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Complete
Listing of Ed and Julie's ... the success of your vacation, that is.
A typical question: "Are jeans really not acceptable?" If you're comfortable in them, wear them. Virtually nothing is "not acceptable."
For us, the secret to a successful vacation, above all, is to be at ease, mentally and physically. Wear what's comfortable for you, given your habits, the weather and your surroundings. Rome, Paris, London, Zürich ... world-class cities. The inhabitants and local visitors dress the way Americans dress when working in or visiting Manhattan, Chicago's Loop or the heart of San Francisco. Although, it is true that Europeans tend to dress a bit more conservatively, in general, than Americans.
Having said that, whether at home or away, you've probably experienced the fact that the better dressed you are, relatively, the better you'll be received. Philosopers and society's rebels may chafe, but it's generally true. No need to wear a tux hiking, but you'll get better service in places where service counts if you look like you expect better service. If you look like an alien from outer
space, in the eyes of the beholder, you may find yourself treated like one. |
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Shorts, even Bermudas and culottes, are sometimes grounds for problems in the Vatican Museums and more often in St. Peter's. Tanktops, skimpy athletic tops and other excessive displays of skin are problematic at best. Whatever you may feel comfortable in, you'll find yourself uncomfortably bounced if you violate these (commonsense) rules. Note that it's no longer required for women to cover their heads or arms.
Popular or not, jeans are heavy and bulky so not really ideal for travel. On the other hand most hide soil well and wrinkles seem less noticeable.
Inexpensive slacks, a few coordinating polo shirts in warm times/areas. Perhaps a cardigan for cool evenings or 'dress up'. Unless you'll be dining in fine restaurants, these and an accessory or two (maily for women) are all you'll need. Even then, an inexpensive blazer will do the trick. For us, most clothes from specialized travel suppliers are overpriced and not all that advantageous over what you can purchase elesewhere for less. Buy wisely and little, and save your clothing budget for a good pair of walking shoes and protection from rain, wind and chill.
If you plan on spending time in the mountains you'll want to have warm clothes. Temperature drops 3-5 °F for each 1000 foot increase in altitude. If it's sunny and calm it won't feel as cool as the temperature actually is ... it may actually feel warmer than you expect. Conversely, with wind and cloud cover you'll be even more chilled than the lower temperature would suggest. Also, mountain weather can change quite rapidly. A sunny and warm day can turn to cold, windy and rainy in a very short period of time. Layered clothing works well anywhere at any time, especially in the mountains. Whether visiting the mountains or just a less than sunny-all-the-time place, we're believers in GoreTex, or its competitors. A GoreTex parka shell, whether copy or the real thing, is useful almost everywhere on a trip to Europe most of the year. They're often a little expensive, but economy models may be found. REI has a wide selection if you're interested.
Complete
Index of Ed and Julie's Our Favorites Trip Tips and Tools Copyright © 1998-2001 E.J.
Gehrlein Traveling
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e've avoided writing on this topic because we're
not arbiters of fashion. However, after many questions on the subject we'll share our
thoughts for interested readers.
hat doesn't mean you have to wear a suit
while walking about Rome. Unless you're there on business that probably makes little sense
for most of us. Wear the same clothes you'd wear when sightseeing in the largest city near
your home. If that means a hip-hop outfit, so be it.
o keep in mind your surroundings. As a rule most of us would dress
less casually in a major city, more casually in a small town or village, and comfortably
in the mountains or at the lake. Most of us dress differently to go to church than for a
beach outing. The same logic you apply at home works well wherever you go.
ne note of caution: In Rome the
basilicas and many of the other churches do have a dress code that is more often than not
enforced: no bare shoulders, no short-shorts, no bare midriffs. 
eans? Very popular among European youth,
less-often seen on adults. But if that's the way you're most comfortable, don't worry.
Even Julie, who is fastidious about her wardrobe, often wears jeans in Rome. Fashionable
and freshly-ironed to be sure, but jeans nonetheless. Ed is usually a more comfortable in
chinos, but occasionally wears jeans also. 
ou'll find dark colors
far more prevalent in Europe than in the US. Dark slacks, perhaps tweed, perhaps not. Dark
trousers are more common than jeans, which are more common than chinos. (Ed's comfortable
in chinos so ignores this.) Relatively dark sweaters with lively patterns and highlight
colors seem popular.
hildren? Basically the same rules apply. Like European adults,
youngsters in Europe tend to dress a bit more stylishly than their American counterparts.
(Note, your children will be sure and point out the exceptions -- the rebellious among the
young in Europe go to even greater extremes than young American rebels in dress, hairstyle
and coloring.)