Proper attire while in Cali

#1 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 03:54 PM

I don't want to be a bullseye for a possible bandit, so I have a question. How should you dress while in Cali? Nice slacks, starched shirt, nice shoes? Jeans, polo shirts, ****'s? Shorts and T-shirt?

I would assume if you were going out to eat at night restaurant or disco, dress nicely. But how do you dress for a day at the mall, a sight seeing tour, or visiting her family?

And no, I don't mean the kind of shorts my high school gym teacher used to wear, cargo shorts! [img]smile.gif[/img]

LastLion · #2 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 04:15 PM

I found Cali laid back! I saw many people in shirts and t-shirts! I take a casual/ formal style! Jeans, polos, nice shirts , nice shoes, ! I also have an outfit fo dancing and a pair of shorts!

I think the plaid shirt, khaki shorts and BLACK SOCKS !!!would be a mistake though!

and on that same level nice pants, nice shirt and white sport socks!

#3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 04:46 PM

How about a sandals/knee high sock combo with shorts and a wife beater? [img]redface.gif[/img]

rpcv · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bundy:
How about a sandals/knee high sock combo with shorts and a wife beater? [img]redface.gif[/img]

Actually, when I was in Cali I met a guy from Texas who at the time wore a white t-shirt with gold chains and gym shorts. If this was not enough, he also spoke in a loud voice, without any regard to his pronouciation of Spanish words. Needless to say we only hung out that one time.

Now, my Spanish speaking ability is limited but at least I make an genuine effort.

As far as clothes, I think jeans or slacks, black shoes, and t-shirts with a collar are ok. From what I've seen, all Colombians tend to dress well.

Cubafro · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 07:44 PM

Good question bundy, and in the row I`m wondering about the dressing code while in BAQ, bogota

thanks for the replies

CUBA [img]smile.gif[/img]

Clay · #6 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 12:51 AM

Does that person from texas speak spanish with a southern drawl and work on oil rigs?
Did you see him pinch any girls on the ass when he was drunk?

Sailover · #7 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 08:31 AM

The key during the day is to blend in. How many locals do you see in shorts during the week? That should be a clue. When I see some geek at Chipichapi at lunch time in his gym shorts, Hard Rock Berlin t-shirt and sandals with socks standing at the ATM, I just look for the target on his back.
Long pants, even though it is hot, a button down shirt and athletic shoes seems fine.

#8 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 09:16 AM

Sailover...Good advise! Makes sense to "blend in". I guess I could bring a few nice sets of clothes and just see what everyone else is wearing. I just didn't think it would matter if I was out on a site seeing tour and decided to wear a pair of shorts. Isn't it hot there?? I don't want to be sweaty and smell like a**!

I guess the best thing to do would be to pack lightly and have your cita take you shopping. (well...show you where the shops are, if you can get her to pay, you get three gold stars [img]smile.gif[/img] I would assume you could get great bargins on clothes there, but then again, I have never been!

Opinions?

Robert · #9 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 12:23 PM

Bundy - I would go with sailover's advice. Name brand clothers cost as much and more than they do here in the USA. I always tell people to pack light and buy anything you may have forgotten once you are there.

Sailover · #10 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 07:50 AM

Decent clothes are actually inexpensive. Go to Arturo Calle. There is one in every mall. Everything from sport stuff to nice suits. Good stuff and great prices. 'Dress casual' will work nearly anywhere except the clubs, and there you better look like Diamond Jimbo because everyone else will. It IS hot, but shorts during the week will be a dead givaway. (dead, being the operative word). Sure, you see them, but not on the locals. (unless worn by fat narcos)