Fashion aka Not Looking Completely Like A Tourist

I believe that people take one look at my face/smile/clothes/affect and peg me as an American tourist without me opening my mouth. My brother and I were walking in a market square in a small Eastern Belgium non-tourist town last summer as the merchants were setting up. We were not talking to each other, just walking around. Almost without fail the stall-holders who had been chatting with each other in Flemish would look up at us and call out Hello or Good Morning. It actually got to be funny. BTW, we are both in our 60's.

I am not a guy, but I wore black Altra Zero Drop athletic shoes everywhere and did not feel out of place. I could, however, walk 10-12 miles per day in them so they were priceless! You will see Nikes and other athletic shoes everywhere, usually dark or bright colors. Not the white ones.

So...my take on it is that your plan of button down shirt, jeans and dark sneakers will work just fine. They will figure out you are American anyway. My only caveat is to make sure your shirts wash and dry well.

You are going to look like an American no matter what you do! Just be yourself, do what you do, and maintain your manners!
After you travel for a while, you can pretty quickly peg people as being from the Netherlands, France, England, etc. because of certain styles of clothes that are worn, pant lengths, hair styles, glasses, shoes, etc...Americans are no exception. What's wrong with that though? You ARE an American. Wear your button down shirts, jeans, and dark sneakers proudly, represent your country, and leave the best impression you can. You are not going to blend in but there is no reason to. Europe is visited by people from all over the world...you're a tourist - own it!
And don't worry about not wearing shorts. I don't know where that idea comes from but shorts are commonly worn in Europe, even in big cities. Now athletic shorts should be avoided unless you are out jogging but regular shorts are fine. I would refrain from wearing shorts in churches (my personal preference out of respect), or in nicer restaurants, but for most places, shorts are fine.
The shoe misconception is also common...it's more important to be comfortable. You will walk more than you have ever walked and the sidewalks in Europe are VERY hard on the feet - cut stone mostly, and cobbles, with occasional concrete.
No one cares what shoes you are wearing - wear what you like and wear what you will be comfortable in.

If you use the Satellite View in Google Map, or the software app Google Earth, you can use the "little orange man" feature to get a street level view with good resolution of major cities such as London, Paris, and Munich--and you can actually see what people on the street are wearing. Most of these street view photos were taken in the last year or two, for major cities, so the view that you get of what people on the street are wearing is fairly current.

Hello fellow Seattleite!

My hubby likes something made for comfort & casual hiking because we walk all day, spending time in the large cities, small villages & up in the mountains when we're in Europe. The shoes he wore last Fall were black leather Keens (similar to a tie-up sneaker on the topside) which he liked because they also worked for going out to restaurants in the evening.

For shirts, he brought a couple of poly-blend nicer looking T-shirts along with a couple of golf type shirts that dried very quickly. Jeans take a long time to dry; check out other options at outlet stores, REI, etc.

"Though Rick does a fantastic job of talking about this subject," No. He doesn't. Not at all.

"We know not to bring shorts at all (though we are going in May)." Europeans generally don't wear shorts as casually as Americans, but if it's hot you'll see plenty of people in shorts. Not people going to and from their jobs, but all the visitors and people enjoying their leisure time, European or not. This is one of the those outdated stereotypes that somehow refuses to die, along with the French not using deodorant or European women not shaving their armpits. All that being said, depending on where you visit, it may not be warm enough for shorts anyway.

"do you always wear some kind of shoes or are black Nike's ok?" Wear what will be comfortable on your feet for the occassion.

The only people who care about how tourists dress are other tourists who wrongly think they themselves are blending in. And even if you somehow did get the cut and style completely right, your body language and travel accessories will instantly peg you as a tourist to anyone who's paying attention.

Mike,, I live in Victoria.. we get a lot of American tourists.. many via Seattle.. and yes, we all wear the standard PNW clothing, jeans, sneakers , fleeces.. but I can STILL tell a tourist from a local most of the time.. its just obvious.

Its not just clothing or language that pegs us tourists.. its the fact we walk around looking at stuff that the locals blow by on their way to work or the drycleaners,, its the fact tourists mostly seem to travel in groups of at least two.. ( think about how often you walk around your own town on your own) Its the camera/phone , the slow walking...etc.

Do not stress about it.. be comfortable.. just avoid wearing one of those ug o lee and useless "fanny packs" ... and enjoy yourself. Your gf is having fun,, I like to pick up a few new things for any trip too.. its just a girl thing.

Mike,
As other posters have said:
Your question is a good one, it's natural to be concerned about how you look in Europe.
Your question has been frequently asked here over the years.
The standard answer that has sort of evolved on this forum has been:
1) No matter what you do, the locals will know you're a tourist; and most of them, if they took the 5 seconds to pay attention, will probably even know you're an American tourist. No problem there, that's what you are.
2) Probably no one except you, and I suppose your travel companion, will pay much attention to you or care what you look like.

