flygirl

hey, if you're a perfect size 6, you can wear whatever you want. and look FAB-ulous. ;-)<BR><BR>don't put limitations on yourself - life's too short!<BR><BR>although I have to say, choosing a garment b/c it's "hard-wearing" is hardly suitable criteria. you can still look attractive in jeans. it's in the attitude - and shoes help.

europeangirl

All depends upon WHAT you combine with jeans. Size is not that important nor the your age, as long as you wear a nice shirt and nice leather shoes with it and a classy belt, bien sur. <BR><BR>And then, I find denim jeans much too uncomfortable and heavy for real hot and humid countries and also for long flights. Thanks, no.

Lord Convington

I personally think it is an American thing. Although the Americans like to act all superior "America is the best country in the world bullshit," they are really intimidated by the rest of the world because many Americans, if not most, stay isolated in their little sprawling urban or rural cities. Thus, they have no clue how to behave or dress in foreign nations and basically wonder if since Americans dress like slobs, then Europeans do as well.

My Foot

hey, I know a real Lord, and a real Lady for that matter. and neither of them would have the attitude you have... <BR><BR>you sir, are no Lord. <BR><BR>delusions of grandeur...

American

Most of the European's I've seen dress in cheap suits that American's wouldn't be caught dead in.<BR><BR>I think most American's believe in "when in Rome do as the Romans do".

USA Woman

Well, Sue, I think it is because the US is a big sprawling country, and we dress according to our own sub-cultures. Parts of the US wear jeans and it is like a uniform, they wear them everywhere, every day. Other parts wear the preppy look or something else. We are too big of a country to lump together in fashion.

Pleine

I do think Americans worry alot or too much over their dress. I think they have gotten a complex that they don't dress correctly for the "old country".<BR>Don't worry about it, you are the "new country" and can dress the way you want.<BR>We have our ways, but I think they are a little provencal. Just don't be loud and borish and you will be fine in any place.

slam

Rules of thumb for American travelers:<BR>No jeans<BR>No sneakers<BR>No t-shirts<BR>No ball caps<BR>YOU WILL STICK OUT IF YOU WEAR THESE!!!<BR><BR>men - a pair of khakis are great - you can wear them with a tennis shirt or button-down or even with a navy blue blazer<BR>women - some black twill pants that you can dress up or down. Scarves are great to bring - like a pashmina - they look great and they keep you warm too. Also to cover shoulders when going into churches, etc.

JJ

Pashminas are SO out of fashion it's funny. Wear one if you find it comfortable, but you won't be looking particularly "au courant"<BR><BR>Jeans are comfortable for many people, and are not necessarily heavy and stiff<BR>(lighter weight fabrics and lycra/elasthane help). As far as being uncomfortable when wet--well we have rain (and snow) here too and we seem to manage...<BR><BR>I wouldn't dream of wearing jeans to the Paris Opera (but I do all the time to NY theater) but touring in European cities or countryside? Of course! <BR>I don't wear white sneakers/ trainers much at home so I wouldn't wear them in Europe either. <BR>I would try to be especially conscious of being respectful at religious sites anywhere, but beyond that, I'm not that concerned about looking exactly like a native of whatever place I go to. <BR>Every city / town has some people who dress in "the latest thing" and some who wear things so old (and needless to say--unfashionable)they (the clothes that is) should be condemned. The other 98% of us are in the middle and that's where you'll find me!<BR>

Sheila

I don't know if it's an American thing, but I certainly wear on holiday what i wear at home and am comfortable in and I couldn't imagine taking more than 20 minutes to pack to go ANYWHERE

xxx

Guess it's just a function of: the less you travel, the more you worry about what to wear. So just get outta da house, onto the plane, wear your bermuda shorts, white socks, or pink button-down shirt, and see how you feel. The next time, you'll either know better or you'll feel like a real winner...