European Casual Elegance

Parent Cafe
1

<p>D is going on a trip next week with family (not me ). They are flying to Chicago to London to Rome. After 4 days in Rome with two 7-hour walking tours, they are going on a 12-day Crystal Cruise around the Mediterranean. </p>

<p><a href=“Crystal Cruises | Crystal”>Crystal Cruises | Crystal; </p>

<p>The people she is travelling with always dress pretty nicely and D and I are battling over clothes. Dressing for dinner we can handle. It’s the daytime outfits we are struggling with. I asked the people she is going with and they said, “casual elegant.” D is embarrassed to ask for more information. What do you think she should wear for shore excursions and walking tours? </p>

<p>She gets one carry-on and a purse. What type of casually elegant carry-on would you suggest? I’m assuming a beat-up backpack wouldn’t work. What should she take in the carry-on? They will leave at 1:25pm and arrive Rome 12:35pm the next day. What should she wear for the flight? </p>

<p>I asked them some of these questions and the answers were vague. But I know if she doesn’t look or do what they think is appropriate they’ll be disappointed.</p>

<p>I’ve never been to Europe so I need your help!</p>

2

<p>I have always traveled overseas with a messenger bag. I carry a small clutch bag that I use for evening.</p>

<p>Keep the clothing colors simple. White and black tee shirts, plus one bright colored tee. A nice white blouse. One belt, and a pair on dark rinse jeans, denim, a black skirt or pants and a khaki skirt or pants. A simple black knit dress, look at American Apparel.</p>

<p>Then have her bring one jacket (wear it on the plane), a cardigan, and some simple jewelry pieces that go with everything. Also a scarf, that can be used to pull hair back as a headband, go on purse or be worn as a scarf. If you have the space bring a pashmina (or fake one) that can be used as a wrap in evening or as a scarf for color. (She can buy these on the streets for very little in Rome.) Wear a pair of shoes on the plane that you can walk in and take an extra pair of shoes. I would suggest ballet flats if you have the space. (Personally I don’t wear tennis shoes in Europe.)<br>
If you pick simple pieces that go with each other, than she can make a lot of outfits. </p>

<p>I roll my clothing. She should be able to get all of this in one carry on. She can put things in zip lock baggies in her purse/bag, and stuff the clutch in there.</p>

<p>Take one bathing suit and look for a cheap one to buy over there is she wants two suits.</p>

3

<p>Older European females don’t wear a lot of jeans or sneakers, day to day, and no shorts. (Capris are common, though, on women and men.) They do pull out the sensible shoes for hiking and long walks. Younger ladies/girls dress just like young people here. </p>

<p>I tried for a couple years to not wear sneakers - my H complained that I looked like an American. When I ruined my knee, my orthopedist pointed out that I WAS an American. And he ordered me to wear sneakers with good support. Walking on cobblestones is rough. I about killed myself in Rome. Please convince her to find good solid, supportive shoes (or even good sandals) if she doesn’t want to wear sneakers. Besides, there are plenty of tourists in Rome - she will fit in with almost anything.</p>

<p>I’m afraid I can’t answer the “casual elegance” part – I wore a dress twice the whole time I was in Germany - once to church and once to a concert. Dressy pants are so much easier. Although for the cruise, I would think a couple sundresses might hit the right tone.</p>

<p>As for the plane, above all else, be comfortable. A light weight rain-resistant coat and a sweater can be layered as needed. (And you can carry extra stuff in the pockets. :slight_smile: ) Wear the sensible shoes on the plane and pack a cute pair of sandals for the cruise.</p>

4

<p>How old is your D? If she is quite young, you have to be careful that ‘casual elegance’ doesn’t look like ‘borrowed all her clothes from her mom’</p>

<p>Really, the people of Europe don’t dress so very much better than Americans. A young person in Italy would wear a hot colored tshirt, jeans, and brightly-colored retro sneakers. The only difference would be that the outfit is maybe a little more pulled-together, more fitted and co-ordinated. </p>

<p>I think you need to be more concerned with how she fits in with the other people on the cruise. For that, the Audrey Hepburn look seems to be quite fashionable in Europe this year and is very casual elegance. Think mix-and-match capsule wardrobe of plain colors, primarily black and white, but also blue and beige, and tailored, clean styles. </p>

