https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/playing-the-tourist Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:07:52 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/playing-the-tourist#post-65222 Tue, 12 May 2009 17:21:08 +0000 HannahC 65222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I meant to reply earlier, but by the time I got to it, the thread was pushed way way back.</p> <p>Anyway, I THINK the no-hands-in-pockets (and hence no pockets) thing is French. 12-14 years ago, when I was single and childless, I worked in a company with tight business ties to a company in Paris, so I spent a week or two in Paris every couple of months (this was the best part of the job). I guess things have changed since then - you were in Paris just recently, so you can tell me - but I distinctly remember how body conscious the clothes there were. Obviously, if the pants follow the line of the hips very closely, there is no room for pockets. And I am actually with your host sister on the subject of pockets, especially in skirts, unless pockets are a special design detail. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/playing-the-tourist#post-63784 Tue, 05 May 2009 13:21:37 +0000 christie 63784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, that's hilarious. Thanks for putting a smile on my face first thing in the morning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/playing-the-tourist#post-63730 Mon, 04 May 2009 22:15:34 +0000 shiny 63730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hannah, no, it was in Austria, in a little farm town close to Vienna (close enough I went in to the city nearly daily). But, my host sister had done her own exchange in Paris, where she did pick up some attitudes (as well as some truly wonderful recipes, and a love of fancy lingerie!). Of course I was too young back then to really connect those dots. I think the hands-in-pocket thing was uniquely Austrian, but I could be wrong? Can you explain that one to me? I still don't get it! I admit to loving pockets, and frequently placing my hands in them. </p> <p>The other "rule" I remember was: women should never walk with a lit cigarette. It's fine to sit and have a smoke. But don't walk and smoke. The reason: only prostitutes walk with a cigarette. The lesson: I was walking with a cig and some man started following me and tried to solicit me... I had no idea what he was saying.. he freaked me out! I was rescued by a waitress in a cafe, who explained why the man was following me, and who he thought I was, and why!!!</p> <p>Chewy - I gave the sweatshirt to my DD, who still wears it to this day. It continues to be her favorite. It was outrageously expensive, but even I have to admit, very well made and quite soft. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/playing-the-tourist#post-63708 Mon, 04 May 2009 20:54:01 +0000 HannahC 63708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny,<br /> It is a great story about your host sister! I am guessing this was in France?</p> <p>Israel is much much more casual. I am sure Angie stuck out because she was in fact dressed much LESS casually than everybody around her. That said, we do not wear the dreadful white sneakers when not working out, so these are a clear mark of the "American tourist" (together with shorts, a T-shirt, and a camera around the neck). I'd say, here a pair of comfortable sandals (Converse are also fine), jeans and a knit top, or a knit dress (not with Converse) will be just fine for everything, excluding visiting religious areas. </p> <p>And Christie, if you climb to Masada, by all means wear gear - this is quite a hike! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/playing-the-tourist#post-63691 Mon, 04 May 2009 20:03:04 +0000 chewyspaghetti 63691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great insights, Shiny.<br /> I practically grew up at Disneyland! My parents still live 20 minutes away, and The Hubs and I worked there through college. Yeah, I could wear gear from head to toe and blend in, but I'd rather not! (Especially if I happen to run into old colleagues, and we usually do) The park is closing at 8 the day we are there, so I don't think we will get too cold (but I'm throwing something in the car for all of us just in case). They make a mint off of those sweatshirts from people who don't expect the cold, though.<br /> I totally agree about dresses beating clams for super heat- which reminds me that I want to find a couple more, since triple digits are looming eminent now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/playing-the-tourist#post-63679 Mon, 04 May 2009 18:26:37 +0000 shiny 63679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm kind of a snob about this subject, ever since I was an exchange student at age of 16 going on 17. My host sister informed me in no uncertain terms that I "reeked" of "dreadful ugly American tourist" because of these things:</p> <p>1) Sneakers. Of any style. (Remember this was over 30 years ago.... I think Converses or other fashion sneakers would be just fine today).