Jim_Tardio

Trust me...they'll be more than happy to take your money in Europe regardless of what you wear.

Do you really think they care about your travel wardrobe? Give them more credit than that.

You may carry your own ill-conceived notions with you when traveling but don't presume the rest of the world agrees with them.

Be courteous and respectful and you'll have a great time.

travelingmad

This thread is quite something, really.

Here's my take at being a psychologist (yikes!) Maybe, deep down, we don't want to be identified to the guy/girl who dresses with clothes we believe are tacky and would like wear the clothes as well as Italians and French! And look as good as them too And if we realize they are from our country, then!

I know I could not - my belly restricts my choices in clothing! (God I have to loose weight...)

travelingmad

...oops I was not done editing my previous post!

Anyway, I'd like to see the people who urge us to dress as locals to visit the Ethiopia's african tribes as some of them practice disfigurement and facial scarification..... What? Not looking like a tourist is only good for European countries? C'mon!

tomassocroccante

Agreeed - dressing "like" the locals is part folly anyway - though in the "western world", which now includes eastern Europe, Japan, etc, we are basically in the same ballpark, if playing different games. Sometimes fashion and the larger culture seem boringly similar from continent to continent. When we travel, I think we're hoping for something "else."

On the other hand ... I enjoy meeting local people when I travel. I actually DO want (some of) them to notice me, to have conversations, a drink, hear recommendations for what to do tomorrow, sometimes even begin a friendship.

And I have to admit, being single, it remains part of the strategy.

bobbymckaye

As the old saying goes, "Clothes make the man." (or woman) That said, I don't think anyone wants to 'pretend' that they are a local in Rome or Paris, but only want to blend in and be comfortable. And as the last poster pointed out, it's fun to meet new people, start conversations, etc. I think that wearing a bright green dress in Paris while surrounded by subdued urban sophisticates is ok if you look great and feel great. Wearing scuzzy clothes and looking sweaty and unwashed is definately not ok. My first trip to England many years ago I was embarrased by the American tourists at the changing of the guards. Yes, it was hot but why look like a slob? They looked like they were wearing all of their oldest throw-aways. No, we can't go through life worried about what others will think of us (perhaps because we're not in head to toe Prada) but that's really an extreme. Yes, it is possible to be comfortable, look nice and be stylish if you choose and still have money left over to have a grand trip. Cheers, BMK

suzeeq52

Okay, now I'm totally busted . . .

"On the other hand ... I enjoy meeting local people when I travel. I actually DO want (some of) them to notice me, to have conversations, a drink, hear recommendations for what to do tomorrow, sometimes even begin a friendship. And I have to admit, being single, it remains part of the strategy."

Oh, tomassocroccante, you are perceptive!

Jolie

I've posted this before, and I guess I'll post it again here: my husband wears the typical tourist uniform - blue jeans, white athletic shoes, and hideous red and blue polyester windbreaker from Sports Authority. On last trip (to Italy) he was always spoken to in French, first. Only after we identified ourselves as American did they switch to English. My theory is, he looked like how French tourists dress in Italy.

So why compare yourself to Europeans who are working/attending school/whatever, when you are a tourist? Why not compare yourself to European tourists? I think we would all feel better about our jeans and athletic shoes if we did. Trying to dress like a local who is not on vacation - when you are a tourist on vacation - is over-dressing to me.

(Of course, I'm talking about casual sight-seeing, not dining in a 4-star restaurant or visiting the Queen).

kerouac

Exactly. Your description of your husband does sound exactly like a French tourist outfit.

Lawchick

If you forum shop long enough you will always get the answer that you seek.

Its not a matter of looking like a tourist or not. Its not a matter of looking american or french or whatever. There are bad dressers all over the world. Some of the worst dressers I know are French and Italian men. Its all to do with style.

If you want to look stylish choose your clothes accordingly. If you want to be comfortable chose your clothes accordingly. These are not mutually exclusive, but in some peoples minds or wardrobes, they appear to be.

beaupeep

I have skin that easily burns and have had skin cancer twice so I always pack an Eric Javits Squishy straw hat. It rolls up so you can have it in your bag that you carry around town and packs easily. A bit more fashionable than a visor.

missamericalondon

Now that the true motivation is out, suzeeg52, hunt down that Max Mara and have a wonderful time. You will even be in Italy during sales so can shop there. With VAT back even on sale merchandise, it won't be overly prohibitive. Good luck. (I found my lovely, well-mannered,foreign-husband after many wonderful solo trips -- I often stayed in Rick Steves recommended places and found other interesting solo American travellers to spend time with as well - if you're in Rome, highly recommend Nicholas Inn -- American Melissa met her Italian husband and never returned home; she'll orient you and recommend places ot go out for the evening)

Hisurfer

I'm with tomassocroccante - I'm not close to being a George Clooney, but I still like to make the attempt to look good. I'm one of those who likes to blend. I've got no problems being identified as an American, and it's not because I'm afraid of being mugged. It's because I like European styles, and I like the fact that people take the time to look good.

It's about being part of the life, rather than a voyeur taking pictures of people in the life.

That, and I remember one awful night when I arranged to go to the ballet with some Americans I met at a hotel in Mexico City. They showed up wearing tevas, t-shirts, and cargo shirts. They weren't allowed in the theater, they made a big fuss about it, and I - loyal to the end - tried to pretend that I had never seen them before.

tomassocroccante

I can see it, surfer.

Girlspytravel

Yes, easily. I'm never mistaken for an American-wear black, beige, white, creme-(well fitting, that's the key) carry a stylish tote, and wear good costume jewelry, choker necklaces, earrings, stylish shoes that are comfortable-lightweight linen/cotton jackets in the colors above-you'll have no trouble fitting in at all.

bobbymckaye

Girlspytravel---You can pack for my next trip. BMK

travelbuggie

With all the replies, I'm surprised that nobody mentioned that what you wear also can be taken as a subtle respect (or lack of respect) for the country you are visiting! When somebody doesn't dress appropriately, it can mean that they don't care. That creates the "ugly American" image. Dress nicely and they will think more of you and you may even be a good will ambassador for the U. S. at the same time.

kerouac

Nobody has mentioned it, because we are not talking about visiting African tribes here. Like it or not, everybody in the Western world wears more or less the same clothes.

MissPrism

As a matter of fact, my daughter went to Bangladesh as the guest of a professional colleague.
As soon as she arrived, she bought several suits of salwar kameez.
Naturally, she still looked like a Western woman but she said that she was cool and comfortable. Local people know how to dress for the climate, physical and social.

tomassocroccante

<<Local people know how to dress for the climate, physical and social.>>

Well said.

wally34949

Quit talking on your cell phone in restaurants with that "American Accent."