<p>A plain white fitted shirt is a staple item, teamed with dark jeans. Capri pants with a boat neck tshirt is a classic look as well, think Bridgitte Bardot. Khakis are OK, but they are have the image of being rather American for young people. Plain fitted tshirts are useful, as are shells, tanks, short-sleeved or sleeveless blouses in a decent fabric, as they can be worn with a variety of skirts/trousers/jeans to dress them up/down. Shift dresses are elegant but probably too much for day-wear. Floaty A-line skirts seem to be back again. Sundresses are quite popular, the fashion for these seems to be for a large floral or geometric print in a single color or plain with some kind of ribbon sash detailing. Apparently the hot trends in Italian fashion this summer will be sashes, metalics, and detail necklines. For the evenings, it is probably easier to have some plain colored cardigans with detail buttons or a thin knit jersey top, rather than a jacket which is bulky to carry around and can get creased. A nice pair of sandals or ballet flats plus a pair of shoes she can happily walk for 7 hours in would be my shoe combination, I doubt she would need more than that. If you have lots of money, linen and leather ooze class, but are not always very practical. If she is quite young, I would try not to buy too much stuff because the subseqent wear she gets from casual elegance might be quite limited, although that might just be me!</p>

<p>She should avoid anything with a slogan on it, baseball caps, anything too glitzy and gaudy. If she is quite young, she can wear sneakers, but they shouldn’t be ones that look like you might play a sport in them. If she’s going to be walking around for 7 hours a day, I would forgo fashion and wear whatever footwear she will be most comfortable in on those days.</p>

<p>For the plane, think layers and thin knits, also bulky sensible shoes and jeans to avoid packing them. For carry-on bags, those little flight bags with the pull-out handles and wheels seem quite elegant and practical.</p>

5

<p>Personally, I think anything that’s cute and comfortable - that isn’t showing pushed up breasts or bare midriff or her panties - will be fine. In general, I think girls are showing WAY too much of all of the above to be considered anything close to “elegant.”</p>

<p>Other than that it is perfectly OK for her to dress like a young person and not an Italian widow.</p>

<p>Be careful with jeans - they will be HOT (Rome will be very hot), heavy, and they are impossible to wash out if necessary.</p>

6

<p>Thanks for the suggestions and tips. She’s 18 and borrowing from me isn’t an option (she’s much shorter and um, narrower). We’re having our disagreements while shopping. She’s getting new clothes which may or may not get worn at OSU this fall. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>I wish we could edit our posts! I forgot to say that she received nice luggage (without a carry-on piece) as a Christmas gift so that’s the one thing we know will look OK. The suitcases feel heavy even when empty so we’ll have to weigh them first. She can check 50 pounds of luggage.</p>

7

<p>Any type of carry-on will work. If she’ll use it a lot, get one that matches the rest of her luggage. If not, a cheap one from a discount store will work just fine. We have a LOT of luggage, since there are five of us, and we travel a lot. We have expensive name brand stuff, and cheap stuff from Target. They have survived the same number of trips, and are about in equal condition. (We decorate our suitcases with colored electrical tape, too. There are so many black bags on that carousel - we can spot ours instantly! Each of us has a different color.)</p>

<p>What to put in the carry-on? First of all, you need to have a change of clothes, and travel-size toiletries. (Liquids must be under 3 ounces (I think - check!) and packed in a clear plastic ziplock.) Whatever your D needs to survive in the event the bigger suitcases don’t take the same flight. :wink: Anything fragile that you don’t want tossed around. I suggest packing a few paperbacks in there. Throw them away (or “leave” them in planes to be recycled) as they are read. Then you’ll have a bit of extra space on the return trip for souvenirs. Books always go in my carry-on because they’re heavier, and 50 pounds in a big suitcase means nothing heavy! I also bring some snack foods. Granola bars that work as an emergency breakfast or late night snack when the blood sugar falls. I lived for a week in Mexico on a bag of M&Ms. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>I also like to carry an inflatable neck pillow with me. It’s really important to try to sleep on the plane - makes a huge difference in jet lag. Walking the next day will be murder if you didn’t sleep on the way over. Some people also like noise cancelling headphones. (I live with musicians - I can block out anything.)</p>

<p>Make sure your D checks often for the location of her passport! We have one absent-minded child whom we make wear it in a pouch around her neck.</p>

8

<p>

</p>

<p>I don’t know from fashion, but I do know luggage. When my beloved 1985-vintage TravelPro finally wore out, I went to order a replacement. Seeing that red was not only a new color, but on sale, I ordered a red one to get away from the “sea of identical black TravelPro knock-offs” on the average luggage carousel. Unfortunately, I was buying red just at the beginning of a wave of popularity for red. There are still a lot more black bags than red, but I’m back to having to check. I’m thinking of spray-painting it day-glo orange.</p>

