All the Fodorites who meet in D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, L.A. San Francisco and wherever should be advised to wear appropriate touring dress when meeting then photograph themselves, forward photos to Sally Fowler for posting to her website and the rest of us can direct clothes questioners to Sally's site to see what's appropriate. Simple solution, huh?

Janine, you ask "Can't we just wear what we all feel comfortable in?" <BR> <BR>We all value things differently. Some people place a premium on comfort, whereas others might be willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort in order to look dressier, etc. I wear cowboy boots on occasion, for example. Are they the most comfortable shoes on earth? No. Do I like wearing them anyway? Yes. <BR> <BR>To each their own.

I wonder that it is hard for someone to understand someone else enjoying an interest in clothes. For some of us it is a pleasurable challenge to figure out what to put on that will "go with" where we're going, as well as providing whatever degree of physical comfort we care about, which varies a lot. <BR>

My husband tells me on nearly a daily basis how glad he is that I'm not "high maintenance"--a woman who spends all of her time and money on clothes, jewelry, makeup, and getting ready to go somewhere. What's the point? I'm clean and I look presentable. If I wake up late in the morning, all I have to do is jump in shower for 10 minutes, throw on some clothes, and run out the door. If we decide to go to a movie that starts in 10 minutes, there's no make-up touch up or changing of clothes. We just go. When traveling, even for a month, we have one medium-sized suitcase between the two of us. <BR> <BR>My mother won't even leave the house unless she's wearing a full coat of make-up. She even missed a flight once because, after sleeping through the alarm, wouldn't leave for the airport before putting on her make-up. This is not the way to live your life.

My husband tells me on nearly a daily basis how glad he is that I'm not "high maintenance"--a woman who spends all of her time and money on clothes, jewelry, makeup, and getting ready to go somewhere. What's the point? I'm clean and I look presentable. If I wake up late in the morning, all I have to do is jump in shower for 10 minutes, throw on some clothes, and run out the door. If we decide to go to a movie that starts in 10 minutes, there's no make-up touch up or changing of clothes. We just go. When traveling, even for a month, we have one medium-sized suitcase between the two of us. <BR> <BR>My mother won't even leave the house unless she's wearing a full coat of make-up. She even missed a flight once because, after sleeping through the alarm, wouldn't leave for the airport before putting on her make-up. This is not the way to live your life.

What is this clothes obsession? <BR>Quite simply: VANITY <BR> <BR>And there is nothing more borish than a vain person - male or female. Clothes are a means to an end - the end being themselves.

Those who talk about vanity and terribleness of fashion followers are just jealous! Why is it that the ones who are talking about how terrible it is and how they can get ready in 10 minutes are the same ones who look like they got ready in 10 min. No pride in your looks no showing of respect, ta da ta da. I once went to church on Sunday morning an saw a woman there in sweat pants, hair still wet, no make up and shirt wrinkled like it had been in a wad. I'm sure she was "clean" and I know church is not a fashion show, but the reason for looking your best is out of respect for the institution and for God. What do these people who don't care what they look like wear to work? Do they go in with wrinkled sweats on? I certainly hope the goal isn't to be just "clean" wha tis the world coming to? Are our standards that low?

You're part of the scenery, as well as a spectator. If people look terrible, it puts a whole new masochistic spin on people watching.....

I am new to this forum and so far I keep encountering these clothes threads (what is appropriate to wear when you travel, no shorts, no sneakers,etc.) over and over again. <BR>I do not understand this obsession! <BR>Why you have to dress differently when you are traveling than when you are at home? <BR>When I travel I wear the same clothes I use at home! As long as you do not dress inappropriately and offend the locals, such as wearing shorts and not covering your shoulders and arms in churches and temples, what is the big deal? <BR>I think it is more ridiculous to have people dress in something they would never dress at home just so they can fit in and not be mistaken for a tourist. Believe me, the locals know you are a tourist regardless of what you wear. And as for getting pick-pocketed, if you are smart enough you will not get pick-pocketed whether you are wearing sneakers or nice clothes. <BR>

Natalie & Capo, I think you've summed up what I was getting at. <BR>Like many, I also like to dress smartly when I consider it appropriate eg. going out to a nice restaurant, job interview etc. Therefore, there are occasions when I will sacrifice comfort for sake of appearance. I do believe that impresions count (sometimes). BUT, maybe it's because I have to dress smartly for my job, or maybe it's because I am among people who don't know me, but when I travel, I am less likely to sacrifice comfort and practicality in order to blend in with the crowd. <BR> <BR>Incidentally, fashion is an interesting thing. What looks odd to someone today, could be next season's must-have look. (Or then again, it could be just odd) The truly stylish don't follow the fashions, they set them. <BR>

I think donnakaren's suggestion is a good one1 So where are the pics from the San Francisco meeting?? At least how did it go?

Everyone needs a few good outfits for certain occasions. People who spend outlandish sums on clothing beyond that are often shallow, care too much about impressing others, materialistic, and, in my experience, don't do a whole lot that is particularly interesting.

I wear black all the time, all year 'round. Why? I like it! It dressy and smart. It is great with my black hair and fair skin. I need to look sharp in my work, yet, need the practicality of dark colors. I accent with olive, amber, red, etc. <BR>When in Europe I am wearing exactly what I wear at home. I get taken for a native everywhere I go. I like blending in. I want to be part of the tapestry. I want to people watch, not be the watched. I do feel less of a target by blending into the background. <BR> <BR>Travel happy and safely! (wearing what you will!)