Question about wearing black clothes
 

I'm confused and would like to be set on the right track fashionwise.
I keep reading that when travelling to the big 'posh' cities, it's only 'cool' to wear black.
THis is what confuses me. Now that spring is here and summer is on the way, I see such pretty spring and summer colors in the stores. Who wears all these refreshingly pretty clothes. The purses are such vibrant colors. Who is buying them? Or is it ok to have a flashy bag with a black dress. And I'm seeing really pretty colored sandals.

I personally feel quite old and dowdy in all black, unless I have on a nice black cocktail dress. But what is the reason for wearing all black for an entire trip? So you can wear your clothes more often with out showoing the dirt?

Those on this board who seem to be the IN group ( and you know who you are!)and seem to be fashion concious seem to be such fun loving people. DO you really travel in black all the time? I think of old Italian ladies in mourning for the rest of their lives and only wearing black.

I am not one of the pink jogging suit/fanny pack/ crowd, and I do dress conservatively, but do I really need to wear black ALL the time?
Oh and isn't it awefully hot in the summer.
I think white or cream is very cool adn refreshing looking.

I'm like any help to straighten me out!!

Troll? Anybody smell a troll? ((b))

I think the reason black is so popular in big cities is because it is so practical. We've seen all the pretty colors in the stores in London and we couldn't figure out who was buying them either - you sure didn't see them on the streets. :)

I'm not a big black fan either. I don't bring a lot of whites and pastels because they are often only good for one wearing. I'll bring khaki, navy, etc... instead of black.

I do not dislike black, but I am with you, I like some color. We were in Italy last summer, and I found black too hot.In the future, I won't wear black in the summer.

Enjoy some color!

Hi Budman! ;;)

muffin are you traveling to Europe?!?

Yea Budman...I'm gettin' the scent.

Budman. Troll??? YOu obviously aren't a woman being intimidated on this board and stressing about what to wear.

For the other answers, thank you so much. I'm so happy to hear it isn't just me who likes some pretty colors in her wardrobe.
I have to admit Kay, I wouldn't wear my pastel colors on holiday either, but I do wear Khaki, navy, etc. I try to co ordinate my vacation clothes so I can mix and match. I do like to add a yellow top to brightne things up.

Who is muffin? Did I miss something.
I'd do a smiley shrug if I knew how!!

gone: Muffin is someone who posts about what to wear when traveling - nuf said.

I understand what you mean about wearing black. I tend to wear a lot of black myself but have learned to add punches of color. I am particularly fond of my new hot pink and muted green trenchies that I wear with black slacks, black shell and black flats.

It depends where you are going, few wear black in the south of France except for the very elderly who have lost family. Most Americans feel safer, secure in black and are not really into fashion so if you have fun with color do not hesitate. Wearing what makes you feel good is the key, be it black or color.
troll-la-la- lala-la-la.

How can someone who has posted about planning and saving for a low cost trip to Prague and Budapest in 2006 ALSO be asking about "What colours to wear in Ulster and Eire -- i.e. avoid green? orange?"

And why post the same question about bathing attire (!)on both US and European forums -- what IS the lady's destination??

Trollissima!

BUT: To answer the initial question:

Yes you must wear black in large cities, esp. Paris. They have officers posted at the city gates -- yes, Paris city gates, just like in the middle act of Boheme -- who will turn you away if you are improperly dressed.

Though the RER from CDG (naturally) doesn't stop at any surface "city gates" there are monitors aboard the trains to enforce the regulations ("assurer la conformite des voyageurs aux normes d'habillement") -- and you know the French and their regulations!

In Rome, moreover, a year of papal mourning has been decreed.

If you want colours, try the South -- in St Tropez "Hospital green is the new black"

Your coats sound great Seetheworld!
I've had so much of dreary winter, I'm enjoying seeing all the colors in the stores.
I do admit , I think black jeans look nicer than blue jeans and I like to wear the black ones. And I love to wear my black turtle neck with them , BUT then I must add color, like a read jacket or something.
Thanks again everyone ( well, mostly everyone!) for the help.

