Oh, she's not like Hyacinth! Mrs. BOOquet is funny! The other is just a boring crabbypants.

SeaUrchin, I work in Santa Monica, and I don't think I've EVER seen anyone walking around in jogging suits who isn't either (1) going to or from the gym, (2) elderly pedestrians and tourists, or (3) urban fashion victims combining synthetic tat with flashy bling-bling (and looking really stupid in the process). Most people are in comfy shirts and shorts or jeans on the Promenade. I wouldn't wear a jogging suit to even go to the 7-Eleven.

I have no doubt that people wear jogging suits in Europe. As I have no doubt that people find it terribly unstylish. Stick to comfortable khaki pants and shorts, clean T-shirts and good walking shoes.

rjw_lgb -- you should come by Manhattan Beach in that case. Seems all I see when I'm out doing errands are women of all ages in their pastel velour jogging suits. If I have to see one more Juicy logo on someone's behind while I'm at Target...

rjw:

Kidding aside (I only reserve that for grouchy and offensive m_kingdom), and inasmuch as I too really disdain the jogging-suit look when worn for non-athletic purposes, it is still one of the most comfortable clothing articles especially over those that you suggested.

Sea Urchin, I live in an admittedly unglamorous small rural town and still I think that a jogging suit is like the other great American fashion statement, underwear as outerwear; it is okay to see that in the house not in the street. Please leave this unfortunate fashion statement at home and find another way to be comfy while you travel. A nice set of knit pants and a sweater will work well.

SeaUrchin: Southern California and Positano bear no relationship to Southern California except possibly for relatively mild temperatures. Residents of coastal towns in the South of France and Positano have, if anything, even more fashion-consciousness than Parisians. That is not to say that you need to try to keep up with the Joneses, but would it hurt to make a few concessions and not wear something that could possibly label you a bit of a freak? I don't know about you, but when I travel, the last thing I want is to be concerned that the local people I am mingling with are looking at me with disdain or mumbling about me after I've left their company. I guess maybe I'm a bit hypersensitive about that, but I either want to make a good impression or none at all.
I don't think I've ever seen a French or Italian person wearing a jogging suit of whatever brand except when he/she was jogging. That tells me that they don't think that kind of gear is appropriate for other purposes, which tells me I don't want to wear it when I'm there. Does it tell you anything? Of course, if you just don't care, then why pose the question to begin with? If you do care, maybe it's wise to listen to what some people who have traveled a lot in those parts are saying. You don't have to "dress up," just leave the jogging suit at home.

The jogging suit is OK, but only if you promise to wear a baseball cap with it.

OK, you talked me out of it. I'll just wear it on the plane, going to the first hotel and then in the room and on the porch and beach in Positano.

I don't want to offend anyone and if j. suits are offensive I will not wear it.
Afterall if the Europeans get all up in arms over jogging suits like some have on this thread, I might worry for my safety, lol.

Anyway thanks for the "intervention".

And of course, you will want to accessorize the jogging suit/baseball cap ensemble with the famous fanny pack.

SeaUrchin - Where are you going in the South of France? Or is that on another post I just missed it? Anyway, you'll have a great trip - especially since you already seem to have the must-have travel necessity: a sense of humor! Have fun!

I see that the fashion police is out again..Sea Urchin, if you want to wear a jogging suit do it..Dont worry about, is your life, your moneys, your trip..do whatever makes you feel comfortable..
You have my blessings..
Have a fantastic trip,
Ciao,
kismet

thanks all (well, almost all)

I just went to the closet to check on my offending suits and lo and behold they are Polo Sport not Nike but I guess that makes no difference......so if CNN has a news story about an American woman being run out of towns by torch bearing mobs.....it's me!
I'll wave! At least I will be able to out run them in my "running suit"!

Bon Voyage Sea Urchin.....

You go, girl.

Spring arrived this week to this northern west coast town. Along with the daffodil flowers, arrive the teans with this spring's fashion.

Guess what?

Bell bottomed stretchy jogging suits in pastel colours. Two piece. Pull up pants. Zip tops, unzipped to reveal a very low cut, short cut T.

The shoes look like platform sneakers.

Must be the latest rock video look.

Whatch out m kingdom, when spring finally arrives to the UK in mid august, you too will be subject to this sight.

I'm sort of thinking that m_kingdom reminds me just a bit of Mr. Blackwell.

Urchin, I live in LA too and I have seen the warm up suits all over too, with the zippered top and tightish flare pants.

Just today in my lawyer's office in Beverly Hills two of the women there who are in their 40's and in great shape were wearing them.

I am sure they are stylish outfits so take them and I agree that people know you are a tourist and alot of them make their living from tourist trade so they will welcome you. I am sure too that you know when to wear them and where not to.

Let us know.

Actually, those pastel suits, with VERY low-slung pants were quite fashionable in the UK last summer among young teens. I haven't seen them in the shops this year, so anyone wearing them would probably just look a bit "last year" or, if over 21, the phrase "mutton dressed as lamb" springs to mind. ;-)

I'm just still cracking up at the visual of an angry mob of torch-wielding villagers chasing SeaUrchin out of town for daring to wear a track suit! SeaUrchin -- thanks for having a great sense of humor about this topic. I'll keep an out for you on the news

That was meant to be "I'll keep an eye out for you on the news." Why is it I only have mistakes when I don't bother to preview my post? Ergh.

As long as it isn't pink and crispy