My husband, daughter and I will be in Europe for a month this summer - our first time!!
I love visiting churchs while on vacation and I look forward to the services in historical buildings. But, I wonder how to dress? Church has become very casual in the US but what's the dress code in England, France, Germany, Italy, Austria & Greece?
And, we are staying in a monastery in Paris. They didn't indicate dress - should I assume no short and tanks for my daughter and I?
Thanks,
Cheryl
Well to start with, I wouldn't walk around Paris in shorts and a tank top anyway!!!
Most churches require arms covered and clothing below the knees. I am not sure about the UK though as I have never seen any signs or people checking but then it has never been warm enough for shorts and a tank top there!!!
I should think if you are staying in a convent you should dress with respect for the place.
I'm really glad we're all taking european sensibilities into account when we pack our clothing for a trip.
I'd hate to damage the eyes of the 280 pound guy I saw crammed into a size medium speedo earlier on the trip.
Ouch, you'd never walk around Paris in shorts & a tank - I'm gonna be so out of place. What do you think of a summer dress & sandles. Seriously, I'm an idiot to fashion.
No bare arms & covered below the knees. I can do that with a jacket & capris but what are your thoughts on casual vs. formal? Maybe that summer dress and a sweater over it?
Having lived through 2 summers in France with frequent business trips to Paris, I have seen several Europeans wearing shorts and tanks for casual activities. To say the Europeans don't wear this or that is stereotyping a culture that is as diverse as we are.
However, I wouldn't wear shorts and tanks simply because they are not the coolest options, nor the most comfortable for travelling. and because those historic building can be cool and drafty even in the summer. Also, if you are staying in a monastary then no.
People are also fairly casual in church (at least in France) I see, dresses, jeans and sports shirts all the time. No bare shoulders, midrift or knees, tend to be the norm.
I would contact the monastary and ask if they have a dress code; if not, long pants and a short sleeve shirt should be fine.
Definitely check with the monastery if you can, but if they do not get back to you,assume that you should wear slacks, capries, knee-length or longer skirts or summer dresses. No tank tops or midrif-baring ones -- or have a sweater or scarf handy to wrap around your shoulders. Sandals are fine. And no shorts for men either. But for hiking in the countryside shorts and tanks are appropriate, but not in the cities. If you expect to go into a lot of churches, you will come upon them everywhere so it might be a good idea to be dressed appropriately so you can go in without any hassle. Europeans may dress casually to go to church, but they still cover up and dress respectfully.
Attending services should be based on your comfort level and respect for the setting. I'd suggest long skirts (knee or longer)or full length pants for you and daughter, full length pants for hubby. Tops could be Ts with "big shirt" as jacket, hubby could go with polo or button up. Same for monistary stay. The large scarf option is good for you and daughter too (see other topics on this board)- they can serve as shawl, head covering, or waist wrap. For just visiting the churches, "zip off" pants are always an option- on for the church, off for walking/hiking. Tanks are impractical to me. Ts or other tops are more comfortable, personally.
