What NOT TO WEAR in PARIS & ROME?! Women's Fashion Help!
 

I'm leaving to Europe in a week and I need some FASHION HELP!

I'm an American girl in her 20's about to go on an amazing Honeymoon in Paris, Southern France, Amalfi Coast & Rome! There is one problem though.... WHAT IS "IN" and "NOT IN" when it comes to FRANCE & ITALY FASHION?!

What are the "NO NO's" when it comes to PARIS FASHION or ROME FASHION for Women & Men?

I have heard that the women do not wear shorts or jeans often and that "American Style" sneakers are a big fashion NO in Europe!

What do you think are a few must have, wear, and pack clothing items when traveling to Europe? I'm no model but I'd love to look like I have some fashion sense out there! :)

Help!! Any Fashion Tips or Suggestions?

How to women in Paris & Rome walk around all day and still be fashionable?!

I'm thinking of bringing only 4 pairs of shoes.

These fashion sneakers by DKNY (Black)
http://www.zappos.com/dkny-banter-black-mesh

These dress shoes by Naturalizer with a heel for walking
http://www.zappos.com/naturalizer-an...fabric-leather

My Fit Padded Comfy Flip Flops

One pair of dress flats or flat dressy flip flops

Oh god - not another one...

Did someone already ask this? I apologize if so, just thought I'd give it a shot and post. I'm confused when it comes to fashion and wanted to make sure or at least ask people would know better than me. :)

Yes...it's been discussed a "few" times around here. Just be ready for some lashings from those who feel this forum is their home and that we're all intruders.

You should be able to do a search for past threads where you'll get great advice on all of your questions.

IMHO...wear what you like and what is comfortable. And have fun! Congrats on the honeymoon.

Wear what you think would be proper wear when visiting a major American city.

Congratulations!

I'm in my 30's, am going to Italy myself with my boyfriend on Thursday (third trip) and will be taking jeans. You will see lots of women, both native and tourists, wearing jeans. That being said, I am taking stylish jeans, not "mom" jeans. I am not taking shorts since many churches have dress codes that do not allow them.

I like to look as if I have a sense of style too. However, with as much walking and climbing as I do, and considering the often rough, uneven pavement/cobble stones/bricks you will encounter, I would never consider wearing the cute black Naturalizer sandals as walking shoes. During the day I wear fairly sleek looking Coach sneakers. For nights where I will be doing some walking to restaurants I have high heel peep-toe wedge pumps; the wedge gives nice support but looks stylish. (These are Franco Sarto from Nordstrom). I'm taking both beige patent and black patent.

As for other must haves, for me, they include at least one pashmina or similar lightweight wrap. I also like scarves.

Yes, this question has been answered many times. Bottom line, don't be worried, and I agree, wear whatever you'd wear in a major U.S. city (unless you'll be spending a lot of time in rural areas, in which case you might have need for sturdier shoes, depending on what you'll be doing).

I've traveled to Europe quite a few times, and rarely take 4 pairs of shoes; shoes take up a lot of space in the luggage.

I like to take two pairs of shoes as options for during the day; I feel like my feet are happier when they're not in the same shoes day after day. And since we pretty much always have a couple of fancy meals, one pair of dressy wedges. I've found wedges ideal for the cobblestoned streets of Europe - no heels to get stuck between the stones.

I wouldn't take flip-flops because of the lack of foot support, on those same cobble-stones or otherwise uneven street surfaces, but that's your decision.

Hahaha, I am not offended by the lashings. I guess I should expect that if I'm asking something that is commonly asked on this site. I am the silly fool! ;-)

Thank you so much for your suggestions and tips though ladies, extremely helpful! The wedges are probably a good idea for night time and the flip flops that I was going to bring are called "Fit Flops"
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fitflop-...0-002219319097

They are super to comfy to walk around in. I'm assuming the weather will be somewhat still nice in early September in France and Italy.

Wear what's comfortable and looks good on you. The inhabitants of France and Italy aren't going to be scrutinizing you.

Four pairs of shoes seems excessive. Flip-flops are pretty much useless for Europe, IMO.

For one, I wouldn't take 4 pair of shoes. I always take 2 and that is plenty. You are moving around a decent amount and shoes do take up a large amount of space.

I always try to wear darker colors so to not stand out. I also won't use a fanny pack or let my husband use one.

