Yes, travelgourmet, and France is not alone in the ugly display in Europe, just running ahead of the pack.

If others want to explain to me why it's not discrimination against Muslims to rip off their religious headdress but not the religious headresses of Catholics, Jews and church-wed brides, I'm all ears.

As for "sluts," I've got nothing against them, not even Mrs. Sarkozy.

By the way, the original name of blue jeans is "genes blu" -- so like so many things in America, they are European to begin with.

kerouac, I love your link. I travel to Europe at least 2 times a year, and while I understand and admire the fact that people don't want to look bad while traveling, I know that they will forget their qualms once they are there. In tourist areas where recreational travelers are most likely to be, there is no way in the world to look "correct," becasue, as your pictures show, there is everything to be seen on earth!

JeanT, go to Paris and wear the clothes you're
comfortable in and worry more about how you are going to miss Paris when you are back home!

I wonder where de Nimes comes from?

Genoa was where denim was first made in the 1500's for sailors! Later the fabric was made in a Nimes factory. I learned that from a book my students read about the Gold Rush.

I knew about Nimes, but not Genoa. Interesting. It just goes to show you that the most bizarre, morphing, runaway thread can have some redeeming value.

>>Since when have the majority of people cared what they look like?<<

Answer: 1950 something. Long before I was born, that's for sure.

>>Not only that, but those who do make an effort to dress properly are totally ignored by the others. Welcome to the real world.)<<

Well, those who make the effort (and they do exist, or we wouldn't have these threads) are not noticed by others because that is the point. Most normal people are not seeking attention for what they wear, but would prefer to blend in by adopting whatever is appropriate.

Unless you are part of the growing number of completely clueless slobs, or deliberately hellbent on destroying social mores, the best bet is just to follow StCirq's advice and "keep it classy" no matter what you're wearing. I think that's as much about attitude as material adornment.

For an example of that admirable attitude, we have the OP herself: >>I look fabulous (for my age which is not to be revealed) and particularly fabulous in bluejeans.<< You know, if this is her mindset, she's got all she needs for Paris.

I spent a week in Paris living in the 17th arr. and you know what the locals wore on the weekends-jeans with trainers! Horrors!

Seriously, Parisians wear jeans, trainers and even (gasp) baseball caps-though I doubt they all like the Yankees..Just bring a pair and capri pants and you'll be fine.

...but did they wear the baseball caps backwards?

As to the bad dressers off tourist assembly lines (hilarious image), I don't think they went on tackytourist.com to buy the uniform for the trip (see Peter's link above). They obviously wear the same thing at home and being fashionable has always eluded them. (I know, they're my relatives.) They probably believe that worrying about your appearance is silly and impractical. I doubt they care if someone thinks they're a rube because they are too busy just living their life to bother with the accouterments. Hats off to them, too, I guess, although I will walk on the other side of the street if I see them and pray they speak German and not English.

BTW: Peter, those are some nifty accessories, hmmm?! You must admit, they do just make their outfits.

How interesting to see someone surface from the last century
to give fashion advice!

Dawg-gone-it, denim is the fabric du jour in Paris and has
been for quite some time. These blue jeans are a far cry
from the slovenly, stained, half-mast examples seen in the
malls of America. And they certainly aren't worn with any
form of bumbag. Check out a current copy of any French
mag (Vogue, Elle) and you'll see great examples of denim
in all its guises in 2010 not 1975.

Yes, and do you really think that the majority of the French give a rat's ass about what is in Vogue and Elle?

Baseball caps yes. And roller blades also. Those are part of the uniform of Paris police these days. But they don't wear jeans.

Everybody on this forum is from the last century, or they are no more than 10 years old.

Until you start wearing hot pants and Baby Milo t-shirts, you don't know what streetwear is.

(I've started a new set of photos on what people are wearing this year, but it's so disgusting, I'm not sure that I will ever be able to post it.)

The revival of short shorts started in Paris and has hit Boston. I was amazed to see so mamny women wearing shorts and a few who wore leggings without a top that hit midthigh, so it looked as though they were wearing nothing.

Kerouac - lol - wouldn't that be more 'ratty ass'?

'A little unclear, then, why I'm always spoken to in French when in France, as I wear jeans 99% of the time. Any thoughts?"

I am also spoken in French and I never wear jeans!
Go figure.

I wear a jean shirt and jeans and they speak to me in French. With a jean jacket in the fall.

I think that jeans are fine to wear in French. But in the summer many people prefer something in a lighter weight fabric, it's cool for hot summer.

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