What to wear in Europe
May 31st, 2004, 05:33 PM
#21
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I just returned from Italy and I do believe what you wear is important. Trying to blend in is not really the goal. It seemed that being well dressed gave us better service at restaurants, hotels and different destinations. Shorts, very tight jeans, anything too loud or sexy should be avoided. Also, do not shout or talk loudly, now THAT will expose you as out of place.
May 31st, 2004, 07:14 PM
#23
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I've never been to Paris myself, but those attractive long pointy leather shoes even with the low heels wouldn't take me 5-10 miles that I'd probably end up walking when exploring the city. So I'd probably end up taking the same attractive Puma shoes that I took with me to NYC when I visit Paris in July.
Jun 1st, 2004, 02:25 PM
#24
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Yeah, what's up with the Rennaisance pointy toed shoe look..?! They are not even comfortable, because your toes get squished at the end, unless you buy a size too big, in which case, they fall off your heels. Saw them everywhere last summer, though. Hmmm..
Jun 1st, 2004, 02:59 PM
#25
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1st I find france and italy are great place to buy shoes, esp the fun not so functional types, so bring a good pair for walking and if you need another pair for dress up, pick up a pair as a treat. I second the no t-shirts, unless you are back packing it. The do tend to know we are American's, several knew just by the size of my husband at 6'5", however you do get better treatment in restaurants and out and about when a little more san fran/ nyc and a little less camp site and tennies like we more often travel here at home.
Jun 1st, 2004, 03:21 PM
#26
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You're not there to blend in, you're there to enjoy. If you don't dress like trash, you will be fine.
And Paris is NOT all glamour models and fashion trend-setters. France's per capita income is less than 65% of US per capita income (and around 75% purchasing power -- http://www.worldbank.org/data/databytopic/GNIPC.pdf) so you will NOT see 4 million Parisians all dressed for the ultimate in fashion.
And Paris is NOT all glamour models and fashion trend-setters. France's per capita income is less than 65% of US per capita income (and around 75% purchasing power -- http://www.worldbank.org/data/databytopic/GNIPC.pdf) so you will NOT see 4 million Parisians all dressed for the ultimate in fashion.
Jun 1st, 2004, 04:02 PM
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Thanks for all the great advice. For those of you who chose to deride the thread...wake up call...some of us don't travel to Paris every year or even every decade. So if you are sick of the "what to wear questions" SKIP THEM! Don't read them. Don't answer them. Stick to the more "informed" questions. You complain about the dress posts and yet you always seem to manage to get your two cents in. Don't slam people who are ignorant of customs and are trying to get advice. We aren't trying to pretend to be French or to fit in. We realize we will always look American. We just want to look acceptable and respectful in a city we haven't visited. And we'd prefer to get the details from seasoned veterans prior to our trip rather than once we land at CDG.
When I attend the Kentucky Derby I dress up. When I attended the Indy 500 on Sunday- just a couple hundred miles north and a couple of weeks later I dressed waaaay down. If you don't know these things you feel like a fool even if no one tries to make you feel that way.
When I attend the Kentucky Derby I dress up. When I attended the Indy 500 on Sunday- just a couple hundred miles north and a couple of weeks later I dressed waaaay down. If you don't know these things you feel like a fool even if no one tries to make you feel that way.
Jun 1st, 2004, 04:23 PM
#29
In all the Euro citie, the dress is alike these days. Fashion is translated overnight but saying that. there are those Euro who could care less about fashion, so the message is:
Clean, comfortable, and suitable. You will never be wrong,
Clean, comfortable, and suitable. You will never be wrong,
Jun 1st, 2004, 06:30 PM
#30
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I've been to Paris numerous times, and I can say that most people on the street are not 'fashionable' - they wear all manner of clothes, same as we do in the States - the brands may be different, their 'ensemble' may be different, but it isn't as if everyone is wearing high heels or wingtips all the time. Being a 'fashion capital' means there are designers, models and runways there, but the average person can't afford that mode anymore than I can.
You can wear comfortable clothes for your travels. Add a scarf or jacket to dress it up a bit, maybe flats for evening instead of walking shoes. Prepare to layer a little - it might be cool in the mornings, warm in the afternoons, then cool again in the evenings - not to mention a rainshower.
