What kinds of clothing or behaviors might make a person stand out in London, Vienna, or Prague in ways that might affect the group, positively or negatively?
We leave for London in about a week! Which means we are trying to still figure out what to pack on our trip. We're there for about a month so you would think we need a lot. Well sorry to say we don't. We only need about 2-3 pairs of pants and 4-5 different shirts. I know what you're thinking: wearing the same clothes for a month? Yuck! Don't worry we get to wash them. As someone who is a major fashionista, this challenge is going to be hard for me, but not impossible. However, this means I also have to pay attention to what I am going to bring along with me and make sure it is appropriate. We are after all, a group of students, representing not only our school but in a way our country as well. We already know that Americans are stereotyped as being, well let's just say not appropriate. In order for us to change other people's perspective that not all Americans are like this, we need to establish what is appropriate clothing attire or behaviors that may or may not make a person stand out in Europe. So forget trying to rock a style you copied hot from the runway and just wear whatever you have in your closet. You're American, there are going to be some typical American things in your closet. But who cares? As long as its appropriate. Which means, ladies: no crop tops (unless you wear high waisted jeans with them and your stomach is not showing), no shirts that are too tight (this could also apply to men as well), no plunging necklines, no skirts, no dresses, and no heals. We are doing a lot of walking in London, so we need to wear what is comfortable, not what is stylish. For the men: no muscle tanks that are cut up way to much, no loose clothes that make you sag, and nothing provocative on your shirt. For both genders, do not wear any political shirts, anything with swear words on it, or anything you think might upset people otherwise it will make you stand out and most likely look very bad. As far as how you should act towards people: were in other countries. The things we say and do might be okay in America, but not okay in London, Prague, or Vienna. If you don't like how things are ran in that country, talk about it in private with someone else on the trip, do not start yelling at these people and begin to offend them. If the country we go to doesn't speak any English, make an attempt to learn basic phrases in their language. It's just common courtesy to be polite.
Your minimalist packing will be a great exercise in fashionista skill! You will get to really hone your style with a laser focus on what looks good and what multiple combinations you can make. You might consider adding blog posts about your fashion observations as we travel.
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