I wear black because it's chic and fashionable but truthfully I can't stand not to punctuate it with something bright, like a scarf or jewelry or a handbag. I noticed most women do the same, too.

tedgale, you really MUST learn to properly read posts. I said when I WENT to Ireland, I was told about the colors. No where did I say I was going there again.
I've also explained why my other post turned up twice. My server dropped me and I thought I'd lost the post and retyped it.

Now I remember why I'm so hesitant to post on Fodor's. It's a great travel forum, but you people are relentless at tearing people apart.
You must be very happy that you are perfect.

OH Right, you arent' perfect. You thought I was GOING to Ireland.
AND um, even on a budget, I still want to look nice. Is that ok?

Thanks again to all those who chose to help me.

Gee, Tedgale, can't people plan more than one trip at a time?

Troll or not, I think it's a good question, and one I'm currently stressing about! I wear a lot of black and usually travel to Europe in Fall, Winter or early Spring, so wardrobe is not so much of an issue.

This time, I'm going in August. Do people really wear black in the summer too, punctuated with color or not? It's certainly easiest, but isn't it too hot?

Please don't tell me to wear what I want...I promise I will! I'm really interested to know if black is prevalent in Paris in the summer!

M_K, I'd love to hear from you, too. Thanks.

To "gone",
Please ignore the rude manner. Not everyone is here to chastise.

Your question is indeed a fine one. My answer: where what you feel comfortable in! You are the one traveling far and away.
I, for one, get as ugly as some of the posts on this board if I am uncomfortable!

Eat, drink, and be comfy!

Happy travels, T.

p.s. Pardon, that is "wear", not where, good heavens I am sleepy. Nightie night Tiff!

I don't really get this whole black thing. "Wearing a lot of black" doesn't necessarily mean you are in black from head to toe. If I wear black jeans, slacks, or skirt, with a black jacket or sweater, I put a bright or pastel tank or T or sweater underneath. I really don't think this hit of color is particularly "unEuropean." Certainly I've been mistaken enough times for a local. (When someone asks me for directions in the local language, I figure they think I live there.)

In hot weather, you can still be comfortable in a very lightweight pair of black linen or rayon pants. But I would wear a light-colored top, unless it was evening.

gone, if you are sincere, then you should know that you happen to be posting immediately following a rash of very nasty trolls. Perhaps that is why people are suspicious.

I miss muffin so much. :( I can't help wonder what spa she is languishing in, wrapped in a big soft robe, stroking her pet lizard, while waiting for her leather pants to return from the dry cleaners.

I feel cooler in lighter colors in the heat so tend to wear them. Wear what you like and feel comfortable in. Some people like to stick to one or two colors when travelling to help with coordinating their wardrobes. I prefer a bit of variety, myself.

What's with all of the concern about black clothing? Do people really take that kind of advice--always wearing black on their trips? Weird. No, in Italy, brlght color is really big right now. I would suggest wearing it.

After 18 months on this board I never thought I'd see the day when I would respond to a post on fashion, but I suppose there's a first time for everything, so here goes :)

We have just returned from a trip to Northern Italy & even a complete non-fashonista like myself couldn't help but notice that the shop window displays were full of orange & lime green clothes & accessories.

Jim

Hi Gone,

You don't need to wear black to be 'in'. Nice people will be nice to you and rude people will be rude to you, no matter what or what color you wear.

White and pastels are my colors. I alomost always wear these colors and so far have no problem.

Most of us really do obsess waaaay too much about "what to wear" or "fiting in," wouldn't you agree?

That said, however, I'll weigh in here...with my decision for this August's Boston/London/cruise wardrobe that will center around black/some form of beige (more towards "tobacco")and white. For color, I figure to bring a few bright silk tanks, and hopefully will find a lightweight blazer in a bright color that will be one of my mainstays. B/t/w, fashion advice for the cruise notes daytime apparel is "resort casual." I'm afraid that's a bit foreign for me and so while I'm bracing myself against a bevy of well-dressed women in $$$$$ resort wear, I'm also determined to be comfortable in my own skin, wearing white or dark pants and a variety of packable tops.

