teenager clothing for summer in europe

Are you guys going to be going into churches? If so, she'll have to have some clothes that cover her shoulders and knees. And does she really want to walk around the cobblestone streets of Europe in Flip Flops? I love my flip flops more than anything and walk a lot in them here in the US (even the junky $3 ones from Old Navy - they are my fave!!), but yesterday I stepped on a pebble in an otherwise flat parking lot and it was EXTREMELY painful - needless to say, I have purchased some Keens and Merrell's for my trip to Europe this summer and will stuff my flip flops in if my feet need a real breather one day. As for whether she will "fit in" over there in that kind of attire, I will leave that one to the more experienced travelers :)

I agree about churches - no matter the denomination, tanktops and short shorts/skirts are not appropriate.

Clotheswise, it depends somewhat on where you are going. Youth fashions seem to be fairly similar in Europe and the US. You see people teetering along in short skirts and stilettos on the setts (cobbles) here, but I think being somewhat conservative would garner you daughter a lot more respect and be more comfortable in changing temps. N

I would say no on the flip flops - they are worn here, but I can vouch that they make for a lot of problems with hills and cobblestones. A sprained ankle on a trip would be a big bummer. For shoes, the big thing here are the old-school style trainers (sneakers) - things like Onitsuka Tigers that are low cut and streamlined. Big chunky MaryJane type shoes are also 'in' as are a rather cool mix between Mary Janes and sneakers - sneaker materials and patterns in a MaryJane cut.

I think it depends on where you are going, but in the cities of Europe, I think shorts and short skirts and tank tops would be a bit conspicuous, even on a 12 year old. I realize it may be hot, but I would go for a bit more demure attire. And as the above poster said, if you want to visit any churches, which are home to some of the greatest art, no one, no matter what their age can dress this way.

As to clothes...

Europe - especially outside the UK/Ireland tends to be a bit less 'casual' than the US - not that we're dressy here, but people don't wear jeans as much and the typical US summer clothes would probably stick out here.

For summers a mixture of lightweight trousers, capris and knee or longer length (the 'in' length seems to be just below the knee) skirts would probably be best. Jeans can be uncomfy in the heat, are not easily washable/driable and may look a bit too casual in continental Europe. Some fun skirts would probably be just the thing, along with an assortment of short and long sleeve tops and/or a nice mix n' match cardigan or two that can be worn when it gets chilly.

Kate

I was in Germany, Belgium & the Netherlands early May and it was quite warm. My niece who is 14 was wearing shorts, ballet flats (polka dots are in)as well as layering her tanks just like here and flip flops too. With the short skirts I saw the tights calf length leggings, again just like here. For the churches you must be covered for entry. Look at the store H&M which is international now and it gives you ideas on fashion trends. Tell her to pack light and buy pieces as you vacation. My daughter bought a pair of shoes in Paris 3 years ago and is still wearing them & getting lots of complements. You can get things there that you will never see here. Have a great time.

Thank you all. You have confirmed my general direction. Coincidentally, as I was shopping today, I met a women from Paris who was visiting here with her teenge daughter. I politely asked her a few questions and she confirmed that she lets her daughter dress less conservatively here than when they are in France. She herself has been excluded from churches because she had shorts on. She also said it is going to be very hot this summer and to take linen no matter how wrinkled it becomes. Her advice---dress lightly and keep cool!

When I went to Europe as a 17 year old I wore long skirts that were below the knee, summer dresses and capri's. I felt like I fit in with everyone there. Be sure she brings along a light weight sweater if you're planning on going into any churches or museums because she won't be allowed in the churches if she doesn't have her shoulders covered and the museums can get cold when you're inside for a few hours.

I too am taking my 12 yr old to Europe this summer. We are doing a 2 wk family tour, plus 12 additional days in Paris

For Italy my daughter will take some lightweight capris, they cover the knees, and can still be lightweight and comfy.One rain jacket , one ( lightweight )fleece jacket.

For the rest of trip she is allowed ONE pair of jeans, one pair of pants, two capris , and she is bringing a few skirts (one is shorter one is just below knee) no leggings, too hot. One pair of shorts ( longer dressier knee length version) and two sundresses( cover knees)
She is bring a few tanks but will have a cover with her at all time, plus most of her tops will in fact have short sleeves. She is not allowed to dress like an 18 yr old at home either,, LOL
One pair cheap flipflops for nasty showers, and for using as slippers in hotel.
Good walking sandals, good runners, and one pair ballet flats for dress up.

Pat, sounds like a very smart wardrobe for your daughter.

Thankfully ours has always been a classy dresser, and though her friends run around in micro mini skirts, she tends to favour capris, longer skirts and summer dresses. We call her the Jackie Kennedy of our family.