You can wear comfortable clothes for your travels. Add a scarf or jacket to dress it up a bit, maybe flats for evening instead of walking shoes. Prepare to layer a little - it might be cool in the mornings, warm in the afternoons, then cool again in the evenings - not to mention a rainshower.
Jun 1st, 2004, 07:21 PM
#31
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I agree there always seem to be these negative reactions to the "what to wear" posts. I have thought about posting one of my own for my trip in September. Not because I don't know how to dress myself but because in my everyday real-world life I'm a suburban mommy, and I live in jeans, capri pants, and the cleanest t-shirt I can find. I would no sooner wear these "outfits" in San Francisco than I would in Paris or Florence.
But I'll share below what I usually take, if it helps you at all.
By the way, you're going to be covering a HUGE territory going from London all the way to Rome And the posters on here are right to say that each city is different. Italians dress differently than French. Parisians dress very different than the Provencal.
So my advice is to pack as lightly as you can since you're going to be on the go a lot. I always bring at least one nice skirt (usually two), one pair of dark black pants, and one pair of jeans (these were always our "travel pants" since we were travelling by train). I almost always pack a pair of khakis, and I almost always regret it and almost never wear them.) They get dirty so fast because you're doing so much walking. Also, they seem to be so completely drab, when paired with a pair of comfortable sandals. So I'm going to pass on them for my next trip. My husband, of course, almost always does wear his khakis, but even this last trip he regretted it because of how dirty they got at the ankles.
I never have brought shorts, mostly because the white of my legs would likely frighten the locals, and my husband.
And I make sure that all tops I bring (usually slim fitting knit tops or tee shirts) coordinate with the skirt, and I have at least one sweater or jacket that I can use to layer or wear to a "nicer" restaurant if the t-shirt isn't sophisticated enough. I haven't ever needed more than that one sweater and I have travelled to most of those cities during May, with the exception of London... which I have heard can be much cooler than the others. But I still don't think you need to bring a heavy sweater or anything to keep warm. If it's unseasonably cold you can always buy something.
I never do scarves. I have a short neck and they look ridiculous on me.
I don't really try to dress up, but I do like to make sure that I have "dressier" clothes than I would wear in my day to day... not because I'm trying to fit in, but because I'm going to beautiful cities and enjoying restaurants and attractions with my husband on our vacation and we would normally want to dress up a bit for special things like this. I don't for a minute think I'm going to "fit in." I hardly "fit in" in many urban cities in the US, for that matter, since all of my not-so-disposable income goes into either my daughter and anything left over goes into our travel fund!
By the way, in spite of all the best preparation, keep in mind you'll probably feel "out of place." The way we (or most of us) Americans put together outfits is very different from the way people in London or Paris, or Provence or Florence would. That's not to say they're better or we're worse. And we hold our bodies differently, use different facial expressions and hand gestures, and walk and talk differently. Unless you're a great social chameleon, "they" will know you're an American. And so what?
Oh, and I just remembered, when I was in Provence in September, there was a HORRIBLE heat wave going on and the temps in Arles were like, oh, 101-105. I think I did end up buying a tank top and a pair of shorts at the local market during that stay because I was absolutely dying. But Arles was much more casual than anywhere else I've been in Europe and I took my cue from the locals... if the little old ladies and old men at the cafes were in shorts, so could I. (Of course, I can never understand how the older men in both Italy and France think it's attractive to wear shorts, a wife-beater teeshirt, and leather DRESS shoes with dress socks up to their knees, but that's another post entirely.)
Another thing I'd mention... in previous trips I really sweated the packing trying to make it perfect... especially since we have always done carryons. I have always found I live in the same couple of outfits and still, after 4 trips, think I bring on too much. (And I have never once checked luggage.)
Now, for some "hindsight is 20-20" kind of thinking about what I've always packed... I've been pretty conservative in my travel clothes in all my previous trips, trying really hard to put it all together, with the end result being pretty boring, making me stand out almost more. I'm going to bring much more fashionable clothing this next trip. And I mean fashionable here in the US. Even if it's just a couple of things. That's what I have always felt was missing from what I have brought with me. I always tried to de-stylize the clothes I was bringing to make them more universal. So this time I'm going to bring a bit more fashion forward. Inevitably there will be people in all those cities that are still wearing those styles there.
