Dressing while abroad - think about this

I say "wear what you want, but be aware that there are consequences." On a recent trip to Portugal I brought white jeans. I knew that it would be sunny, I live in Minnesota, and I was eager to wear something summery....mistake....On a visit to a wonderful restaurant with fado singers, I was the only one in white jeans. Also, I had a zip-up jacket with a hood (the time had gotten away from us, and I hadn't had time to go back to the hotel and change clothes.) I felt really conspicuous and out of place. I would have felt much more comfortable if I had blended in a little more. Nobody would ever mistake me for Portuguese, but there is no good reason to want to stick out as American.

I hope I didn't come across harsh. My daughter heard me talking so much about "blending in" and wearing darker clothing like they apparently do over there that she asked.

While I do base most of my travel wardrobe around black- I wear black pants and various red,blue,purple or black tops- that is because of several reasons. 1- My HOME wardrobe is also based on those colors. 2- I can pack a few items and know that they all mix and match. 3- It is a good color for me. 4- It doesn't show dirt- I can go longer between wash-ups. I've never felt that Europens wear more black than Americans. It is just a practical color for me.

Kents post was good.

I like to wear black abroad because it can work with so many things and doesn't show dirt. I travel light and want to mix and match. I don't get bored with what I'm wearing, I'm a guy, and have even taken two of the same color shirts. As long as they don't stand out too much, are easily washed and wrinkle free, I'm happy.

My standard travel wardrobe is one pair of black pants, one pair of gray pants, 3-4 shirts that go with either black or gray, a neutral color sweater to go with everything, and a jacket that is black.

It may sound boring, but it's functional. And if you spill something on a pair of black pants, it won't show as much as it would on khaki.

You inferred to it best..if you dress for major European cities the way you would for big American cities, you'll be fine. Let's face it, someone wearing a tank top and shorts in midtown Manhattan is probably going to be a tourist. (Weekends excluded.)

I wonder why Rick used green/blue shirts and a khaki pants in his videos?

He didn't seem to favour black.

If we had his money, WE would stay at the Ritz, too

He wouldn't wear them at the Ritz?lol

My husband is planning a Rick outfit :-)

"do Europeans dress like we do when they're visiting the States?"

Judging by fiancee and her family (Belgians), the answer is no.

I think maybe the obsession with fitting in comes from the consception that Euopeans hate Americans.

I haven't found that to be the case (more often I've found people to be interested in talking to me about where I'm from, how I'm enjoying my stay etc.), but regardless of anythign else, if you're walking around with a camera, visiting tourist sites, etc it will be obvious you're not a local.

So why worry? RS certainly doesn't. I don't know if you've seen any of his shows where his family is with him, but his kids are obviously wearing the same clothes they do at home. In ETBD RS says something along the lines of wear what's comfortable and practical; As long as your clothes aren't disrespectful it's your attitude more than anything else that will matter to people.

Also, when I was in Paris in 2005 the young French women seemed to be wearing pretty much the same styles as young American women (minus any instances of shorts).

This reminds me of an incident during my first trip to London many, many years ago. I was walking out of the British Museum when I was stopped by an older British couple. I don't remember what she was wearing but he was in a dark pinstripe three piece suit, large mustache, bowler hat and umbrella on his arm. (Right out of Central Casting.)

"Excuse me, do you know the way to Tottenham Court Stataion," he asked

"No," I said, "I don't."

"Another bloody tourist," he barked.

"True," I said. "But I'm not the one who's lost."

It's not so much about trying not to be seen as a tourist, which can't be helped, it's what type of tourist we're seen as. None of us want to be seen as the typical "ugly American."

