Comments on: How to Dress to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist

on 4/24/2008 On the shorts thing, why bother listing the cities folks shouldn't wear shorts in? If you don't want to scream "American", don't wear shorts ANYWHERE outside the US. Of course, the only exception is die-hard fashionista types who know truly fashionable shorts and how to pull them off. The writer of these tips obviously doesn't have a clue, as they listed NY as a place that (Americans) shouldn't wear shorts. NYC may be cosmpopolitan, but that doesn't mean there aren't native-born NYers that don't wear shorts. I mean, they're American too! And in London, Tokyo, etc. shorts are worn believe it or not, but they are HIGH FASHION shorts. But if you are your basic "American" with no fashion sense, then yeah, YOU should not wear shorts outside the US. It's not so WHAT you wear, it's HOW you wear it...how you accessorize it, that screams "unfashionable with no eye for aesthetic American".

on 4/24/2008 On the shorts thing, why bother listing the cities folks shouldn't wear shorts in? If you don't want to scream "American", don't wear shorts ANYWHERE outside the US. Of course, the only exception is die-hard fashionista types who know truly fashionable shorts and how to pull them off. The writer of these tips obviously doesn't have a clue, as they listed NY as a place that (Americans) shouldn't wear shorts. NYC may be cosmpopolitan, but that doesn't mean there aren't native-born NYers that don't wear shorts. I mean, they're American too! And in London, Tokyo, etc. shorts are worn believe it or not, but they are HIGH FASHION shorts. But if you are your basic "American" with no fashion sense, then yeah, YOU should not wear shorts outside the US. It's not so WHAT you wear, it's HOW you wear it...how you accessorize it, that screams "unfashionable with no eye for aesthetic American".

on 4/24/2008 I wonder why we're expected to dress like another country while there (head covering, etc) but they come over here and dress as they do in THEIR country? They should assimilate to us. Double Standard here...

on 4/24/2008 I wonder why we're expected to dress like another country while there (head covering, etc) but they come over here and dress as they do in THEIR country? They should assimilate to us. Double Standard here...

on 4/24/2008 I just want to know why visitors from other countries insist on wearing THEIR customary clothing here, and we're expected to wear THEIR clothing when visiting their country *puzzled look*

on 7/13/2007 Don't criticize US foreign policy when you're visiting Europe. Avoid visiting Turkey at all costs.

on 3/9/2007 Honestly, if you're visiting the States you can dress any way you like and blend in. Just dress accordingly to the weather of each region. I think it's ridiculous that people say you have to wear this or that or shouldn't wear certain things when you're a tourist. Whether you wear designer clothing or you shop at second hand stores, you'll blend in and people won't know you're a tourist until you open your mouth. Don't worry and have a good time!

on 2/4/2007 Budapest: don't talk loud, the Hungarian people will look strange at you, no matter were are you from. They just don't like foreigners and they are not friendly at all! Try to ask as less es possible, but anyway they don't understand English or just they don't want to speak..."nem to dom" is all you hear!About the cloths...you can wear anything cause the women here are no dressy at all...men less...

on 8/8/2006 Montral is somewhere between New York and Paris weather-wise- but frigid winters. Don't dress like you are going on an Arctic expedition though - especially in the summer.

Lots of black is worn here, and skirts are very stylish in the summer, though denim is not out of place. I'd avoid all-over denim.

I do object to the comments about frizzy, non-straight hair. That is racist - I'm racially-mixed. People of all races and hair types can be well groomed.

on 6/30/2006 The weather in Montréal is somewhere between New York and Paris - but frigid winters. Don't dress like you are going on an Arctic expedition though - especially in the summer.

Lots of black is worn here, and skirts are very stylish in the summer, though denim is not out of place. I'd avoid all-over denim.

on 4/2/2006 Being an LA local, I can always know tourists by:
-Sunglasses/visors/hats. Sunglasses are OK, but if you have the whole outfit, it is obvious. Plus it is always sunny in LA, even in winter.
-Sweatshirt around waist.
-Short shorts or khaki shorts.
-Tall socks, or shoes on the beach.
-Cameras.
-Hawaiian shirt.
-Anything that says LA on it.

on 3/30/2006 Swimwear is for the beach. Don't walk through the local towns in your bikini or swimming trunks. It smacks of disrespect for the community that is hosting you. Always get dressed before you leave the beach and go sight seeing!

on 11/22/2005 I'm living in the UK (Scotland) and in the cities people are very well dressed.
Avoid:
-Big, baggy sweaters and hoodies for girls, even if they're comfy. You'll feel frumpy.
-Shorts. Nobody wears them. Skirts are fine.
-Sneakers that look like you work out in them. Wear dressier shoes.
-Tracksuits and chunky fake jewelry; this is associated with lower class people.
-Don't talk loudly. Nobody needs to hear your American accent, you just sound obnoxious. Americans already have a really bad reputation for being loud (as well as fat).
-Don't say anything that would make you sound stupid. Americans also have a bad reputation for being ignorant. Prove them wrong!
-Don't smile as much. Americans are much smilier than Brits. They're much more somber and sullen.

Do:
-Keep it simple and sleek and put together, try to avoid labels or brand names on your clothes.
-Groom your hair nicely, that means guys too! Almost every girl has sleek, straight hair. If your hair is frizzy or tied in a messy ponytail, you'll look out of place.

on 11/22/2005 I think what really sets Americans apart is that we are too relaxed about fit and tailoring. If you wear jeans, make sure they are darker and neither too long nor too short. Folded-up cuffs are a no-no; before you leave, take your pants to the dry cleaners where a proper hem will cost you 5 dollars. Err on the side of dressiness, even in the humid Japanese summer bare skin is usually looked down upon. Japanese women are notoriously well-dressed and fashion-forward, though few dress up to show off their bodies. Fashion here is more about fun and fit. Wear nice leather shoes and carry a good bag. Lastly, nothing on your person should be frayed, torn, or worn-out (unless you paid $500 dollars for it at Dolce & Gabbana).

on 11/22/2005 Jeans are fine. Americans often dress as though they are going to climb Mount Everest. Walking around a city is not an athletic event; you can spend a few hours walking about, looking at shops and tourist attractions in stylish clothing and a nice pair of low-heeled or flat shoes.