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- - Dressing in NO (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/dressing-in-no-308637/)

My husband and I will me in No the end of May. He was windering if wearing shorts is looked at poorly down South?

Of course not! I live in south Louisiana, and trust me you'll be glad you're wearing shorts if the temperature is anywhere near what it usually is. Plus you'll see all kinds of dress there - and a lot less skimpy than just shorts.

When we were there last year in May, about 1/2 the people we saw were in shorts - toursits and locals.

Have an amazing time in New Orleans -- and by all means, wear shorts! Even in May, it'll be very hot and humid. (Keep in mind that everwhere is Arctically airconditioned, so if you're going to be inside for long periods of time, you might want to bring a light layer.)

Definitely wear shorts! You will roast in New Orleans in May if you don't. He might want to take a pair of pants for going out to a nice dinner - after the sun has gone down!!!

In New Orleans?? In May??? With the possible heat the thing your husband should be more worried about is looking stupid as he is sweating like a pig because he didn't wear shorts.

In New Orleans, shorts are OK and bras are optional.

Bras really are NOT optional in New Orleans, except among those who are there to experience what they perceive to be a wild life. The 'natural' look will earn you catcalls all over the place. Ladies' underthings are the one dress code remnant that still exists in New Orleans, at least if you live and work there. Unless you are wearing a really strappy evening gown or a bathing suit, wear a bra. While it is all right to go without hosiery when wearing a casual sundress, you should not go bare-legged to any business event, or when dressing up for a cultural event or an evening out. The info on shorts was correct, they are completely acceptable almost everywhere a tourist might go, even the churches (unless they are REALLY short.) Sleeveless undershirts on men (with no other shirt on top) are "looked at poorly," in many venues, though, and sometimes are forbidden (the signs will say "no muscle shirts.")