being from Paris and making my first trip to the states; specifically the grand canyon and las vegas and L.A. I was wondering if it would be appropriate to wear my usual attire, black pants, dark shirt and black shoes while visiting your country? I know from reading on the european board, that all the mavens tell Americans they shouldnt look like tourists by wearing shorts and sneakers in my city of Paris; will i need to buy shorts and sneakers and t shirts for my trip?

Definitely--Nikes with white socks, khaki shorts, and a T-shirt--maybe a college team, etc...Maybe one with "My folks went to the Eiffel Tower but all I got was this lousy T-shirt"

If you're visiting Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and the touristy parts of LA and you want to look like the other Americans touring these places you'll need to develop a beer belly, learn to talk REALLY LOUD, buy some drawstring loose pants or shorts, get some athletic shoes, get some too small T shirts with beer slogans or sports team names, and carry a camera and fanny pack.

usual attire, black pants, dark shirt and black shoes while visiting your country will be fine.

You may wish to have sneakers so you are comfortable around the grand canyon and shorts will keep you cool, but maybe you should be yourself and dress like you feel comfortable and normally do. No?

Wait a minute. Weren't you from Tanzania last time? I'm confused.

ZANZIBAR.
You in back there, "huh"....
Keep up.
C'mon.

Don't forget to wear your hat backwards. If the 'bill' of the hat is worn forward, to keep the sun out of your eyes, you will be taunted, and maybe even beat up.

If your hat looks like a big piece of cheese, you may be able to avoid the taunts, but only if you know the names of cities in Wisconsin.

If you're coming during the summer months - or even fall, you're going to find that wearing all black is far too hot for our climate. I'd atleast plan on bringing along a few pairs of shorts and t-shirts and a cute pair of comfy sandals - Aerosoles makes some good ones for travel.

While I feel there may be a "troll alert" here, I'll offer the following: take a look at www.magellans.com, www.travelsmith.com or www.rei.com. The recommendation for the Grand Canyon portion of your trip is a pair of those lightweight pants with the zip-off legs that allow them to convert over into shorts. These are great, as the mornings may start off a little cool, but the day will warm up as the hours tick by. I also recommend a Supplex or Dri-Fit t-shirt- you can wear a lightweight long-sleeve shirt or jacket in the a.m., but you'll want bare arms in the hotter parts of the day. Also bring a cap or hat, sunshades, and sunscreen. All of these are extremely packable and washable in the room. Don't know what your plans include in LAX and LAS, but the travel dresses, skirts, and skorts shown on the above three sites are all appropriate dayware, IMHO.