Be comfortable.
It may be that in Paris you'll want to dress slightly better than some other places in Europe. It's an old stereotype, but probably still has some validity, that in Paris you may get a slightly better response or reaction, even from tourist industry workers (who are used to everything), if you dress slightly better than you would, say, at home.

As others have accurately pointed out here, your being over there will cause you to be immediately spotted/pegged as an American tourist, even before you open your mouth. No need to worry about that, you'll be recognised as American anyway. Wear what is appropriate and comfortable, button down shirts, Dockers, polo shirts, you name it. What's wrong with black Nike's? As long as they are clean and decent looking. I bring both button down and straight collar shirts. But no shorts and cargo pants. That's my preference.

V,

As soon as you or your girlfriend opens your mouth, everyone will know.

My "normal" travel clothes includes travel pants (lightweight, synthetic), travel shirts (lightweight & synthetic) and my keen hikers. I got the keens just for my travels since i knew i was going to be hoofing it a lot and having a COMFORTABLE shoe was more important than looks. I didnt choose them for looks, comfort was #1, #2 and #3. They should hold up well and if they dont, it will be back to REI to find something else or if possible if its still made, the same model.

I dont wear hats unless I'm on the back of a horse and then its a helmet.

If you want to bring a 2nd pair of shoes, go for it and if you are going to spend a lot of time overthere, i would recommend you having a 2nd pair of COMFORTABLE shoes.

good luck and happy trails.

Black Nikes are better than white ones, for daytime walking.

I have a different take on this subject. We have found that if you dress well you will be treated well, especially in Italy and France. Of course we are comfortable during the day, as we tend to walk a LOT (5-8 miles a day is not unusual in cities like London or Venice) and need good walking shoes. (Mine are cute leopard-print sneakers, or nice sandals in summer, FWIW). But for going out to dinner at night, we dress nicely.

And while we have not been taken for locals (outside of Germany or Switzerland), it is seldom that we are assumed to be "American", unless people heard us talking to one another. In Spain and Italy, we have been taken for French (addressed in that language many times). In Germany I have been taken for German (because I speak a bit) until I admitted (in German) that I am not fluent.

I would say that in Munich and London, anything goes. But looking nice in Paris is a good idea.

Mike,

I dress differently when travelling than at home, in a somewhat "dressier" style. I use a lot of Tilley travel friendly clothing and my travel wardrobe typically consists of tan pants, a button shirt and ECCO Trac II black shoes, along with a multi-pocket Vest when I'm day touring. I prefer not to travel with blue jeans, as they tend to be hot and also more difficult to launder.

I'm not concerned in the least whether I "look like a tourist" and wear what's comfortable for me. The locals can always tell, so there's no point in trying to disguise the fact that I'm a tourist.

I don't know about always being pegged as a tourist. We've been approached by people speaking to us in Russian, Romanian, French, Italian, German, etc., expecting us to understand them and be able to respond like a local. We don't usually take any jeans, they're heavy, hot, hard to wash and dry, take up too much room/weight in a suitcase, etc., etc. Dockers/casual slacks in any color darker than a very light khaki work well. Even some of the microfiber Dockers - lighter, cooler, don't wrinkle much. Europeans still do wear a lot of black as their base color. Your black Nike's will be fine, as long as you can walk miles in them. Take some blister packs, maybe moleskin, and a small roll of tape, if this much walking is unusual for you. Collared, woven shirts will be good, short sleeve or long. Solid color T-shirts would be good, too. Fred Meyer has some good men's T-shirts in solid colors with chest pockets, not expensive. Simple dark jacket. A "windbreaker' will peg you as an American tourist.

You will likely get both cool/cold and warm weather then in those places. Layer, take a lightweight fleece jacket under your light waterproof jacket. Same for your girlfriend. Have her wait and buy pretty, fake "Pashmina" scarves there for warmth, lots of pretty colors available cheap. For her - walking shoes like trail shoes or Nikes or something, plus a pair of comfortable flats she can walk in. Some flats that have some cutouts on them can double as almost a sandal. Generally darker, more drab colors will let you blend in. Backpacks will scream tourist, but so what. For your girlfriend - I recommend travel purses from PacSafe. They make a not-too-big one which works great as a cross-body purse. All steel reinforced, but not at all heavy or bulky. Good pockets, clips to secure zippers, etc. Many years of traveling and they're the best I've found. I never let go of my purse, and these can also be attached to a chair, etc. for security. My departures from drab colors are usually a scarf, my purse and daypack (I want to see them in a crowd if they do get away from me) and my mini-umbrella, so I don't just look like everyone else with black umbrellas. If it's just the two of you, it isn't as important, but in a group it helps.

For her - take a couple pants - synthetic-blend, non-wrinkle decent slacks and a pair of something like the Lee or Gloria Vanderbilt pants that are like jeans (5 pocket) but lighter weight twill and stretch blend. Black. And maybe a microfiber capri. I also spend my time on the plane and long trains in a pair of lightweight stretch knit pull-on pants. Something comfy that bends. Then a couple skirts, one below the knee, other can be short (a skort is safer), if it gets warm. One pair of tights under a skirt for in-between weather, if wanted. Tee shirts and a long sleeved shirt that doubles as a light jacket and a light cardigan sweater, like the Land's End or LL Bean pima cotton type.

