Guest Author - Yvonne Scott

Nothing screams "hey, ignore me¡¨ in some other parts of the globe like a pair of Tevas dangling below faded cutoffs and a Goretex hoodie while seated at the only table for one left in the only cramped and smoky Greek taverna you¡¦ve found high above Kalamata. As a frequent solitary guest in many a local cocina throughout southern Europe, I quickly learned that my laidback, American attitude toward the wardrobe was not as appreciated by everyone I encountered. And a lack of style could certainly send waiters and bussers scurrying past me for as long as possible.

Things have changed somewhat since I learned the rules for dinner dressing in that tiny Greek village over a decade ago. It didn¡¦t take me long to realize that the clothes I brought for comfort and their sweat-hiding abilities were annoying my new acquaintances. Today I'd ditch the cutoffs. And probably the Teva's if I could. Since that day back in 1993, I have made every effort to educate myself about the local customs of the people I intend to visit and match my clothing appropriately.

Assuming that all of you want to feel included not excluded wherever you land, especially when hungry and thirsty, let¡¦s go over some basic ground rules of clothing etiquette while visiting most of Europe:

„X Bring a skirt and blouse or one outfit that makes you look like a rather ordinary matron-type and wear it whenever you¡¦re uncertain about the local rules. It may also work to disgust the sleazier forms of attention.
„X Cover your head in any church, cathedral, mosque or temple. Just to be safe. The headscarf can also double as a shawl for cool evenings.
„X Cover your legs as above.
„X Stow your flip-flops for the beach or going to the shower. Stuff a pair of comfortable flats in your bag to provide a dressy change for evenings, dinner or nighttime activities.
„X Limit the amount of flesh you expose not just to wandering eyes but to wayward mosquitoes, flies and ants¡Xand sun. No, Europeans aren¡¦t prudes. They do, however, have a style of dressing that exudes class, comfort and style most Americans can¡¦t imitate but we don¡¦t have to flaunt our bad taste on the people giving us shelter, food, entertainment and transportation.
„X Leave your backpacks and fanny packs at the hostel or hotel. Instead, conceal your passport and money in a small money pouch inside your clothes or in small bag slung across your chest when you dine out in local restaurants. „X Imitate the local women¡¦s dress as much as you feel comfortable doing so without insulting them.
„X Save the loud colors, designer label t-shirts and tube socks for Hawaii or the Caribbean or the superbowl.
„X Wear deodorant. I realize this isn¡¦t considered a necessity for people in some parts of the globe, but a roomful of warm armpits in a restaurant in France or Italy can be downright appetite killing. Don¡¦t add to it.


Dressing up for dinner is a wonderful way to spice up the end of a day full of a few too many museums or stone ruins. And who knows? That simple navy dress and matching flats might just be your ticket to better meal service and a few turned heads!