help me not to stand out in london!
Nov 24th, 2007, 06:15 AM
#41
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Boots, boots and boots! I was in London in September and wished I had brought my Uggs. I did buy some knee high flat boots there. Wear a scarf or pashmina-you can wrap around you outside but unwrap on the tube where it's hot. Remember, if you're used to driving everywhere, that it's much colder if you're walking everywhere and London is huge!
Take a book on the tube with you-it makes the time go faster, especially if you get stuck in a tunnel for a bit and you're claustrophobic- and it's what local people do. Don't talk super loud-the easiest way to spot an American. Say "sorry" and "thank you" a lot. Enjoy!
Take a book on the tube with you-it makes the time go faster, especially if you get stuck in a tunnel for a bit and you're claustrophobic- and it's what local people do. Don't talk super loud-the easiest way to spot an American. Say "sorry" and "thank you" a lot. Enjoy!
Nov 24th, 2007, 08:03 AM
#43
suze: <<i thought the OP was male>>
Oh, I sure hope not. On another thread about a family trip to Greece s/he posted "i'm going with the sarong thing because i can tuck it into my daypack without taking up a lot of space, and most of what i'll be carrying is capri pants--for the fashion and also to cover up my less-than-gorgeous legs...haha...."
Oh, I sure hope not. On another thread about a family trip to Greece s/he posted "i'm going with the sarong thing because i can tuck it into my daypack without taking up a lot of space, and most of what i'll be carrying is capri pants--for the fashion and also to cover up my less-than-gorgeous legs...haha...."
Nov 24th, 2007, 09:49 AM
#45
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There are two ways you can stand out. One is as proudly looking your best and the other is not caring at all and looking sloppy but comfortable.
Women do notice other women's clothes, like it or not. If you are stylish they will look to get ideas, if you are sloppy or whatever they secretly give thanks that they don't have such poor taste and then go on their way. All in a split second.
Women do notice other women's clothes, like it or not. If you are stylish they will look to get ideas, if you are sloppy or whatever they secretly give thanks that they don't have such poor taste and then go on their way. All in a split second.
Nov 24th, 2007, 10:42 AM
#46
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Identifying Americans..they talk loudly! Groups of four or five will tell each other, quite loudly, how much better, Kansas City is than London! To appear nondescript, speak quietly. Chances are that at Christmas there will be few English in London! You will be most welcome if you ask for help. A restaurant, the local market, South Bank shows. Best of all, the local...the neighborhood pub!
Nov 24th, 2007, 11:29 AM
#47
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<< As to the wristwatch thing, Americans wear larger ones than most other nationalities do,>>
Undoubtedly true some places, but certainly not Italy. The design-conscious Italian wears a pretty dramatic wristwatch these days.
In NYC a typical family in for a day from New Jersey look as much like tourists as a group from Germany or Iowa. It's behaviour more than dress (though certainly when I see a bunch of blondes in a gang on the subway or a corner, I definitely think "tourists" - it's just too rare a sight!) On the other hand, a typical trio of young Japanese tourists usually don't look out of place at all.
It seems to me that urbanites from wherever look far less like tourists when in any other urban area, than do small-town, surburban or rural folks in the same "fish-out-of-water" scene. (And vice versa - city folk can be easy to pick out once they venture into a less urban setting.)
So, your typical New Yorker is harder to pick out of the crown in Paris or London than someone from Omaha or Albany - or, I'd bet, someone from a little town in western France. (This said, there are people in most smaller cities who have a more urban look and/or quickly fall into an urban or cosmopolitan vibe.)
CLothes, hair, etc, yes. Behavior more than anything, and "ease" most of all. The faster one assimilates into the tempo and comfort level of a place, the more at ease they feel and the more "in place" they appear.
I don't know what's wrong with anyone asking "what can I wear to fit in more" before a trip = it doesn't mean adopting a "national costume" (although in London you might look less like a tourist if you adopted Islamic dress - if more like an emigree) but maybe just leaving behind something that will announce one as a visitor at every turn. It's a fair request - even when the fair answer is "just be yourself." Many of us have arrived somewhere with the wrong kit in our bags. And for those whose vacation plan involves doing things they don't get to enjoy ordinarily (be it nights at the opera and fine restaurants or spelunking and mountain climbing, it's reasonable to think that getting your gear together beforehand will make it more a pleasure.