Black linen feels very cool in the summer....

I wear a lot of black throughout all seasons in my everyday life so I do the same when travelling......
Specially when I travel, black hides a multitude of sins, on the clothes and body...

I find it easier to pack and accessorize around basic black pieces.........

Can someone fill me in on what a "troll" is? I have, of course, read the story of the three bill goats gruff but I know you people aren't talking about fairy tales! Please clue me in.

seetheworld: curious, what are "trenchies" ?

I am considering buying a spring green dress for my upcoming trip to Italy and Paris - but isn't that the color that the sanitation workers wear?! or is that in Spain?

Why does this come up so often?
WOMEN IN EUROPE DO NOT DRESS COMPLETELY IN BLACK. Unless you're going to a funeral.
Wear green, orange, pink, blue, whatever you like. And wear jeans, with comfortable shoes (preferable not white tennis shoes, but apart from that, anything goes).

This November past, lots of plain black in Paris. Plain black, punctuated by a medium gray, in London. In Rome, a muddy combination of taupe/brown/gray seemed the national color. In fact, EVERYONE looked as though he or she was en route to a funeral, and not chic-ly so at all.

Wear what you want, in the colors you want. Well made, nicely tailored clothing is in style everywhere.

Caroline: "Trenchies"...is the only word I could think of to describe these jackets.

They are longer than a blazer, made of silk (therefore light weight)and have adornments similar to those found on a tenchcoat but only few buttons (just below the chest). I suppose they can be worn as "outer wear" on mild days but I wear them indoors for presentations and parties and so far, I've received many compliments. Whatever they are called, they are my Spring finds that add a real bolt of color to black :D

Hi g,

When we were in Paris last May peeople were wearing colors. All black was very rare (usually on American tourists).

Shops were showing black/white combos as well as very bright colors.

From my trip report:
"Fashion Note: Pink is in. Mom’s favorite was a woman in a black pant’s suit with pink high-top sneakers".

((I))

I'm afraid that I'm rather confused and bewildered as to why anyone should worry about wearing the 'right' clothes - and particularly the 'right' colour - whilst on holiday. Unless you are going somewhere with dress regulations, such as a mosque, why do you care? As my mother always told me when I was growing up, don't be a sheep. Nothing is more appropriate than being yourself, an individual, and wearing what you feel most comfortable in; that way, you carry yourself with confidence. That's style.

I agree with Tallulah, exactly said- and truthfully have lived my own fashion for my entire life. My daughter is the same. We just do what we want, like, and what we think looks good on us- and people tend to copy our "fashion". Of course you reflect the best trends of the current times somewhat; you would be living in a vaccuum if you didn't- but there is no need to feel you have to follow a rout current style in anything, let alone color.

If it is the appropriate level of formality, fits you, makes you feel good because it looks good on you and works with your lifestyle- wear it. If you care about possible negative opinions about what you wear too much, it's counter-productive, spinning your wheels. I love deep, intense color and wear it often- like deep royal blue or teal. Once in Italy, I had someone ask ME where I bought some silk in such color. Love yourself and what reflects you, and your confidence and grace will blossom out of that love of your own "taste".

And IMHO, Europe has many women who excel in exactly this "knack". Yet I can't help noticing over the years that the bowling shoe, cowboy boot, or several other mass trends I've observed have revealed that they are not infallible as fashion mavins. And there have been times when I have looked around and it was downright severe/dowdy.

<But what is the reason for wearing all black for an entire trip? So you can wear your clothes more often with out showoing the dirt?>

YES

But traveling in the summer I also add beige linen, white cotton, print and colored knit tops, etc.

Cool your jets. "gone" has put up 5 posts on clothes questions, including whether or not to wear flip/flops with one or two piece bathing suits.

I smell a Troll. ((b))

<For some people fashion questions are not trivial>

You're right, this question isn't trivial, it's utterly ridiculous! (Although not as ridiculous as the nonsense about green and orange in Ireland...)

seetheworld: thanks ! Not sure I've seen anything like you describe - I will have to look out for them ! They sound nice.

wear what you like and are comfortable in....end of this story