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