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Opening up a can of worms!
When I posted my trip report, I didn't mention clothing. Now that my jet-lag has abated I am ready to tackle this! First I must say that I am a dedicated Fodorite, and have used this site for lots of help on lots of trips. I have received a ton of valuable information from all of you.
BUT---one place that there is misinformation is about clothing, in mho. At the risk of looking too "touristy" and (God forbid!) American, I took the advice of not taking either jeans or athletic shoes. I wish I had. I made it a point to notice what people were wearing all along the whole trip through Bavaria and Italy for 3 weeks. I came to the conclusion that I (and other Fodorites?) were the only ones NOT wearing jeans and athletic shoes! As I was watching people I would try to guess where they were from. Many times the very ones I couldn't place, and who looked the most international, were wearing jeans and athletic shoes. Now I am not talking about looking sloppy! I am talking about stylishly put together, chic-ly accessorized, neat and clean. Everyone, including Japanese tourists, New Zealanders, and European tourists, were all wearing athletic shoes. I, of course, was wearing my Wolkies and Eccos, which were great, but on some of our day-long excursions was wishing I did have my athletic shoes! I even have black ones that I could have taken. My husband, who has traveled very extensively all over the world on business, is not concerned with what anyone says he should wear. So he was in his jeans and athletic shoes, and fit right in. I was the one who felt over-dressed more often than not! My advice is to go how you will feel the most comfortable (especially for walking), and a lot like you would dress at home! I live in the SF Bay Area, and people here do dress pretty well on average, even in jeans! |
Who told you not to wear jeans and trainers???????? I certainly did not! I used to work for a major American fashion designer, and I always tell people on this site to wear what is APPROPRIATE for their activity. If you are touring sites, wearing jeans and trainers is most appropriate. However, I wouldn't wear these articles of clothing to a 5-star restaurant or the theatre.
You have to learn to separate the wheat from the chaff on this forum, sweetie. |
Jeans and trainers when you travel? I hope not. Save that for home.
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And I thought this was going to be about airplane food ... |
You learned a valuable lesson - you just gota take care of your feet.
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jeans- only problem is they take so long to dry if you are doing laundry.
tennies- bright, new white ones may show up a bit, but there are so many other colors. |
We all KNOW who the "fashion police" are around here and we also know that almost inevitably it seems to be the females that post who are most "concerned" about "what to wear" while, I assume, their "dear (but oh so unconcerned about "fahion") husband" couldn't care less.
Well, if I'm right then who needs the "self-determination" lessons? This board is great for some things and, obviously, lousy for others..just like life itself. |
As a European fashionista, I have to agree that the "no-jeans" policy was definitely bad fashion advice. You were right in your observations, "Chic", that most Europeans routinely wear jeans for casual outtings..If you can dress them up with a Cavalli jacket or a Vuitton purse- all the better.. :) Jeans have become a sine-qua-non in anyone's wardrobe and it is a preposterous concept that you can tell someone's nationality by the fact that they are wearing them...
Wearing sneakers with them is a little bit less prevalent among the women... On the other hand, if you look at recent Prada collections, sneaker-inspired footwear is all the rage... Anyway, I would say- wear shoes you are comfortable in... At any rate, I think that style is innate and not acquired and the best way to look good is to feel good in your own clothes- whether they be jeans or an evening-gown... Note: for 5-star restaurants, if this was even your dining destination (though hard to see how someone spending their vacation there can stay thin and gorgeous :) ), stick to a little black dress...I find that the most convenient, small thing to pack, no matter where I go...But, since most of normal people's traveling time is spent in sightseeing and not 5 star restaurants- jeans are perfect..... Best of luck on your travels, Sempronia |
Very funny, sfowler!!
When I travel, comfort is much more important than making a fashion statement, although I agree w/ThinG that I wouldn't go too casual for a fancy restaraunt or theatre. And if people can spot me as American, I'm quite OK with that. |
I agree with janeg that there is no reason not to wear jeans unless you plan to do laundry along the way. For our next trip to Germany and Austria next May, I plan to take a pair of stretch jeans (lighter weight and take less time to dry) and a 2 pair of lightweight slacks. If the weather is chilly, I always have my lightweight silk long underwear I can put on.