Also, black was my staple color. I don't know why, maybe it was having a little girl recently and leaving the "corporate world", but colors have become my favorite thing and my attire has taken on a more "dress casual" feel. But I can't imagine wearing "all black" in any of those cities again... and from many of these "what to wear" posts I've definitely seen that "all black" has become a bit synonymous with "American." So for my next trip over the pond in September, I'm going to really try hard to coordinate a few great outfits without so much reliance on black, and still carry as light as I always have. I think I'm going to bring more skirts, since skirts seem to be so popular right now.
Now what I'd like to see is some website that shows what women in Paris and London are actually WEARING. Not vogue, because those stickpins are usually wearing a few seasons ahead and designers that I couldn't, wouldn't wear. I mean, is there a British or French equivalent of Ann Taylor or Banana Republic. When I was in Paris last time there was a cute store called Double in Saint Germain des Pres but I think it is no longer in business. Anyone have recommendations for where I could look online for ideas? I am going to have to buy some new clothes for this trip so I may as see if any of the European styles catch my fancy.
Just my much more than 2 cents worth.
~kat
But I'll share below what I usually take, if it helps you at all.
By the way, you're going to be covering a HUGE territory going from London all the way to Rome And the posters on here are right to say that each city is different. Italians dress differently than French. Parisians dress very different than the Provencal.
So my advice is to pack as lightly as you can since you're going to be on the go a lot. I always bring at least one nice skirt (usually two), one pair of dark black pants, and one pair of jeans (these were always our "travel pants" since we were travelling by train). I almost always pack a pair of khakis, and I almost always regret it and almost never wear them.) They get dirty so fast because you're doing so much walking. Also, they seem to be so completely drab, when paired with a pair of comfortable sandals. So I'm going to pass on them for my next trip. My husband, of course, almost always does wear his khakis, but even this last trip he regretted it because of how dirty they got at the ankles.
I never have brought shorts, mostly because the white of my legs would likely frighten the locals, and my husband.
And I make sure that all tops I bring (usually slim fitting knit tops or tee shirts) coordinate with the skirt, and I have at least one sweater or jacket that I can use to layer or wear to a "nicer" restaurant if the t-shirt isn't sophisticated enough. I haven't ever needed more than that one sweater and I have travelled to most of those cities during May, with the exception of London... which I have heard can be much cooler than the others. But I still don't think you need to bring a heavy sweater or anything to keep warm. If it's unseasonably cold you can always buy something.I never do scarves. I have a short neck and they look ridiculous on me.
I don't really try to dress up, but I do like to make sure that I have "dressier" clothes than I would wear in my day to day... not because I'm trying to fit in, but because I'm going to beautiful cities and enjoying restaurants and attractions with my husband on our vacation and we would normally want to dress up a bit for special things like this. I don't for a minute think I'm going to "fit in." I hardly "fit in" in many urban cities in the US, for that matter, since all of my not-so-disposable income goes into either my daughter and anything left over goes into our travel fund!
By the way, in spite of all the best preparation, keep in mind you'll probably feel "out of place." The way we (or most of us) Americans put together outfits is very different from the way people in London or Paris, or Provence or Florence would. That's not to say they're better or we're worse. And we hold our bodies differently, use different facial expressions and hand gestures, and walk and talk differently. Unless you're a great social chameleon, "they" will know you're an American. And so what?
Oh, and I just remembered, when I was in Provence in September, there was a HORRIBLE heat wave going on and the temps in Arles were like, oh, 101-105. I think I did end up buying a tank top and a pair of shorts at the local market during that stay because I was absolutely dying. But Arles was much more casual than anywhere else I've been in Europe and I took my cue from the locals... if the little old ladies and old men at the cafes were in shorts, so could I. (Of course, I can never understand how the older men in both Italy and France think it's attractive to wear shorts, a wife-beater teeshirt, and leather DRESS shoes with dress socks up to their knees, but that's another post entirely.)
Another thing I'd mention... in previous trips I really sweated the packing trying to make it perfect... especially since we have always done carryons. I have always found I live in the same couple of outfits and still, after 4 trips, think I bring on too much. (And I have never once checked luggage.)
