Some people are focused on making sure they look good for everyone else's sake. Otehrs are focused on making sure they are comfortable for their own sake. I think there is an in between, and I'm confident that you ahve enough self respect to make a wise decision without letting others dictate terms to you

Where do people get this idea that Europeans do not wear jeans? It so often comes up here, and is just totally wrong. EVERYONE WEARS JEANS. Even my mom, who's 70. My children practically live in jeans. My friends wear jeans all the time, even to parties in the evening, with a dressy top or jacket, and heels.
The only thing is; old-fashioned jeans, high waisted and baggy, teamed with white tennis shoes and a baggy sweatshirt or tshirt is not a good look.
For very smart restaurants, opera, theatre, I would not wear jeans (although you will see plenty of people wearing jeans in the theatre in London). Take black trousers or a skirt for evening.
And have a great time in Europe!

London, Edinburgh, Paris and Rome. A great tour! Much of your time will be spent unpacking, packing and travelling. Are you going to bring your own golf equipment? Forget the Levis. 'Cultured'Europeans wear them for casual activities. Try searching for city newspapers..see what is actually being worn. Tourists wear anything and everything. Locals unless they are in the business ignore visitors. I have never seen anyone in a business setting wearing Levis. Check the attire of your local bank personnel.

What to wear? Two issues here: weather, and formality.

Early May in London, Edinburgh, and even Paris is unpredictable - it could be gloriously warm, or cool and damp, so pack for both summer and spring weather.

Years ago, when I first came to Britain, it was much more common to wear coat and tie in the evenings. Golf clubs were more formal, too. After their round, golf club members were expected to change out of golf wear into blazer & tie before having a drink in the clubhouse. When I stayed at Gleneagles it was "black tie" in the evening.

Things are more relaxed these days, but you may feel more comfortable if you dress up a bit for the theatre and for dinner in a good restaurant. Michael Winner, the aging film director, writes a restaurant column for the Sunday Times. His typical attire is blazer, open-collar shirt, and jeans. Occasionally he gets caught out and is made to wear a tie. Of course you can get away with more when you are famous.

For sightseeing during the day, no one will care what you are wearing.

"EVERYONE WEARS JEANS"

I don't, they are too heavy & a pain to dry when wet (which they'll get in May in the UK)

Beatchick---wonderful photos! Thanks for the link! kswl

The question (not from the OP but in a later post) was about jeans for a 14-year-old sightseeing in London (date unspecified), and the answer to that is "Fine! No problem!".

We just returned from a 6 day trip to London. There are jeans everywhere on every kind of body. There are a lot of opinions out there on "what to wear" and this is my opinion.....wear what is comfortable and that goes for shoes too. We went to the theater on Monday evening, I saw everything from suit and tie to jeans and t-shirt.

Wear clothes.