One thing you will find out is that clothes can really take a beating while traveling and wearing them a lot. They do show wear. I've learned NOT to pack my favorite clothes for travel, as they can get ruined or worn out. I pack something functional, but that I don't care so much about. Especially pants. T shirts - I've been known to buy a few in solid colors cheap somewhere and throw them away at the end of the trip when I need room for souvenirs. Got a bunch for $4 each before one month-long trip, wore them out and tossed them. (Wash them for color fastness first, though). Ditto with underwear and nightgown. I get those at WalMart and pitch them at the end. No big loss and leaves room for souvenirs.

You'll be fine with just casual work-type clothes. Simple... Plain... Fast drying... Paris could be warm, London possibly still cool and damp. You're used to that, as I am here in the northwest. Don't worry about what you look like, just be comfortable! Bon Voyage!!

To add to the chorus, nobody cares what you wear. You are an American, you are a tourist, you will not blend in. Be comfortable. And, yes, Europeans do wear shorts.

Own being an American, as Emily says wear what is comfortable for you. As for being worried about shorts, you are going to Bavaria. It not just the clothes that mark out a tourist from abroad, it is the body language, the looking at things the locals take for granted, the hairstyles and the teeth.

Yes I am British and went for the teeth knowing American views of ours! ;-)

Just wear over there what you wear at home. I've been to Europe 14 times, going to Rome and CH next month. I've worn blue jeans, blue jean shorts,sweat pants,sweat shirts white socks,white tennis shoes, t-shirts,the whole gamut.
Nobody cares!! Save your new clothes buying money and spend it over there on food,souvenirs,and whatever else you can think of. Have a great time.

My take is a bit different. I do not get hung up on what people think or looking a certain way, I by nature and maybe a sense of security, choose not to "stand out", but that is a somewhat different discussion.

I do give thought to what I pack, I try to pick clothes that work or look appropriate in as many situations as possible, mainly to allow me to pack light. So in that light, shoes, I like a decent pair of comfortable, usually leather, walking shoes that might be ok at a dressier restaurant and casual enough for just wandering. If athletic shoes would not work for a nice meal, but you like them for walking around....fine, but then your packing an extra pair of shoes. Same with pants, jeans are fine to wear, but they are heavy, maybe some limits to where you might (or sometimes can) wear them, but if they work in your mix of clothes and don't demand too much room, fine. I tend to leave them at home, opting for a couple pairs of lightweight golf pants, same ones I wear to work.

Same with colors, all mix and match, all clothes fairly "pack friendly" for wrinkles or hiding the odd smudge or stain. Where I do run into issues is if the trip includes warm beach travel, that means adding shorts that double as swim trunks, some lighter shirts, and a pair of sandals, extra towel.

I'll add to the wear what you are comfy in. Hubby wears jeans and only jeans. He has bought khakis a few times, but they languish in the closet. Our first trip in 2008 he took a pair with him - they didn't see the light of day and was just something taking up room and adding weight to his suitcase. For him to go out and buy non-denim pants to take on holiday would be a total waste of money as they wouldn't get worn again. He wears generally lace up type shoes (generally brown - Dunham or Clarks or Timberland)...but this is what he wears day to day at home. He doesn't even own a pair of sneakers. He generally takes t-shirts, polo shirts and a Henley top or two.

So wear what you like (well, don't wear ripped up pants and sweatshirts - have a little dignity...lol). And make sure your girlfriend breaks in those shoes before going and that they are comfy - nothing worse than sore blistered feet because you wanted to look good - NO ONE WILL NOTICE! Heavens - I even wore a baseball hat our first few trips to Europe - much to the chagrin of my husband (I have really long hair and needed some way to keep it from blowing in my face, as well as to keep the sun out of my eyes). Did I care what people thought - not really...I'm there to have fun, not impress people...(but I will admit to buying myself some new 'fancy' tshirts or a dressy tank top or capri pants...but they do get worn again at home).

As stated by others, you will be pegged as a tourist almost immediately. To me it is almost like denying who/what you are when you try to "go native." For one thing, you will tend to wear different brands/styles of clothing than the natives do. You will also do different activities and likely not speak much like the natives. I don't mind being a tourist, I just don't like to dress like I'm doing my backyard BBQ. To me, the choice of dark Nike's is a good one as they are great for walking and fit in better if you want to dress up a bit than white shoes. Other than that I tend to wear long pants and button front shirts. I've never found that having people know I was a tourist lessened my enjoyment. In fact, it has helped me get into some interesting conversations with locals.

My experience is that there is no difference anymore. Lots of northern Europeans wear shorts now, and sneakers, and t-shirts with writing on them, even US brand logos. I found no real difference between US and European wear in France and the UK last summer. Levis jeans were standard wear for French men in nicer Parisian restaurants.

