Best Travel Skirts/Attire for Church Tours

Just your basic black skirt would probably do well and to respect the locals I would think knee lenght. A scarf for your head is usually worn if the locals are wearing same. Any type scarf would do and you can have two uses for both the skirt and the scarves. You can use the skirt w/top and scarf to use for special occassions etc... My mother taught us girls that you can smarten up any top w/scarves. We usally buy the scarves in europe because they are readily available even when you couldnt get them here in the States. You wouldn't believe how cheap you can get high quality scarves you will have for the rest of your life ... w/memories attached!

Ok, any specific material type? I know from reading this site that cotton is a no-no unless it's in one of those peasant skirts. Thanks for the phenomenal idea on the scarves... I think I will wait until I get there to buy.

Do these rules apply to the men as well i.e. they must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves? No T-shirts or shorts I presume?

Back in my mother's time she had to cover her head for mass, but they did away with that when I was little! I like the look though so maybe I'll take the old Mantilla she gave me :-)

Well, when I was in Rome (like in 2001) I went to the Vatican with my friend and her family. Her Dad did just fine without a scarf. He did wear pants- dockers or similar I think- but he grew up in Europe, so I hardly ever saw him in shorts anyway. he also wore a short sleeve polo.

There is no requirement of material type. Most European Countries women still do wear scarves in churches...Spain, Italy, France, and former East-European countries. Really, it depends what the locals do, but be prepared. It doesn't have to be a lacey scarf of the past.

Well, I know that the material type is not a requirement... but do you have any recommendations? Any good anti-wrinkle brands out there?

In the churches you should have your knees and shoulders covered. I remember at St Peters they were turing women away if they had no way to cover their knees. One lady acted like she didn't understand and one of the guards ran after her and brought her back. The scarf would be fine to cover your shoulders with.

Oh yeah, if you see a skirt you like on one of the travel websites you can see if someone is selling it on Ebay. I have bought a bunch of stuff on there at a fraction of the price.

There are alot of travel knits out there. They are like crinkley poly type of materials. I had a skirt made of a smooth synthetic that worked well when I was in Europe. There are also websites like Travel Smith and ExOffice. I find them pricey and if I see something I like... that is when I go to Ebay.

The churches we've visted didn't require skirts, per se. But long pants and shirts with sleeves that aren't too revealing are defintely in order. If you are attending services, I would go with a skirt. Personally, I like a cotton blend. And a reversable, wrap around would be useful if you want to keep the number of outfits to a minimum. A longish broomstick skirt or pesant skirt might work well for you. A large scarf expands your wardrobe in many ways. You can even use it as a skirt-type wrap if you have the figure for it. Just tie it around your waist, over your shorts! A knit "little black dress" that is not too revealing and not too short could do double duty- add the scarf like a shawl, and you'd be fine for services- then use it for dressy nightlife too.

Poly-blend is usually best. I have a great reversible skirt (floral pattern on one side, geometric on the other) that washes and dries overnight. I bought it at Ross Dress for Less for $15. You can't go wrong with basic black in Europe, in fact you'll probably look more local that way. As for scarves, if you're planning to wear tank tops, you'll need a bigger scarf than if you have sleeves (bare shoulders are a no-no). You can certainly buy one there, I found nice silk scarves all over Italy.

As for deals, try your local second-hand shop (Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.). For online deals, try Sierra Trading Post, Campmor, REI (the outlet part), Backcountry.com, LL Bean outlet, Eddie Bauer outlet.

Kimberly I think the travel knits by Chicos & JJill are great but may be more than you would like to spend. But yesterday at KMart I saw the exact same skirts & material by Jacquelyn Smith & much cheaper. Plus they had co-ordinating tank tops & jackets. The material (can't remember the exact fabric) is also great for year round wear & is perfect for travel.

Thanks so much to all of you, this is really helping... Stephanie, I'll make sure to check out Kmart. Thanks so much!

My most wrinkle free skirt is 95% acetate 5% spandex. I got it on a final clearance sale at a Chico's outlet store for less that $20. It is about 10 years old and has spent many months in Europe.

I am reading a lot about "skirts" but can't women wear pants/slacks?

What about capris that are over the knees?

Pants and Capris should be fine in the cities. I have been searching my travel folder and can't find the article right now but I know I read that when in smaller villages a skirt, while not a must, would be more common in a church. If I finde it, I will post it.

I recently ordered a black skirt from Lucy called the bandeau skirt. It is fabulous. It is stretchy material and flattering. It is not a very dressy material, but it's a black skirt so can be dressed up or dressed down. It's about knee-length (I'm not exactly sure of church requirements), but the waist is a fold down so you can kind of change the length. It wasn't cheap ($58), but one of those pieces that I know I am going to wear not only on our upcoming trip but the whole rest of the year as well.

Kimberly,
I saw cute black skirts at Target. They were abt $15. & made from a lt. weight non wrinkling stretchy jersey.