<p>I disagree with a passing comment from Binx, though. My $175 (1985 dollars) TravelPro traveled hundreds of thousands of miles and I don’t know how many trips before all four corners finally wore through on the top of the case. The rollers still worked like new, and only one zipper had broken when I finally retired it in 2002 or so. Cheaper suitcases came and went over that time, usually with broken-off handles or wheels that stopped turning. I <heart> TravelPro, and all of our family luggage is now the same brand. The only thing that has worked as well are a couple of Land’s End Lighthouse carry-ons that still look brand new after years of schlepping around. Haven’t tried a big one, though. Just a little former road-warrior report. (Want to know where to find an electrical outlet in John Wayne, O’Hare or Sea-Tac?)</heart></p>

<p>All carry-ons should either be a briefcase (not quite right for your daughter’s trip, I suppose), or a small duffel of rip-stop nylon. Forget “casual elegant,” you want it to protect the stuff inside and not be too large to pull out from under the seat ahead of you and hold in your lap in flight. TravelPro (there’s that name again) and Land’s End both have great flight duffels. I like Binx’s suggestions for the duffel. I always get on the plane with snack food bars of some kind, a bottle of water, and reading material. Don’t abandon your poor books, though. What a barbaric suggestion. If I end up on a trip with more than I want to carry home, I just fill up a box and ship it to myself. These services are universal, and while I can’t speak to Italy, I know you can easily ship a package to the US from Germany and the UK.</p>

9

<p>I would try New York & Company. Their clothes, at least in the stores around here, have a lot of basic, color coordinating ensembles. The selection of t shirts in different neck styles and colors is huge. Lots of slacks, crop pants, knee length shorts, and short shorts in colors that automatically go with just about any top in the store. It’s really easy to shop and I found the styles are pretty classic, with a few trendy items here and there. Also carry flats in different colors, purses, belts, and costume jewelry. And it’s inexpensive. One stop shopping.</p>

10

<p>For casual elegance, i suggest bringing clothes that are wrinkle free. Linen is casually elegant, but it will look like hell without a personal valet to iron or steam it. Polyester/knit fabrics will look good.</p>

<p>I have several black travel pieces… a dress, a short skirt, a long skirt, loose pants, & a cardigan. They are great: comfortable and easily hand washed/fast to dry. Add several diverse tees, a sweater set, and maybe something sparkly for evening. A couple of bold acessories or jewelry pieces, and she’ll have a lot of looks. On the cruise she may want a sarong or other coverup and also maybe a hat.</p>

<p>Visiting certain churches you need to observe modest dress, so a big sarongy scarf can be worn as a shawl to cover shoulders, etc if the weather is hot and tank tops are preferred.</p>

<p>I disagree about sneakers. Those new groovy Diesel type sneakers would be perfectly acceptable and comfortable for walking. For shoes, I’d do 1 pair sneakers, 1 pair ballet flats & one pair sandals or espadrilles.</p>

<p>As for carry on: bring everything essential (medicine, valuables) in carry on and include at least one change of clothes. If luggage is lost, it is less of a disaster when you can limp along a few days via the carry on.</p>

11

<p>My D found that linen drawstring capris, and long pants were the best for traveling last summer. Lightweight, easy to hand wash (if needed, and air dry quickly), and comfy in the sticky humidity. She had a couple of pairs of each, in basic colors and paired them up with cute t-shirts (a step above plain tees). She wore crocs on her feet most of the time, cute leather sandals the rest and found that 3 peasant style skirts (mid-calf length) were great too. At first she was put off by this wardrobe, but within 2 days she said she felt like she fit right in. 2 swimsuits were a blessing, and 2 pairs of boxers for sleeping in. </p>