Now, for some "hindsight is 20-20" kind of thinking about what I've always packed... I've been pretty conservative in my travel clothes in all my previous trips, trying really hard to put it all together, with the end result being pretty boring, making me stand out almost more. I'm going to bring much more fashionable clothing this next trip. And I mean fashionable here in the US. Even if it's just a couple of things. That's what I have always felt was missing from what I have brought with me. I always tried to de-stylize the clothes I was bringing to make them more universal. So this time I'm going to bring a bit more fashion forward. Inevitably there will be people in all those cities that are still wearing those styles there.
Also, black was my staple color. I don't know why, maybe it was having a little girl recently and leaving the "corporate world", but colors have become my favorite thing and my attire has taken on a more "dress casual" feel. But I can't imagine wearing "all black" in any of those cities again... and from many of these "what to wear" posts I've definitely seen that "all black" has become a bit synonymous with "American." So for my next trip over the pond in September, I'm going to really try hard to coordinate a few great outfits without so much reliance on black, and still carry as light as I always have. I think I'm going to bring more skirts, since skirts seem to be so popular right now.
Now what I'd like to see is some website that shows what women in Paris and London are actually WEARING. Not vogue, because those stickpins are usually wearing a few seasons ahead and designers that I couldn't, wouldn't wear. I mean, is there a British or French equivalent of Ann Taylor or Banana Republic. When I was in Paris last time there was a cute store called Double in Saint Germain des Pres but I think it is no longer in business. Anyone have recommendations for where I could look online for ideas? I am going to have to buy some new clothes for this trip so I may as see if any of the European styles catch my fancy.
Just my much more than 2 cents worth.
~kat
Jun 2nd, 2004, 01:21 AM
#32
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I am really sad to see individuality go out the door. We are not sheep folks stop following people around and just be unique. I like to dress up on planes...just my preference and I dress up a bit for dinner. That's how I dress in Ireland. I do not worry if I look like a poor cousin compared to the country I am visiting. Maybe they like something about my clothes and I don't know it. If I am out in the afternoon and we end up going for a drink....or five I don't go back and changes I just enjoy the moment. Wear what suits you and is appropiate for the weather.
Jun 2nd, 2004, 01:56 AM
#33
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I agree with amwosu: "We realize we will always look American. We just want to look acceptable and respectful in a city we haven't visited"
That said, if in Boston, the nearest big city to me, I were out to dinner or the theatre, I would not be trying to pick out tourists vs. natives...what was that m kingdom 2 said? Something about "they're not looking at you...?" If they are, they obviously have too much time and too few interests.
I was amazed that someone would criticize non-Londoners for "dressing up for the theater." Who cares if the American beside you is wearing a skirt or jeans? Especially if the choice is to dress up a bit as opposed to dress down? On Broadway you see everything also. The assumption is that the focus of the evening is the performance.
Most frequently people who live in an area are agreeable and helpful to people who do not. We are all tourists somewhere (even if it is in the middle of Yellowstone National Park or on an Alaskan glacier).
I do, however, think it is nice to respect the culture in which one finds oneself.
On Boston Common in July, suburban and city "mommies" as well as tourists would be in shorts as well as other attire; if that is not the case at Regents Park Zoo, it would be good to know, right?
A mix of personalities does make for an interesting board, though.
That said, if in Boston, the nearest big city to me, I were out to dinner or the theatre, I would not be trying to pick out tourists vs. natives...what was that m kingdom 2 said? Something about "they're not looking at you...?" If they are, they obviously have too much time and too few interests.
I was amazed that someone would criticize non-Londoners for "dressing up for the theater." Who cares if the American beside you is wearing a skirt or jeans? Especially if the choice is to dress up a bit as opposed to dress down? On Broadway you see everything also. The assumption is that the focus of the evening is the performance.
Most frequently people who live in an area are agreeable and helpful to people who do not. We are all tourists somewhere (even if it is in the middle of Yellowstone National Park or on an Alaskan glacier).
I do, however, think it is nice to respect the culture in which one finds oneself.
On Boston Common in July, suburban and city "mommies" as well as tourists would be in shorts as well as other attire; if that is not the case at Regents Park Zoo, it would be good to know, right?
A mix of personalities does make for an interesting board, though.
