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Germany: The Ultimate Guide on what NOT to wear

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Germany: The Ultimate Guide on what NOT to wear

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Old Oct 14th, 2007, 01:36 AM
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Germany: The Ultimate Guide on what NOT to wear

Dear non-European Fodorites,

For weeks I have been pestering you with claims that no one in Europe cares about what you wear.

But: when I talked jokingly about this issue with my new intern, an American college graduate from a well-known school in the Midwest, he admitted that he left his (white) tennis shoes home, so he would "blend in" more.

Still in some state of shock, I spend last afternoon in downtown Munich, carefully studying the apparel of tourists in the pedestrian zone.

Following this in-depth analysis, I found that the following items may pose a threat on your quest of total immersion.

<b>Caps / Ball Caps</b>
While in general acceptable, only that version of caps that enclose the head tightly is okay. Some caps will appear more like a helmet because they leave some space between your forehead at the cap. They seem to be called &quot;trucker ball caps&quot; and often come with a mix of fabric for the front section and mesh for the back section. Try to avoid those.
People beyond 40 should refrain from flashy ball cap designs. Unicolored with small logo is okay. NY designs are always okay, and widely popular.

<b>Shades / Sunglasses</b>
While mirrored sunglasses are somewhat questionable in general, the ultimate no-no is that &quot;Grandma goes Darth Vader&quot; model. The donning of visor-style sunglasses is only acceptable for members of extra-terrestrial peoples (or at ski resorts).
When in doubt what I am talking about, check out this sample website:
http://www.tvproducts4less.com/blubl...unglasses.html

<b>Jewelry (male)</b>
Most men do not wear more jewelry than their watches. College rings or similar big items are not common. Many people make a reciprocally proportional assumption from the amount of jewelry a guy is wearing to his social status.

<b>Jewelry (female)</b>
Since I am a guy, I cannot really comment. Any amount you can carry around without the help of others seems okay. Yet, less is often more.


Oh boy, this is getting exhausting. I think I need to take a break, and will come back later with more installments.
While I probably get slaughtered in the meantime. ;-)

Have a nice sunday.
Cowboy1968 is offline  
Old Oct 14th, 2007, 02:53 AM
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Actuually, there is one style of clothing that is very illegal to wear in Germany.
audere_est_facere is offline  
Old Oct 14th, 2007, 03:05 AM
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assume we're talking Prince Harry here, Audere.

At least he turned up at THE match last night, unlike our politians. perhaps they couldn't afford a ticket.

and he was wearing his lucky shirt! WITHOUT the swastikas.

regards, ann
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Old Oct 14th, 2007, 05:59 AM
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Munchen is hardly a fashion capital, sweetie darling.

Unless you are Catherine Horyn or Suzy Menkes, leave the fashion criticism alone. Your observations are specious at best. I bet you can't even tell a Missoni jumper from an Etro vest at 10 paces.

We are not amused.

The Great and Powerful Thingorjus
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Old Oct 14th, 2007, 07:03 AM
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But please, pretty please darling if you use German spelling do it right. Don't forget the dots, they're sooo important.

It's not Munchen, it's always M&uuml;nchen or Muenchen. Thank you so much!
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Old Oct 14th, 2007, 09:29 AM
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Prost, schotzi!
marginal_margiela is offline  
Old Oct 14th, 2007, 09:35 AM
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&quot;I bet you can't even tell a Missoni jumper from an Etro vest at 10 paces.
&quot;

Wow...there's a talent that must come in handy a lot.
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Old Oct 14th, 2007, 10:14 AM
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That's &quot;Bussi, Bussi&quot; . Greetings from Schikeria. See you at the racetrack!
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Old Oct 14th, 2007, 10:22 AM
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&gt;..Missoni jumper from an Etro vest...

What a wonderful thing is the internet.

Looking them up at google images, I now can tell a jumper from a vest.

ira is offline  
Old Oct 14th, 2007, 11:18 AM
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Because of Bruce Darnell and Germany's Next Model, Germany dresses much better.
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