<p><a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Famous-Designer-Linen-Blend-Cropped/dp/B000M8PDH0/ref=sr_1_10/103-9339202-5532656?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1181230275&sr=1-10[/url]”>http://www.amazon.com/Famous-Designer-Linen-Blend-Cropped/dp/B000M8PDH0/ref=sr_1_10/103-9339202-5532656?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1181230275&sr=1-10&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.us.redoute.com/product.aspx?PfId=51581&DeptId=14048&producttypeid=1&ViewAll=1&affiliate_id=023&affiliate_location_id=01&WT.mc_id=k115513&mid=j14741934[/url]”>http://www.us.redoute.com/product.aspx?PfId=51581&DeptId=14048&producttypeid=1&ViewAll=1&affiliate_id=023&affiliate_location_id=01&WT.mc_id=k115513&mid=j14741934&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.us.redoute.com/clothing/Cropped-Linen-Pants.aspx?PfId=48006&DeptId=14049&producttypeid=1&pref=ps&PurchaseType=G[/url]”>http://www.us.redoute.com/clothing/Cropped-Linen-Pants.aspx?PfId=48006&DeptId=14049&producttypeid=1&pref=ps&PurchaseType=G&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.us.redoute.com/clothing/Linen-and-Cotton-Skirt.aspx?PfId=101106&DeptId=14043&producttypeid=1&pref=ps&PurchaseType=G[/url]”>http://www.us.redoute.com/clothing/Linen-and-Cotton-Skirt.aspx?PfId=101106&DeptId=14043&producttypeid=1&pref=ps&PurchaseType=G&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.us.redoute.com/clothing/LAURA-CLand201MENT-Linen-Tie-Skirt.aspx?PfId=101228&DeptId=14042&producttypeid=1&pref=ps&PurchaseType=G[/url]”>http://www.us.redoute.com/clothing/LAURA-CLand201MENT-Linen-Tie-Skirt.aspx?PfId=101228&DeptId=14042&producttypeid=1&pref=ps&PurchaseType=G&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

12

<p>

</p>

<p>These days, they’ll confiscate your bottle of water (if it’s over 3 oz) so don’t even try. (They took my mom’s last week.)</p>

<p>Second, most of my paperbacks are second hand from library sales or Goodwill. Or a really expensive brand new airport one, when I’ve been desperate! English books are valued highly by English speakers living abroad, so I enjoy giving them away to people who will be thrilled to get them. I’ve donated bags full to the English section of the public library in the German town I lived in. I really don’t think of that as barbaric! If I want a book for my personal library, I usually buy hardcover, but don’t travel with it. </p>

<p>If I see anybody with a day-glo orange painted suitcase on my travels, I’ll be sure to introduce myself to you, Washdad! :)</p>

13

<p>You can buy bottles of water inside security. </p>

<p>Giving books away is a noble thing. I thought you were tossing them. My apologies.</p>

14

<p>Mary, my guess is that the “casual elegance” came directly out of the cruise ship brochure - Crystal Cruises is a relatively upscale line with more dressing up than say, Carnival. However, teens will dress like teens, not like middle aged. European teens, especially girls, do not wear many T-shirts with logos, just not available. Fitted knit tops, etc are more common. Tanks with a shirt under are common, too. I would suggest one or two classic skirts, black or khaki to wear to the semiformal shipboard dinners - they can be paired with blouses or shirts worn elsewhere with capris or more casual clothes.</p>

<p>Noticed someone mentioned about churches. When it is really hot, it is best to be prepared as suggested and wear cooler clothes, rather than wearing clothes that are acceptable, but too heavy.</p>

<p>Euoprean girls seem to wear lots of jackets, especially small, cute leather jacs - but prob not in August.</p>

<p>My kids love to buy shoes in Europe, they have the coolest shoes, often unavailable here - sneakers, but not - I would leave room for at least one pair!</p>

15

<p>Okay, in fairness, I did say “throw them away,” but what I meant was to rid myself of them. I would toss them if I had no other option, but I haven’t done it yet. Shipping a worn, used paperback home isn’t worth the expense or trouble to me. I have been known to leave a finished book in the airplane pocket along with the provided magazines and newspapers. But I read fast, and a lot, so I travel with a lot of books.</p>

16

<p>In carry on luggage, I would take a change of clothes, candy or other snacks, iPod, books, anything else she thinks she will use to entertain herself on the flight, important documents she has, money, a map and dictionary if she will make her own way from the airport, any medications she needs, some people like to take pillows, eye masks, ear plugs if they feel they will help them to sleep. </p>

<p>When you fly from the US to UK, anything liquid must be put in a fastened clear plastic bag no bigger than 20cm by 20cm, so in there you can put a small amound of water, some small toiletries, liquid medications, etc. But I think flying to/from Italy, you are not permitted any liquid, gel, or cosmetics in your carry-on luggage, but you should check that. Also, I think the UK has some rule about purse or carry-on bag, not purse and carry-on bag, so it might be worth making sure she can fit her purse into the carry-on bag if neccessary. I would check all these rules for carry-ons the day before you go, so you are absolutely sure you have everything right.</p>