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What NOT TO WEAR in PARIS & ROME?! Women's Fashion Help!

What NOT TO WEAR in PARIS & ROME?! Women's Fashion Help!

Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 08:05 AM
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What NOT TO WEAR in PARIS & ROME?! Women's Fashion Help!

I'm leaving to Europe in a week and I need some FASHION HELP!

I'm an American girl in her 20's about to go on an amazing Honeymoon in Paris, Southern France, Amalfi Coast & Rome! There is one problem though.... WHAT IS "IN" and "NOT IN" when it comes to FRANCE & ITALY FASHION?!

What are the "NO NO's" when it comes to PARIS FASHION or ROME FASHION for Women & Men?

I have heard that the women do not wear shorts or jeans often and that "American Style" sneakers are a big fashion NO in Europe!

What do you think are a few must have, wear, and pack clothing items when traveling to Europe? I'm no model but I'd love to look like I have some fashion sense out there!

Help!! Any Fashion Tips or Suggestions?
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 08:07 AM
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How to women in Paris & Rome walk around all day and still be fashionable?!

I'm thinking of bringing only 4 pairs of shoes.

These fashion sneakers by DKNY (Black)
http://www.zappos.com/dkny-banter-black-mesh

These dress shoes by Naturalizer with a heel for walking
http://www.zappos.com/naturalizer-an...fabric-leather

My Fit Padded Comfy Flip Flops

One pair of dress flats or flat dressy flip flops
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 08:08 AM
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Oh god - not another one...
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 08:15 AM
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Did someone already ask this? I apologize if so, just thought I'd give it a shot and post. I'm confused when it comes to fashion and wanted to make sure or at least ask people would know better than me.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 08:24 AM
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Yes...it's been discussed a "few" times around here. Just be ready for some lashings from those who feel this forum is their home and that we're all intruders.

You should be able to do a search for past threads where you'll get great advice on all of your questions.

IMHO...wear what you like and what is comfortable. And have fun! Congrats on the honeymoon.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 08:26 AM
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Wear what you think would be proper wear when visiting a major American city.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 08:28 AM
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Congratulations!

I'm in my 30's, am going to Italy myself with my boyfriend on Thursday (third trip) and will be taking jeans. You will see lots of women, both native and tourists, wearing jeans. That being said, I am taking stylish jeans, not "mom" jeans. I am not taking shorts since many churches have dress codes that do not allow them.

I like to look as if I have a sense of style too. However, with as much walking and climbing as I do, and considering the often rough, uneven pavement/cobble stones/bricks you will encounter, I would never consider wearing the cute black Naturalizer sandals as walking shoes. During the day I wear fairly sleek looking Coach sneakers. For nights where I will be doing some walking to restaurants I have high heel peep-toe wedge pumps; the wedge gives nice support but looks stylish. (These are Franco Sarto from Nordstrom). I'm taking both beige patent and black patent.

As for other must haves, for me, they include at least one pashmina or similar lightweight wrap. I also like scarves.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 08:35 AM
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Yes, this question has been answered many times. Bottom line, don't be worried, and I agree, wear whatever you'd wear in a major U.S. city (unless you'll be spending a lot of time in rural areas, in which case you might have need for sturdier shoes, depending on what you'll be doing).

I've traveled to Europe quite a few times, and rarely take 4 pairs of shoes; shoes take up a lot of space in the luggage.

I like to take two pairs of shoes as options for during the day; I feel like my feet are happier when they're not in the same shoes day after day. And since we pretty much always have a couple of fancy meals, one pair of dressy wedges. I've found wedges ideal for the cobblestoned streets of Europe - no heels to get stuck between the stones.

I wouldn't take flip-flops because of the lack of foot support, on those same cobble-stones or otherwise uneven street surfaces, but that's your decision.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 08:40 AM
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Hahaha, I am not offended by the lashings. I guess I should expect that if I'm asking something that is commonly asked on this site. I am the silly fool! ;-)

Thank you so much for your suggestions and tips though ladies, extremely helpful! The wedges are probably a good idea for night time and the flip flops that I was going to bring are called "Fit Flops"
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fitflop-...0-002219319097

They are super to comfy to walk around in. I'm assuming the weather will be somewhat still nice in early September in France and Italy.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 08:41 AM
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Wear what's comfortable and looks good on you. The inhabitants of France and Italy aren't going to be scrutinizing you.

Four pairs of shoes seems excessive. Flip-flops are pretty much useless for Europe, IMO.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 08:45 AM
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For one, I wouldn't take 4 pair of shoes. I always take 2 and that is plenty. You are moving around a decent amount and shoes do take up a large amount of space.

I always try to wear darker colors so to not stand out. I also won't use a fanny pack or let my husband use one.

You are right about them not wearing shorts, but I did see jeans, mainly darker washed. I usually also pack a pair of black capris and if in a warm climate a pair of knee length black shorts.