Undoubtedly true some places, but certainly not Italy. The design-conscious Italian wears a pretty dramatic wristwatch these days.
In NYC a typical family in for a day from New Jersey look as much like tourists as a group from Germany or Iowa. It's behaviour more than dress (though certainly when I see a bunch of blondes in a gang on the subway or a corner, I definitely think "tourists" - it's just too rare a sight!) On the other hand, a typical trio of young Japanese tourists usually don't look out of place at all.
It seems to me that urbanites from wherever look far less like tourists when in any other urban area, than do small-town, surburban or rural folks in the same "fish-out-of-water" scene. (And vice versa - city folk can be easy to pick out once they venture into a less urban setting.)
So, your typical New Yorker is harder to pick out of the crown in Paris or London than someone from Omaha or Albany - or, I'd bet, someone from a little town in western France. (This said, there are people in most smaller cities who have a more urban look and/or quickly fall into an urban or cosmopolitan vibe.)
CLothes, hair, etc, yes. Behavior more than anything, and "ease" most of all. The faster one assimilates into the tempo and comfort level of a place, the more at ease they feel and the more "in place" they appear.
I don't know what's wrong with anyone asking "what can I wear to fit in more" before a trip = it doesn't mean adopting a "national costume" (although in London you might look less like a tourist if you adopted Islamic dress - if more like an emigree) but maybe just leaving behind something that will announce one as a visitor at every turn. It's a fair request - even when the fair answer is "just be yourself." Many of us have arrived somewhere with the wrong kit in our bags. And for those whose vacation plan involves doing things they don't get to enjoy ordinarily (be it nights at the opera and fine restaurants or spelunking and mountain climbing, it's reasonable to think that getting your gear together beforehand will make it more a pleasure.
Nov 24th, 2007, 06:19 PM
#49
Whenever I visit a big city I think of these questions on Fodors. And especially London (well, yes, also New York), of all the places I have been, always makes me smile at the thought because I look around and wonder what exactly one would have to wear to stand out and make anyone notice. I think that anyone who has ever asked these questions and then gone to the cities in question must smile as well when they realize just how varied the attire is on the streets.
I fully understand asking the question. Before I visited these cities I wondered the same thing. But having seen what real people wear, I can only chuckle to myself and know that I will never worry about such a thing again.
From my July, 2005 trip report about London: We watched people for quite some time. I marveled at the variety of humanity going by, and once again I had to smile to myself at the "What do I wear in London" ongoing discussions. For not the first time, I wondered what one could wear in London that would actually look strange enough to attract any notice. Then a man walked by wearing gray slacks, a brown jacket, white sneakers and a sign around his neck saying, "Up yours, Al Qaeda".
I fully understand asking the question. Before I visited these cities I wondered the same thing. But having seen what real people wear, I can only chuckle to myself and know that I will never worry about such a thing again.
From my July, 2005 trip report about London: We watched people for quite some time. I marveled at the variety of humanity going by, and once again I had to smile to myself at the "What do I wear in London" ongoing discussions. For not the first time, I wondered what one could wear in London that would actually look strange enough to attract any notice. Then a man walked by wearing gray slacks, a brown jacket, white sneakers and a sign around his neck saying, "Up yours, Al Qaeda".
Nov 25th, 2007, 06:18 AM
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"How can one stand out in London?" By being American sized, with white trainers and your money pouch worn around your neck outside your clothes, complaining loudly about how much walking you're doing.
At least that's what I saw in London, but I agree that it's an incredibly diverse city and people.
I do think, though, that those asking this advice are not necessarily trying not to be pickpocketed nor looked down upon, but may want to dress appropriately as a sign of respect to the place you are visiting. That's my motive anyway.
At least that's what I saw in London, but I agree that it's an incredibly diverse city and people.
I do think, though, that those asking this advice are not necessarily trying not to be pickpocketed nor looked down upon, but may want to dress appropriately as a sign of respect to the place you are visiting. That's my motive anyway.
Nov 25th, 2007, 06:43 AM
#51
The color of my skin gave away the fact that I was a tourist in London evidently. Walking past a father and son sitting on a bench in a park, I overheard father say to his son, "She didn't get those brown legs in England". Not only was I not a Londoner, I was from no where in England.
I was, in fact, from Tampa and we have a sailboat on which we spent most of our free time. No matter how much SPF 30 sunscreen one wears, nor how frequently it is applied, that lifestyle inevitably results in a tan. So...make sure your skin is pale, pale, pale.
