I spend part of the year in France, and you are right- most Europeans only wear white socks for working out. Otherwise, they wear dark socks or trouser socks- even with sneekers. However, you should wear what you feel most comfortable in. Most Europeans admire American style, even though they do some tings a littel diffrently. Fitting in is more about being polite- you know, saying please and thankyou, trying to speak the language, even just a little and trying not to draw attention to yourself- which I'm sure you already know :) <BR>If you wear sneekers w/ skirts 9and lots of French girls do this in a hip sort of way), I would recommend wearing those low-cut white socks that barely show abouve the top of the shoe. <BR>happy travels!!

Good question! Fun one, too! I have actually had my European friends "taking the piss" out of me re our white sock habit. It's was nevertheless a friendly jibe. But there are probably things they do that we notice we don't do as Americans...Fascinating, no? :P

I don't know about fashion, and Tony may scoff as much as he likes, but it is considered naff to wear white socks except for sport.<BR><BR>On the other hand, who gives a stuff?

A bit off-topic but... <BR> <BR>Right from the first years of post-war European emigration to Australia, we could always immediately tell a 'new Australian' in summer by the fact that they wore socks and sandals. And it is to this day still a giveaway. Socks and sandals = European. Where do Americans stand on this one?

Seems to me only German tourists wear socks with sandals. Those folks and guys who wear six or seven pens stuck into a plastic protector on the shirt pocket, wear thick glasses, have Brill-Kreme on their hair, and still use a slide rule. Nerds? You betcha.

This is pretty ironic. My husband and I just looked at a picture of the Berlin Marathon and thought the runners looked very odd in dark socks and running shoes. Go figure.

Of course Europeans know we are Americans (without even opening our mouths). But my favorite "shoes" are Teva sandals, dorky, clunky, out of style (I'm sure), but I can manoeuver cobblestones, wiggle my toes and I don't have to pack socks of any color.

Sheila - I dont believe I mention socks in any of my postings on this thread. Tennis shoes, yes, socks no. Actually I agree with you, white socks are naff unless playing sport. <BR> <BR>The only thing I scoff are pies. <BR> <BR>

ingin' pehs or bradies?

<BR> <BR>I have lived in England all my life. <BR> <BR>I do care about what I wear and how I look but not to the extent that some do. <BR> <BR>I dont personally care for the white socks look BUT (and here is the important bit)... <BR> <BR>Having lived here for 29 years I cant even say I have noticed what socks people wear with their trainers (sneakers)!!! <BR> <BR>I notice pink jogging suits, and glitzy gold embroidered Tshirts, and scarey hawaiian shorts... but what socks people are wearing? No. <BR> <BR>Ang, I do understand why you are asking, but if you feel confident about how you look that is what people will most likely notice. <BR> <BR>(As long as you dont go for the pink jogging suits, glitzy gold embroidered Tshirts, or scarey hawaiian shorts) <BR> <BR>:) <BR> <BR>Kavey

<BR>PS I was looking at my sister's feet these last few days... <BR> <BR>(She is THE most stylish person I know, she always looks good and up to date without being a fashion slave or always buying into the latest thing) <BR> <BR>And she wore those little sockettes under her trainers... the ones which make it look as if you arent wearing socks. She was wearing normal blue jeans and casual top. <BR> <BR>Kavey

Sheila, I'm partial to a bridie every so often. Bring along a half-loaf and some butter for extra calories/enjoyment.

In addition to what Kavey just said, I have a very trendy friend who always manages to look good without spending a fortune - on holiday this year she wore those little bitty socks that dont show above trainers, along with jeans. <BR>In the UK we do wear jeans and trainers (sneakers) but rather than blue jeans and white trainers most people I know prefer black jeans and black trainers or boots. I have a pair of black trainers but rarely wear them, I wear boots in the winter and sandals in the summer. Most women will wear sandals/mules in the summer. Cargo pants/combat trousers are very popular here, as are the denim or black capri cut-offs in the summer. As for shorts... well I dont know many people who would wear them apart from on a beach holiday or in their back garden.

Guys, <BR> <BR>PLEASE tell me you're not talking about the little sports socks with the pom-poms at the back!!! Ewwwwwww! <BR> <BR>I'm with Christina on all this!

Ang-- <BR>They make lots of sandals for walking--they're just a little klunky looking, but man, are they comfortable. Check out Rockport and Ecco--the one's with padded soles that look sorta like sneaker soles. I can't bear to wear lace-ups in the summer, they're just too hot.

Ang, <BR> <BR>I wouldn't worry about the white socks. If you want to feel like you at least "fit in." (I know I do) I would concern yourself with making sure that your clothes are crisp and neat...which, unfortunately is often difficult traveling out of a suitcase. But this is my best advise. I generally wear nuetral/dark clothing...no loud colors and patterns. I do this here in the US too. Also, should you choose tennis shoes and white socks (which you might as well since you will be walking so much) just be sure to change into "dressier" clothes for dinner. I'm not sure where you are travelling, but my experience is that in most countries people at least wear trousers to dinner...not jeans and sneakers. <BR> <BR>I hope this helps.

Ang, I was wondering how you intended to wear the white socks. If you want to look fashionable, then socks with sandals is a big no-no. If you are wearing them with trousers, then probably nobody would even be able to see the socks.

Actually, you've all missed the boat here. What is important is the percentage of cotton in the socks; not the color. Higher percentage of cotton in the ratio (usually with nylon) will help prevent blisters from the socks heating up while being in tennis shoes all day touring. Friction makes heat...as most men know.....don't ask them about color!

yup...

Ang <BR> <BR>Yes, in the UK, we have been known to laugh at people who wear white socks. The biggest fashion crime, however, is to wear white socks with smart trousers/shoes - white socks with jeans/trainers is a more sporty look, so that doesn't get laughed at. I sometimes wear white sports socks with my jeans (light blue) and light coloured trainers. <BR> <BR>We also laugh at people who wear socks with shorts/skirts and sandals. If I was wearing shorts, I'd have bare feet in either sandals or deck/beach shoes (like trainers/sneakers, but much less 'clumpy'). If I was wearing a skirt/dress, I'd either wear tights (hose?) and sandals (if I wanted to be a bit 'dressy'), or bare legs/feet and sandals/beach shoes. Socks with skirts or shorts are really not on!