What is this clothes obsession?
 

I'm sorry but I just don't understand this obsession with what the well-dressed tourist is wearing in Europe this year? <BR>Can't we just wear what we all feel comfortable in? So long as it's not culturally insensitive (eg. short skirts in churches) who cares if you look like a tourist? I can guarantee that if you are at a major tourist atrraction, guess what the majority of the other people there will be? Not only that, but I'll bet they'll be more interested in looking at said tourist attraction than your shorts and sneakers or whatever you've chosen to throw on for the day.

Janine, I agree with you. We just returned from Italy and I realized how much time I wasted worrying about what to wear! Wear what is comfortable and suits the activity you are involved in at that time - be respectful of where you are and the people who live in the country you visit and all will be fine. Greet people before asking them questions, try to speak a little of the language, and tell them how much you appreciate the country, food, their help, etc. What you wear, is not nearly as important as being a polite, repectful visitor.

Oh no! Another post about clothing? What is it with this obsession about clothing obsessions. <BR> <BR>(Not trying to be mean; I just think it's funny when someone starts yet ANOTHER thread complaining about how many OTHER threads there are on subject XYZ)

Yes, another clothes post! I am obsesseed about being obsessed - as they say - clothes make the man.

I agree. I have cousins and friends that live in Europe and Asia, as well as neighbors with the same. When they come to the US, they look forward to days and days of shopping at our malls and outlet centers. What do they buy? Jeans, big Nike or Adidas sneakers (trainers to some), bright colored t-shirts and sweatshirts with designer or university names splashed across the front. Are they going to be offended if someone mistakes them for an American when they go back home? I doubt they'd be so paranoid.

Janine: <BR> <BR>It is not an obsession it is a highly profitable industry, expensive hobby and a necessity. <BR> <BR>Another take is..would you perfer that all people travel naked and bare foot leaving the luggage, shoe and clothing industy a bust for travelers? <BR> <BR>I'll take the "however" dressed tourist to a naked bare foot tourist any day. <BR> <BR>My Best <BR>Oaktown

Fashion and personal adornment is as old as humanity itself, and of great importance to many people. It is also the most immediate environment your body occupies - hence comfort is very important. It also is an immediate visual representation to everybody around you of choices you have made and things which are a priority to you. When going into a new environment - be it a job interview, dating a new person, or traveling, some people care a lot about their clothes. <BR>Simple enough - but not something that matters to everybody.

Some interesting responses all. <BR>Without wishing to drag this topic on ad nauseum, my curiosity was raised by the vast number of posts on the subject. (And yes, I can see the irony of my adding to that number!!) <BR>When you see me in Europe later in the year I'll be the one in the jeans and sneakers, or maybe the floral evening gown and raincoat, depending on my mood (and the weather at the time). <BR>To each his/her own.

What is your problem Janine (J9)? Who cares that you don't care what you wear? I get the strangest feeling that you think you're better than those of us who don't like to stick out like a sore thumb. Did it ever occur to you that you might be demonstrating a pathetic lack of understanding of another culture by dressing in what many Europeans would consider a disrespectful manner (e.g., wearing shorts and sneakers when all around you are dressed in skirts, dresses, suits, etc.)

"Janine" I have to say you sound curiously like my husband! I am one of those people who "obssesses" about what to wear constantly. This isn't just when I'm traveling to Europe, I could be going to the movies or out to dinner and easily change lothes 3 times based on what part of the city the restaurant is in, whether its day or evening, what my husband is wearing, what other people we are going with will be wearing and so on! It truly sounds silly to some. I simply love clothes shoes purses jewelry whatever, I like being fashionable and try to be well-dressed at all times. This doesn't mean I'm shallow or dumb or an airhead (in fact, the complete opposite) To each his own, if you don't obscess, fine but let the rest of us have our fun. My husband used to get really irritated by this behavior and I similarly got irritated by his lack of caring. He now just doesn't let it phase him and even helps cart my 2 suitcases, and garment bag full of clothes for any occasion around on vacation. I now just buy his clothes for him and usually do his packing too. That's one less thing for him to have to do and I no longer have to get irritated beause he is dressed wrong!

Ooops! forgot to mention that I too dress for comfort. However, comfort to me does not mean the same thing. When I say comfort, I'm not thinking about non-binding, comfy clothes and shoes. what I mean is that I would feel uncomfortable and out of place if I weren't dressed to a "T". You see, I'm dressing for comfort just like you Janine.

Topping!

This is easy. Everyone SHOULD wear what they are most comfortable in. Some of us only feel comfortable when we are well dressed and don't look like we either don't know or care about fashion. For us, we need to look nice in order to feel comfortable. For those who could care less, it's not an issue. It's really quite simple, IMO.

Yes comfort and appropriateness is what most strive for, but I think it is also the desire to not look different from other Europeans. (Yes the language gives it away, but I think most people like to not look different so that you are not building more walls). Also, being able to fit all the clothes in your luggage and when you go to wear them not looking like you slept in them adds to the challenge of what to take. So the stressing is not just one element but a combination of the above. In most cases, how you feel you are dressed, does impact your attitude and can impact the trip in that respect.

When you are on a "tour" with a group and a tour director and are gawking up at the Eiffel Tower, Coliseum, or whatever, do you think people don't know you are tourist? Even if you are in B,B& more B (black) as someone on here calls it, people WILL know, why try to hide it?

Topping!

Response to Carol - And what is your excuse for the attitude you're pushing? I would rather sit at a table with someone dress in a floral ployester dayglow smock wearing support hose than sit at a table and listen to your toxic tone. You sound like a bitter pilll to travel with.

When young and thin, I was a fashion plate who always thought of self first. If you weren't dressed like me, why then, you were wrong and of course, yours truly was very chic. Now that I am older, chubby, and wiser (hah) I dress for comfort and along with wisdom came freedom. I dress the way I want, and guess what. There are a lot of intelligent people out there who do the same. (They were always the smart ones, and it is just me who finally grew up.)

Everyone should wear what they want and be comfortable, etc. Just remember that if you look like a typical tourist with your big white sneakers, etc. you might as well be wearing a flashing lavender neon sign on your head that says "pick my pocket". It's the height of the tourist season here in Paris, I ride the metro back and forth to work every day --please believe me.

People who are obessed about "being fashionable" - (which in the industry is what you don't have and have to buy) - are ego starved attention needy individuals who are easily suckered out of their money. Do you have any idea how much mark up there is on "fashion". Oh - but I forgot - you to to Europe to shop at the outlet malls - how sophisticated ( read: cheap and thus, unfortuantely, very American). You'll never look like a fashion ad and if you have to imitate an ad, you obviously are too insecure and lack any creative flair (the industry loves you insecure types, you're so easliy manipulated ) - be it Banana Republic or Prada. <BR>Remember the story The Emperor's New Clothes?