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[euro_trash]

I would like some advice about how to dress in America, for Europeans who don't want to stand out as Europeans.

Last time I was in America, which was a few years ago, white socks, sneakers, and t-shirts were pretty much the style, and pants, black socks, leather shoes, and hair gel made one look European.

A specific question:  Do American teens still wear parachute pants? 

The destination is East coast, if that makes a difference.

Thank y'all, NEIK

[lenniel]

Where on the East coast?  Fashions vary.  NYC, you could get away with all black, but not in VT or around New England.  In the south, the fashions aesthetic varies by state, practically.

When in doubt, jeans, t-shirts and sneakers are never a bad way to go, have any children do the same.  Absolutely no parachute pants unless you want to be mugged, mocked or both.  Boys are, thank god, wearing normal sized pants uness really into hiphop and b-boy, and girls wear, as they do, whatever they please.

[kryptonite]

In NYC, dress like a European. Outside the city, consult the LLBean catalog.

[kryptonite]

Oh, and if you're under 25 and very, very hip, dress like it's 1985.

[prytania3]

In NYC, dress like a European. Outside the city, consult the LLBean catalog.

New Yorkers dress all sorts of ways, but here is the key to distinguishing  New Yorkers from non-New Yorkers.

New Yorkers' clothes are really never that clean-looking. I think it is due to a combination of collecting soot on clothing and having them washed in commercial washing machines.

But really, you can always tell a tourist by just how white their whites are, and just how bright their brights are.

[kryptonite]

In NYC, dress like a European. Outside the city, consult the LLBean catalog.

New Yorkers dress all sorts of ways, but here is the key to distinguishing  New Yorkers from non-New Yorkers.

New Yorkers' clothes are really never that clean-looking. I think it is due to a combination of collecting soot on clothing and having them washed in commercial washing machines.

But really, you can always tell a tourist by just how white their whites are, and just how bright their brights are.

Very true. I've noticed that as well, especially once when I went to DC and rode their version of the subway. Everyone looked so perma-pressed in their clean, conservatively styled suits.

I think New Yorkers tend to look disheveled because they get smooshed into crowded subway cars and bumped into on sidewalks, splashed by cars driving through puddles, and their clothes absorb car exhaust. Also, in summer, by the time you get from point A to point B, you've walked up and down about ten flights of stairs, stood on a 95 degree subway platform, and walked a number of blocks in sweltering humidity.

[prytania3]

In NYC, dress like a European. Outside the city, consult the LLBean catalog.

New Yorkers dress all sorts of ways, but here is the key to distinguishing  New Yorkers from non-New Yorkers.

New Yorkers' clothes are really never that clean-looking. I think it is due to a combination of collecting soot on clothing and having them washed in commercial washing machines.

But really, you can always tell a tourist by just how white their whites are, and just how bright their brights are.

Very true. I've noticed that as well, especially once when I went to DC and rode their version of the subway. Everyone looked so perma-pressed in their clean, conservatively styled suits.

I think New Yorkers tend to look disheveled because they get smooshed into crowded subway cars and bumped into on sidewalks, splashed by cars driving through puddles, and their clothes absorb car exhaust. Also, in summer, by the time you get from point A to point B, you've walked up and down about ten flights of stairs, stood on a 95 degree subway platform, and walked a number of blocks in sweltering humidity.

And dry cleaning and commercial washers never really get all that soot and schmutz out.

[kryptonite]

Yucky.

Yet we're still healthier than the average American.

[prytania3]

Yucky.

Yet we're still healthier than the average American.

It's all the walking.

[kryptonite]

In most of the US, if you want to blend, wear Mom jeans.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2919222/0~2376776~2374327~6002273~2382054?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2382054&P=1

[doctor_torrseal]

In NYC, dress like a European. Outside the city, consult the LLBean catalog.

New Yorkers dress all sorts of ways, but here is the key to distinguishing  New Yorkers from non-New Yorkers.

New Yorkers' clothes are really never that clean-looking. I think it is due to a combination of collecting soot on clothing and having them washed in commercial washing machines.

It's the putting the cigarettes out on the sleeves, and getting the ash into everything.

For the OP, if you're going to a large-university town - for men: t-shirt, cargo shorts, baseball cap with beer can caddies on either side.  For women: sweatpants with university logo down one leg (classy) or across the posterior (not classy).

That's for faculty.  Sorry, I can't give you advice on dress for administrators - above my pay grade.

[euro_trash]

I am sorry, what "are baseball cap with beer can caddies?"   

[prytania3]

I am sorry, what "are baseball cap with beer can caddies?"   

Don't listen to him.

This is a good casual look:

http://graphics.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Third_Party_Photo/2005/08/18/1124375796_4056.jpg

ANother good look, which you could do with a Polo shirt since it's summer;

http://www.wrangler.com/images/wr_cat_covim_TIMBERCREEK_MENS.jpg

If you go to New York, study the Barney's catalogue. The prices are way too high, but you'll get the idea.

http://www.barneys.com/b/browse/category.s?categoryId=750804

[dr_dre]

In most of the US, if you want to blend, wear Mom jeans.

Yes,
mom jeans. A mom friend showed me that one.

[tenured_cat]

Pick anything from JC Penney's, Kohl's, WalMart/KMart, or QVC.com - that is, if you're going for the Midwestern look. Add a Stetson and cowboy boots for the Oklahoma/Texas variation. Or you could go for the McCloud-look: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm10262528/tt0065317 Wasn't that show set in New York?

Me, I'd go bargain shopping at Macy's, Bloomingdale's or even Neiman Marcus' Last Call Sale. All .com, of course. Why not have fun under the guise of "dressing like the natives?"