I have reached the age (65 in a couple weeks) where I truly don't give a hoot what others think of how I dress. I dress for me, for comfort, for convenience. This means expensive sneakers (for the needed arch support), wash-and-wear pants and tops. Since I don't do the bar-nightlife stuff, heels and such aren't needed. If I was skinny, I'd wear skirts, but I'm not, so I don't. On our recent trip to Europe, I took pants, t-shirt and corduroy shirt/jac in beige and light blue, and one shirt striped in those colors. By mixing, I got a different combo every day, so I wasn't bored (I would be with just black). The locals always know I'm an American (even before I open my mouth) because "Yankee Doodle" is, apparently, tattooed across my forehead. I don't look like anything but! :)

I find I'm more concerned with behaviors than dress-codes. Many young Europeans are quite rude to us oldsters, but then, many young Americans are also.
Must be all those hormones.

Like everyone else has said, wearing black is for practical reasons, not to avoid appearing to be American. I travel a lot for my job and what goes in my bag for a work trip is what goes in my bag for Europe - black. Aside from all the reasons everyone has given,I don't have to think a lot about what to pack. Grab a couple of pairs of pants and shirts off the hangars and go. As far as fitting in goes, most of us don't like to stand out when we travel here, either and pack differently for New York City than for Miami. I have a black and tan coat that is perfect for travel and is making its 5th trip to Europe this fall. If I want to find other Americans, I just look for a variation of that coat!

I agree about attitude and behaviour over dressing.

Except I really hate seeing shorts/minis and tank tops in churches and up scale places, even here in the States. I wonder sometimes what people are thinking.

What was really bugging me is the white shoes no-no that I read in some threads. I found a pair of white (light blue stripes) ECCOS (not cheap!), and they fit beautifully. The darker colour looked awful so now I'm here wondering if I will end up looking like a tacky tourist :-( But my comfort is #1 (feet probs). Now looking to find some dark brown or black sandals (ECCOS or Merrill) for the dressier look. What to do, what to do...

Daughter said that last time we were in Europe she thought the younger generation looked like everywhere else except for obvious well dressed office workers.

LOL @ Frank -- that's a great story!

Both times I went to Europe, I packed one "nice" sweater in case we went out somewhere upscale or to a play. I actually took two cashmere sweaters to Rome last Dec, because they are the warmest sweaters I own!

I wore black sneakers, the exact same pair I wear everywhere at home, and black slacks, same as I wear most days to work. I just happen to like black, so I wear it here, there, and everywhere.

Eli,

I wonder too why some people on this board are obsessed with blending in ....
I think it's because they read too much on the internet about scams and thieves, but in reality is not that bad. Plus all those bad things that "might" happen in Europe , have been happing here in the US everywhere.
I personally wear what I like and feel comfortable in.

I think it's about having a little taste, and dressing in a respectful, appropriate way for your surroundings -- city, beach, mountains wherever -- here or in Europe. Opt for more conservative, easy to care for items, and you'll be fine. (But I sincerely hope mature people will still not wear the white running shoes and track suits in the city!) Kids and teenagers dress pretty much the same as their American counterparts in all of the European cities I've seen.

As for Rick, yes he continues to wear khakis, (but I think he looks pretty good). In more recent shows, though, his wife is wearing black, and he sometimes sports a black (or very dark brown) leather jacket -- way to go Rick!

I like to wear dark clothing to fool people into thinking I don't actually have food or newsprint on my clothes. Also, ring-around-the-collar does not exist on a dark shirt!

Rick does not wear black as it would look terrible with his coloring, he has warm colored skin and almost strawberry dark blond hair,, so his bases would be best if brown, beige or khaki.. smart man knows what suits him.
I love black, but it is not for everyone, I also love peach and yellow. Unfortunately when I wear those colors I look sick. People have to know what suits them.
Warm skin wear warm colors , cool skin, wear cool colors.

Eli, wear the white runners, I bet you will be glad you did.

Eli - great topic. Quite a few years ago my oldest daughter & I were in London in Victoria Station. Two bobbies came up to us & started talking & asked where we were from. We told them the US & one of them said "we thought so". I replied how did you know. They replied most American women have perfectly groomed hair & wear lots of makeup. I have to say I just never thought about it. So since that day I realize I will always look like a tourist & not just because of my hair or makeup.