I'm glad to see the direction of this thread, but I didn't see anywhere how long you will be spending in Munich, Paris and London. Although not addressed head on, no matter how long it is, you will have a tendency to over pack. Following the packing guidance on this RS website should help you with that.

Someone mentioned the Vivienne Files for your girlfriend. This is a link to her packing posts -- http://www.theviviennefiles.com/search/label/packing. I think the greatest benefit of them is the concept of coordination. And Janice, the blogger, gives excellent examples of that. I too would not spend that much money on clothes and accessories and I think she shows too much fancy stuff, but making sure that everything goes with everything else is key. I find it fun to put together my travel wardrobe for each trip and to get something new.

Neither my husband nor I wear much black. Especially on trains, it seems to be a lint magnet. I tend toward navy with lighter shades of blue, or gray with a bright color and bright accessories. He tends toward olive or gray or dark khaki. No matter how heavy they are, he always takes a pair of jeans. Our trips are for 4 weeks or longer and we pack for a week and a day, that extra day being what we are wearing at the moment. We get it all in a RS convertible backpack (him) and a 22" spinner (me) that we can carry-on and easily take through airports and train stations, on and off public transportation and up and down stairs. We typically do laundry or have it done for us once a week. We are not sink washers unless it's a dire emergency.

He does dress much more casually than I do and wears a lot of T-shirts. The Joe Bonamassa T-shirt he had on at breakfast at our hotel in Nafplio in October prompted a conversation with a guy from Germany who was also a fan, so wearing something like that can be a good thing. Someone mentioned the windbreaker vs. blazer thing. I got him a nice travel blazer from Eddie Bauer for our last trip. He never wore it. Finally he said, "It's just not me." So to echo what others have said, pack and wear what makes you comfortable.

Now about where you are going and when. My favorite website for that is Weatherbase -- http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/country.php3?r=EUR&refer=&regionname=Europe. Click on the country, then the city and look at the chart for the averages in May. Click on °F at the top right of the chart so you don't have to do a lot of calculation. Scroll down the page for all the numbers and note that the current conditions and forecast are at the top of the page. That may help you with packing. As an example, this is the link to Munich -- http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=66801&cityname=Munich-Bavaria-Germany&units=us.

Most of all, have a great trip!

When traveling, I think it is important to be comfortable. But I agree with those who feel you get a little better customer service when you are well dressed. But I think you can easily be well dressed and comfortable. I usually dress on the dressier spectrum of my casual clothes (that statement makes sense to me, by the way :) ). In colder weather, I wear dark jeans with long sleeve shirts/sweaters. In hot weather, it is long skirts or capris with tank tops (with something to cover my shoulders) or short sleeved shirts. I don't like wearing actual shorts-I just don't feel that comfortable. But if I did, I would have NO problems wearing them in the summer in Europe. Just choose an appropriate fit and length. Not an athletic short. For shoes, I like brightly colored tennis shoes or a black walking sandal.

DO NOT choose style over comfort for a shoe. You will regret it immediately. If you are comfortable with the black Nike, go for it.

And I don't mind sticking out as a tourist! Tourist does not need to have a negative connotation. The fact that I am a tourist has been a great opener to conversations with locals and other tourists from all over.

I have been wearing nothing but jeans and white tennis shoes for 28 years now and no one ever thinks I am a tourist, cause the Germans ask me for directions and info all the time. Ok, I do have some purple shoes and some turquoise shoes for summer. All tennis shoes. Converse shoes are hugely popular right now. Can't imagine wearing anything other than jeans. Maybe go out of your comfort zone and wear them more than once. Wear them all week. Mine dry over night. I know this for a fact because we don't have a dryer and only use a drying rack in the spare bedroom. Light blouses and shirts will dry twice as fast as t-shirts, and they look twice as nice. Get the permanent press ones. Long sleeve ones are preferred, as you can roll up the sleeves if it gets warm. Nice jeans look just as formal as khakis. It is the button down shirt, sweater and jacket that will dress them up.

Jogging pants with a t-shirt tucked into them are the worst, but believe me, plenty of Germans, Brits, and other nationalities dress just as badly.

Hair cuts on men give them away. How you walk is a clue. Americans walk differently and wear their hair different. Go to the local neighborhood barber when you arrive. If you are in Germany, a Turkish barber will cost you about 10 €.

Get a cloth bag from a grocery store and use it to carry your water and guide book. Don't clutch your purse in front of you like someone is going to rip it out of your hands any second. Wear a satchel or messenger bag, cross body.

Mike,

This was part of an article that was featured in another Thread in the Italy section.....

"Even if you’re casually dressed, being smartly dressed helps. Otherwise people will be inclined to look down on you. Appearances count for a lot in Italy. If people dress in a slobbish way, then they can be expected to get the kind of treatment that is accorded to slobs."

That's kind of the method that I follow.

In addition to the general question, Mike began by asking some fairly specific ones.

But let me say that my objective is not to pass as a local, which is hopeless, but as a respectful tourist. No flip-flops in the Louvre or halter tops at the Vatican sort of thing.

