What to wear

[javajann]

We'll be in Belgium during May. We don't know what we should wear. We're both in good shape, but I'm 68 and my wife is 66.

[Host Ciao]

Ciao javajaan,
I read this Belgium post and the one on the France boards, and I believe I can help you some.
I am 66 years old and was in France in the summer of 2001. I was first on a sort of circle tour and then spent 11 days on my own in Paris with much walking. I also was in Bruges for a day.
It won't be as hot in May as it was in July I am sure. What I wore was either culottes or slacks.
I did not eat at any very fancy restaurants. Two other women on the tour and I went to a nice restaurant in Paris--white table cloths, a maitre d', etc. and we wore nice slacks and blouses. The men at this restaurant wore jackets.
I often ate at a cafe near my hotel to save my feet for sight seeing. The food was excellent, and the place was quite informal.
For sight seeing, be comfortable. I would say most of the men wore slacks and sport shirts of some kind. The women wore slacks or casual summer dressers. I did take a black blaser, which I had read was a good suggestion. But it was hot the night we went to the nice restaurant, and I didn't need it any other time. A blaser might be really fine in May though.
I hope these comments have helped some. Some day I will get back to Paris.
Enjoy http://messages.independenttraveler.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Host Ciao
Italy Board Moderator
Independent Traveler

[This message was edited by Host Ciao on 03-01-03 at 08:30 PM.]

[javajann]

Thanks for the information.

[Syrah]

You better pack all kinds of stuff, cause the weather can be really strange here, especially in May
Oh, and make sure you've a got a good raincoat ...

[mamaluma]

It's true that the weather in Belgium is very changeable most times of the year. I find that clothing I can layer--shirt, sweater, waterproof jacket--is the best, since I can remove layers as needed. It's best if the outermost layer is waterproof, shoes too.

[mamaluma]

I didn't get to finish. I like to blend in as much as possible when traveling. For me, that means very neutral clothing, not bright colors, not white. Shoes too. There are many styles of walking shoes that come in brown or black. White athletic shoes are the American's dead give-away! Also, black or brown shoes will serve me any time of day or night, so I can reduce the amount that I pack.