I've always found the "what to wear" threads silly but sometimes you just have to ask! I'm a very unimaginative dresser, usually shrouded in black. But I'm getting concerned about SE Asia in January (Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Luang Prabang, Vietnam and Bangkok). Will I stick out? Should I lighten up? Wish dogster were around to advise me...

I too always wear black, a vestige of my NYC roots - check out my safari packing anxiety! Didn't visit LP or Vietnam, but wore my usual black tops (linen shirts and tees) w/khaki or white capris in December in SR and BKK...The weather was delightful, not too warm for black, and many other travelers and locals were dressed the same way.

After seeing photos of dogster, I'm sure he would approve.

Yup, black is fine. Just make sure your fabrics are light so you aren't making the heat worse.

I too dress in black a lot. but for our trip last year in January & February, I chose lighter colors just for the sake of maybe being cooler and was glad I did. It was HOT. I still bought along black clothes and wore them upon occasion. I also bought while there light colored cotton, tops and even pants while traveling. So if you take your black and find it too hot, no problem picking up things. I don't think you would stick out if you dress in black. Have a great trip!

we feel blk makes you feel hoter...

Whatever your colour, loose-fitting clothes are cooler, allowing the air to circulate and dry the cooling perspiration.

Thanks! Now If I can just shed some pounds, I'll have loose fitting blacks.

http://io9.com/5903956/the-physics-t...ck-this-summer

Izod has a great line of men and women's golf shirts that are light and cool

Aloha!

I would go with lighter colors, as black absorbs heat, but either way make sure you're not wearing synthetics. The humidity is fierce.

Black? Lighten up. Smiles.

Happy Travels!

If you are visiting people you know in S.E. Asia or going to a palace, wats etc it's customary NOT to wear black unless you are in mourning. If I was having a birthday party and someone who is attending wear black then I will take offence.

If you just out shopping, walking around, dinner etc then no problem IMO.

Thanks, Hanuman. I will lighten up for palaces, wats and social events. Black is OK for upscale restaurants?

Yes that's fine just when visiting wats, or friends only.

Black in SEA is not a great idea as black attracts the heat.

Black also attracts mosquitos FWIW