It seems to me that a lot of the posters above are missing the point (which has been made by a few).

The issue is not whether you offend the local populace nor is it whether you fit in nor is it whether you look like an American or a tourist -- it is whether YOU feel comfortable in what you are wearing.

And let's face it, even those who say "the hell with it, wear whatever you want" would agree that there are lines they would not cross. I am not speaking of fashion, but of common sense. OK, maybe you would feel comfortable walking down the Champs Elysees in shorts and maybe I would not, but neither of us would feel at ease in a bathing suit, would we? So clearly there IS appropriate dress for specific situations, with a wide range of possibilities.

One would have to assume that anyone asking the question does care about "fitting in" or they wouldn't bother posting, no?

RE: Marilyn's last post

Yes - the central issue is whether YOU feel comfortable in what you wear.

Yes - there are lines people should not cross (a hairy-backed fat man in a european bathing suit inside Notre Dame comes immediately to mind)

I may be wrong, but I bet you dress well all the time, look good in a wide variety of clothes and feel good about being easily able to blend in with the locals. Would your basic position change if this were not the case?

not all those folks wearing shorts in paris are Yanks. Italian tourists often wear shorts there it seems and even in Italy you'll see them whilst they would not wear them normally perhaps. This question is one you really shouldn't worry about; anyway there is no way you won't be seen as a tourist no matter what you do.

There may be no way of avoiding being seen as a tourist, but do you really want to scream out to the entire viewing public that, 'Yes, I'm a tourist'? I say take a pair, if you see more people wearing them or the vibe(?) is right, wear them, if not, don't. There's nothing wrong for being taken as a tourist but I'm simply saying that blending in as best as possible is far better than exposing yourself to potential hassles and hazards. But, by all means, and I mean this sincerely and not in a 'Eddie Haskell' way, have fun and be comfortable.

Reality check!!! How about we consider the weather? In Europe if it is 30+ (i.e., 90-ish and above F which it is currently) wear what you need to and be comfortable.

Sure don't crash 5-star restaurants, chic private parties, movie premieres, or cathedrals in your speedo, but there is truly no need to wear long pants for daytime siteseeing in a heatwave. Period.

Oh Lordy, BTilke!
It is bad enough to see the Speedo men on the beach, but to see them strolling through town!

You all are rediculous about this shorts thing. For god sake people wear shorts in Paris! Of course no one want to look like a slob! Some people also do not have any fashion sense. Those people also probably don't care what others think anyway. The only downfall in wearing shorts in paris is that you may feel out of place if you want to go have a nice lunch is a good restaurant.

I always waer shorts in the summer in Europe and have never felt out of place. In fact most people are more likey to ask me if I am German rather than judge me as a shorts wearing American.

Richardab,
is being thought of as a German in shorts better than being thought of as American in shorts ?

Lola, thanks for the chuckle. My answer would be a resounding NO!

suze, I don't see why you have to wear shorts to be cool in hot weather. Linen pants or a skirt are actually cooler, you don't get sunburned, and your legs don't stick to the seat.

dumas, I've very flattered! In fact, I dress well sometimes, but can often be found in jeans and a tshirt. Even when I travel I usually dress very casually (but I hope stylishly and appropriately for my age and figure). I only wish I could wear anything and everything, but alas that has NEVER been the case.

And yes, I like blending in with the locals, but I freely admit my nationality, religion, and even my age when asked. However, I'm not big on publicizing any of those things -- too many crazies in the world. Low profile is a lot more interesting.

So I don't exactly understand your comment "Would your basic position change if this were not the case?" You mean if I were someone different would I have a different opiinon? Maybe, I dunno. Maybe if I were 5'10" with legs up to my neck I'd wear shorts everywhere all the time (but probably still not in Paris). 8-)

No matter where you are, if you are carrying a camera, shooting pictures, looking at guide books and maps, you will look like a tourist no matter what you are wearing. But you ARE a tourist, so what?
A person can be a tourist and still look nice, stylish and clean and appropriate.
I live by a town that attracts alot of tourists, you can tell with one look whether they value stylish clothes, if they do fine, if they don't, well, they still see the sights and most likely don't care what I am thinking anyway, they are on vacation.

Just a practical thought: you might want to consider if your sightseeing plans include a church, in which case a super lightweight pair of slacks, or convertible pants (those with zip off legs) might be a better choice. Dress codes in churches are often enforced quite vigourously in Europe. Have a cool trip.

Then there is the consideration of seating.
I would hate to put my bare legs (any bare part) on a sticky seat on the Metro, a park bench, a seat anywhere in public!!!
Ick Ick Ick!!!

Marilyn, believe me my 'shorts' are long enough I am not sticking to anything! I bought them in Switzerland last summer and find them appropriate for really hot weather.

I never wear stereotypical tourist gear or skimpy clothes, but beyond that am of the firm opinion that the Parisians really don't care how I am dressed. I wear what I do at home (urban/city USA). Nice pants in the evening, but I don't even own a skirt.

Just got my pictures from London back from the store. One thing that I noticed was that I was the only one wearing shorts. Frankly, I don't care, I am on vacation and I have the right to feel comfortable. If we are going out to a nice place then I will dress up but if it is just sight seeing then the legs go bare. I'd rather look sloppy and feel comfotable than look good and feel uncomfortable.

In addition to Scarlett's hating putting her bare legs on icky things....I hate those welts that the plastic woven chairs at outdoor cafes leave on the back of legs...looks like cellulite city!

To me the thing to avoid isn't "looking like a tourist," it's a) giving offense to local people and b) (to be honest) -- looking like a jerk. That is what I like to avoid.

My guess is that people who live in big cities may care most about this kind of thing. I manage to possibly not look like a jerk in NY, so I don't want to go to Paris and find myself in a one-down (i.e. jerk) social position when I'm used to knowing how I'll be seen.