Tips on How to Dress Appropriately Abroad

I will voyage on the Queen Mary this summer and will have many opportunities to observe formal codes of attire, on board and while in Europe.

Whether traveling for business or for pleasure, it is important to dress appropriately when traveling abroad. Here are some tips to help you avoid fashion faux pas.

• Dress up, although comfortably, to travel - you'll get better service
• Don't go native
• Never visit a place of worship in shorts, jeans, T-shirt - it's disrespectful
• Even if jeans are acceptable (never for business), they must always be clean, in good repair and PRESSED!
• Shorts are almost never acceptable except at the beach or in Bermuda, and then they must be sufficiently long.
• For business, dress up and dress conservatively almost anywhere in the world
• Shoes
o forbidden in Muslim mosques & Buddhist temples
o never in Japanese homes or restaurants
o in Indonesian or Indian homes follow lead of host
• Slip-on shoes are not appropriate with business attire for men in Europe. However, slip-on shoes are ideal in Japan where you'll be taking them off and on.
• Don't remove your jacket in Europe or Latin America when wearing a suit
• Don't wear striped ties in Great Britain. They will look like imitation regimental stripes
• No green baseball caps in China - green hats used to be the sign of a cuckold
• The French, Argentines and Spaniards are very clothes conscious. Wear your finest conservative clothing.
• Italians have the concept of 'La Bella Figura', cutting a fine figure. There and in many other countries the way you dress is a sign of respect for yourself, the people you're dealing with and any organization you may represent.
• Belgium - wear your finest on Sundays
• In Muslim countries, standards of modestly require that the body be covered. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts buttoned to the neck.
• In conservative Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, neck jewelry is forbidden for men.
• Avoid wearing blue or white at social functions in Hong Kong. They are the colors of mourning.
• Don't wear leather, including belts, in India where the cow is sacred. This would be especially offensive when visiting a Hindu temple.
• When in doubt, always dress more conservatively than you think is necessary until you learn otherwise.

Remember, always do your homework to ensure your attire is appropriate when traveling to new cultures.