Anonymous wrote:It’s interesting to note that these snobs miss the point of being a tourist. It means: you are not going to work in a cubicle. You are not grocery shopping with your string bag. You are walking around all day. No tall heels. And yes you are happy and smiling because … you are on vacation.

I spent a week in the London business district for work (at a large international firm primarily with staff from the UK), and I can report that the UK staff looked like American staff. Same clothing. Commuting in flats or sneakers. Nobody was more posh or cultured. Plenty of flabby men and women in suits. The primary difference? Skinny pants on men and smoking.

Re: others I encountered in the UK and France while commuting - nobody is dressed fancier than Americans. I chuckle when dcum travel threads say you shouldn’t wear sneakers or shorts abroad. It’s fine.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:North Face and Patagonia

My European friends who are outdoorsy wear these too. They mix them with their home brands... Deuter, Mammoth, Rab, etc

I needed a black puffer vest, but didn't have one in mind. I just knew i didn't want patagonia, NF, marmot. I ended up with a Swedish brand because it didnt have their name anywhere on it.

Daisy Duke jeans and cowboy boots

Anonymous wrote:American women (at least the well-dressed ones) are much more athletic than their European counterparts, which is IMO why they tend to dress to accentuate those assets. Rich women here are much more “curated“ (toned from the gym, tanned from the salon, hair blow-dried, teeth perfect, etc.) than where I grew up. But Europe is catching up, especially on the Botox and lip plumping.

Agree with this wholeheartedly. I am fit /workout daily but have a natural look (little makeup no Botox). I don’t feel “curated” here at home, but did feel more curated compared to women in Berlin,m. They get their “exercise” through daily activity instead of a real workout.

Anonymous wrote:I'm surprised no one has mentioned obesity.

I can pick out the Americans by their morbid obesity.

It is rare that Americans are not overweight.

Not so much in big cities, IMO. It’s definitely a class/status symbol to be fit, especially for American women.

I was told my aviator sunglasses gave me away.