Hi! I'm Rachel, a new member here. I'm a 21 year old college student. I am leaving June 16th to study abroad for a month in Madrid. What kind of clothes should I wear? Are shorts common? One of my professors told me that I should avoid them because they are seen as very "American." I want to be able to blend in over there but be comfortable at the same time. i heard it gets pretty hot! I don't exactly have the money to go buy a new wardrobe or anything, but I am making a mall trip tomorrow. I would love any advice!

Thanks!
Rachel

Hi Rachel,
Here is very very hot in summer. Maximum temperatures in July are betwen 35ºC and 40ºC at 3pm or 4pm. Is not strange to reach 30ºC at 11pm.
Minimum are betwen 15ºC and 25ºC.
At least the relative humidity is very low so you can take the heat better.
It is very strange to have rain in July, may be a summer storm. It is not windy in July in Madrid.

I cannot give you much advice about young girls fashion , sorry. I just can say that they wear jeans, skirts, mini skirts and shorts. They don't wear shorts when they go out at night.

Here you have the links for the most popular inexpensive shops among Spanish young girls.

http://www.zara.es/v07/index.html
http://www.mango.es/paises.htm
http://www.bershka.com/
http://www.massimodutti.com/eng/index1.htm?pais=11

I should add that this year inspite terrible spring (more rain this year than in the last 25) it's been perfect. Very cool at night and sunny and hot during the day. Means you can enjoy the pool during the day and not bother with the A/C at night. As an added plus no humidity. My wife is in the States and is complaining how humid it is.