But I don't wear athletic shoes altho I guess you could. On my last trip, I wore my Merrell's and they were fabulously comfortable. I also took my SAS flats for going out to dinner, etc. |
I feel like a broken record because my advice is always the same..Wear what you want as long is clean and look decent.. Dont worry about what the Fodors fashion police unrealistic theory of how a tourist should look.
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To me, the most pathetic part of this whole fashion thing is how hung up, paranoid and fearful some people are about wearing the "wrong" clothing on their travels.
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Interesting. I just had to log in when usually I just come in and that's that. Yesterday I couldn't get in directly and had to go through fodors.com.
Ah clothing once again. How I wish it would die and everyone would just wear what they wish and quit asking others to make those decisions for them. I personally wear jeans a lot where I live (also SF Bay Area), but I absolutely detest athletic shoes or what some now call "tennis shoes." I don't own a pair and probably never will. My take is this: It depends where you are going and how old you are whether or not jeans and athletic shoes are appropriate. No one my age in any country I have ever visited wears jeans. My husband dresses as he wishes, which is less dressy than I would sometimes prefer but that's okay too, except when we go to the theater, opera, concert, etc. Say what you will, some occasions call for looking more dressy. Neither of us wear shorts, never did even when we were young. I have never figured out why people think wearing them makes you cooler, when a long skirt, which catches breezes far better, is better looking and actually does keeps you cooler. Now the old argument about wearing dark clothes and how it is bashed by so many (usually men). Don't you realize that darker colors don't show the wear and tear lighter colors do. Additionally when most of your things are one color they all go together, allowing you to make up many outfits and pack less. And I don't care what anyone says, my own observation is that black is worn extensively by the women in Europe. Perhaps not the teen-age or 20 somethings, but more mature women do wear darker colors. I have once again had my say and lots of you will disagree. That's why it is so futile to start these threads. The way you dress is very subjective and I would never presume to tell anyone else what to wear, only describe what I wear and what I have seen worn in Europe. The rest is up to each individual. |
I don't think that many people on Fodors really tell someone not to take jeans or athletic shoes, so it is surprising to me when someone takes to heart the few people who do and ignores all the others who say you can. I never tell anyone not to wear jeans because I do all the time and consider them a staple when traveling. I don't wear athletic shoes, though, I don't like them and don't own any except an old pair I wear for gardening.
I really think the issue is WHERE you are going and that you dress appropriately for that. This is missing from your advice and comments. I do agree one should not wear jeans and athletic shoes to the opera, nice restaurants, etc. I don't think it makes the slightest bit of difference for daytime touring of tourist sites, or museums, souvenir shops, etc. I think it really does make a difference how they fit and their style, though, as well as what kind of accessories and top you are wearing with them, but I won't get into that. It still doesn't matter for the daytime tourist stuff. One thing I always find amusing is those who talke about neatly-pressed jeans and how that is okay. I don't press my jeans, that sort of is contradictory to me, as one great thing about them is they don't need pressing if they are of real denim twill fabric and jeans shouldn't be pressed or they look too disco 70s. I used to work in Hollywood at that time and I remember a lot of people would actually dry clean their jeans, as well as press them (this was for "dress" or office attire, ha ha). |
OK, for the last time:
EVERYONE WEARS JEANS IN EUROPE! The only place where I wouldn't wear jeans is in the Opera or a very formal restaurant. I was at a party last week, and at least half the women there (mostly between 35 and 45 years old) wore jeans, not with sneakers but with high heels, and a smart blouse or jacket. Chanel jacket with jeans is particularly popular at the moment. For day (for the school run, shopping), women wear sneakers, Todds, flat shoes, flipflops, anything comfortable. |
Re: <i>And I thought this was going to be about airplane food ... </i>
Nice one! :) Or an episode of <i>Fear Factor</i>. While I can't say I've made an exhaustive study of clothing while in Europe, it seems to me that jeans are far more prevalent than athletic shoes, especially with Europeans. That's just my observation; I'm not saying one shouldn't wear athletic shoes. |
"I'm going to Europe. What should I wear?" That's the problem right there!