I was, in fact, from Tampa and we have a sailboat on which we spent most of our free time. No matter how much SPF 30 sunscreen one wears, nor how frequently it is applied, that lifestyle inevitably results in a tan. So...make sure your skin is pale, pale, pale.
Nov 25th, 2007, 07:33 AM
#52
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The thing I don't get is, if a person is confident with their looks and style, why would they want to change just because they are going to a different city? I think if someone is concerned about changing their style for a visit to London or Paris or what have you, then maybe it's a sign that they are unhappy with their wardrobe/make-up/hair and it's time for a change.
Nov 25th, 2007, 08:11 AM
#53
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I hear what you're saying, but I don't think it's about changing ones style as much as adapting to the local environment. The traveller who asks this question may just be someone who wants to live like a temporary local vs. the tourist who wants everything to be the same as at home. I like to think that the more one blends in the more authentic an experience she has. It isn't that different from choosing the local public transport, eating breakfast differently (someday I'll tell you about the Americans in Bath who went on and on about how horrible the coffee is in France!) and learning the language are attempts to respect and immerse oneself in the culture you're visiting.
Nov 25th, 2007, 08:11 AM
#54
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<<maybe it's a sign that they are unhappy with their wardrobe/make-up/hair and it's time for a change>>
And when it's time for a change, what else do we do? Travel.
Of course, one reason people ask for tips about what to wear when away from home is that we are also away from our closets. We all like to have our bases covered.
I have no quarrel with people who say they don't care about clothes and will wear two interchangeable outfits for every event, pursuit or mood. But for many others clothing is an expression of self that is both its own reward and a route to rewarding experiences and interaction.
Experienced travelers here cover the whole gamut in opinon and interest in clothes. What amazes me is how many people of the "no interest" variety pop up to answer every query about the subject.
And when it's time for a change, what else do we do? Travel.
Of course, one reason people ask for tips about what to wear when away from home is that we are also away from our closets. We all like to have our bases covered.
I have no quarrel with people who say they don't care about clothes and will wear two interchangeable outfits for every event, pursuit or mood. But for many others clothing is an expression of self that is both its own reward and a route to rewarding experiences and interaction.
Experienced travelers here cover the whole gamut in opinon and interest in clothes. What amazes me is how many people of the "no interest" variety pop up to answer every query about the subject.
Nov 25th, 2007, 10:22 AM
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But that's just it- style comes from a combination of self-awareness, taste, knowledge, and a little creativity. If a trip to Europe ignites someone's interest in consciously developing their style, that's great. So it follows that if someone is fretting about their white trainers, then it's an indication that it's time to pitch them for good. If I think my white trainers will make me look dowdy in Europe, then why would I continue to wear them at home?
Why wouldn't someone want to look and feel their best at all times, no matter where they happened to be? It shouldn't be something to store in a cupboard until one goes to Europe. I'm also not a big believer in saving the good china or a favourite perfume for special occasions only
I can appreciate the need for advice on dressing for a different climate, or about what's appropriate/required when visiting religious sites. But there is no easy answer to "what should I wear to look stylish", let alone to "what should I wear to look like a stylish local"
Besides, a person can attach fashionale bits to their wardrobe, and subtract unfashionable bits, but that doesn't mean they will look good, nor does it mean they will look like a local and not a tourist.
Why wouldn't someone want to look and feel their best at all times, no matter where they happened to be? It shouldn't be something to store in a cupboard until one goes to Europe. I'm also not a big believer in saving the good china or a favourite perfume for special occasions only
I can appreciate the need for advice on dressing for a different climate, or about what's appropriate/required when visiting religious sites. But there is no easy answer to "what should I wear to look stylish", let alone to "what should I wear to look like a stylish local"
Besides, a person can attach fashionale bits to their wardrobe, and subtract unfashionable bits, but that doesn't mean they will look good, nor does it mean they will look like a local and not a tourist.
Nov 25th, 2007, 10:42 AM
#58
I'm telling ya it's the "group of friends" that will make you stand out more than what you choose to wear.
Jeans, comfortable boots or shoes, leather jacket, will be perfectly OK. Add gloves, hat, scarf. I'd worry more about dressing for the cold or wet weather (since you are from Texas) instead of fashion.