I dress like Mike does, I think. We more than once have been taken for Spanish tourists (when not in Spain) for no reason that I can see. The only people who have ever taken me for a local are Americans.

I think black running shoes ought to be okay, though I personally try to find something just a little dressier. Some of the more casual Rockports, for instance. It's more about how I feel than anything else.

The only other thing I can share is that we travel in shoulder season when a layer or two is often useful. I wear a sport coat or black blazer, which is both functional and dressy in an understated way. I'm not sure I'd do this in August.

All,

Thanks for the great information (and even the not so helpful comments). Though many commenters feel I will be pegged as an American right away, maybe - maybe not. Either way, we plan on enjoying every moment spent on this adventure.

My husband usually has chinos/khakis, one pair of dress slacks, and - if it's summer, cargo shorts. Shirts run the gamut from t-shirts for lounging to polo shirts to tech fabric polos to short sleeve button down to long sleeve dress. Shoes include Ecco lace ups, maybe a pair of slip on, and a pair of running shoes. We dress "appropriately" for dinners out, but for sightseeing, it's whatever is comfortable for the weather and the sight. That said, he doesn't go out in wrinkled or dirty clothes and his shoes are always shined. I dont think anyone has ever looked cross-ways at us.

Embrace the tourist! Be comfortable. Remember that 90% of those polished! well-dressed people are going to/from work, not walking all over creation. Be neatly dressed and your Nikes will fit in with those worn by Londoners and Parisians.

Mike, for shoes I bought and broke in a pair of dark brown Rockports. Not especially dressy, but respectable(?) I suppose. Dark jeans, tan pants, button down shirts in various colors and patterns, cardigans and pullovers (we were in Munich, Paris, and London in November). And needless to say for us, no shorts. But, in the unlikely event that I ever travel to the more southerly European countries in July or August, I would still pass on the shorts and go with lightweight pants instead.

We did pick up a number of new items for our trip, but not because we were trying to blend in. We just needed to replace some things and went for comfort.

As for blending in? We were actually mistaken for locals a couple of times in Copenhagen and Munich. But that lasted only until we spoke. Then we were mistaken for Americans, haha.

"Americans walk differently...." How true. Admittedly, it is harder to distinguish Europeans from Americans nowadays in Europe but in past decades, in the '70s to the '90s I could easily peg and spot out Americans, men and women. Hair cut and walking, wearing a windbreaker, and a host of other ways that gave themselves away. All one had to do was to know what to look when spotting them out especially in Germany.

Emma, that was a Gemma!

Can someone explain the American walk? Just curious!

Put on white tennis shoes, blue jeans, brown belt and green polo shirt, then hide it all under an orange UT baseball cap (available at most Walmarts); make no eye contact, don't look at the buildings or points of interest and don't smile at anyone. Then you will look like a European trying to look like an American or an American trying to look like a European trying to look like an American.

Another option is to try and not look American. In that case, get blind drunk at 11am and don't wear a shirt. Everyone will assume you are a Brit. (oh, lighten up, i'm kidding)

My plan was to wear a t-shirt every day that says "Back to back World War Champs" on it.....

I myself am also interested in the "Americans walk differently" comments and also how we are readily identifiable by our hair (huh? that's a new one).

If you mean "walk differently" as in tourists tend to wander around new places at a slow pace looking at just about everything in wide-eyed amazement while the locals are going to buzz right past those same things, ok - but I don't see that trait as distinctly "American". I've lived in many American cities that are frequented by visitors from all over the world and I've buzzed past groups of Europeans, Asians, South Americans - slowly walking down the streets or stopping in the middle of the sidewalks all loaded down with guidebooks, cameras and smartphones pointed at whatever they want to capture for their Facebook page, or standing in befuddled groups blocking the automatic ticket booths for public transit. Are you talking about the pace at which some Americans walk? That's pretty much a regional thing. Huge country and many people come from very car-dependent areas - so put them in a dense urban area were they cannot have their car and they are going to walk a whole lot slower than the locals - even more so if they have no pressing needs to get somewhere quickly (i.e., work). Friends of mine who are car-dependent will often comment about how fast I walk and ask me to slow down - but that's nothing compared to friends and relatives I have who live in NYC who even I have a hard time keeping pace with.

As for the hair being so different that one needs to make an appointment with a barber or stylist upon landing in Europe, I must be missing something. Maybe if we are talking about Southern beauty pageant hair that's giant - sure, you'll stick out from most others (anywhere you go). But I have relatives that are spread out all across Europe (Ireland, Italy, England, Netherlands and Germany) - the majority of whom were born and raised in Europe, and if you stuck them in a room next to those of us born in the USA, there is zero difference in the hair. That goes for the older men and women and even more so for the younger ones in their 20s (who, BTW, wear a whole lot of American branded clothing and footwear as they go about their lives overseas - Converse Chuck Taylor's, hoodies, tees with writing or logos) and all of them wear jeans (typically darker rinses, cut really close to the body) except for the older ones that are over 70 who lean more towards looser khakis, cords or knit pants, but even some of them occasionally wear jeans when it's colder outside - just not the skinny "hipster" jeans.

