How to Dress Like a Local in Israel

So you're about to embark on a trip to the Holy Land, but you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb. Here are some tips on how to blend in with the locals in Israel.

Things You'll Need

• Tight, form-fitting white or black shirts
• Tight black pants
• Ultra-low rise tight jeans
• An old T-shirt with a punk design on it
• Scissors
• Platform boots or sandals
• Black sneakers with a platform heel
• Designer sunglasses or wrap-around sunglasses
• Gold chains
• Large gold earrings
• Skirt that goes past the knees
• Black trousers
• Shirt with a modest neckline
• Head scarf

Instructions

Israeli fashion: It's pretty much black and white!

1. Wear black or white form-fitting T-shirts with designer logos. Israelis like to show off their toned physiques by making sure their shirts are either stretchy or a size too small. Like citizens of most countries, Israelis like to flaunt designer clothes, even if they're fake.

2. If you're a woman, show off some skin in secular areas, such as Tel Aviv or Haifa--take an old T-shirt and cut the neckline so that one of your bra straps are exposed. If you want to look really hip, make sure the shirt has a punk theme, such as David Bowie or Blondie.

3. Wear ultra-low-rise tight jeans or tight black pants in secular areas. Secular Israelis like to show off their lower midriffs.

4. Add some inches! Invest in some high heels, even if you're a guy! Israelis like to appear taller, so many wear platform sandals or boots. Even men like to wear black sneakers (never white) with a hidden platform sole that gives them another 2 or 3 inches to avoid being shorter than those high-heeled women.

5. Add some bling! Israelis love their jewelery, so make sure you're ready for your night on the town in Tel Aviv or any other coastal party-town with gold chain necklaces and, if you're a woman, large, gold hoop earrings.

6. Wrap it up--literally--with a pair of sunglasses. No, not on your eyes--on your head! Israelis use sunglasses, especially large pairs, as makeshift hair bands. Even guys constantly keep their wrap-around shades on their heads.

7. If you want to blend in with the religious population--of any religion in the region--wear modest clothing. This means black trousers if you're a man, and a skirt that goes past the knees, if you're a woman. Make sure your necklines are modest and that the sleeves cover the shoulders. In ultra-Orthodox areas, women should cover their hair with a scarf.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid shorts -- Israelis only wear them to the beach. If you wear shorts in Israel, you may as well be wearing a sign that says "Tourist". Don't wear too many colors, either.

• Do not wear immodest clothing in ultra-Orthodox areas. Most religious areas will tolerate visitors dressed in anything, but ultra-Orthodox populations will view it as an insult.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish