dressing for Spain

Two schools of thoughts. Personally I would dress more like Italy. Others will post -- dress anyway you like.

I'm one of those who would suggest dressing slightly nicer than what you may consider your Seattle standards. But for me it is no nicer than what I would wear in almost any city. We were in Spain last March and I brought jeans because it was VERY cold. I had a warm coat, dark shoes, scarves and I looked like everyone else who was there. I wouldn't recommend jeans for summer though just because I personally would find them WAY too hot to wear in 90 degree weather which is what you may face in parts of Spain (and what I've had in Italy). For those types of trips I usually bring skirts because I like them & they are cooler than pants. I'd bring a pair of capris too. I'm 52 so I don't wear shorts except if I am hiking, biking, etc. Other than that, casual summer tops, 2 pairs of sandals and I'm set. My husband, however, does usually bring a pair of jeans - but he doesn't mind the heat like I do.

I live in Seattle, and I definitely vote for "NOT LIKE SEATTLE!" If, by Seattle dressing, you mean Birkentocks, North Face jackets, sloppy/scrunchy fleece, baggy jeans, puffy American sneakers, etc. When in European cities, we always notice how the fashion level is more "cranked up," if you will, than any place in the USA other than New York City. We both feel more comfortable dressing up a tad. And it doesn't have to be a huge stretch.... just classic lines and darker colors, really. I usually opt for something like a classic pair of black slacks with nice walking shoes, a good quality sweater, smart jewelry, a louche scarf to wrap around my neck. My husband always brings his nice long black overcoat and a cool cap, and wears slacks, not jeans. (Slacks from H&M - not pricey.) You can be SUPER comfy and not commit the American fashion atrocites of fleece and sneakers, and you'll feel less conspicious. I think this goes for Spain as well as for Italy, especially in cities.

I'm the one who will say, dress however you want. No one will notice and no one cares. Concentrate on enjoying you trip, not if you will blend in or not. All the natives will know you're a tourist no matter how you dress.

Previous poster stated: "No one will notice and no one cares." Well, I disagree that no one will notice. Yes, most people can see and take notice. But I DO agree that no one really cares that much. At least, they're not going to say anything to you about it. After all, I can't help but notice people in my area and in my travels. Many Americans do tend to stick out, and not in a good way. But I don't indicate to them whether I think they are appropriate or not, even if I'm thinking it. There are different opinions about this and all are valid. My personal opinion is that comfort and looking nice are not mutually exclusive. It's not difficult to wear comfortable but slightly classier-looking clothing. Yes, the locals will know you are a tourist. But I'd rather the locals notice that I'm an American tourist who demonstrates a bit of concern for local standards than one who doesn't seem to care about this. Being "appropriate" is primarily demonstrated through attitude, courtesy, tone of voice, etc. But clothing choice is also a form of nonverbal communication about attitude that speaks volumes. And your clothing choice is often the first impression anyone has of you, before you do or say anything. I don't think it has anything to do with trying (vainly) to "blend in" or pretending to be someone you are not. It is just a matter of recognizing certain local standards when you are a guest there. But as I said, there are differing opinions on this.

If you were going to Costa Del Sol, dress like going to the beach in San Diego. It's all condos, everyone's a tourist. Cities are generally more formal everywhere (even downtown San Diego). Most people are wearing work clothes so very casual looks out of place. Regardless, as long as you aren't off the deep end, no one will say anything to you. I'm not quite sure what Seattle standards are? Christine Gregiore dresses completely different than Courtney Love. :)

I also say to dress "nicely" though comfortably. And I for one think that tourists should dress respectably. Spain is a conservative Catholic country and wearing shorts and cutoffs and t-shirts ( favorite sports team here) in the cathedrals is rather disrespectful. And the locals will all be nicely dressed at dinner. It's not a matter of "blending in" or fooling locals into thinking you aren't a tourist but respecting the cutlure and representing Americans as something other than utter slobs.

seattle standard is ok. locals do dress more formally esp. old folks, but they are fine with you. just be careful with religious activities, i.e. in sevilla when they parade the virgin mary you can follow the crowd (great experience, esp. in the night), don't wear a hat. small things but be respectful with local norms.

I think its always fun to wear things a little dressier while in Europe because for one thing you will not look overdressed! There are always people who will be more dressed-up than you are. I always wonder what Americans do with all the clothes they buy, because if you go to a mall or a movie everyone looks the same...jeans. So, I think Europe is the time to bring out the fun clothes, costume jewelry and scarves and look fashionable. I definitely only take a few things, but they all mix and match and I dress them up with a few accessories. If you enjoy fashion Europe is the place to have fun with it...(and you will probably never see most of those people again if you make a big fasion mistake)
However, you can still look fashionable with jeans...when I was in Copenhagen all the women had on jeans and looked like fashionistas...of course, they were all tall and beautiful.

Spain is a heavily touristed area so dress is more relaxed for visitors, most of whom tend to be Brits and who quite frankly are not very concerned with their standards of dress. If you are visiting Barcelona; a woman cannot "over dress" in that city, it is a lot like Milan as far as fashion is concerned. Dress neatly in Spain but if you are going to Barcelona then be sure to move your fashion levels up a notch or two.