Fashion don'ts in Caracas - Part two

The other day, I saw a gentleman get out of the elevator in my building wearing no shirt, swim trunks and no shoes. Guess where he was from?

Yes, a new American family has moved in and this guy didn’t waste any time getting comfortable. Granted, he was heading to the pool, but that is just something you never see done here. From my
first trip here, I noticed how the people on my flight – mainly
Venezuelans – were dressed casually, but chic. The men wore nicely
fitted jeans with loafers and the women also spruced up their outfits
with blouses (as opposed to t-shirts) and accessories. This was a
welcomed change because I’ve traveled with Americans who wore pajamas
and never understood the rationale behind that.

Which brings me to something people, especially Americans, should be prepared for when visiting Caracas – the effort Venezuelans put into their appearance. Aside from the excessive plastic surgery, Venezuelans
look nice everywhere they go. At the supermarket, I never see a woman
who looks like they are making a quick stop because they forgot
something. Everyone looks as though they got ready to go to the store – makeup and all. It’s nice to look at, but a pain in which to have to take part.

I don’t think I was at all a slob before coming here, but somehow my regular jeans and t-shirt made me stick out like a sore thumb. I didn’t change my entire wardrobe, I just re-coordinated my outfits. For
instance, if I am going to wear jeans, I pick a nice blouse and add some
accessories. I will never be one to forgo comfort for style, but these
changes have been relatively easy and I always feel like I’m a little
dressed up.

So, even though the clothes are tighter than what I’m accustomed to, Venezuelans are always impeccably put together and there’s definitely wrong with that.

Photo credits: Selenademi920 and NeoGaboX via Flickr