What to wear (or not wear) as a woman in Turkey?

[Anonymous]

It totally depends on where you are and who you are with. In Istanbul, pretty much anything goes, but outside of Istanbul, you may feel more comfortable in something slightly conservative. It also may vary by neighborhood even.

Personally, I would not wear leggings alone (though in fairness, I wouldn't do this in America, either). If you're really set on this, go out and buy a bunch of stretchy jersey-fabric skirts to wear over the top. It will cover you butt and make you feel a little more conservative. You could also get a bunch of comfy dresses or tunics.

Jeans or regular pants would probably be the best way to go.

It's mostly about your comfort, but it's generally just appropriate to be respectful to everyone and err on the side of a slightly more conservative outfit. Then you don't have to stress about going into a mosque if you want to on an excursion. I would personally feel most comfortable in "average" clothes like jeans and a t-shirt.

It can also be useful to wear a scarf around your neck -- it's fashionable and can double as extra cover if you find yourself in a situation where you want to cover your shoulders more or even your head (although in mosques this is pretty much always provided for you).

[Anonymous]

You want to blend in yet be yourself.
And you want to respect their culture, so you don't expose too much such as your shoulders and showing cleavages.
You are a foreigner to them and it's easy to spot you. You will get stared at and some unwanted sounds/words.
Once a while you will see women that are entirely covered and moving around the city. Then again, I don't know if they were women, they were all covered up from head to toes. Running? There's really no space for you to run in the street - it's pretty crowded. Go to the hotel gym if there's one. Always have a light long sleeve shirt with you. You never know when you might enter a 'sacred' area or place with a lot of locals.

And it's important not to be loud and obnoxious in public-I've seen these types. Not only is it annoying but embarrassing for other women.

It is a lovely city.