"How do the people who claim they get better service because they are dressed up know that?"

For me it's the way that when I'm in my work clothes (decent suit) I get customer service which is orders of magnitude better than that which I get if I'm in jeans/sports clothes. I don't like being fawned over, so I'm actually more comfortable wearing scruffier clothes and being ignored, but I do find there's a noticeable difference.

Hi Hopscotch,

What were the people wearing who were denied entry? Was it at a restaurant?

I agree that your clothes should be appropriate to the occasion but I was thinking about the question of wearing casual, comfortable clothes like slacks and sweater or jacket or even neat jeans (I don't because of comfort) on an international flight, not scruffy, torn up jeans for a flight or at a restaurant.

My 66 year old wife just got some new jeans for our trip in April to France.
One of the reasons I like them is that they are not real loose so when I put my cash in my front pocket someone can't get it out.

Perhaps people should take a good look in the mirror ( Front and BACK) before they
decide on any outfit. Most of all jeans !

I recommend considering both comfort and versatility. My last trip to Germany, it took a full 5 days for my suitcase to be found and catch up with me. While I had some extra clothing in my carry-on, I had neither a skirt nor any slacks, so it was providential that the black slacks I had chosen to wear on the plane, for their comfort, were verstile enough to go everywhere, including the opera. Wear whatever you want on the plane, but pack at least one full set of clothes in your carry-on!

I agree with Dukey. Wear what you want and what makes you feel comfortable. It is the demeanor which is most important. On one of our trips to Florence, we were sitting in a casual restaurant having lunch, when an American man (from N.Y.;I am from N.Y.), became obnoxious and started yelling in a high tone at the poor waiter. This was one time it was embarrassing to be an American tourist!Please let's remember our manners. We are not winning any popularity polls around the world right now as it is. p.s. I'm going to Italy in two weeks and I think I'll take my black sneakers, rather than my white. I remember it seemed they all wore dark shoes.

Vanw: Jeans you say? As you likely know the range of "Jeans" is quite varied nowadays.

As 60 somethings, I assume with average figures you look and feel most commfortable in conservatively cut blue jeans, perhaps with a bit of give for comfort, in a darker color blue or black. My guess is that would be fine.

If you are even asking this question, I doubt you would be one of the lovelies I have seen on planes (mature women mind you ) in 4 inch platforms & "Apple Bottom" jeans with the exposed bellies or better yet "Baby Phats" with enough sparkle, bling bling and hardware on the back pockets to set off the metal detectors. Then there is always the dark jean with the strategicly placed ultra faded areas to emphasize the silouette and curve of the figure (Horrors!) Those are typically worn skin tight to show the ....er...please excuse the expression "apple bottom" or the "onion" whichever is the fruit or vegetable of preference of the particular brand of jeans, to it's fullest advantage.

Me personally @ 50.. well I do not need to call any attention to my lower extremeties, especially any areas that resemble produce, so I agree with the other posts: consider your comfort, then look in the mirror to be sure!

Sounds like you won't have a problem.

Hi,
No problem wearing jeans here in Brussels. Plenty of people wear them and I'm sure nobody will give you a second glance. Even if you wear them for sight-seeing. Just be comfortable and wear the clothes that you like to wear.

I know what you mean, but do you see the pics of celebs traveling? They're usually TOTALLY casual in jeans, sweats, "Juicy" brand sweat outfits, etc. Pretty much anything goes. I've even seen people fly to Europe wearing flannel PJ bottoms and sweatshirts, carrying their own pillow. hehe

I honestly don't know what people have against jeans. I am 48 year old woman who keeps in good shape and jeans are my life. I try not to let them get frayed, I don't buy the ones with holes and bleaching but I do stay up with fashion. Jeans saw me through 2 trips to Israel, 1 to England, 1 to Germany, throughout the US, Bahamas and Canada. They were and still are the most comfortable piece of clothing I own. And as I recall no one ever made fun of me while overseas for wearing jeans. Wear what makes you happy and is in decent shape. Enjoy your trip!

OK I can wear my jeans to Brussels, but what should I wear on my feet??

dark shoes or comfy tennis shoes????

In my experiences, you will see tons of jeans and comfy tennis shoes. So, I say wear what you're comfy in. :)

There are jeans, and there are jeans. Wearing them doesn't automatically mean "sloppy". To me, a great-fitting pair of dark jeans (neatly pressed), a turtleneck, a good belt, nice boots, and a leather jacket is an outfit that can take you anywhere. And, need I say, great accessories and good-grooming?

On our last trip to Europe I didn't take any jeans, and I was so sorry. I would have lived in them.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, I am 64..........