Spain Made Me Ditch Neutrals (Here’s Why)

When I moved to Spain, I expected the tapas, the late night dinners, and the endless cobblestone streets. What I did not expect was how much the country would change the way I see self expression, especially through fashion.

creds: @pinterest

Coming from Mexico, I was used to certain customs and even unspoken “rules” about how people dressed. There is an elegance and subtlety to Mexican style that I have always loved. It is clean, classic, and put together. But in Spain, everything felt louder in the best way possible. It was as if everyone had been given full permission to express themselves however they wanted, and they took it.

Every store window was filled with color. I would walk through the streets and see racks of vibrant pieces, orange blazers, patterned scarves, chunky belts, all inviting you to take a risk. Accessories were not just accents, they were the main characters. Earrings especially stood out. From small boutiques to flea markets to big name stores, there were endless statement earrings. Bold shapes, bright colors, even ones that looked like tiny works of art. It was clear that the trend was not about fitting in, it was about standing out.

creds: @pinterest

And the shoes, I cannot forget the shoes. Cowgirl boots were everywhere. Girls in their twenties wore them to go out, to class, even just to grab coffee. They paired them with dresses, jeans, or long coats, and somehow, they always looked effortlessly cool.

What fascinated me most was how authentic everyone looked. The clean girl aesthetic that is so popular in the United States and Mexico, minimal makeup, slick hair, beige everything, was almost nonexistent in Spain. Instead, Spanish girls leaned into individuality. Outfits felt like personal art pieces, a mix of textures, colors, and layers that told a story.

Traveling to other countries around Europe, I noticed similar patterns. In France, for example, trench coats ruled the streets, but even then, each one was styled differently. No one wanted to look like everyone else. The best dressed women were

not following trends, they were creating them.

Even Zara, which originated in Spain, seemed to prove the point. I would see pieces in Spanish stores that would not reach the United States for months. Spain really was a step ahead, setting the tone for what would soon be popular.

Living there changed how I see fashion and, honestly, how I see myself. It reminded me that self expression is not about perfection or minimalism. It is about creativity, confidence, and having fun with how you show up in the world.

Now, when I get dressed, I think a little less about what is in and a little more about what feels like me. And maybe that is the best souvenir I brought back from Spain. 🇪🇸