I am actually a brown/earthtones gal myself. I plan on taking a dark brown skirt, a earthtone print skirt, 4 solid tops that go with either skirt, a brown sweater shawl and one pair of brown pants.

Black doesn't seem to look good on me.

Yes -- dark brown and earth tones are great also! I lived in brown 2 years ago when I was in Paris -- I always end up buying a lot of gray things there also! but you will see a lot of black. I have pictures from my recent trip this past January of all the locals ice-skating in front of the Hotel de Ville -- in black, black, black (and denim). With bright accent scarves and hats. And they all looked fabulous.

I live in Florida and I sure hope visiting tourists don't wear what they do here at home..:-)

I have my suitcase open and my list started for our trip departing May 1st for three weeks in Europe. I bought a black pair of Skeechers, the white sneakers and washed out jeans are staying home. I just find that darker colors fair better, at least with slacks/pants, on and off tube, bus and other public transportation tend to leave a "travel brown" look to anything light. I am bringing some bright scarves, cap and two light costume jewelry necklaces to brighten and mix things up. I am brining the new "Layered" look, tank tops, short and mid sleeve very light in weight knit tops. Everyone has their own tasts in clothing and what they are comfortable in. Whatever you choose..be comfortable and have a great time! Check web sites for current fashion, might be helpful for your daughter.

The question of color obviously does not have a black and white answer. While we all know white shows every mark, drip, or park bench, black can be just as troublesome. Have you ever seen a black car that looked clean (except when coming out of the carwash)? On the other hand, those gold and platinum colors never show dirt, even when filthy. The same goes with clothes. Darker khaki and tan pants go with any color of shirt, and they make it easy to use a pair of walking or hiking shoes into the evening. If you wear black pants, the brown shoes just don't work, IMO. So I go with browns from the belt down, add color with the shirt, and use a jacket appropriate for the season that goes with almost anything. As for shirt color, I try to stick to the darker blues, greens, and burgundys, in muted tones---nothing that announces my arrival like a neon sign. I usually stick to polo shirts just for ease of packing, and I don't do ties.

BTW: my Swiss nephew wants a John Deere ballcap

I didn't think about this before, but do you all think most Europeans tend to wear black/dark browns over all the bright colours we have over here?

I know our Norwegian friends love neon colours, from parents to children. They look good in them too with their very fair skin, light blue eyes and blonde hair.

Okay, I tend to pass for many nationalities because of my very dark brown hair, dark brown eyes and olive complexion. When we were in Mexico last year, they asked if we were Italianos. When we were in Europe people asked if I were from Spain. When we were in Spain they thought I was Spaniard!...that is, until I open my mouth, LOL

So technically, my daughter and I especially tend to pass for anything but American. Maybe I can get away with my white Eccos after all! Ha!

Eli, some comfortable sandals are a must. merril will be great. I have an Italian friend who says that you can tell the nationally of a tourist by their footwear! And Americans are visible from afar. On my first visit to Italy I did the black or denim look. Never again. I have learned to take attractive but travel handy clothes and even iron that special little gorgeous item. This it Italy, after all.anyway),I enjoy being complimented while there.

Well as a Brit who has visited the US a few times I can say that like most big cities people in them are more cosmopolitan and people do dress more smartly there. If you are a teenager/trendy then black is popular but by no means essential!

When I visit the US I wear what I wear in the UK according to circumstances. In California for work I wear trousers and shirt (no tie required) and in Florida on vacation I wear shorts and T-shirt and yes a baseball cap due to the heat (as I'm bald)! I also take a shirt and trousers in case we go anywhere posh. Most of the time if I am visiting London I wear jeans unless I knew I was going somewhere special.

I wouldn't worry about trying to 'blend in' so much, it's mainly when people speak that you can tell where they are from. When in Amsterdam or Athens I will 'look' and sound just as much of a tourist as you will and it doesn't matter.

