Teens and clothing

If you can, convince them to take one pair of "dockers" type khakis (or in black even better) for nights when you want to eat out, theatre, etc. Include a button up shirt. Polos with knee length khaki shorts (cargo shorts), and lighter weight pants would be more practical than several pairs of jeans. I'd limit jeans to one pair- black or dark blue preferably. The girl could take a pair of capri's, and maybe a skirt or sun dress. She will need to take a shirt or jacket to cover her sholders in churches if she wears sleeveless tops (and short shorts/dresses aren't approrpiate there either).
Look at Rick's packing lists.

If they live in tennis shorts, does that mean they play tennis? Our tennis-playing daughter has great fun playing on clay courts when we go to Europe. We've taken rackets with us a couple of times (3 rackets in one bag).

They do play tennis and with our current itinerary and carry-on only rule, we weren't planning on taking rackets. But that would really interest them.

Let them take what they want, clean and comfy basically. Germany is pretty laid back,, our nieces wear exactly same stuff as our daughter here( they are 13-16).

I'm a 17 year old. I've only ever traveled carry on and recently took my first trip to the UK and loved it. I'm a guy so the basic ideas will apply to the girl but the items may apply to the guys. I get that my personal style isn't necessarily everyone's style.

My basic idea is that I don't take it if I can't wear it twice.

I want to start off clearly. I am not fashion obsessed and I'm not paranoid about what people are thinking. I dress this way because I feel comfortable. For some people sweat pants is comfort, for me it's blending in, looking like I belong. Being the center of attention isn't why I'm going but dressing like crap is the same as overdressing.

Dark wash straight leg jeans (NOT BLACK JEANS) - The darker the wash the more dressed up they can be, mine are from GAP and are a flat dark wash no distressing etc. They can replace dress trousers for a nice night out.

Old Navy/GAP V-nech T-shirts - they have different colors and styles but the ones I have dry quickly, and work well as undershirts, on their own with darker jeans, or with other things for different put together looks.

White D-ring belt - I wear this belt because it matches whatever I'm wearing (when coordination matters) Its also easy to take on and off at airport security.

One button up shirt - it's always a good idea. I have a couple that look good wrinkled which makes them great for travel.

Messenger bag - maybe not clothing but it plays I to an outfit. Mine is medium brown and can roll up and fit in my "big" bag.

I would say keep it neutral, add accessories like a scarf to add color, my travel color palette is dark grey, dark blue, and green. Keep the graphics to a minimum, the more graphic a shirt is the less versatile it is.

Those are my tips, I hope they can help. I was trying not to ramble but I don't think that worked.

Jordon, I think your post was very helpful and sensible.

Very good point Brooke. Let them wear what they want to wear. If they have a style let them wear that. If they are looking for opinions or packing advice that's great maybe my ideas can help. What works for me won't work for everyone.

Wow, for once a teenager giving advice on what teenagers should wear in Europe! Bravo, Jordan!

Thanks to all and especially Jordan. Your advice will certainly help them when we start packing - still have some shopping to do - in a couple of weeks. I appreciate the time you took to write!

As long as they pack an option for a nice restaurant/night out, they can go with their favorite clothes.

I still think it pays to look for good travel fabrics, mix/match colors and flexible items - but if they can get it in a carry on and are happy wearing it, it's good enough.

I know my boys will listen if I give them advice but I keep it to a minimum. I also know I'm better off not giving advice to my girls - unless it's reverse psychology. :)

Jordan, that was one of the most sensible and important posts I have seen for teens travelling and wondering what to wear. Thank you for your contribution. My kids dress like you do it seems :-)

As someone who vividly remembers the teen years and has siblings still there, please, please, please don't force the issue of clothes. Be careful of trying them to wear clothes they wouldn't wear normally. Jordan makes some good suggestions, but remember that teens do have their individual tastes and styles. I liked going with outfits that looked slightly period when I was a teen rather than blending in. I liked over dressing. I liked black clothes. I liked ripped jeans. I was and still am mildly horrified at some clothes marketed for travel because it is so vastly different from what I would wear in normal life!

Give the teens advice about how to pack smart (like Jordan suggests, make outfits mix and match and easily washed), but don't get an idea of what your teens should or should not be wearing style-wise. It will save you all a lot of headaches.

I m just concerned my adult children and teens understand that certain social norms here are not always appropriate in some circumstances in other places.....tank tops on girls in churches...shorts on a lot of age groups in restaurants, clean darker jeans are always preferable. I think, compared to wrinkled baggy khakis. just looking well kept, like you take some pride in your looks, and trying not to offend basic sensibilities. Basic t-shirts are much better than things with sayings or art --- you get more use from them. (we once found a funny saying on shirts here was a very derogatory thing in
australia) I am no teen, but this trip I am bringing half the clothes I did in the past...basic colors and looks, with scarves, shawl, crazy jewelry to change the look...my girls are bringing a solid color pull-up knit skirt to dress up any leggings or top for dinner.
I am more concerned that we will all have a jacket/sweater for the chilly spring evenings. Sweatshirts are something I have never heard many people say they see in Europe either.

Laurie and Susan, this might help!

http://www.parisbreakfast.com/

I saw a lot of hoodies in Europe last year; crew nexk sweatshirts, not so many.

I have no kids and no real opinion on the matter but when I'm in Europe and see local kids on their way to school or in a park, I always notice that they look pretty sharp. Yes, they wear jeans and other casual clothes, but their clothes look like they fit, not baggy and not skin tight.

I see the value in both sides. It's important to be respectful to the culture you're entering and that's something to consider. It's really just up to your family. Everyone is in a different situation. Forcing teenagers to do anything can end badly so be a bit careful.

Thanks again for all the great posts. I am quite sure they will want to "fit in" with the culture to an extent, while still being comfortable. They are not outlandish dressers here,so I don't see it will be a problem. I'm forwarding this thread to them to read and use as guidelines while packing - or purchasing!

Another suggestion: Have the kids check out H&M's German site. You can buy clothes online, so you can actually see the clothes they offer. That should give a good idea of what's in and popular there about now. Obviously with a certain look in mind, though (often what is known in my area as the hipster look--lots of 80s influences driving me mad because I still think of it as my mother's clothes!).

Laurie, did you take a look at the Paris Breakfast blog? She tends to show lots of fashion pics which might be helpful.

Eli, I did look at the blog and it was very helpful to see what they are wearing - today! We wished for less color in our clothes when we were there in 2007. Seems to have changed a little, but gave me a good idea of things to take. Thanks!