The way women dress in Spain
 

I have read so much about the beautiful way women dress in Spain. I had to post this question.
I will be traveling in August and walking miles and miles over three weeks time.
I want to be comfortable but not look like a peasant or street lady. I must say that I never wear heels!
NEVER!
Can I get some Spanish ladies' advice.
My grandmother was Spanish and she was one of those wonderful elderly Spanish ladies I have read so much about.
I dress appropriately in the US for casual business attire (50's lady) How does that compare with the Spanish attire? I will be on holiday not business and can't overpack. We will be on the road alot.
Unfortunately I do not speak a word of Spanish.
So much thanks in advance,
SephIII

I live in USA. What I noticed is that the more elegant Spanish women wear beautiful clothes in neutral, less garish or bright colors. They also like natural fibers. Not everyone there is a fashion plate however so don't worry. They are also more age appropriate in their dress. Here in southern California it is common to see very fit women over 40-50 or more with a mini skirt and exposing clevage. I have not seen that in Spain.

The word that comes to mind when I think of Spanish women is "dignified." Their clothes are just so appropriate. My host mother is a very put together woman who wears linen jackets that match her pants, beautiful skirt and top combinations, and accentuates things just right; a scarf here, a nice bracelet there, pretty shoes, etc. I remember thinking that she was just the be all and end all. Then I went to Zaragoza, which I am convinced is the best dressed city in the country. Woman that were over buggy-pushing age wore the aforementioned linen sets with scarves, nice leather handbags, beautiful shoes, and just walked slowly, oftentimes arm in arm with their husband/children.

There are no rules how to do it, but there are things I find often. Here they go:

-Spanish women are rarely sunburned
-They tend to wear sparse make-up in neutral tones
-They do not wear loud colors, though a tasteful animal print makes its way out every now and again
- They always have on a bra (even if you can see the entire strap in the back or on the shoulders)
- Their skirts are never too short
- Fabrics are ironed and look sharp
- Jackets match pants/skirts. Shells are a solid color and the scarves work with that.
- Shoes tend to match/coordinate with the handbag

Some of those are general fashion rules, but I find them here so much and I am always impressed.

Great summary la claire, one thing I wish to add is how beautifully dressed children are in Spain from tottlers on.
Everything is tasteful, appropiate for their age and clean and ironed. Lovely.

Thank you ladys
I feel more confident now.
I am packing several linen dresses..which will probably not stay ironed long any way. I tend to wear nuetral colors.. my shoes will be sandels/flats which will not always seem totally dressed..but they wll be color coordinated...NO HEELS! I Even if I feel totally underdressed I cannot do that...back troubles of many years prevent this.. Any need for closed toe flats? They are usually hotter to wear.
My dresses are sleaveless will this present a modesty issue? PS I am in great shape but would never consider wearing a miniskirt or bikini it is just who I am.

Oh I forgot one other question. I do wear shorts. They generally are mid legnth, not short/short...loose fitting..will this be ok in the cities? Madrid, Seville...I am traveling with my husband and son but don't want to incur hassles...years of unwanted not nice attention by men has me thinking like this.

Yes, it's Ok, specially in Seville where it is very very hot :) If they cover the knee you even can go into churches with them :) They are usually not worn in Madrid but if the hot weather is big...people won't look at anything, everybody wants to be as comfortable as possible and in August most people you will see there are also tourists.

Sleeveless is not a problem unless there are some churches that have a specific dress code.

If you're talking about spanish ladies of mature years they wouldn;t be caught dead in shorts in a city - only at the beach or a resort. Younger women may wear city shorts (the stylish tailored knee-lenth trousers - often in linen - with a pretty camp shirt or similar, perhaps a contrsting belt and ballet flats or wedges).

And yes - tourists can wear anything they want. But - you did ask how the Spanish ladies would dress.

Yes I did ask about how spanish ladies dress.
I have very,very good friends from several other countries, so......
I am aware of cross cultural differences. I realize that even in the states what is the norm or considered in "good taste" on the east coast (in say NYC) is not the same as what is the norm on the west coast(LA) As amsdon shared, and I saw with my own eyes, it is common in southern California for women 40's-50's,who are in good shape to show cleavage. In NYC this would be considered in "bad" taste and often incur alot of unwanted crude remarks by men on the street.
Also there are dress codes that are considered a sign of respect
While I am in Spain I will use what I have learned from all of you. I definatly will show proper respect by covering all appropriate body parts,and wear a bra when out and about.
I will feel tastefully dressed, and feel I am being respectful.
That will me feel good!
Thanks again to all
SephIII

I just returned from Spain this week. It is wonderful, you'll have a great time. I must say, that while what the Spanish experts here (laclaire and kenderina - great advice from both of you when planing my trips) may be true, I honestly could not tell the difference in terms of clothing from any other European country. I wore cotton skirts that came to just above the knee and sleeveless or cap-sleeved tops and flip-flops and felt perfectly fine. I had better sandals with me but the flip-flops are the only thing I can walk miles and miles in so I harldy ever wore the "proper" sandals. I can't count the number of churches I went into and no one was turning people away due to dress (as I have seen happen in Italy on many occasions). I will say that while I saw plenty of mini-skirts, the only people wearing shorts were clearly tourists. The shorts/printed T-shirt/sneakers outfit is about the only thing that would really mark you for a tourist. The "casual business attire" is for going to work, not really comfortable or even appropriate for being a tourist.

Sephill, don't take LA to represent the whole west coast. It's like saying all east-coasters dress like women in Miami. Women dress much more discreetly elsewhere in the West. I remember thinking airports all look alike, but you can tell you're at LAX by the women's clothes: bright, tight, skimpy.