Jeans, comfortable boots or shoes, leather jacket, will be perfectly OK. Add gloves, hat, scarf. I'd worry more about dressing for the cold or wet weather (since you are from Texas) instead of fashion.
Nov 25th, 2007, 12:44 PM
#59
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<<I'm also not a big believer in saving the good china or a favourite perfume for special occasions only>>
After my mother survived her first bout with cancer, she began using all the pretty scented guest soaps that had sat in a drawer and put them in a good china dish next to her basin. The reaper had come and gone without her, and she began to see that the soaps and guest towels would not be her legacy ...
After my mother survived her first bout with cancer, she began using all the pretty scented guest soaps that had sat in a drawer and put them in a good china dish next to her basin. The reaper had come and gone without her, and she began to see that the soaps and guest towels would not be her legacy ...
Nov 26th, 2007, 08:33 PM
#60
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As has been said, nobody will care one whit whether you look like a tourist or not.
HOWEVER
There ARE things which infuriate the locals, so take careful note :
1 - London is an extremely busy and very crowded city. As such, pedestrian and commuter courtesy will go a long way to making everyone's day happy.
DO get on and off of public transport quickly. If you're on the tube and you're near the door, get out and get clear of the door. If things are crowded, don't stop and lolly around - just MOVE. If you don't know where you're going, don't worry about it and MOVE anyway until you can get out of the way. The crowds will clear quickly and you can go find a map or ask around for directions.
Be acutely aware of your surroundings and where people around you may want or need to get to - don't stand around blocking these areas! That goes for streets, bus aisles, tube trains, platforms - anywhere.
Tube tickets go in the slot, stripe down, and then pop out the top for you to take them again. Watch someone do it first if things are crowded but don't block up the way trying to figure it out.
On the bus - have your travelcard or coins ready when you get on. If you are paying with coins, let other people on first so you don't block up the way waiting for the driver to print your ticket.
On the escalators - **Stand on the Right**. The left side of the escalator is sacred ground in London and MUST be kept clear at all times. Someone is always late for something and they *will* come charging up on the left, muttering curses to your entire family should you impede their haste!
Same thing on the streets - don't block up the pavement with a huge gang of people. Half of London walks faster than most olympic sprinters and require at least enough space to get around and past you whilst walking.
*Speak softly* American tourists seem to have a penchant for shouting above the crowd - this is not necessary. On the tube especially, the general rule is to sit or stand and be quiet. If you must converse, do so quietly.
Otherwise, people are generally friendly and accommodating, helpful, etc. The key, overarching tip here is to be socially considerate. Take all the time in the world to smell the roses, just don't clog up the works whilst doing so.
HOWEVER
There ARE things which infuriate the locals, so take careful note :
1 - London is an extremely busy and very crowded city. As such, pedestrian and commuter courtesy will go a long way to making everyone's day happy.
DO get on and off of public transport quickly. If you're on the tube and you're near the door, get out and get clear of the door. If things are crowded, don't stop and lolly around - just MOVE. If you don't know where you're going, don't worry about it and MOVE anyway until you can get out of the way. The crowds will clear quickly and you can go find a map or ask around for directions.
Be acutely aware of your surroundings and where people around you may want or need to get to - don't stand around blocking these areas! That goes for streets, bus aisles, tube trains, platforms - anywhere.
Tube tickets go in the slot, stripe down, and then pop out the top for you to take them again. Watch someone do it first if things are crowded but don't block up the way trying to figure it out.
On the bus - have your travelcard or coins ready when you get on. If you are paying with coins, let other people on first so you don't block up the way waiting for the driver to print your ticket.
On the escalators - **Stand on the Right**. The left side of the escalator is sacred ground in London and MUST be kept clear at all times. Someone is always late for something and they *will* come charging up on the left, muttering curses to your entire family should you impede their haste!
Same thing on the streets - don't block up the pavement with a huge gang of people. Half of London walks faster than most olympic sprinters and require at least enough space to get around and past you whilst walking.
*Speak softly* American tourists seem to have a penchant for shouting above the crowd - this is not necessary. On the tube especially, the general rule is to sit or stand and be quiet. If you must converse, do so quietly.
Otherwise, people are generally friendly and accommodating, helpful, etc. The key, overarching tip here is to be socially considerate. Take all the time in the world to smell the roses, just don't clog up the works whilst doing so.
