The 10 Worst Fashion Mistakes You Make When Traveling

Dressing badly on vacation is usually done out of blissful ignorance rather than bad intentions. Knowing these common travel-outfit mistakes could keep even the most unfashionable world traveler in check.

Americans often dress more casually than people do in most other parts of the world. That habit can come off as a sign of disrespect, or even prevent you from being allowed into certain places. And it’s not just wearing sandals or lacking a suit jacket that you have to worry about.

On a recent business trip, one member of my group was asked to leave the rooftop restaurant we were all excited to see because he was breaking the dress code with his khaki shorts and Converse sneakers. We all had to leave, and I’m sure he learned his lesson about dressing for a night out in Europe. Most European cultures expect at least non-tennis shoes and long pants for men in more upscale restaurants.

Related:18 Things You Should Always Wear on a Plane

Nothing screams “tourist” more than a clunky pair of running sneakers paired with jeans in the name of comfort. You don’t need to look like you’re heading to the gym to save your feet from walking. This will, of course, vary from person to person depending on style preference and perhaps medical need, but lightweight shoes with a little bit of support usually go a long way. I prefer to stick to basics for my travel shoes. Classic, lightweight options like slip-on loafers or ankle boots will get the most use with an array of clothes, and can be transformed with the addition of simple drugstore insoles of your choosing if you want some extra cushion.

In fall or winter, a warm pair of sleek Chelsea boots works for both men and women and can transition from day to night. For warmer months, find a breathable slip-on like Allbirds loungers to avoid having bare feet on the plane. Sandals are packable: Throw a soft yet stylish pair like Sanuk’s Yoga Dawn TX sandals, which have yoga-mat insoles, into your suitcase.

Flip-flops are not shoes. Flip-flops are a travel tool that you should only pack in your beach bag for the walk from the hotel to the sand, or in your suitcase’s laundry compartment for use in grimy hostels or spa showers.

For hygiene’s sake, don’t be that person in the airport security line or on the plane wearing flip-flops. For safety’s sake, don’t wear them walking around unfamiliar city streets. They’re $5.99 at Old Navy for a reason: They shouldn’t be worn in public.

To me, this fashion mistake is more of a comfort issue than anything else. If you are going somewhere tropical, leave your puffer jacket at home. You’ll only be outside for the time it takes you to walk from your house to the car and the car to the airport, so it’s not worth lugging it around anyway. And if you are going somewhere cold, leave the shorts and tank tops at home.

While packing for the right climate is important, it brings up another point: Aren’t people who wear shorts on the plane freezing? Plane cabins are typically chilly, so covering up at least to the shins is a good idea. It might be hot outside the airport, but being comfortable on the plane should take priority, especially for long flights. Try relaxed pants that breathe but will still cover you, like Everlane’s Easy Pant, which are as unrestrictive as shorts.

Related:What Not to Wear on a Plane

Women visiting the Middle East are typically expected to be moderately covered, from their knees up to their shoulders. If you’re visiting during warmer weather, opt for light material, like linen pants, that you can dress up. A pashmina scarf is also a must-have to cover up before entering religious sites that might not allow you in otherwise. It’s a fashion mistake that could definitely ruin your sightseeing plans.

But it’s important to note that there are plenty of countries across the globe that also scrutinize certain types of revealing clothing. Buddhist cultures as well as Buddhist and Hindu temples and Christian churches, typically expect women to cover up, and the shorter shorts that are widely accepted in the U.S. might not be a good idea in more traditional and/or religious parts of Europe, South America, Africa, and beyond.

In heavily Catholic Spain, wearing shorts or short skirts on certain holy days, like Easter and during week-long Semana Santa festivities, is considered disrespectful. And before the temperature rises to a reasonable point, even open-toe sandals or men’s tank tops can be considered uncouth. Learning this the hard way myself when I lived and studied in the South of Spain, I put my summer clothing back into my closet until the forecast hit a consistent range of mid-80s Fahrenheit. Make sure you pack at least one back-up option, like longer shorts for women and collared short-sleeve shirts for men.

It’s a good idea to leave shirts with political slogans, designer logos, or even sports team names at home if you don’t want to be approached about them. Arguing about politics and other controversial topics like religion, money, and sports rivalries might be more culturally unacceptable than you’d think in your destination, and wearing your opinions on your chest could make you a target for those who want to air some grievances. Plus, your travel photos will look better without huge logos or letters distracting from the scenic background.

Unless you’re commuting to class or work, there’s no reason any grown adult should be toting around a huge backpack on an average day out. Travel backpacks in particular can get huge and become a hassle for everyone around you, especially if you’re taking busy public transit or heading to a crowded tourist attraction.

Stash your travel backpack somewhere, anywhere, whether it’s at a hotel front desk for a decent tip or in an airport locker for a small fee. A small cross-body purse or a belt bag that embraces the fanny pack trend can fit all your necessities, and will be a lot more secure when it comes to pickpockets. Museums and other sites usually won’t let you in with a big bag anyway, so you could be missing out on some must-see stops if you make this fashion mistake.

Related:The Ultimate European Packing List

Athleisure can be a cool and comfortable way to fly, but suiting up in activewear for a day out on the town can be a good way to be pegged as an ugly American. Leave the hoodie and running shoes in the hotel room and opt instead for classic staples made from high-performance material.

A stylish, yet waterproof jacket like Rainout Sutro Trench from Athleta is an investment you’ll wear everywhere, with a loose fit that can be layered for different types of weather. For men, the Cyclone Trench Coat from Public Rec is similarly water resistant. And instead of track pants and running shoes, comfortable travel jeans and a streamlined sneaker, like Mark Nason Nash lace-ups, are just as lightweight and cozy.

Flashy jewelry and designer labels can attract unwanted attention from scammers or thieves. While you might like to make a statement, and if jewelry is important to you, that’s ok, but try to tone it down a bit while traveling. Understated accessories are safer, especially in high-risk areas known for pickpockets.

While matching shirts are great for keeping your group together and easily finding the other people in your group, they also announce to the world that “WE’RE TOURISTS!!!” Instead, coordinate with a small accessory, such as a colored hat or a discreet yet noticeable bracelet.

SmarterTravel Editor Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel. Follow her on Instagram at @shanmcmahon for travel insight and more.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.