</p> <p>2) Shorts. You only wear shorts on the FARM. </p> <p>3) Any pants or skirts or shorts with POCKETS. In her culture, it was considered gauche for a woman to put her hands in her pockets. Ever. </p> <p>4) Carrying a camera. Okay to be discrete and tuck one in your purse, but don't wear one around your neck. </p> <p>5) Polo shirts. Especially the striped kind. My mom actually sewed up a bunch of polo shirts for me for this trip - and my host sister banned me from wearing them. I didn't have any graphic tees but I'm sure she'd have felt the same way about them. </p> <p>Luckily, my host sister was a competent seamstress so she sewed me up a wardrobe that she deemed suitable for me to wear when off the farm, including the cutest denim skirt that I cherished for years after. It worked too: after I started dressing differently, I would often get mistaken for a citizen by other American tourists. </p> <p>At any rate, ever since that experience, whenever I travel outside the U.S., I take great care about what I pack. It's one thing to wear gear and sneakers at Disney - you'll blend right in. Anywhere else, you stick out like a sore thumb. And even if you don't care about sticking out like a sore thumb, well.... there may be cultural rules at play (like no shorts or hands in pockets - or baring your shoulders in churches and your head in mosques), and by not following them, it can actually be considered rude. </p> <p>I'm glad I learned from YLF about clams, because that does solve the "no shorts" problem. However I do have to say that in really HOT climates I've been in, like Spain and Mexico, and on the 100 degree days in Paris, a breezy cotton casual knit dress beats clams any day. Yes, even for lots of walking and climbing around dusty ruins.</p> <p>When I went to Disney, I tried to look nice the whole time. I don't remember having trouble with my feet (I wore Cole Haan sandals with Air Nike technology), but I do remember caving at one point and buying a Disney sweatshirt because I was chilly at night. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/playing-the-tourist#post-63652 Mon, 04 May 2009 16:59:25 +0000 christie 63652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very helpful! Thanks. I have long wondered about this!</p> <p>I'm still trying to find a nice pair of straight legs that I can wear with tennies. I have a pair that are somewhere between matchstick/toothpick and straight. They taper slightly at the bottom, and it looks strange with my Tigers (sneakers). If I ever find a pair, I will be super happy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/playing-the-tourist#post-63648 Mon, 04 May 2009 16:54:54 +0000 chewyspaghetti 63648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a great question (and answer!)<br /> It's also really appropriate for my life, because I'm going to Disneyland on Wednesday for dd's 10th birthday (double digits OMG!)<br /> I'm glad to hear that I am thinking along the same lines as Angie-<br /> denim clams<br /> converse (or if my new bronze ballet flats get here and seem appropriate, I will wear those)<br /> I just found a great cotton short sleeve button down that is fitted with an empire seam and some ruching at the bust in a pretty coral. (My first thought was a knit top, but I could just see me exposing myself in the Splash Mtn. photos)<br /> I'm trying to find a cropped cardi to go over it, and a bracelet- necklaces can get too hot or heavy for me in these situations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/playing-the-tourist#post-63646 Mon, 04 May 2009 16:47:20 +0000 Angie 63646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Spot on, Christie. I was CASUAL at the Dead Sea, Jerusalem and the Ruins of Caesarea. I wore this type of formula:</p> <p>o Skinny jeans or clams and pewter Brulee gladiators (they are not shiny), or casual ballet flats (also matte)<br /> o Sleeveless and short sleeve cowl knit and woven tops with cami and sometimes cardi or cute cropped fitted cotton anorak (a fashion item, not gear), or cropped cotton bomber jacket – the weather *can* turn.<br /> o Large flat casual tote<br /> o My watch, specs and casual necklaces</p> <p>If I wore straight-leg jeans, I’d throw in my Converse too. We did lots of walking up and down hills for hours and hours – but no hiking. At the Dead Sea, I got into my fancy one piece cozzie and sarong and felt great. I don’t get hot easily and my feet don’t sweat, so I did not over heat in these outfit choices at all. </p> <p>You know I am ALWAYS kind to my feet. I was perfectly comfortable, and felt 100% appropriate and very “Angie”. I hope that helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/playing-the-tourist#post-63619 Mon, 04 May 2009 15:25:47 +0000 christie 63619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie's recent post on Israel has inspired this question: How does one travel to touristy areas that require walking around ruins and similar activities while staying stylish all the while. I can't imagine being smart casual on my way up to Masada. </p> <p>I'm interested in what everyone has to say, and Angie, if you wouldn't mind sharing your style around the ruins in Israel, I would be most appreciative! </p>