Plus Size Sightseeing Outfits
Posted by Jen Anderson on
I've spent most of my life living in cities that attract loads of tourists. As a result, I have laid eyes on many fanny packs, my friends. Also denim shorts (even when they were out of style), ill fitting t-shirts, gleaming white sneakers, and matching ill fitting t-shirts. I've seen so many people dressed like the stereotypical American tourist that I have often wanted to mug them just on principle.
But Jen, what about "you do you"? When doing you makes you a target of con artists and pick pockets, you need to reinvent yourself. Besides, think of the pictures. Did you really go all the way to Paris just to be photographed in front of the Eiffel Tower in a baseball jersey and cargo jorts?
Pick the Right Footwear
Our models are almost always photographed in high heels. Let's leave that to the professionals. But here's the thing about sneakers - they're not the best walking shoes either.
In college I did the usual semester in Europe (it was so beautiful, changed my life, blah blah blah), complete with guided tours all over the French countryside. My Doc Marten oxfords outperformed my friends' sneakers every trip. (And before you say "but my knees..." I was born with bad ankles and badly injured me knees when I was 11, so I know a good shoe when I wear it.)
If Docs are too punk for you, try Clarks for adorable but supportive shoes.
Layers Are Your Friend
Wearing a vest over a top or an open camp shirt over a dress makes for a very stylish look. You don't have to add funky earrings, a chunky necklace, or a darling handbag. The layers do the work for you.
Sightseeing means you're going to be going in and out of a lot of places - some will be pleasantly cool, others will suffer from an overenthusiastic furnace or air conditioner. Layers let you adjust quickly.
Play With Prints
Your office may be too conservative for exuberant prints. Or any prints. Vacation is the perfect opportunity to cut loose and wear something more fun than usual. If you're hesitant to wear prints at all (like many plus size women), give it a try when sightseeing. It's hard to feel like everyone is looking at you when the Statue of Liberty is right there.
Don't Worry About Being Too Dressy
The outfits pictured are nice enough to wear to a restaurant. But if you wore those exact outfits into a chain sandwich shop, you wouldn't look out of place. Remember, you're surrounded by people on their lunch break from work.
But I Need My Fanny Pack
OK, fine. I'm not going to die on this hill. But - if you're not paying attention, a pickpocket actually could remove your fanny pack without you noticing. A cross body bag will keep your valuables close and aware of where your wallet is. Just google "plus size cross body bags" since you're going to need the extra length in the strap.
Style Can Be Comfortable
In fact, you and I both know that Vikki Vi Classics are more comfortable than those shorts you wore on your last trip. You want to focus all your attention on Big Ben. A waistband that digs into your middle is a distraction you don't need.
Another great article ( both last week’s and this week’s.) Thanks Jen ! You always make me want to start scheduling my next trip !
Even better than a standard cross-body purse, especially for cities notorious for pickpockets, get a PacSafe bag. They have metal mesh to prevent pickpockets from cutting the strap or the bottom of the purse/backpack and secure fasteners for flaps and zippers to prevent surreptitious opening of the bag. Just google PacSafe on Amazon and you’ll find everything from handbags to shoulder bags and compact and large backpacks (I find a compact backpack is much kinder to my back muscles than is even a cross body bag).
Very informative blog about being a tourist!
I have found that SAS brand shoes are also a very comfortable shoe when a lot of walking is involved. They have a lot of styles to choose from. Expensive but worth it.