Reddit mentions of Birkenstock Women's Kairo Birko Flor T-Strap Sandal

This is my advice for European fashion

Scarves. Lightweight scarfs in colors and patterns can brighten up any "dull" outfit and are everywhere in Europe. Germany is nuts about them, but I have found nothing to help my wardrobe than an assortment of scarves. I like pashmina style scarves but it's really up to personal taste.

Converse. They can be worn with dresses, skirts, pants, or pretty much anything. Especially if you want to pair them with something a little flowy-er and you need something masculine to balance it out. I like to pair my converse with highly structured shorts. They are more comfortable than barely-there flats, but don't look as tacky as running shoes.

Get a pair of nice bootcut jeans. From what I noticed when I lived in England and traveled a lot, is that dresses and skirts seem to dominate, but jeans are still worn. Except they are nice, well fitting jeans. Try Levi Curve id jeans. Pricier but hold up longer and fit the curvier women. This way if you do feel like wearing trousers, you can and not look like a slob. Make sure they are dark wash as well.

Stock up on basics, like a couple solid color tank tops or shirts that fit you well (not too tight). If you have an array (white, black, purple, blue, red, etc.) then you can always pick up a skirt you like later and know you will have something to pair it with. I like target's selection. They are helpful because when you get to france you can always alter your wardrobe according to what people are wearing there but your basics will always work.

A casual blazer. Cardigans and blazers do basically the same function. But the blazer looks nicer. Generally people in European nations put a little more effort in to their appearance. You won't see people running to the store in pajama bottoms. I found that throwing a nice, well fitting, casual/unlined blazer makes even a jeans and t-shirt combo look better. You can recycle outfits frequently with no shame, people tend to have less clothes and repeat outfits more often than Americans.

Tights. Pantyhose, tights, stockings, grab a pair of sheer black and tan, and then an opaque black and/or grey to start. Tights are worn under dresses, skirts, shorts. Everything. A lot of people even wear sheer tan pantyhose under shorts or skirts, just because that is what they are used to. It's a lot more expected to see tights instead of bare legs.

Also, ditch the flip flops. If you must, invest in either a nicer looking birkenstock (like this http://www.amazon.com/Birkenstock-Womens-Kairo-T-Strap-Sandal/dp/B005GC7938) or a gladiator sandal, or any other type of sandal that are not flip flops. The birkenstocks are great for people who have high arches and need more support, but they are a warm weather item. To be worn with shorts or summery skirts and dresses. Paired with jeans, skinny or bootcut, tends to look silly/like you are going backpacking.

This is all just from my observations. Feel free to negate anything. They are just the wardrobe essentials I found to be the handiest. I always like to stay simple until I can gauge the trends of my area when I move and I want to fit in. Just try to look nice all the time. It's more expected. A little effort on hair and makeup and structured clothing (even if you have to go to a tailor) goes a long way.

Hope something helped!