You are right about them not wearing shorts, but I did see jeans, mainly darker washed. I usually also pack a pair of black capris and if in a warm climate a pair of knee length black shorts.

Just remember to dress comfortable so you will have a great and unpainful time!

About the flip flops, you probably don't want your toes exposed. A lot of areas are cobble stones that are very uneven and you'd probably end up stubbing your toe. Rome has dirty streets, as in dirt not trash, so your feet will quickly turn dirty.

If I bring a summer like shoe, I bring a pair where my toes are covered.

Really, if the objective is not to stick out as an American tourist at first sight, it isn't a silly question. The shoes from Zappos are perfect. Stylish jeans are OK. Then stick to neutrals (black, white, tan) and you'll be fine. Comfy or no, FitFlops will say American Tourist and will not keep feet clean on streets of Paris and Rome.

When I sit at a cafe in my hometown in Chicago, I can definitely tell the difference between a tourist from Ohio and a tourist from Italy.

Congrats on your wedding and enjoy your trip. Great locations!

Oh god, should I give one of my fashion links and destroy all illusions?

Okay, here's one: http://tinyurl.com/62my3gx

And even more vandalism: http://tinyurl.com/4ygnqn6

I think it's safe to say that a lot of the posters on this board are, ahem, a bit past puberty and a significant female portion (including me) are past menopause.

Therefore, most of the past posts are directed towards a different age group.

However, we do remember what it was like to be young and want to look so perfect for the setting on our honeymoon. Well, maybe the guys don't, but we women do. All I know is that I wanted to look better than any area eye candy.

Here's what I suggest:
--Women in Paris and Rome wear a lot more dresses and skirts than the average American. I saw the most fantastic shift dresses in Venice that were a lot cooler than my capris, so if you are going in hot weather (check that out), think along those lines.

--Dressy jeans are great. Shorts are not.

--Pashimas/fantastic scarves look great for evening.

--Shoes. Sigh. Face it--the average woman in Paris and Rome is not going to be on her feet all day touring every darn site known to man within 24 hours. You seem to understand that you have to seek a happy medium between looking "hot" and not being crippled. I don't think your Naturalizer choice is bad at all but if you can find more of a wedge, that would work better on cobblestones. (My feet STLL feel the pain from the entrance to Versailles--and that's now 15 years later.) Your sneaker choice will work well--college students get away with cool sneaks like Converse and the Puma/Adidas style your DKNY is like.

Americans are more attached to flipflops than most Europeans. Still, my youngest daughter, a darn good overseas traveler and here in the US, pretty much of a fashionista, has worn her Rainbows almost everywhere we've gone in Europe in the summer simply because she loves them. As a study abroad student in a week, though, she now cares about the impression she will make on peers,and I noticed those things are off the packing list.

Hope this helps.

Last time I was in France I brought 7 pairs of shoes and wore them all!!

Shorts won't be a no-no in your 20's on the Amalfi Coast unless you have frightful legs.

I was in Sorrento in late Sept early Oct last year, and took the advice that Italian women dress for the season and not the weather (I was asking about bringing linen pants).

All I can say is WRONG! I was cursing that I didn't bring cool linen trousers because it was seriously hot in both Venice and Sorrento. I brought black capris which were fine, but I saw a lot of linen in both places. Of course, I'm a few decades older, but I wanted to look dressy and classic and black capris just didn't cut it. I saw tons of shorts and capris in Sorrento on young women.

I brought two pairs of Ecco walking shoes, black and tan, 1 pair of good walking sandals for warm weather and 1 pair of Geox patent flats. I wore them all and was happy I had them.

Also trouser jeans in a dark wash, black pants, and a good wool pashmina that I got in Paris. A small cross-body bag big enough for a map and some cash, and a coat. Three or four light weight silk v-neck sweaters and 1 blouse and 1 long black cardigan.

I'm a HUGE proponent of quality clothing, so if you do shorts and tee's, I'd make sure they're spotless and fit perfectly.

Have a wonderful honeymoon - how could you not in those wonderful places!

>What NOT TO WEAR in PARIS & ROME?<

Don't wear combat boots while strolling the Via Veneto or the Champs Elysee.

((I))

Don't wear combat boots while strolling the Via Veneto or the Champs Elysee>>

oh, i don't know, Ira. you wouldn't get sore feet!

