Honeycomb

I'm planning a vacation to the UK in May. While I am definitely proud to be American, I prefer not to be obvious because of the world situation. I'm wondering how to dress<BR>without appearing too American. I wear a lot of bright colors but I've heard that the English usually wear dark or more somber tones and NO athletic shoes. Any suggestions?

haddy

I'm a Brit who lives in America.Don't worry about looking American.No one is going to be able to tell where you come from just by the way you dress.People in the UK DO wear athletic shoes and bright colours.<BR>Even if people know you are American it won't matter to them as long as you are a nice polite person it does not matter where you are from.Please remember that we are your friends.<BR>I would suggest you wear what you feel most comfortable in and just be yourself.<BR>I hope you have a wonderful trip.

Honeycomb

Haddy, as I said I am proud of being American and I definitely know that the British are our friends. All I have to do is turn on the news!! That's why I'm concerned about traveling abroad at this time. Maybe you can help me with the type attire I will need for early May. Our plans include some time spent in all the UK - England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Is early May typically cool or warm? We don't plan to need anything formal - just casual.

gocats2002

I think people should wear urban camoflage to blend in. That would be greyish, I'm sure, with the blur of a car passing, maybe a little smoke drifting across the 'flage. Shoes....concrete color for sure. Noone will even see you!

Marilyn

May is such a lovely month for traveling, but the one disadvantage is the weather. If you are lucky, it will be mild, but it will certainly be cool in Scotland and it is very likely to rain at some point, possibly often. On the other hand, you could have really warm weather as well. My recommendation is to dress in layers. (We are experts at that here in San Francisco.)<BR><BR>Take a few T-shirts or whatever you wear that is equivalent, and maybe a couple of long-sleeved shirts that can be worn by themselves or jacket-like over a T. I would also take a sweater and a light raincoat, and an umbrella. <BR><BR>When you get your clothes assembled, ask yourself 2 questions. What's the warmest you can be if the weather is chilly? Do you have enough lightweight clothes for a few days of warm weather?

American_Traveler

I prefer to blend because I don't like to look like a tourist. You'll be fine with walking shoes, but they do seem to favor the dark colors. Leave the shirts with team names on them at home. No baseball caps or cowboy hats. <BR><BR>I know this may sound stupid, but walk like you own the place. With confidence, (but not arrogance) is what I mean.<BR><BR>Other than that, my normal attire kept me amongst the locals in the U.K. In fact, in each of the four times I've been there, I've been asked for directions every time, including by a London Bobbie!<BR><BR>You love the U.K.

Honeycomb

Haddie and American Traveler: Thanks for the tips. I think American Traveler hit the nail on the head by not wanting to look too much like a tourist (of course the camera may give me away!). That's what I was clumsily trying to ask.

Hiroshi

The British dress a bit more American than Europeans. On the other hand, some have said that the UK is not part of Europe!<BR><BR>(Regarding that, I don't argue. I merely say &quot;I enjoyed my visit to Europe and the UK&quot;. The people who think that the UK is not Europe are happy and others usually don't notice it. I personally think that the UK is geographically part of Europe but is a bit separate. That might be why the Germans respected the British during the War but not the French or Belgians)

Angelika

Honeycomb,<BR>I disagree somewhat that people cannot tell where others come from because of their style of dress. Often I think we can often tell those from the US and other Europeans (particularly Germans) from their style of dress and their whole demeanor. It is not true that the British wear sombre colours, more so in Paris. We also wear trainers (although usually when jogging!) and bright colours.<BR>I do not think you need to have any worries about being seen as an American in the UK though. The majority of people can distinquish between the US government and the US public. <BR>I hope you enjoy your trip very much, it is a beautiful and weloming country, take time to travel away from London and the capitals and don't miss York and the Lake District.

Heimdall

Let me be flippant for a moment, and say that yes, May is typically cool or warm, often both on the same day. We have just had the sunniest March on record, and as I sit by my window today, April 1st, I am watching the first raindrops fall for nearly a month.<BR><BR>As for dress, don't worry too much, but bring clothing for both cool and warm weather. Londoners tend to dress a bit more formally than people in the country (anywhere outside London), and most of the people you see will be dressed for work during the day. It doesn't really matter what you wear, but if you are likely to be self-consious, go smart casual, choose clothes in shades of blue and grey, and wear good shoes.<BR><BR>In the country many people wear outdoor clothing in green and brown shades. As far as athletic shoes go, most English people do wear them - the point is, they wear them with other athletic clothing, not as part of a go-to-town outfit. So if you want to blend in, dress for the occasion - athletic clothing for sports and outdoor activities, and smarter clothes for shopping, visiting museums, dining and going to the theatre.

lukel

Of course we can tell Americans from their appearance and style of dress. We don't appreciate the fashions much but you're not likely to get treated differently. You won't pass as British anyway, so I wouldn't be too bothered. If you're interested in English clothing, wait till you arrive then visit a few shops, Marks and Spencers for example. Then you can buy something truly 'British', and the shopping trip may be an entertaining tourist experience.<BR><BR>I'm not sure that 'walking as though you own the street' is very good advice though.