Hello...we're going to Athens, Istanbul, Preveza and Santorini next week. I know it's going to be very hot, and I'm wondering what the appropriate attire is. Are tank tops OK? (I live in the Midwest region of the USA - tanks are totally acceptable). Do folks typically wear a lot of vibrant colors? Is it OK to dress casually? I tend to get very warm very fast (OK, actually, I sweat a lot...there, I said it) and I prefer to dress casual, but definitely don't want to if people there would find it offensive. I am going to look like a tourist - I already know this; I just want to be appropriate.

Thanks : -)
CiCi

Tank tops are fine in beach resorts. In Athens or Istanbul I think it would depend on where you plan on going. Not acceptable in upscale restaurants - or certain religious sights (but then they're not acceptable here in those places either).

I was talking with a coworker yesterday about this topic and she said her church had to post signs - and have the pastor make an announcement - about appropriate dress for church -since some young people were wearing anything (as in shorty shorts and tank tops). This is in a CT town with beaches - and some people apparently go to church dressed for the beach afterwards. Pastor requested appropriate cover ups (as in one of those cute little dresses) if they plan on church before beach.

I know this may be accepatble some places - but in many it just isn't

I was recently in Greece in June when it was unusually hot for that time of year ... T-shirts are fine in Athens and Istanbul, tank tops in Santorini (except when going into churches, or to upscale restaurants). I usually wear lightweight trousers but they were too hot ... but I found that cropped pants (capris) that are loose, not snug, in the leg openings, were quite cool and were accceptable in the above places.

take skirt
some monasteries dont allow pants and will allow you to hire a skirt but it is just easier to have your own
otherwise anything goes

in italy we had to have covered shoulders even if just meant having a thin shawl covering those parts
mind you our guide had a plunging neckline lol and still got in

Thanks for the responses. I plan on taking capri's and shorts that are longer (almost to the knee)...and a shawl. I definitely want to take in the religious sights.

I remember in Italy 2 years ago, the duomo in Florence sold shoulder coverings - like bags w/ a hole for the head...that was helpful as I had no idea then.

I really appreciate your help here!