I read about people taking dark (black) clothes when traveling. Is that true for summer in Paris, Rome, Etc.?? Here on the west coast, you don't see much black during the summer. Do you there? May sound like a silly question, but black would be easier. <BR>Thanks

Black linen and silk takes you anywhere , all seasons, add a startling color in a top . nothing looks bwtter with a tan than black!!

Claudia, Don't know where you are on the West Coast, but in SF, black and a bright color is the way to go even in the summer. Plan to take all essentials in black and then accessorize with bright colors and scarves.

Europeans do tend to wear a lot of black, accenting it with colorful accessories. That's not to say they wear black exclusively, but more so than in the USA. Black also absorbs heat (hence the black robes people wear in Middle Eastern an African countries), so it can be cool in summer.If you're not comfortable wearing black, don't hesitate to wear other colors, but black is actually a great basic color to build a travel wardrobe around.

Previous post said that black absorbs heat therefore it is cooler? That doesn't make sense...how about white reflects heat, therefore it is cooler!

i thought that wrong too but no one here ever criticises St Cirq.. the travel goddess

The previous two posters are correct. Lighter colors are more comfortable in warm weather, darker ones at cooler times. <BR>The point is you don't want clothes to absorb the heat!

Black absorbs heat. As a San Franciscan (hey, Kam) who has worn black almost every day for 20 years -- in all seasons and all climates -- I can attest to this. Don't ask me why I don't change my wardrobe. I think it's an addiction...I need help, damnit, not scorn!

StCirq is dead wrong about black clothing. Lighter clothing absorbs less heat and is therefore cooler (check your science book). <BR> <BR>The reason for black clothing in a travel wardrobe is that it is easier to mix and match if you bring a lot of black. I do not understand the thousands of posts about dressing to look like Europeans. Common sense would suggest that the panama shorts and the like be left at home. However, people should wear what they are comfortable wearing and stop worrying about fitting in. The moment you open your mouth to speak, they will know you are an American--and it is nothing to be ashamed of. You just want to be polite and not expect everything to be the same as it is in the US because it won't be. If you are polite, others will be polite to you. <BR> <BR>I do notice all the Europeans touring in Washington, DC, wearing white sneakers and sporting fanny packs in summer. Maybe they are trying to fit in but I always know they are tourists.

StCirq, I guess you have a mind for linguistics.....but, sadly, not for grade school science..........YIKES!

In Middle East and North African countries, you see a lot of people (locals) wearing white djellabahs (ps?). The only advantage of black and dark colours in general, is, that you don't see every spot on it. So, in a way it's convenient for travellers. <BR>In my opinion, more important than the colour is the material. Choose cotton, silk or linen instead of synthetics and prefer loose items so that the air can circulate. Nothing worse than tight jeans in a hot and humid place. <BR> <BR>Jody: In my opionion, with a tan, every colour looks nice not only black.

Wow creepy...you really are obsessed with StCirq Lauren - please get some help!

Eeew. Lauren let it go. Your attitude is showing.

Wear what is comfortable. We've seen just about everything in Italy. Pack light. (It isn't only the Americans who stick out because of their dress...);-)

I'm leaving soon for our trip and I'm bringing bright (really bright) colors for day and black for evening. I don't like to wear dark colors in bright sunshiny weather. But black is great at night. Then again, it may rain and maybe I'll feel pretty good in black during the day. I don't know what color I'll be in the mood for. I like having both options.

Claudia, <BR>In Europe you will see very much white clothing combined with vivid colours this summer because black is "OUT". I am a fan of black linen but it is very hard to find in Belgium, Holland and Germany this year.

13 years of travel, a couple of times a year, from Morocco to Northern Ireland, spring through winter, and the darker the clothes the better. <BR> <BR>I'm not concerned so much with style as practicality - I do NOT want to spend time doing laundry. If my skirts, pants, jackets and sweaters are dark, no laundry/waiting for them to dry/or expense of dry cleaning; I can rinse out t-shirts and lightweight tops easily. <BR> <BR>

White REFLECTS heat and light, so the body underneath stays COOLER. Black ABSORBS the heat, so is not ideal when you need to keep cool in extreme heat. So StCirq made a silly mistake. Big deal. (I still think she generally makes some of THE best and most intelligent comments around.) <BR> <BR>White shows the dirt, but then if you're around chalky dust, so does black. And if you have light colored furry pets who watched you pack at home, you'll probably wear your pet-loving heart on your sleeves when you get to Europe. <BR> <BR>If you're hiking in the hot sun in Greece and southern Spain and other warm places, it's crazy to wear black. On the other hand, if you're strolling down breezy streets, visiting AC'd theatres, and eating in nice restaurants, you'll fit in better wearing a black dress than a hot pink one. I do get tired of black, but have found that a black skirt, with a few tops, including black ones, plus a few brighter scarves, will be enough to cover dinner needs on a two week trip. For daytime walking, however, I would wear black tops only in cooler weather because I'd rather be comfortable. If I felt the need to appear to be not a foreigner (and that would include keeping my mouth shut and not taking photos) to avoid becoming a crime victim, I might consider wearing all black even on a hot afternoon if that were the local style, but I only did that once (in Palermo). But really, it's not that important. <BR> <BR>I think one reason black is worn so much in southern Europe is that people still wear mourning clothes much longer there than in the US.

Claudia: <BR>I think the key is easy care clothes regardless of the color. Some prefer to base their wardrobe on tans, some on navy, some on black. Avoiding white would be good if only for how easy it will get dirty. I think as long as you have some color, you will not look out of place season wise. <BR>Have fun!