There are so many different activities and styles of travel, how can anyone ask for or give that sort of advice? Are you going to be in the city or the country? Are you dining in expensive restaurants every evening or on a budget? If the question is more specific, like what can I wear on the plane that will be comfortable but still look nice, or how dressed up do I have to be for the opera, then advice can be useful. I've always thought the "fashion police" on here were a bit of an over-the-top joke. Aren't they? I can't believe anyone would take some of the advice seriously! |
Whenever I travel I wear my jeans on the plane with a nice sweater or jacket which will be the heaviest item I will be taking. I also wear my heaviest shoes on the plane so I wont have to pack all the heavy stuff, which means jeans.
I may be "older" but I am fit and try to look stylish for my own sake just like I do at home. You have some good advice here chicgeek, it is a shame you didn't take your jeans from past advice. |
Just got back from Italy and noticed women of all ages wearing nice jeans. Bobby Brown once said the women over 40 should stop wearing red lipstick or brightly colored lipstick and they should stop wearing jeans. Luckily, Italian women would ignore that advice. They all looked fantastic. Nice well fitted jeans, beautiful leather shoes with heels, blazer and a scarf. Now that is casual chic IMO. Did not see any Italian women over 16 wearing tennis shoes (Superga or Nike) but lots wearing sleek slip on loafers or heels.
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Bobby Brown said that? Hah! Well let it be known that Capo once said that Bobby Brown should quit giving women over 40 fashion advice.
That's been my observation, Calamari, more leather loafer-type shoes than athletic shoes with jeans, on both men and women. |
Hmmm... I keep posting over & over again that if you are a decent dresser at home, simply take your normal clothing, suitable for the season and for the types of places (hiking, fancy restaurants, whatever) you plan to visit. So it's not me who said leave your jeans and sneakers at home ;-)
Like others with their (not) athletic shoes I've never worn jeans in my life so wouldn't take them to travel in. But if they are a wardrobe staple for you, of course you should bring them. Realizing they are heavy and bulky to pack and slow to wash/dry, is my only comment. Because I am lucky enough to have friends who live in Europe, I know for a fact that (as already mentioned) people WEAR JEANS IN EUROPE! |
This thread reminded me of a photo posted by a fodorite in connection with a recent trip to Italy: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/s...;sm=0&sl=0
Do you think the two fodorites sharing drinks also share the same fashion advisor? No offense intended, but I almost laughed out loud. |
That was Bobby (i) Brown, the make-up lady, not Whitney Houstan's stiff!
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I don't like jeans for hiking because they are heavy, sweaty, and take forever to dry if they get wet from any source. Moreover, they are cold in the wind, particularly when damp. Evaporational cooling sets in and the chill bumps come out. As a result, I don't take them along because they are very poor for many of my purposes.
There are better fabrics for travel than heavy cotton denim!! I believed that BS about no jeans until my first trip over in '98. We connected in Amsterdam and, on the next flight, 3 men carrying brief cases and wearing blue jeans boarded ahead of me. They most emphatically were not Americans. I will help bash airline food. Anybody want to start a thread? I would, but I cannot think up anything witty enough to sustain it. |
Thanks, Mimi. I wasn't aware of that Bobby Brown. But no matter; she also should stop giving fashion advice to women over 40. Hah! "No jeans", my denim-clad derriere!
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brookwood, check this out:
http://www.airlinemeals.net/ |
That airline meals web site is the oddest site I've seen in a long time.
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I remember my mother used to say...Sophia Loren could put on a $5.00 house dress and look fabulous. (It's all in the foundation!)
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Why are you all washing your jeans so much whilst on holiday?? Didn't you ever hear of Fabreeze???? Unless you are running a marathon in your jeans, I doubt they will be that untidy after three wearings. And why not bring another pair????
You know, we do have laundry facilities in Europe. You don't have to let your jeans drip-dry over the bathtub for two days. Blimey. It is a wonder how some of you make it to your job in the morning. I manage, and that is after three fingers of gin. |
I thought this was going to be a theological discussion involving the event which declared Martin Luther to be a heretic (The Diet of Worms).
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I thought it was going to be a thread on the strangest food you ever ate while traveling to another country.
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I also wonder why are all these people washing jeans during a holiday? How long are you on vacation? One of the great benefits of jeans is that they can take dirt and no show and yes, Fabreeze, if for some odd reasons, your jeans take on an odor.
