Pretty much, don't wear short shorts, they don't look good on anyone over 22 or so. But longer shorts, like walking shorts, are fine. Unless you're doing sports or such.

Carry a lightweight but large enough scarf, one that goes below the knees when tied around the waist, and if you see a church you want to see and the skirt isn't long enough, tie it on.


I know everyone says to just wear normal but not tacky things... but I'd rather try to look nicer in a new town. I don't think my geeky t-shirts will go over well unless I run into a bunch of european geeks.

Musing! What do you wear in your home city? Where did the notion come from that there is a dress code for tourists in Europe? What do you wear in your own church? Clothing need be first - functional and then stylish. How old are you? What is you BMI? In the next week, note what is being worn in your own venue.

Basically the clothes I travel with in Europe are my high-end casual. Less formal than my office attire, but surely nicer than a beach vacation. that middle part of my wardrobe.

StCirq gives some excellent advice and descriptions.

It all depends on whether or not you are flying on Southwest Airlines:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfTzqnBW96s

This picture should explain it all

http://members.lycos.nl/chursel/images/560.jpg

I have an 11 yr old daughter, there is no real dress code at her school, except no belly showing tops, and no tank tops. She has no problem with this as she knows that some clothes are for the beach and some are for school. It is not a moral judegment, but a respect one.

In churches of any type( not just Catholic ones in Rome) I think one should dress politely. NOT fancy, not formal, just cover your butt cheeks and don't show off your boobs in a tank top. A tank top and short shorts are absolutely fine on a beach though.

We live in a society that is increasingly developing this " I should be able to do whatever the hell I want and to hell with you " attitude, I think it is sad.


Wear comfortable clothes first, that is the number one " rule" ,, after that its all about taste and respect.

PS That Youtube on the girl on the Southwest Airlines was interesting. I was horrified that she was treated like that,, how dare they. I then looked at it again and wondered if when she sat down( that was a micro mini) another passenger saw more then they bargained for(ala Brittney Spears) . Also in the shot they show her tshirt is obviously pulled down over her tummy, I have a feeling she presented herself looking a little more covered up then she really was,, and yes, if I had a 12 yr old boy I wouldn't want him seeing her underwear( or lack of), but I also think that the steward could have very discreetly just asked her to wear a blanket over her lap if the view was too much. Taking her off the plane is horrid, they drew attention to her, humilated her , and really made the whole thing a mess.
Plus I think they said they were responding to " complaints" well whoever complained should be forced to come forward,, no one should be anoyomusly accused.

The keyword in this discussion is "lawsuit".
And the feminist representant is right, there is a double standard regarding gender on this subject.
Male exhibitionists are going to jail, while female exhibitionists are doing the national tvs tour, receive a lot of free publicity and eventualy end receiving a compensation.