Are the capri pants as popular in northern Italy as in the US. I just want to fit in. I can take them or leave them just want to know. Thanks

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,

I haven't a clue, but haven't seen any of them except for a TV singer who was wearing the many-pockets version yesterday. They were extremely low-slung.
They were in last year. They were worn (skin tight, of course) with high heels and often wild socks, like multicolored stripes, to accentuate that they were high water pants. This year I am seeing pants that barely cover your crotch worn with shrunk tops, middle bare. They are tight tight tight through the hips and thighs and loose below that. They cover the shoes entirely. It isn't hot enough yet to have brought out the latest in summer clothes.
EVERYONE is wearing jeans with fake worn areas discolored variously. They discolor them in some of the strangest places, making it look like you spend a lot of time in odd positions. The discoloration is done in various colors, bronze being the latest.
Similarly, jeans shredded and with the shreds decorated are on top here, with beading being the preferred deco, but these are expensive and seen on the big spenders. They are often worn with sheer tops that are beaded to look shredded. Sometimes they wear lace tops that have a ruffle or a decoration just where decency requires it.
Fitting in is difficult, because clothing is worn so tight here that comfort is a lost dream. Even some overweight old ladies who should know better wear clothes tight like this. Transparency is prized and they even had a fashion show last week for transparent clothing for extra large sizes. Talking size 22 and up, here. You would have a hard time finding a woman from elsewhere with a bulgy tummy who would wear midriff and tummy baring fashions, but no problem finding that everywhere here.
A recent poll of men revealed that they prefer their women "in carne" which means with some weight on them.

I didn't see anyone over the past three weeks in Northern Italy or Rome wearing capris except women who looked like tourists. Mostly, the fashionable seemed to be wearing skintight jeans with the odd color patterns and big, big bell bottoms with incredibly uncomfortable looking heels or cowboy boots with long pointed toes.

I just want to know how Italian and French women can walk around in those shoes without being crippled? The skin tight jeans serve a very good purpose - they keep you from eating!

Don't worry about fitting in, ( Unless, you really want to wear skin tight clothing that you can see through )

For the most part it's really only the young that dress like this, so don't worry. Just where what you'll feel comfortable in and you'll be fine. I wore capri's a few times and I wasn't arrested, so go ahead!

LOL, Liz! I had no plans to wear skin tight and low slung pants--i did that when i was a teenager but not in my 40's!! I would not want to make anyone ill. thanks for the input.

I agree with Liz--the most important thing is to wear what you're comfortable with. I'm severely fashion-challenged (even capris are a little racy for me ), but it's fascinating to see what the latest thing is.

Shudder...I wish the age thing was true. I see women in their 50s wearing clothes like this. That's part of the cultural difference. I see it and hate it, they don't. My neighbor who is 60, small and trim, very fit, told me she doesn't wear pants because they make her look fat. Then one day she HAD to and I saw what she meant. A stick would look fat in pants 2 sizes too small!

Stephanie, the spring clothes are in and pedal pushers, short pants are everywhere. All styles.

Am I grateful for this forum!! We're doing about 2 weeks in Italy and Switzerland, June 19-July 8. I am trying very, very hard NOT to dress like an American, or to stand out too much. We have bought plain colors in pants, skirts and shirts from L.L. Bean, Travelsmith and elsewhere. Our shoes are European (Ecco, etc.)- no white Nikes, thank you.

I guess I'm kidding myself that I won't look like an American, but I'm trying to avoid obvious mistakes like obnoxious prints, loud colors, etc. I am bringing one pair of shorts (about 2" above my knees) and my husband is also bringing a pair. I'm thinking we'll look like stodgy Germans... We've heard NOT to wear shorts in Venice, but have little other guidance.