Of course, if it is in the middle of the summer and it is hot, jeans are not practical because they are warmer, but any other time, what's the problem? I have another questions, I've never heard about some many people going to the "Opera", eveyone is saying about not wearing jeans to the Opera, well that's common sense. Do that many of you go to the Opera on vacation? Chicgeek, you were absolutely right in saying that so many on Fodors say not to bring jeans. I just love how so many people are saying that no one has ever said not to wear jeans to Europe. Oh, please this site is full of people who write about Europeans never wearing jeans. Maybe the people who have responded to this thread haven't said that jeans are evil, but plenty of people do. |
Very funny, marilyn and platzman and of course, ThinGorjus you are always funny and erudite at the same time. Do I know you? Do you live in Miami? However . . . umm . . . who is Bobby Brown? God, I am so NOT pop. Sorry, but after one day's wear, jeans need ironing or they look old, crummy, wrinkled, worn, hideous. Yes we can give them an "instant bath" with Febreeze, but really! Remember when we used spray deodorant and called it "instant shower" (when we were REAL young)? Jeans weigh too much to tote around. They won't air dry in a week. Who cares what the look is - they are simply impractical. And yes, anything looks better in a pair of 4" spikes - but who is standing around looking gorgeous when they travel? Not moi (although don't misunderstand me, I usually look gorgeous whenever). Really, jeans aren't the worst - those T-shirts with suggestive, vulgar phrases. Please, just leave them home. Better yet, leave them to the teens. And shoes? Well, sneaks or berks? Good grief, where is the fashion goddess when it comes to feet? Can someone please design comfort and style and market it? Feet are usually ugly. While mine are quite lovely, they still need "pretty" at all times. I could talk about clothes all night. Also, I never try to guess where someone is from when I'm on vacation. I'm usually much too busy trying to get the olive out of the martini with my tongue. Okay - I think I'm cut off the rest off the night. nighty-night.
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A Word on Left Bank Streetwear
The word here on a Saturday afternoon is CASUAL. I'm not going to talk about fashion and style - leave that to the experts. But what I can tell you is what I see in the street, and what I'm seeing is JEANS. Bell-bottomed, distressed and ground-sweeping jeans, a sea of jeans. Occasionally cargo pants. The daring wear red sneakers with their jeans and those who cannot wear jeans wear black. Black still remains the universal urban uniform, but now relaxing for the spring into calve length, loose-flowing slacks. The shop windows brim with khaki, cargo pants, laced and drawstringed, but on the street, jeans rule. So, if you're going to Paris, stay on the Left Bank and pack your jeans. Throw in an exceptionally wrinkled gauzy shirt and you'll blend in just fine. |
Shanna,
I have to disagree about jeans looking frumpy after one wear, not if they are quality jeans. Good jeans hold up and don't look all messed after only one wear. As far as shoes, I totally agree with you, comfort is number one! However, I have seen some shoes that are comfortable that I couldn't bring myself to wear in public...For example I know people swear by Birkenstock, I think they are so hideous looking, I could never wear them, though I think my feet would like me much more if I did. I don't know why shoe designers can't come up with truly good looking and comfortable shoes. Maybe it's some kind of plot to make us keep buying another pair of shoes in hope of the great possible comfort. |
Chicgeek, I know exactly what you are saying and I'm glad you posted. What you are saying is true...certain Fodorites have novice travelers scared to wear jeans or athletic shoes.
The advice given has always made me laugh. I always wear jeans ( not in summer...too hot).. they stand up well, don't show the dirt and are durable and can be worn for many days, (much longer than at home..but that's the beauty of them). I've never felt out of place wandering the streets and siteseeing and have even seen men wearing neat jeans in very expensive restaurants. There may be many postings saying wear what you want, but there sure have been a lot saying what NOT to wear. Even on the US board, there were posts stating that while visiting NEw York, one must wear black!..that EVERYONE in NY only wears Black. What rubbish. They even sell different colors of clothers in the stores there!! And you know what? a vast number of people on the streets were in JEANS. So I hope everyone takes a lesson and wears what they want and remembers to be comfortable. Chicgeek, I'm sure you'll be more comfortable next time. |
lyb,
jeans are not evil but the pest that attacks cotton is the nasty boll weevil |
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Capo,
Are your jeans attacked a lot? :) |
My jeans are not attacked a lot And I'm glad Because they are all I've got |
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