When one travels to Italy it is
always nice to blend in and not look like a tourist or back packer. Quite
frankly, it is rather difficult but can be accomplished. Having a video camera
or quick shot around your neck and hands doesn’t help matters much either,
especially in an unfamiliar city or town. Italians are well known for their
fashion and savior faire, and foreigners are easy tourist targets. I have some
fashion ideas that will help you, since I have been around the globe quite a
lot. This will be useful to you on your
summer holiday. If you are in Italy on business this article will be of some
help, but it is more for the tourist on that side of the pond. Although
business people can interchange clothing into a tourist, most business persons
have the luggage filled with polo shirts and aren’t too bothered blending in.
there are also people who don’t care what they look like when they travel. Most
may not like what I am saying in this article but remember one factor. Blending
in also means you are safer from thugs and less desirables. So if you are
wearing Converse sneakers to an opera listen up. Okay, now let us move on.
- Too Laid Back. When you’re home, you don’t give any thought to running all over the town you live in wearing tank tops and shorts or even matching your clothing for that matter. Gap t-shirts and sandals won’t cut it. Remember casual in Italian is not casual in the USA. Bring along linen trousers and some nice tops, but skip the shorts. When it comes to shoes wear comfy canvas or mesh. This fashion footwear fashion statement needs more ironing so make sure your temporary habitat has an iron or steamers available to you.
- Backpacks aren’t pocketbooks. Now if you are going mountain climbing through Florence, taking a backpack is fine, but if you are strolling through the small towns, taking your pocketbook is the way to go. Wearing a backpack in small towns is like saying “rob me please” on the back of your T-shirt. Fanny packs work great too. It will keep your money in front of you. If all else fails call the local Godfather. He will protect you for a price.
- Black. Black works for mixing and matching most other colors. It is less attention getting. It is in fashion most of the time as well. Just hit the local markets and see what other bright colors are in the new season (2012) and match it up with what is in your suitcase. Other colors like Dark brown work, but to be honest black is much more versatile in Europe.
- Maps. It’s not fashion trend but get a small one, rather than the old fold up paper maps, that always tear in the middle. Now, with technology one can easily use your gps on your smart phone and some even talk to you in English or Italian. Much more efficient and people won’t notice you, since everyone is on the phone. Just don’t walk up to a guy in a trench coat with a cigarette in his mouth and a gold chain around his neck. He might say “coma with me I can helpa you.” Since I happen to look like an assassin this doesn’t apply to me.
- Research Everything. My last tip is for the individuals who are extremely fashion-conscious, and who take looking good and having Savoir Fair seriously. If you are a stickler for perfection in Italian fashion, research it on the internet before leaving for your vacation. Find the latest trends with online magazines or forums. Even fashion shows are great advice. In plain English, if wearing a bikini top is in with knickers, wear it. Who wants to be left in the fashion dust? The end result is no matter what, if you don’t speak the language anyway, you will stand out to some degree. I know I sound somewhat harsh but at least I am being candid. At one point in time in your life you will be a tourist. Better to be safe than sorry.
