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zharkov
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« on: April 14, 2008, 11:03:53 AM » |
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I like some advice about how to dress in Europe, teen to adult, for Americans who don't want to stand out as Americans.
Last I was in Europe, which was a few years ago, khaki pants, shoes, and sports shirts were pretty much the style, and jeans, shorts, tshirts, and sneakers made one look a bit too American.
A specific question: Do European teens wear tshirts, hoodies, and cargo pants? (That is pretty much all Zark Jr wears.)
The destination is Germany and central Europe, if that makes a difference.
Danke, Dr. Z
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__________ Zharkov's Razor: Adapting Zharkov a bit to this situation, ignorance and confusion can explain a lot.
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spork
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« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2008, 11:52:57 AM » |
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Not a direct answer to your question, but unless the Zharkovian family alters its body language and verbal communication patterns, you'll be easily identifiable as Americans regardless of attire.
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a.k.a. gum-chewing monkey in a Tufts University jacket
"Please do not force people who are exhausted to take medication for hallucinations." -- Memo from the Chair, Department of White Privilege Studies, Fiork University
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euro_trash
stands with the workers of Wisconsin
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 1,653
Just toxic enough to keep you on edge
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« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2008, 12:43:20 PM » |
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wear dark socks and dark shoes. This is important. The white sneakers are just so - out of place here.
have a good trip...
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Euro_trash is blinded by his love for Endnote
I hate to sound like euro-trash, but
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atalanta
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« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2008, 12:54:16 PM » |
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wear dark socks and dark shoes. This is important.
Yep (for males). Dark socks with dark shoes. Even with shorts. Of course, depending on where exactly you go in Eastern Europe, they might peg you as German tourists if you're wearing that "uniform". |
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epistephiliac
Could serve monkey ass and empty clam shells and still win
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 3,940
The day needs my saving expertise
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« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2008, 01:09:24 PM » |
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Not a direct answer to your question, but unless the Zharkovian family alters its body language and verbal communication patterns, you'll be easily identifiable as Americans regardless of attire.
I have to side with Spork here. I actually know plenty of Italians who wear shorts, white sneakers, and t-shirts (not necessarily together, but maybe), but they wear them differently. It's not really about the clothes. |
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When asked about my research interests, I quote Kelly Kapoor: "Basically, everything that is awesome."
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obprof
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« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2008, 01:27:11 PM » |
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How long will you be there?
Why not just wait and buy clothes when you get there? That way, you blend in a little more, you have the fun of shopping in a different country, and you have great souvenirs of your trip.
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schoolmarm
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« Reply #6 on: April 14, 2008, 01:29:26 PM » |
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IF you choose to wear tennis shoes, you will be pegged, especially if you have the HUGE tennis shoes. I usually wear sandels, mocs, or loafers.
The jeans are different there, but many German teens wear jeans. T-shirts without logos are more European than those with logos/pictures. A polo shirt or golf T is better.
I've seen teen boys in Germany with Cargo pants, but they were of the hoodlum type. Soccer/football shirts are popular.
Khakis are a good choice.
Have fun in Germany. I'll be there myself this summer. PM me if you want more German travel hints.
TRY not to be the loud American tourist. It is SO annoying. Unfortunately, I'm too heavy to pass for European.
On preview....DON'T buy clothes there! The sizes are all different, and if you are in Munich, for example, you will spend a fortune even at the cheap places (if you get out of the center TO the cheap places). And if you are of typical American build, you might not find anything to fit...
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schoolmarm
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« Reply #7 on: April 14, 2008, 01:33:59 PM » |
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Oh, and Mrs. Zharkov might want to take skirts. They are more comfy and will travel well in most countries. I tend to take mostly Chico's Travelers in black (great for the opera or for casual days) and other clothes in two colors. Nothing loud after the summer of wearing bright red or yellow capris with "beach type" tank tops and sticking out like an American.
I think this summer will be blue and beige. Or maybe olive or teal.
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locutus
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« Reply #8 on: April 14, 2008, 01:35:52 PM » |
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How long will you be there?
Why not just wait and buy clothes when you get there? That way, you blend in a little more, you have the fun of shopping in a different country, and you have great souvenirs of your trip.
Even if you wear the right types of clothes there may be some differences. For example, button down s***s in U.S. are very different than the ones I've found abroad. The American shirts are very roomy if not flat out baggy, while the "European style" is much more trim and fitted. That's one thing to keep in mind if you go shopping. I personally prefer the more trim shirts, so I'm pro buying clothes abroad if the price is right. |
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Render unto Geedorah what is Geedorah's.
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takapa
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« Reply #9 on: April 14, 2008, 01:44:58 PM » |
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This will probably not be too helpful but... I was just in Scotland for a week (it was so cold compared to here!!!). Two things stood out. Remember those really short mini skirts women wore in the early 1980's? Well, they would be long skirts compared to the minis they were wearing! Really, and it wasn't the college-aged ladies either. Regardless age, women were wearing them... The casual attire looked pretty much the same as here to me.
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expatinuk
Has spent over 1000 pounds but now holds a Brit passport!
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Posts: 6,653
From SC living in UK
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« Reply #10 on: April 14, 2008, 01:54:21 PM » |
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Hey... I live in Europe. Wear what you're comfortable wearing. Do not obsess over trying to look 'European'. I've certainly not seen a 'European' look.
And for what it's worth... now in the UK I see uni students going mad over College Hoodies and Sweatshirts....
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Expatinuk seems to be a Soviet Satellite in stationary orbit over the UK
It is what it is.
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johnr
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« Reply #11 on: April 14, 2008, 02:06:58 PM » |
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I would actually second the positive opinion about buying clothes in Europe. I hate to shop for clothes, but don't mind doing so while on extended travel. There certainly is something different about the fit of clothes there, and they do fit me better. I take very few clothes with me and then buy what I need. The big plus to this is that back in the States, if someone comments about your clothes you can say, "This ole thing? Why it's all the rage in Milano, darling!".
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"When I die, I hope it's in a committee meeting. The transition from life to death will be barely perceptible."
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johnr
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« Reply #12 on: April 14, 2008, 02:09:49 PM » |
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And for what it's worth... now in the UK I see uni students going mad over College Hoodies and Sweatshirts....
Huh, I worked one summer in Cambridge a few years back and the only kids wearing college sweatshirts were Americans. In fact, it was the best way to tell who was American. I guess it rubbed off on the brits! |
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"When I die, I hope it's in a committee meeting. The transition from life to death will be barely perceptible."
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starfleet_grad
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« Reply #13 on: April 14, 2008, 02:20:54 PM » |
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For a man to fit in in Germany, you'll need three items:
1. A gray or beige cargo vest. These are being sold in every clothing store and do not cost much. The more pockets, the better.
2. Brown or beige sandals. Can also be had cheap from one of the many displays outside shoe stores.
3. Beige or gray socks to be worn with sandals.
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I'm a teacher, Jim, not a customer service representative.
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prytania3
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« Reply #14 on: April 14, 2008, 05:15:47 PM » |
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Hey... I live in Europe. Wear what you're comfortable wearing. Do not obsess over trying to look 'European'. I've certainly not seen a 'European' look.
And for what it's worth... now in the UK I see uni students going mad over College Hoodies and Sweatshirts....
That's what I say. Whenever I was in Europe, I was always taken for one thing and one thing only: a New Yorker. And proud of it. |
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Clowns, I tell you. Clowns.
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