would you rather”

While asking thought-provoking questions is an incredible way to get to know your partner in a deeper way, you can always fall back on one of those classic high school games for a fun and hilarious experience that will still lead you to feel closer but in a more lighthearted way. Look up some lists online or think up your own. Start with “Would you rather spend six months in a US nuclear sub or on the International Space Station?”…

14. Put Your Best Self Forward 

Long distance, it’s impossible to see the full picture of who someone is, so make sure what you’re presenting is how you want to be viewed. Be cheerful, funny, and enthusiastic, and don’t become lazy or complacent. Highlight the strengths of your personality and put effort into creating quality correspondence.

15. Take Care of Yourself

Finally, use the time to work on yourself. Work on having healthy living habits and a positive outlook that you can translate into your future. Ultimately, become the person you want to be. Taking care of yourself is the foundation of having a healthy relationship.

To Conclude

Although it’s not ideal to be apart, the good thing is that you can still make progress in your relationship, even over distance. You can get to know each other in new dimensions, learn together, and ultimately show each other how much the relationship matters to you.

In the end, the key to having a successful long-distance relationship is perspective. View a long distance relationship as an opportunity, and not an obstacle. Change your mindset to view your time apart as an occasion to get to know each other, to strengthen your connection, and to prove your commitment to each other.

Country music is my favorite type of music, and one of the reasons is the genre’s authenticity and ability to tell a story and evoke emotions in a poetic yet simple way. For this reason, country music has some of the best atmospheric, haunting, and poingnant songs that will stay on your mind or transport you to another place and time. Not necessarily scary or creepy, these songs are more often thought-provoking or evocative, with elements of story-telling and folklore. From southen gothic murder ballads, to haunting Texas lonliness, to ghosts roaming the Wild West, these are the best haunting country songs, spanning the decades and geography of America. The elements that they all have in common are themes of loneliness, memories, ghosts/the supernatural, crime, a Southern or Western setting, and a minor key.

• (Ghost) Riders In the Sky - Johnny Cash

  • This is a classic cowboy song full of haunting western imagery, about a cowboy’s vision of a ledgendary ghost herd and riders doomed to “ride forever on that range up in the sky”. The song is a cautionary tale as the riders warn the protagonist, “cowboy change your ways or one day with us you will ride”.

• The Night the Lights Went out In Georgia - Reba McEntire

  • A famous Southern Gothic murder ballad, the narrator tells a tale about betrayal, deception, and corruption. The story is a critique of the southern justice system “don't trust your soul to no backwoods Southern lawyer” and ends with a twist: “little sister don’t miss when she aims her gun”.

• Seminole Wind - John Anderson

  • “Progress came and took its toll, now the ‘glades are running dry”. This beautifuly haunting song has an environmentalist message about the destruction of Florida’s everglades in the name of human greed. It invloves the ghost of the Seminole chief Osceola, and images of Floridas wildlife and natural beauty.

• Midnight In Montgomery - Alan Jackson

  • “Midnight in Montgomery” is the definition of southern gothic. It eerily describes the singer’s sighting of the ghost of country legend Hank Williams in Montgomery, Alabama and includes spooky imagery and references Wiliams’ classic songs. “See the stars light up the purple sky, Feel that lonesome chill”.

• The Bluest Eyes In Texas - Restless Heart

  • “That lonesome Texas sun was setting slow”. While it doesn’t contain any supernatural themes, this wistful song is about being haunted by “the bluest eyes in Texas”, the image of his ex-girlfriend’s eyes that he can’t get out of his mind. It contains evocative imagery of Texas and themes of regret and longing. “Like the stars that fill the midnight sky, her memory fills my mind”.

• Wildfire - Michael Martin Murphy

  • This is a country song from the ‘70s and describes the ghost of a pioneer riding “on a cold Nebraska night”. The singer has been hearing “a hoot-owl howing outside my window”, and expresses that “she’s coming for me I know”, which he sees an escape from the hardships of trying to make a life out on the plains.

• The Highwayman - The Highwaymen

  • The Highwayman tells a story of the indestructability of the American spirit. The song switches from the point of view of different American heoros and outlaws, each who is said to die a violent death, but promises to “be back again and again and again…”. A different country legend sings each verse, from the point of view of a highwayman, a sailor, a dam builder, and a futuristic astronaut, and perhaps, “a highwayman again”.

• The Devil Went Down to Georgia - The Charlie Daniels Band

  • This fast-paced song is about a fiddling duel between the devil himself and a boy from Georgia who takes him on. “The boy said, ‘My name's Johnny, and it might be a sin/ But I'll take your bet and you're gonna regret 'cause I'm the best there's ever been”. It has lots of fiddling sequences and references to iconic American folk songs.

