What Not to Wear in Rome

So, I have posted about fashion in Europe as seen through my eyes when my husband and I travelled to Italy and Spain a few weeks ago. If you are headed in that direction anytime soon, let me give you my top 5 do's and don'ts in order to stay fashionable and not scream, "I'm a tourist!"

DON'T
1) Flip-flops. It's a no-no. I'm pretty sure all Europeans are against this rubber footwear that we Americans all embrace.

2) Guys, you gotta pull those pants up! I counted ZERO men with their undies hanging out. That is right guys, NONE! It's not cool over here, and it's less cool over there. Pull them up!

3) Ditch the sweatsuit. No one is wearing a Juicy Couture velour sweatsuit over there, so don't pack yours. In fact, I dare say I did not see even one local wearing a sweatshirt at all. Pull a nice outfit together and you'll blend in with the natives.

4) Fanny packs. Really?!?! No explaination needed here.

5) Basic. Take your basics up a notch. Don't put on jeans and a solid tee and call it "good enough", because it isn't good enough!

DO
1) Sandals! It doesn't matter if they are Roman or not, but bring the sandals. Flats, heels, thong, strappy, lace-up, you name it, it was there...except the flip-flop. (see don't number 1). Europeans love their footwear even more than we do. Bring it and wear it!

2) Skinny jeans. They are everywhere. Yes, we wear them here in the States, but over there you did not see a guy who wore baggy, bootcut, or straight leg jeans. Any man or woman wearing jeans was wearing a great fitting skinny jean. (My husband was totally freaked out by this, as he is a boot-cut kind of guy).

3) Scarves. Whether with a dress or a t-shirt, I would say that the scarf is second only to the sandal when it comes to Italian fashion. These are available in a multitude of colors, patterns, fabrics, lengths, widths...anything you can imagine. Wear one!

4) Accessorize your outfit! The basic jeans and t-shirt that was listed at number 5 on the don't list...take it up a notch. Add a great pair of sandals, a scarf, big earrings, and even a cute lightweight cardigan and you'll look fabulous!

5) Try something new. Don't be afraid to get that big floppy hat you see at one of the many markets. Try on a few pair of sunglasses. Purchase that red coat you've been eyeing.

Fashion speaks many languages. While visiting another country try the food, indulge in the cultural experiences, learn their fashion language!