Please forgive my naivite, but I have never been to Europe, and I want to be respectful of the culture. I heard many years ago that shorts and sundresses that are knee length or shorter are not really worn there. When I heard this (probably ten or more years ago), I was unaware if this was simply because it wasn't in style, or if it was really considered inappropriate. Is there any truth to this? It seemed a little far-fetched to me, even back then, but I'll admit that I have little knowledge of the culture norms in Europe.

Can anyone advise me, please? I find sundresses to be comfortable and convenient to pack, but I don't want to do it if bare legs are considered risque over there.

Are there "culure norms" in the continent you inhabit?

Do you really believe clothing that's "appropriate" in the Brazilian jungle is remotely relevant to what you might choose to wear in Manhattan?

So do you realise why it's - to put it at its politest - just a tad eccentric to assume Europe (which had had separate nation states for centuries before most of them decided there was no point funding a foolhardy exploration to the other side of the Atlantic) somehow more homogeneous than your continent?

Jazzblues:

Did you understand a word flanneruk said? Not me! The tone sounds negative, but the meaning escapes me...

Don't show off your bare legs if your bare legs are the size of an elephant's.

That being said, am I the only one who thinks the short-shorts with thigh-high boots look that's so "in" these days, is heinous?

Shorts aren't worn much by adults, no, but feel free - it's not like you'll be arrested or anything.

short skirts? - well, hemlines go up and down according to fashion. It also depends on your legs/age. A 70 year old in a minidress is going to look ridiculous whatever the continent. But certainly knee-length is perfectly normal and you'll see them everywhere.

the only places were these clothes are really inappropriate is in churches.

Flanner was just making the point that there isn't a single 'European' culture. Different countries have different norms and fashions.

Shorts are oke and are worn by both adults and children, men and women.

Sundresses are fine in Paris. I am wearing them everyday. The pop look though is long shirts, with jeans, leggings, etc . . . The world is looking the same all over.

a short skirt or dress is always better for a big city than shorts( although many tourists wear them)

I look silly in a dress, but not too bad in shorts.

Good question, dubious answers. Suggestion: Wear comfortable clothing for air flight, observe local attire on way to hotel. Dress accordingly. Each social group in Europe dresses differently. You will see everything from skin tight jeans and skimpy blouses to full body covers. Young women may be bare legged but few older ladies will.

"Young women may be bare legged but few older ladies will."

Actually, since the first warm day this spring, I haven't seen anyone under 70 wearing stockings -- and I mean dressed up, in high heels, suits, etc.

We were just in Paris last week and I was very jealous of all the sundresses everyone else was wearing while I was stuck in my practical-to-pack black pants!

I have noticed especially in Italy and the south of France that women wear low-cut necklines, very low cut. I look way too covered up, but then I don't have a lot to show.

In Zurich a couple of years ago, I saw an older lady in a black bra with a loosely crocheted top over it. It looked great on her-chic not cheap.

flanneruk, last time I checked, Manhattan and Brazil were on different continents

I love sundresses (and skirts) and always take a couple with me for summertime visits to Europe. As for shorts, I don't wear shorts in the city in the USA and I'm not about to start wearing them in Europe (unless I'm out in the countryside and not planning on visiting stores or restaurants/cafés).

And I don't get the comment about "old"
ladies not wearing stockings, either. I see women of all ages going bare-legged in cities and towns all over Europe, as long as the weather's nice and they're not headed to the office or the opera.

Sundresses are pretty and comfortable, perfect in Paris on a warm day.
I was in Brussels over the week-end, when it was one of the hottest spots in Europe and I do wish I had brought along a sundress or capris (I saw more women in capris than I've seen in years). I'd read the forecast but didn't believe it so brought along medium weight slacks and long sleeve tops. Oops.
Bare legs are perfectly acceptable. If you've got good legs, they'll be more than accepted, they'll be downright appreciated.
Once you hit sundress weather, few women wear stockings unless they're in dressy clothes or more formal business attire.

<<<last time I checked, Manhattan and Brazil were on different continents <<<

Duh ! since when did America become different continentS ?

Duh ! since when did America become different continentS ?

Since when did South & North America become one?

In any Atlas i can find America is a continent with 3 sub-continents : nothern, central an south America.
We may have a different geography

http://www.countriesandcities.com/continents/