FYI: May is really not all that warm in Munich, Paris or London - so feel free to pack the jeans - yes, they are a little heavier, but as long as you don't slop food on them, you could easily make due with 3 pair of jeans (one worn on the plane and packing two in your suitcase or carry-on) for a good 7-10 days before you need to hit a laundromat. Many here are into washing their clothing in hotel room sinks - but seriously, there are self-service laundromats all over and many others that also offer same day wash & fold services for just a few Euro more (getting the hotel to do your laundry for you is where it gets expensive). I've used both self-serve and the drop-off service. I don't view the self-serve laundromats as a waste of my time as I generally do it later in the day after sight-seeing and before dinner, and I multi-task and write out some postcards or maybe throw the laundry in and zip over to the nearby grocery for some snacks or beverages to keep at the hotel before coming back to toss it in the dryer.

Emma's points about the hair are spot on. For the walk it is all part of the general body language and package of the person, but North Americans seem to be more 'confident' in the way they walk whether they are from the big city or a more rural area. Again these are generalisations about people, but the walk has more an air of confidence, which in turn gives said pedestrian more of a noticeable presence, hence a noticeable American walk.

First you can dress however you want. Everyone will know you're an American anyway, your size, shape, hairstyle, mannerisms, voice give it away as much as what you wear - and no one will care much (maybe an exception for churches or really fancy restaurants).

That said, I just try not to be inappropriately dressed; a casual Friday work outfit works pretty much anywhere - walking, museum, dinner.

If you want to update your look from Seattle to Europe just trade the dark sneakers for a pair of comfortable black dress shoes that you can walk in all day. The button down shirt and jeans are fine; go darker with a slim fit. But you will see plenty of sneakers in Europe these days too. I typically don't pack jeans but not because they look out of place (people in Europe wear jeans all the time), it's because they tend to be heavy/bulky for light packing and take too many euros to launder.

Where in May? In the British Isles, you won't miss shorts in May - in southern Spain, you may wish you had some.

The biggest thing for packing light is pack only flexible clothes - items that mix and match color/style wise and can also be worn in both more dressed up or casual ways.

Heavy packing starts with thinking you need an "outfit" for this and another for something else - so three outfits a day times 14 days means I need to pack my entire closet.

Are khaki/cargo shorts really not the norm in nice weather in Europe? Talking France and Italy primarily.

Also, my intention was to bring 1 pair of shoes. Dark tennis shoes. (mostly black with some white on them.)

We may want to eat a few times in a nicer establishment but mostly, I see us eating in "local" restaurants. Certainly informal.

Is there anywhere where you couldn't go in France or Italy (museums/galleries and other tourist attractions) wearing jeans or cargo shorts and nice tennis shoes and a golf/henley or "nice" T-shirt?

I'm planning to get the RS back pack suitcase so I'm not planning to pack too many clothes.

"Is there anywhere where you couldn't go in France or Italy (museums/galleries and other tourist attractions) wearing jeans or cargo shorts and nice tennis shoes and a golf/henley or "nice" T-shirt?"

You can get by most places with those clothes.

But since you specifically asked, some of the more important duomos/cathedrals in Italy would not let you in with shorts.
And some higher end French restaurants would want to see you in a collared shirt and jacket.

I'm enjoying many aspects of this discussion thread!

Several years ago I was strolling on the Marmo in Rome when a brave teenager with her parents hanging behind her came up to me with a MapQuest printout and asked me in fair high-school Italian where to find the Pantheon.
I answered her in mockingly formal English that the shortest route was thus-and-so, but a better way to get there would be to walk in one end of S. Maria sopra Minerva and out the other -- which was a tip I think I got directly from the RS guidebook.
She was so proud she had made contact and gotten a value-added answer.
I realized that I was wearing what some jokers on the Corso had teased me was my Miami Vice outfit -- black dress shirt, black slacks, white unstructured blazer.
It's not unusual for me to be taken for a local in Romance-language locales, and it feeds my own ego when I can give strangers directions. A backpacker stopped at my bench in Buenos Aires once asking how to get to the train station, and I told him -- in this case I could see him trying to be polite and mask his disappointment at hearing my American accent. He went a few benches farther over and asked (an even older) guy sitting there reading the paper just like I was, and the guy made gestures showing that he was giving the same directions I just did. I felt doubly vindicated.

The myth-that-won't-die that bothers me is the fanny pack stigma. I don't like keeping stuff in my pockets, so I often wear a small black fannypack. It does mean that some people label me 'tourist' at first glance, but I notice the last couple of years that more and more Euro men are wearing carriers on their waists, be it boules accoutrements or specialty tools or some such, because it doesn't look cool but is practical (and potentially has oppositional appeal). Ditto man purses.
When I wear that fannypack in Germanic locales, given my complexion, I assume the locals just think of me as a criminal.