• Fire on the Mountain - The Marshall Tucker Band

  • “Fire on the Mountain” is a song about the gold rush, contrasting the initial hope and opportunity it offered, with the ensuing lawlessness, crime, and greed that ran rampant. A song that perfectly captures the gold rush, the lyrics go “there’s fire on the Mountain, lighting in the air/ Gold in them hills, and it's waitin' for me there”. Ultimately it’s a cautionary tale about greed and vice.

• Two Black Cadillacs- Carrie Underwood

  • This dark and intense song is about revenge, infidelity and secrets. It opens by describing two women in two black Cadillacs “meeting for the first time” at the funeral of a “good man”. However, all is not as it seems. As the singer reveals, “he’s not the only one who had a secret to hide”.

• Riding With Private Malone - David Ball

  • This ghost song tells the story of the main character who buys a car that once belonged to a Private Andrew Malone who never came back from the Vietnam war. However, his ghost comes back for a final act of heroism. “they didn't get his name, but I know without a doubt/ It was a young man named Private Andrew Malone”

• I Remember Everything - Zach Brayn

  • Zach Bryan’s hit duet with Kacey Musgraves is about being haunted by memories of a relationship that was doomed to fail. He says, “I wish I didn’t, but I do/ Remember every moment on the nights with you”. It has themes of alcoholism, sadness, and lots of country imagery, including my favorite: “labrador hanging out the passenger door”

• Something to Talk About - Koe Wetzel

  • “Something to Talk About” is a song about all the things the singer could do to give the townspeople people something to talk about, including coming back from the dead. “I could bust out of the casket that my momma picked out/ Dance all around the jolly good fellow”. The tone is ominous, but it is also a social cirtique of small-town gossip.

• wait in the truck - HARDY & Lainey Wilson

  • Released in 2023, this southern gothic song was one of the top country songs of the year. “wait in the truck” is a murder ballad about a man killing an abuser, and ending up in prison. “I didn't try to hide my pistol/I didn't even try to run/I just sat on the porch, smoking one of his cigarettes/ And waited for the cops to come”.

• Copperhead Road - Steve Earle

  • “Copperhead Road” is also a line dance, and is an anti-governemnt ballad about a Vietnam veteran who takes to illegally growing marijuana, just like his ancestors illegally made moonshine. It ends with “a chopper in the air”, in a standoff against the D.E.A and the protagonist warning “I learnt a thing or two from Charlie, don't you know/ You better stay away from Copperhead Road”.

• Janie Lynn - The Wilder Blue

  • “High on a bluff of the Arkansas river/ Where the eagle cries to the wind/ ’Neath a moss covered stone lies a box full of bones/ And a ring engraved ‘Janie Lynn’”. This spooky ballad tells the story behind the grave and the mysterious ring. It’s about a man who encounters a woman who he’s willing to kill for, and the ensuing consequences.

• A Thousand Miles From Nowhere - Dwight Yoakam

  • “I’m a thousand miles from nowhere/ Time don't matter to me/ ‘Cause I'm a thousand miles from nowhere/ And there's no place I want to be” A classic haunting country song, “A Thousand Miles From Nowhere” is about being lost literally and emotionally, and being haunted by memories and heartache of the past.

• Neon Moon - Brooks & Dunn

  • “Neon Moon” is one of the most famous country songs of Texas, and the image of a neon moon is a powerful and iconic motif that fulfills the ‘haunting’ theme of this list. Furthermore, the story of the song is haunting, about heartbreak and loneliness, reminicesing on a past relationship, and telling himslef “oh, but I’ll be alright/ beneath the light of a neon moon”.

• Bless my Bones - The Wilder Blue

  • This first person gothic narrative describes a near-miss car crash and the band’s life on the road, “for what seemed like years”, heading back to the stage to play a final show with Midland. However, there’s a spooky twist that makes you rethink the title of the song… “underneath the lights we’ll come alive again”.

• Ghost In This House- Shenandoah

  • “I’m all that’s left of two hearts on fire,” this melancholy song is about living without any more meaning or purpose in his life now that the love he once had is gone. He sings of merely existing as a “shell of the man I was”, like a ghost, conrasting memories of the passion and love that “once burned out of control/ it took my body and soul”, with the empty depressive state he now lives in.

• Lucille - Turnpike Troubadours

  • “Well the neons were new and robin’s egg blue”, this haunting and melancholic song is set in a dive bar with neon lights and a past love that the narrator can’t really forget, even though he tried to move on. “Your bonfire that burned in the back of my mind”. It has themes of reminiscenece, heartbreak, and longing.

I hope you enjoy my favorite haunting country songs!