Just remember to dress comfortable so you will have a great and unpainful time!
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 08:49 AM
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About the flip flops, you probably don't want your toes exposed. A lot of areas are cobble stones that are very uneven and you'd probably end up stubbing your toe. Rome has dirty streets, as in dirt not trash, so your feet will quickly turn dirty.

If I bring a summer like shoe, I bring a pair where my toes are covered.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 08:53 AM
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Really, if the objective is not to stick out as an American tourist at first sight, it isn't a silly question. The shoes from Zappos are perfect. Stylish jeans are OK. Then stick to neutrals (black, white, tan) and you'll be fine. Comfy or no, FitFlops will say American Tourist and will not keep feet clean on streets of Paris and Rome.

When I sit at a cafe in my hometown in Chicago, I can definitely tell the difference between a tourist from Ohio and a tourist from Italy.

Congrats on your wedding and enjoy your trip. Great locations!
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 08:56 AM
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Oh god, should I give one of my fashion links and destroy all illusions?

Okay, here's one: http://tinyurl.com/62my3gx

And even more vandalism: http://tinyurl.com/4ygnqn6
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 09:01 AM
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I think it's safe to say that a lot of the posters on this board are, ahem, a bit past puberty and a significant female portion (including me) are past menopause.

Therefore, most of the past posts are directed towards a different age group.

However, we do remember what it was like to be young and want to look so perfect for the setting on our honeymoon. Well, maybe the guys don't, but we women do. All I know is that I wanted to look better than any area eye candy.

Here's what I suggest:
--Women in Paris and Rome wear a lot more dresses and skirts than the average American. I saw the most fantastic shift dresses in Venice that were a lot cooler than my capris, so if you are going in hot weather (check that out), think along those lines.

--Dressy jeans are great. Shorts are not.

--Pashimas/fantastic scarves look great for evening.

--Shoes. Sigh. Face it--the average woman in Paris and Rome is not going to be on her feet all day touring every darn site known to man within 24 hours. You seem to understand that you have to seek a happy medium between looking "hot" and not being crippled. I don't think your Naturalizer choice is bad at all but if you can find more of a wedge, that would work better on cobblestones. (My feet STLL feel the pain from the entrance to Versailles--and that's now 15 years later.) Your sneaker choice will work well--college students get away with cool sneaks like Converse and the Puma/Adidas style your DKNY is like.

Americans are more attached to flipflops than most Europeans. Still, my youngest daughter, a darn good overseas traveler and here in the US, pretty much of a fashionista, has worn her Rainbows almost everywhere we've gone in Europe in the summer simply because she loves them. As a study abroad student in a week, though, she now cares about the impression she will make on peers,and I noticed those things are off the packing list.

Hope this helps.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 12:38 PM
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Last time I was in France I brought 7 pairs of shoes and wore them all!!

Shorts won't be a no-no in your 20's on the Amalfi Coast unless you have frightful legs.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 01:07 PM
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I was in Sorrento in late Sept early Oct last year, and took the advice that Italian women dress for the season and not the weather (I was asking about bringing linen pants).

All I can say is WRONG! I was cursing that I didn't bring cool linen trousers because it was seriously hot in both Venice and Sorrento. I brought black capris which were fine, but I saw a lot of linen in both places. Of course, I'm a few decades older, but I wanted to look dressy and classic and black capris just didn't cut it. I saw tons of shorts and capris in Sorrento on young women.

I brought two pairs of Ecco walking shoes, black and tan, 1 pair of good walking sandals for warm weather and 1 pair of Geox patent flats. I wore them all and was happy I had them.

Also trouser jeans in a dark wash, black pants, and a good wool pashmina that I got in Paris. A small cross-body bag big enough for a map and some cash, and a coat. Three or four light weight silk v-neck sweaters and 1 blouse and 1 long black cardigan.

I'm a HUGE proponent of quality clothing, so if you do shorts and tee's, I'd make sure they're spotless and fit perfectly.

Have a wonderful honeymoon - how could you not in those wonderful places!
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 01:22 PM
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>What NOT TO WEAR in PARIS & ROME?<

Don't wear combat boots while strolling the Via Veneto or the Champs Elysee.

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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 01:36 PM
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Don't wear combat boots while strolling the Via Veneto or the Champs Elysee>>

oh, i don't know, Ira. you wouldn't get sore feet!
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Old Aug 23rd, 2011, 02:10 PM
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I cannot WAIT until you actually GET THERE and here is what you WILL SEE:

EVERY CONCEIVABLE type of footwear; denim for YEARS AND YEARS

that wonderful "European RED" hair that some women over there actually think looks real instead of like Raggedy Ann with a Toni gone REALLY REALLY BAD

shorts? Oh, my wonderful one, when you SEE the thighs on some of the EUROPEAN women who are definitely wearing SHORTS..really SHORT ones...try to keep your new hubby's eyes on something ELSE.

Flip flops..how different are they from those Sarah Palin "I'm really NOT from Alaska" open toed "screw me HARD, Joe" pumps on those cobblestone streets?

Enjoy your trip and don;t worry, there will be a LOT of tourists except they'll be from a bunch of OTHER countries.
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