Just to address a few other points above:

1) Europeans don't hate Americans in fact many love them! (Not so sure about the Hawaiian shirts though :-)

2) Don't be overly worried about safely visting here. The first time I visted the US (Orlando) in the back of my mind I was nervous walking down the street thinking that some gunfight/drive-by shooting would happen :-) Well it always does in CSI, NYPD blue etc! The only thing that will happen in London is you might get your purse/wallet snatched and that is the same as in any big city.

I found that when I dressed like a local in Paris (same wardrobe I take to Manhattan), it enhanced my experience. I was stopped twice by Parisians asking ME for directions and 'felt', as Rick says, like I was traveling 'closer to the ground'. I'll also admit I was embaressed more than once by the "Ugly American" family in sweats, T-shirts, tank tops, and dirty white tennies (not that I haven't worn all these things myself at appropriate times). I know with a family in tow there's no way we'll be taken for anything but Americans on our trip, but we plan to look like decent dressing ones. For my teens- the holey jeans and 'deconstructed' tops with frayed edges are staying home. My son picked tennies with a European look and he loves them so much I think they'll be worn out before we go! My daughter just returned from a sememster in France and she enjoyed dressing better; it's part of the experience for them as well. However, I will be wearing white/pink Eccos some days...comfort!

Hi Eli,

the weather in Brighton is fine and sunny today although cold. As I'm sure you're aware the weather is a constant topic of conversation as it is very changeable.

For example:
Friday 4th April it reached 19C (66F) briefly
Saturday 5th it varied from 5C to 12C (41F to 54F) but was very sunny
Sunday 6th FOUR INCHES OF SNOW! Lots of people building snowmen of the beach! This is very rare at this time of year on the south coast. Perhaps once in 15 years.

And, wearing clothes that are appropriate in a European city is different in different European cities. For example : in Copenhagen (in Denmark) at the Stroget, men, age 20s and 30s, wear grungy - looking clothes : old black sweatshirt, old black jeans, or old gray pants that look like it has been worn by a ditch digger or sewer worker or garbage man every day for 30 years. That kind of clothes is not inappropriate in Copenhagen. And the Danish women I saw there wore plain casual clothes : dark blue jacket, old jeans or old casual corduroy pants, dorky athletic shoes. But in the city Ljubljana in SLOVENIA, in the business district, wearing old black jeans or blue jeans would be a crime and a sin !

I agree with Nancy about dressing. Nothing that looks tacky is ever taken with us. Besides, I have been fortunate to have classy dressers for teens, so no worries there. The only thing I told my son is that he should not take his Abercrombie T's with sayings on them.

The only problem I am still having is finding the right shoes that wouldn't scream out, TOURIST/AMERICAN.

No sweats are taken for going out in because we don't use sweats unless it's for the gym or the park. However, we do change into something comfy for the plane ride (once on board) and change when we land. Varicose veins do not travel well with tight fitting clothes.

I don't think it is just a question of wearing black. Yes, young Italians wear jeans and sneakers like their American counterparts, but the cut of the jeans is different, the shirts are different colors, and they always tend to be well groomed, even if the intended "look" is to look scruffy.
In general, Italians wear more fitted clothes, in some cases more jewelry, designer sunglasses are very in, and colors that an American may not wear. For example, pink on men right now is big.
As long as you aren't wearing pleated front jeans, big old white reebox, and a fanny pack, then you have made an effort.

I think that Americans (or Canadians for that matter) dress a little more on the casual side than Europeans. I seldom see a sloppily dressed European. The youth actually do wear a belt and polish their shoes now and then.

As for the black pants...I like either black or some other dark colour b/c they hide stains better than a light colour. I can wear something twice without feeling like any stains noticably stand out.

As for the white shoes...I think they look fine on a Nurse. Stacey and Clinton (What-Not-to-Wear) would agree. Plus, it can be difficult to keep white shoes looking clean after awhile. And I'm lazy...

The first time we went to Europe we were on a bus trip. The guide had a wardrobe consisting of two pair of black pants, a black skirt and 4 different colored tops. She packed light and had a variety of outfits for the entire 18 days of our trip. In other words it provided flexibility.