I cannot WAIT until you actually GET THERE and here is what you WILL SEE:

EVERY CONCEIVABLE type of footwear; denim for YEARS AND YEARS

that wonderful "European RED" hair that some women over there actually think looks real instead of like Raggedy Ann with a Toni gone REALLY REALLY BAD

shorts? Oh, my wonderful one, when you SEE the thighs on some of the EUROPEAN women who are definitely wearing SHORTS..really SHORT ones...try to keep your new hubby's eyes on something ELSE.

Flip flops..how different are they from those Sarah Palin "I'm really NOT from Alaska" open toed "screw me HARD, Joe" pumps on those cobblestone streets?

Enjoy your trip and don;t worry, there will be a LOT of tourists except they'll be from a bunch of OTHER countries.

Congratulations and I know you'll look great because you're young and in love.

I understand your wanting to look good on your wonderful trip.
I take 4 pr of shoes as well but that includes tennis shoes (for playing tennis). Other than that - comfy but attractive walking shoes (Easy Spirit) in black - low heel dressy sling backs also in black, and black low-heeled boots. The ones I have are really comfy and look great with jeans at night. I'm going from mid-september until early october so it won't be as hot as when you're going.
Have a blast.

Take a look at the J. Jill wear ever collection. You can get some great neutral separates and the fabric is awesome for traveling. I have worn comfortable sandals in both Paris and Rome and it is fine. When you are over there look for the Bensimon store and check out their sneakers...European styling and so comfy. I bring cute scarves and fun jewelry to change up my outfits and make them dressier for evening. Also, the idea of bringing a couple dresses is great. Rome especially will still be quite warm in early September. Also, allow yourself to bring a nice pair of dark knee length shorts or capris..this goes for your hubby too. I went to Paris a couple years ago and it got up into the 90's. We had only brought dark jeans and pants and were soooooo hot. We ended up going to the Gap on the Champs Élysées and buying shorts. It is no big deal...honestly. I go to Europe at least twice a year and trust me you will see a little nit of everything. Be comfortable and enjoy yourself!

I leave for Paris and rome on sept 3!!! kismet. Have a ball.

We saw tons of women in combat boots in Italy a few months ago. In summer worn with shorts.

As in:


http://fashion.teenvogue.com/2011/08...r-combat-boots




http://www.crossbodypurses.com/2010/...-parisian-day/

Ira,
I had to laugh at your post! My teenage daughter just came back from a shopping binge at a local vintage shope where she picked up a black long skirt, black lace blouse and a black rivet belt. She is wearing her black combat boots with this ensemble when we tour the Vatican, (and other churches) everything is covered and she swears that the boots are definitely the most comfortable shoes she has ever worn. So, watch for her picture being taken by the "fashion police!" :)
By the way, I agree with the other posters, wear what is comfortable for you.

Rome in October .... What to wear? ~~

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...at-to-wear.cfm

- - - - and - - - -


Any particular form of clothes to wear in Rome / Paris? ~~

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-and-rome.cfm

_______________________________________

You can wear anything you want in Paris. However, if you don't want to be rapidly identified as an American tourist, avoid flip-flops, stockings under pants or long skirts, nail polish, and short shorts. Those are the things that give away Americans most, I think. Sneakers are fine. Avoid wearing outfits that came straight out of a store window; mix and match. Americans also wear sunglasses much more readily than French people do.

Dress for comfort and so you look good. If you feel good, and look good, nothing really matters. I usually bring 3 or 4 pair of shoes, but remember, one of the nicest souvenirs to bring back is something you will wear often and no one else has. I've bought shoes in France, Spain and Italy and not regretted any of them!

Just because a few of the members of this forum may be of differing ages doesn't mean that we don't enjoy clothes.

AprilFoolsBride, that you asked the question already tells us that you already dress well. So it's easy to answer your question. Look like your fabulous self but do it in comfort.

Bring a pair of shoes that will take you to a nice dinner or show in the evening. For day wear a comfortable shoes and outfits to match.

You can never go wrong with a couple of good pieces. The women in paris who struck me as well dressed, young or old, wore nice simple pieces, well groomed, good hair cuts and sometimes a bit of something different. Nothing over done. It's not surprising that women in my own country who are well dressed do exactly the same thing.

Wear the clothes you have and wear only the cuts and colors that suit you so you'll look great in photos.

Best Wishes and have fun.

Take the four pairs of shoes. You can always buy some more when you are there. That goes for clothes too. Buy there what they are wearing and you will be ahead of your American counterparts when you return. I love shopping in France and Italy. Have fun.

