I'm going to Italy Saturday for two weeks. As far as wardrobe goes, it is my intention not to push the casual envelope but to dress more distinctively than I normally can. I work in a conservative profession, and can't wait to take some fashion risks abroad that I can't take here. For instance, I made this necklace ages ago but haven't had the guts to wear it yet--it's coming with me to Italy and will be worn! http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/trenab...;.dnm=3367.jpg

It's not going to be crazy haute couture, just nice, distinctive outfits. I don't want to look *too* weird or draw attention to myself but am itching to wear my pink derby hat. (I am making a concession to comfort with footwear, I bought some cute but very sturdy and serviceable Dansko sandals to wear with my skirts.)

Will I look like an obnoxious tourist if I'm overdressed or wearing fashion "concept" concoctions the same as if I were underdressed? I have put so much time and effort into sewing and embellishing to change my mind at this point, but I'd like to know what to expect!

Dear ng,

>Will I look like an obnoxious tourist if I'm overdressed or wearing fashion "concept" concoctions ....<

No one cares.

Wear what you want.

Enjoy your visit.

How can you be scared to wear that necklace at home? It's very stylish actually, and reminds me of a cheaper copy of a fabulous Cartier collection.

Enjoy!

I like that necklace! Just be careful when you sneeze that you don't impale yourself!

I say go for it and dress unusually (for you) and have alot of fun. I always take one off the wall outfit that I love, well maybe more than one!

I like the necklace too. Reasonably speaking, it's possible that a bolder clothing style might attract more male attention, which might or might not be a problem.

I have a tiny bit of concern about wearing necklaces, although I've always done so thus far. I've read of thieves who grab them and thus injure your neck while they pluck your valuables. I think this is unlikely.

That said, I bet you will look smashing.

I'm always struck in Italy at how stylish so many of the people are and how they seem to have put a lot of effort into embellishment. I think you'll fit right in!

Thank you for the encouragement, everyone! Good to know my effort won't be wasted. Now it's just a matter of getting all those clothes to fit in my suitcase...hmmm, might require the assistance of an elephant to sit on it.

Nice necklaces, are you selling them on the internet?

Yes, Patrick, you missed the "cheaper copy" jibe.

Try packing your clothes in large ziplock bags. Kneel on them, then zip them up. You'll be amazed by how much you can fit in your bag. (Just make sure it doesn't get TOO heavy!)

Nocinonut, though I occasionally entertain the idea of trying to sell my jewelry, I never get around to doing anything serious about it. It's just a hobby that I occasionally subsidize by selling to friends of friends and that sort of thing, though the subsidy is far outweighed by my expenditures and the amount I sell is even further outweighed by the amount I give away. I call it entertainment expenses because the beads certainly entertain me. If you need something special, I do enjoy a challenge.

nice girl, that necklace is the bomb and it's so crazy because I bought one just like it (except the stones were green) in Croatia last week...! Someone in Hvar has stolen your ideas!

Europe (especially Italy) is definitely the place to explore your more daring side, especially in the fashion sense. Whip it up and have a good time.

I always bring my most favorite clothes when I go to Europe. It makes my trip that much more special, when I am dressed up & feel great. I never dress like a "tourist", and tend to dress more formally than casually. Of course, a long day of sightseeing requires comfortable shoes, but I just bring casual flats, rather than sneakers. I also bring lots of inexpensive, but fabulous jewelry, so that if I pack lightly with the clothes, I can accent them with cuff bracelets & bold necklaces. So, we obviously think alike. Go for it, and just pack as lightly as possible. Nothing ruins a dream trip more than wearing yourself out with your luggage. Have a blast!

Got a very similar necklace in red.

Bought it in Mexico, and as Ira said nobody will care, people just tend to themselves.

It's not as if you're walking around with "******* ******** *****" around your neck now is it?

Why would people stare at such a pretty piece as that for any other reason than in admiration? You should always be adventurous with fashion and develop your own style.

I think dressing with flare is fabulous, at home or traveling. Just be careful your suitcase does not get too heavy. Little will make you more miserable or look like a bogged-down over-packed tourist, than a bag that is too bulky or too heavy for you to gracefully manage yourself!

I like the necklace greatly but will you get it through airport security?

I have seen a few necklaces in stores that are similar, so don't worry about it. About the hat, I have not seen anyone wearing hats except on very sunny days. It may be difficult to pack, you may want to leave it. Bring the wardrobe, women here are very fashionalbe wearing a tshirt and jeans or a dress and pointy shoes. It has been in the 80's and humid in Florence, but that is changing. Make sure your clothes will be comfortable with the weather. You don't want to pack something great only to be wearing a raincoat all day.

Hats are very much in vogue, try some from Missoni or Philip Treacy.

Please ignore mkingdom_2 and think about what the previous poster said: It's very difficult to pack a hat, unless you want to be lumbered with a hat box...