I think I took comfort and thrift too far on my last trip -- I went to GoodWill two weeks ahead and bought some Docker's no-iron shirts and pants, which made it through the first week on the road, then I threw away and replaced with stuff I bought in 2-Euro shops, and then threw away before I came home. Only had to do laundry once, so it was cheap and convenient, but I think it meant I made a shabbier impression than I wanted to, and it also isolated the trip in a certain sense -- when I look at photos of myself, I realize that the photos are the only record I have of those clothes b/c I didn't have them before and don't have them after. No tactile associations... From earlier trips I usually have tie or scarf or shoes that can be a prop for a story, but not when all I came back with was my gym bag.

Regarding American tourist sensitivities, for me the greater sin than white sneakers and cargo shorts is the patriotic t-shirts and caps -- why are you waving the red-white-and-blue on this occasion? Do you need to prove to yourself and everyone else that you're not a traitor just because you're on vacation at someplace other than Disneyland?

Also, many casinos still require a jacket and tie, although probably only a few people would want to go into one.

Looking like a tourist is not the problem. Looking like a slob is.

The problem with bringing one pair of shoes is if they get wet or muddy - it's nice to have something to change into while they dry. It's not a requirement though, one pair of very comfortable shoes, that can be worn with a variety of outfits, is normal for lots of light packers. I pack two pairs but I always shop for the lightest-weight shoes I can find - then wear the bulkier of the two on the plane and put the other in my carry on.

Speaking of rules for the major churches (so far I've only seen dress codes enforced in Italy and Spain), you need to cover your shoulders, knees and midriff. The point is modesty not dressing up, so flip-flops with man-capris (calf/ankle length shorts) are fine but a tank top isn't.

I don't do team logos or American flag clothing items but I don't mind patriotic American stuff as much as I mind Americans conspicuously displaying a Canadian Maple-leaf. To me, that's just pathetic.

One trip to Mexico, my youngest son (probably 6 at the time) bought a Mexican national soccer team shirt and shorts (as his souvenir), then wore them a lot. Everyone knew we were Americans but loved the American kid wearing their team colors.

Oh Brad - that reminded me of when we were in Cinque Terre and there was a young woman wearing a Roots Canada sweatshirt...someone stopped and said...hey...Canada! We're from Canada - where are you from? To which she sheepishly replied...New York...lol. They had a good laugh aboot it (see what I did there!).

And yes, you really should have a back up pair of shoes (or sandals if hot). My two examples - trip #2 we did, I only wore my Blundstone boots and didn't pack any sandals (it was mid-Sept)...biggest....mistake....ever. My feet were so hot most days, I was uber-cranky and almost bought myself some Birks in Germany, but I suffered thru. And hubby managed to walk too close to some water in Cinque Terre and got his shoes pretty wet...he had a spare pair...not to mention if you get caught in rainy weather...it's best to have a back up.

I've seen quite a few Europeans wearing t-shirts with NYC on them. Obvious that they aren't from NYC.

Stan said "Looking like a tourist is not the problem. Looking like a slob is."

While it may sound harsh, I do believe there is truth to it. I spotted this article yesterday, and this is a point that the author being interviewed makes.

From the article, speaking about Italy:

What are faux pas to avoid with how you dress?

"Even if you’re casually dressed, being smartly dressed helps. Otherwise people will be inclined to look down on you. Appearances count for a lot in Italy. If people dress in a slobbish way, then they can be expected to get the kind of treatment that is accorded to slobs."

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/travel/italy-beyond-the-tourist-traps.html?ref=travel&_r=0

Looking like a tourist is not the problem. Looking like a slob is.

THIS is my favorite answer! These threads always get a lot of responses and mostly of the "Wear whatever you want, it doesn't matter anyway" genre. Frankly, a typically American answer. We aren't known for our fashion sense or caring what we look like in the way many Europeans are...

I for one have often been mistaken for a local, by locals and by other tourists. Especially if I don't have my camera out. It may be easy to identify the stereotypical American by fashion or hair or whatever, but those are stereotypes that don't hold true for many.

I encourage you MikeV to dress nicely, but comfortably. It is my experience that you will be better treated and it will show a level of care and respect that speaks well of Americans. Of course, that goes hand in hand with knowing a few key phrases of local language and being polite and speaking softer (a bigger deal in some places like France than others).

And one can most certainly be comfortable and not look like a slob. The way you describe your style, you'll be perfect.

Absolutely amazed by the sheer volume of responses on this thread. Thank you all for your comments! As a professional, dressing like a slob is not something I ever do. To be completely honest, the question was posed more to put my girlfriend at ease about my wardrobe. Regardless, there is so much good information here from a global community. Honestly, between the great books and this forum, I am more determined to take an RS trip soon. Another question for another thread....

BTW - I do think that there is such a thing as different walks. Being originally from NYC, I have a walk that most here in PNW cannot keep up with. Much different than family from the south (who walk dreadfully slow) or others that tend to stop often. Just my 2 cents.

How often have you been to the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, a Mariners game, or any place else that people go in Seattle and, when you look back on that experience, recall what kind of shoes anyone else was wearing?

