cj

I'm going on my first visit to Brazil and Argentina in late July. Can anyone tell me how I should dress to fit in? I already know the basics, (no flashy jewelry, comfortable shoes, etc.) but perhaps someone can clue me in as to what the typical young female wears down there?

Erin

Let me just warn you...if you are trying to "fit in"...it will not happen. Brazilian women wear clothes with a style that can not be replicated anywhere else. I thought I was "stylish" until I went to Rio! <BR> <BR>Young women wear anything form-fitting (short and tight, but not TOO tight or TOO short). Leave your baggy t-shirts and shorts at home..you be branded as a tourist! Wear cute embroidered mini skirts with nice t-shirts, sleeveless shirts, or tanks. Crisp capri pants with sleeveless sweaters. Nice dainty heeled shoes (only practical if you are not doing much walking) and other stylish sandals. Think of how you would dress on a nice day to Manhattan (or any other style conscious big-city near you). And don't forget the 2-piece bathing suit, no matter what your shape. Wearing a one-piece bathing suit also brands you a tourist. I've come to the conclusion that one-piece bathing suits are not manufactured in Brazil! <BR> <BR>If you can afford it, buy some clothes when you get there. My sister came back from Rio with clothes and shoes that astound women in Manhattan! Whenever she wears them, women stop her on the street wanting to know where she purchased them. <BR> <BR>NOTE: I found the majority of women are much smaller than women in other countries. My sister who is a size 6/8 had difficulty fitting into some of the clothes. If you are larger than a size 8, you may have a hard time with the clothes. Check out the malls instead of the boutiques you fins on the street. Good Luck and Enjoy!!

cj

Thanks for the reply; I have a few more questions. Where do you recommend shopping? I'll be in Sao Paulo as well as Rio. Secondly, will it be too cold for short sleeves and tank tops in July? I read somewhere that it's cool (low 70's)in July.

Erin

I've never been to Brazil in July, so I can't help you with the weather. I've heard that the weather is usually in the 70s and that it rains a bit in July, but I don't have firsthand experience. <BR> <BR>SHOPPING: I am only familiar with shopping in Rio. For clothes, check out the shopping malls called "BarraShopping". It's located south of Ipanema and you will have to take a bus to get there. Check with your hotel's front desk for information. The prices and the selection are very good...tons of bargains! You can easily spend about $100 USD and come back with several pairs of shoes and outfits. Also, Barra beaches are supposed to be the best in Rio. <BR> <BR>I also like shopping in Ipanema on Visconde de Paraja (the main street). The clothing is more expensive than Barra, but the in-town convenience is worth it. Don't worry... it's not like Rodeo Drive or Manhattan's Fifth Ave, there are also inexpensive stores. <BR> <BR>Also, check out Rio Sul supermarkets for great foodstuff. I bought beer, soda, wine, cachaca, coffee and cookies very inexpensively (a can of Sprite Lite for less than 30 cents). If you go to grocery stores outside of the tourist areas, you can get these items for even less. And they make great souvenirs! Good Luck! <BR> <BR>

Kummel

In Sao Paulo, I suggest the Iguatemi Shopping, the Morumbi Shopping and the Ibirapuera Shopping (Malls). <BR> <BR>The weather is a little bit cold, specially at night. It's also the wind season. The cold air makes you feel a little colder than the termometers say, but it's not a big deal. Between 60's and 70's during the day and every once in a while it gets to 30's and 40's at night. <BR> <BR>

Nino

Hi cj, <BR> <BR>I'm brazilian and maybe could help you on this matter. <BR>Brazil is a fancy place when we talk about dressing. Everybody is stilish and wear nice clothes. Don't pay attention on those who say that women in Brazil are always nude. This is bullshit! <BR>Sao Paulo and Rio are totally diferent cities even though they are close from each other. In Sao Paulo you'll find nightlife, rich people, good restaurants, nice shopping centers, etc. In Rio you'll find a beautifull landscape, beautiful people and gorgeous beaches. <BR>The temperature is totaly diferent. You'll get about 80F in Rio and 40F in Sao Paulo so, bring everything. <BR>Wait to shop in Sao Paulo - go direct to the Iguatemi Shopping and meet some of the most beautiful people in the world. <BR>Let me know if you need any other information. <BR>Nino

Wilfred Crowcroft

Avoid tennis shoes and bermudas. You will definitely be identified as an American if you wear those white sneakers. <BR> <BR>Definitely stay on the elegant side.

Kim

Hi, <BR>I just got home from Brasil, I live there for a year on exchange...and trust me..,it will be hard to fit in. Clothes there are a totally different subject. First of all, what I found was this, where we go baggy they go fitted, where we go fitted, they go small, where we go small, they go super tight...and dressy. It is always dressy, no matter what. I live in Canada, and now that I am back i find that North Americans dress very sloppy. Flashy jewellry no, but accessories are a must. You can wear any outfit, but accesories make the outfit. Just, cause you may be speaking a different language, take it easy on the expensive stuff. Shorts and sneakers are almost a never. Short skirts, bikinis and tanks are the clothes for the summer, with thongs (havianas are the norm.), I guess the fashion would depend on where about you were going. Where there is a lot of surfing...the style is usually surfer style. I lived in a high surfing area, Florianopolis, so there that was the style. <BR>Argentines are a lot more slender than brasilians, believe it or not, and the fashion is more 70s kind, but the people when in Argentina, are very dressy. In Beunos Aires, men dress in business suits all year around. <BR> <BR>the fashions are different, you can try, but they will always know that you are a foreigner, trust me! <BR>fell free to contact me if you need anymore info.. <BR>kim

r_u_sure

Kim, When you say "shorts and sneakers are almost a never", are you referring to men or women? This guy is planning on lots of touring on feet in Rio. Long pants and even comfy walking shoes can be a drag in the hot weather.

cj

Hi, I just got back from Brazil (and Argentina)and while I certainly appreciate all the responses to my inquiry, I found them to be pretty much false. Most (or so it seemed)people in Brazil have no money and dress accordingly. I took casual clothing and fit in quite well. I was asked for directions, the time, etc. many times. But then, perhaps I was visiting different parts of town than those who posted replies. Advice to the guy wanting to wear shorts: go for it. Lots of guys in Rio wore shorts, especially by the beach. You'll probably still look like a tourist, but you won't be the only one wearing them. The bit about Argentina was correct though. In most parts of town guys wore suits and the women generally dressed pretty nice too. But since I'm only 18, casual clothing doesn't draw attention on me. Anyway, Brazil is a beautiful place!

TRISHA

HEY, <BR> <BR>SHOULD I WEAR A THONG AT THE BEACHES? AND ARE THERE NUDE BEACHES THERE? <BR>

Erin

If you want to wear a thong on the beach, go ahead...you will have plenty of company. As for the nude beaches...I don't know where this impression of Brazil originated. Just like in the US, there are designated nude beaches. But on the regular beaches, you will not see people strolling about unclothed!