Posted on 12/12/2024 1:36:40 PM PST by where's_the_Outrage?
If you’ve ever seen the iconic “Modern Family” clip where Mitchell is increasingly bothered that people in France know he’s American just by looking at him — that is, until he purchases an outfit from a local store and fits in with the locals — you’ll understand the plight of American tourists. Sometimes, even with the right language skills or a demure presence, our clothes alone give us away.
This is because Americans have a specific way of dressing, stylists say, whether they’re visiting Europe, Asia or another locale. And while fashion is different in every city and every country (and among different groups in said place), Americans still manage to stick out no matter where they are.
Below, stylists from around the world share the styles that make Americans stand out from locals and how to dress like an international traveler instead.
Wearing Athletic Wear
Being Too Dressy
Having Perfect Makeup And Hair
Wearing Too Many Logos
Dressing Too Beachy
Don’t be afraid to try out new styles and get inspiration from the world around you
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
Many years ago, I was taking a movie of a street scene in Strasbourg, France when a guy came up to me and said something in French. I said to him in German, “sorry, I don’t speak French.” Then he said in German that I must be an American—probably because most German visitors would know French. He said he thought I was taking a movie of the pedestrians illegally crossing the street.
Great move. That was going to be just the tip of the iceberg.
Buy a money belt and don’t use your back pocket to hold your wallet.
In Europe, they won’t hold you up at gunpoint, but it’s full of thieving pickpockets.
“That was going to be just the tip of the iceberg.”
No kidding. A nag and a scold in her 20s at her parents’ dinner table with a foreign guest! There were a few obvious clues.
There’s no way to dress in clothes from American retail outlets and NOT be easily identifiable as an American.
You could of course dash into the nearest haberdashery to your arrival airport and have them hook you up with the latest native fashions, but even that charade will only last until you open your mouth.
Well, things will turn.
Are you embarrassed to be ID’d as from America, the greatest and freest nation in the world?
I’m not.
The contempt of the world is basically envy. Same reason they crucified our Lord.
In my experience, the easiest way to identify Americans is by the shoes.
I would also say younger American tend to dress down, whereas mature European women tend to dress much more appropriately and... Dare I say it, more classily?
OTOH, if you see someone in a Mao hat or wearing old USSR gear, that’s probably an American too.
“That Miss Manners dinner was the last time I saw her.”
But did you score?
Quite possible, if you got a pair made before production went overseas. Similarly, I'm pretty sure that L.L. Bean has been selling its own brand of mocs and deck shoes since before I was born.
Tall fair haired sun-burnt people with bad teeth
But the athletic shoes...
Almost everyone universally wears jeans, so a simple blouse that is classic would be non-noticable (unless you are wearing 3 sizes too small!) or a golf button down type shirt if you are a guy. Most Americans wears tshirts that have statements on then which are give aways.
We’re over here now - have done Normandy, now over by Bastogne,.
My husband bought an incredibly useful zip up concealed carry vest to wear over. Two deep inside pockets where he stashes his wallet, our passports
and anything else a pickpocket might be interested in.
I don’t think it looks too touristy. It’s terribly cold here so both of us have puffy black jackets/coats, etc.
I think what gives Americans away, other than clothes,
is weight.
Same as for cigarettes....known as "fags"
As in: "light up a fag"
Wife and I were in London in the 70’s, stopped on a Sunday to watch a dog show.
Met some folks and ended up in a pub for a few pints.
The entire place gathered around to listen to our accent.
weight and teeth!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.