It's the same in Europe. Nobody ever goes to the Sistine Chapel and looks at people's shoes. Same with the Louvre, St. Peter's Basilica, or insert the name of your European destination here, because the answer is the same.

I am an almost 50-year old white male. At home, I always wear jeans, a short-sleeved button front shirt, white K-Swiss tennis shoes and, if I'm outside, one of the many baseball hats I own. I know, it's a boring uniform and not particularly fashion-forward, but it's what is comfortable to me. I wear the exact same thing in Europe. I take my hat off in churches and other places where it seems appropriate. I look like an American. I look like a tourist. It's never an issue. Be polite. Be respectful. Stay out of the way of people who are in a hurry on public transit. Don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk and unfold your map of Italy when you're actually trying to find Saint Chapelle ( I know, Saint Chapelle is in Paris, but you get the point ). Enjoy your teip and don't waste too much energy thinking about what other people think.

I dress on vacation in the same casual-but-stylish clothes I wear at home--jeans, cute top, sweater, scarf, walking boots, messenger bag, etc. Nothing flashy, especially jewelry. I have wild curly hair so I am most often taken to be Italian, though I am mostly Hungarian. The place I was most often taken for a local was Vienna.

Be sure your girlfriend has very comfortable shoes, by the number of mentions of this by now you know that it's of the utmost importance. Unhappy feet can and will ruin a vacation.

My remark about tourist vs. slob was not meant to be harsh, just Hemingway-ishly terse.

What's too bad is folks are worrying about being an American. Not sure if it says more about us or them. When did being an American become such a cancer...I digress.

Regardless, as other have written, have fun, be respectful, and be yourself. I assure you, they will be happy to take your dollars!

Bill

Although I don't make too much effort to look non-American (as everyone else, I assume they will know), two years ago in Venice I was asked for directions in Italians by Italians (guess they didn't think I was American). In Spain and many other places, I have been asked if I was German or British (and that was even after I spoke, although I was speaking Spanish, Greek in those countries...and I am NOT a speaker of either of those languages). Still don't worry too much about it. I agree to avoid shorts (although capris are good...European men wear them a lot) and white sneakers. Toss a sweater across your should (a la Rick Steves) and have fun! Don't worry about what others think. As long as you are polite and remember you are a traveler in their country, you will have a great experience.

Kaye

Gotta admit I have played the 'Guess the nationality' game in assorted American national parks out west while waiting for the spousal unit to get his pictures, and find it pretty easy to spot Germans and French amid the Americans as well as being able to tell Japanese from Asia apart from Japanese from California and other parts of the States. And other than being for my own entertainment, it hasn't really mattered for any reason.

If someone in your party wants an excuse to buy new clothes for the trip and it fits the budget, than have fun with it :) But nothing wrong with being a polite tourist as long as neatness and modesty standards are met.

This is an interesting thread. I agree with several other people that you can usually pick out the various nationalities based on their clothing and body language (almost died laughing with the British comment). Most people will know that you are American and that is fine. The things you want to avoid you probably already know i.e. Americans tend to talk loudly, don't ask how much something costs in American, don't insult the country. In general don't be an asshole. Knowing a few words of the language will open a lot of doors.
As far as clothing, usually colors tend to be more muted than the neons/really bright colors. I still take my neon biking rain jacket that fits in my purse, but you will probably be the only one in bright yellow. (Murphys law prevails though, I have carried it for 3 years and worn it once). It's more important to wear what you are comfortable in. London can get pretty cold in May so I would recomend layers. It was in the 40's windy and rainy when I was there a few years ago.
Enjoy your trip!

We dress in business casual clothes when traveling, arguably except for the shoes (mine Clarks), and sometimes nice black jeans…never quite sure if they are business casual... We learn more of the language than just please and thank you. We listen for the few operative words coming back at us…sometimes it works. We are polite and reserved, generally. I find we're spotted as tourists, but people don't often pick us out as Americans, except in England; i.e., on Remembrance day a WWII aged man picked B. out as American, he said because of the way he walked. Mouths often drop open when they find out we are American. We were in Nancy, France for a couple of weeks where I only noticed one other older American tourist…I noticed him because he was loud and complaining. That's the reason I like to dress nicely, so people might see me and not the stereotype. So, maybe we won't blend in, but by not dressing like a slob and being less aggressive, there is mystery added and maybe we become a citizen of the globe rather than just an American, and hopefully people will remember when they met the well dressed American who was quiet and polite, who actually was trying to speak Dutch, French or whichever. (I am a proud New Englander, which is America so please don't anyone take offense with my thoughts.) And a lot of the fun of a trip is also the planning…so let you girlfriend have fun shopping so her travel wardrobe is 'special' for her and represents the US well. ...Sounds as if you will look nice as well with your button down shirts. Have fun!

Re Emma's comments about women's hair ( US bangs or UK fringe): when bangs first appeared as a style in the US in the late 1800's, the style was called a "lunatic fringe."

http://www.wordorigins.org/index.php/more/1591/

I don't know when the term "bangs" came into use instead.