Remember to take a scarf or it will be the first thing you want to shop for. Scarves are not just a fashion accessory in Paris, they are more like a religious icon.

Anthony:

I'm puzzled by the nail polish comment. Are well-groomed French women more likely to have the nails buffed instead of having colored polish applied? Something I've not noticed but sounds as if it might be the case now that you mention it!

Nail polish is indeed quite rare on young women in France. And makeup is of the invisible variety. One can often spot a lot of the American girls simply because of the war paint.

I'm a 30 year old female (American) London resident who travels frequently to Italy, France and many other continental destinations. I love clothes and try to dress well when I'm home and when I travel. My go-to stores in the US are Bloomingdales, Anthropologie, J Crew, Scoop, Intermix and Nordstrom.

If I'm going to be in Southern France or any of the Mediterranen beach towns, I would pack 1-2 pairs of shorts (cute J Crew, brightly coloured), several sundresses (bright and summery, think Milly, James Perse, DVF, J Crew, Free People). Maxi dresses are very in right now. I would bring a few soft t-shirts or wife beaters to wear with shorts. I would bring a few cute dresses that can double as beach cover-ups and also can be worn to drinks in the evening. Bring a few bikinis.

Bring a cute beach tote that can double as a carry on bag for your flight. It will prob be too hot for jeans so skip those. For footwear, wedges are perfect. I wear flip flops everyhwere, mostly Havianias. Toms are everywhere now too and are really comfortable for walking if you want to cover your feet. I see lots of women in the UK wearing Fit Flops but they aren't as common in Europe. Don't forget big sunglasses!

European men definitely wear shorts, however, they tend to be much more tailored and fitted. Baggy jean shorts or baggy cargo shorts would scream American. Also, men's clothes are generally more slimly tailored. A baggy button down shirt with khakis would also scream American. As would chunky white sneakers. Euro men definitely wear sneakers, but they tend to be the retro New Balance, Puma or Nike style. Flip flops are completely fine for men at the beach.

Flip flops NO hard rough dirty streets and dog poop to contend with

I happily wear flip flops around London, when I lived in NY and all over the place when I travel if it's warm enough outside. It's not hard to avoid puddles and dog sh*t, seriously. I find them to be super comfortable and you can easily wash them off at the end of the day if need be.

I think LondonYank got it right...for cryingoutloud , she's in her 20's and on a honeymoon!

Cute dresses that can can cover a swimsuit or go for drinks is perfect, especially in bright colors,the maxi dress will double for both too, flip flops will work fine with this. I'm also one that always wears them in the summer in Europe, I really like these crocks for walking.

http://www.zappos.com/crocs-sexi-flip-aqua-aqua


Young people all wear shorts , they're so in this season....

Men tend to wear long sleeved shirts with rolled up sleeves, casual but stylish.

On the manicure issue, I find it almost impossible to get a inexpensive quick mani/pedi in Europe, I was told they aren't in fashion (?), so bring a bottle of polish for touch ups.

Kerouac - Makeup of the invisible variety? Maybe on the rest of their face, but if I had to sum up French makeup I'd say "racoon eyes"! Those ladies are not afraid of a bit of (lot of) eyeliner!

I don't wear flip-flops because I don't like things between my toes, but I do wear open sandals in summer and manage not to end up with filthy feet! Thin soles can be hard on your feet though.

I agree with kerouac - the French women I've seen wear very little make-up. When I've been mistaken for French in Paris (when I was younger), it was when I had my hair simply pulled back into a ponytail with slim to no make-up on.

Perhaps it's a teenage thing - I used to work in a French high school, and the girls definitely were very heavy on the eyeliner. Makes sense, even though I'm only in my 20s, all eyeliner does for me is settle straight into the otherwise (I hope) invisible wrinkles :)

I was in France this spring. Saw lots of flat sandals, fringed or strappy. I especially liked the metallic ones. Also lots of shirts with horizontal stripes, white and navy or black. And simple sundresses.

When I travel in warmer weather, I take only 2 pairs of shoes, walking sandals nice enough for dinner and closed-toe walking shoes for rain. Maybe a lightweight pair of sandals. But shoes are heavy as well as bulky.

As are jeans. And they're hard to get dry in European dryers. I do a lot of washing things out by hand in the room sink.

How long is your trip?