How to Dress Like a Tourist

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Tacky tourist outfits and costumes for Halloween or dress-up day

Co-authored by Neepa Sikdar and Amber Crain

Last Updated: December 15, 2022

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Tops

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Bottoms

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Accessories

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Q&A

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Tips

Dressing like a tourist is easy! A bright Hawaiian shirt is a classic look, but neon prints and souvenir t-shirts are also great shirt options. For bottoms, definitely go with khaki shorts or cargo shorts. Slip into a pair of white crew socks and strap your sandals over them to create an iconic tourist vibe. Don’t forget accessories like fanny packs, leis, straw hats, and multiple cameras to tie your look together!

Things You Should Know

Wearing a Hawaiian shirt is a classic way to stand out as a tourist. You could also pick a graphic T-shirt or a shirt with a loud, vibrant print.
Go for bottoms like khakis or cargo shorts. For a more tropical vacation vibe, opt for a colorful sarong.
Hold your items in a fanny pack and throw on some socks with sandals to complete the look.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Tops

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1
Slip on a bright Hawaiian shirt. A short-sleeved button up featuring a loud floral print is the ultimate tourist look! These shirts are typically worn when vacationing in tropical places, but you’ll likely exude a tourist vibe no matter where you wear it. The brighter the floral pattern, the better.^{[1]
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- For example, try a shirt with a bright red and purple floral print.
- If you can find something with neon colors, go with that!
- A trick with florals is to choose them according to your height--for a petite size person, choose small floral prints; for average height, choose a medium floral print; and for plus size, larger or tall, choose a large floral print.
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Try a tank top or shirt that promotes a popular vacation spot instead. A brightly colored tank top with “Hawaii” emblazoned across the front will definitely alert everyone that you’re a tourist – especially if you’re in Hawaii! Any souvenir T-shirt with the name of a big city written across the front will do the trick for this tourist look.^{[2]
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- You could also go with something that promotes a popular company that caters to tourists, like Señor Frog’s or Hard Rock Café.
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Wear a T-shirt that advertises your high school or college sports team. Nothing says “tourist” more than a shirt that announces to everyone that you’re from somewhere else! Any high school related T-shirt, especially for sports teams and extracurricular activities, is a great choice.^{[3]
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- Bonus points if the name of your hometown is written right on the shirt!
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Opt for any shirt with a vibrant print. Floral prints are classic, but bright plaids or animal prints are also popular with tourists. Anything eye-catching and slightly awkward works perfectly!
- Try an over-sized plaid button-up with short sleeves in the brightest colors you can find.
- A neon tie-dye top is also a great choice.
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Wear a swim suit top as outerwear to a costume party. If you’re feeling daring and don’t mind showing a little skin, wearing a bikini top will definitely create the impression that you’re on a tropical vacation. A 1-piece swim suit will also work! Go with a suit in a bright color or floral print.
- Wrap a sarong around your waist and slip into a pair of flip-flops to complete your outfit.

Part 2

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Bottoms

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Wear khaki shorts for a classic take on the look. Khaki shorts are a signature tourist choice! Don’t choose a nice pair of tasteful khakis, though. To really nail the tourist vibe, it’s best if your khaki shorts are awkward in some way. Go with a pair that is too long or too short, or try a pair that is noticeably tight or super baggy.
- Pair your khaki shorts with an oversized Hawaiian shirt for an iconic tourist look.
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Put on a pair of high-waisted “mom-style” bottoms instead. Jeans and khakis both work well for this, as long as they’re high-waisted. Don’t forget to tuck in your shirt, of course! Cinch your waist with a brightly colored belt to further emphasize the look.
- Tuck a pink tank top with “Hawaii” scrawled on the front into a pair of mom-style, knee-length khaki shorts and you’re all set!
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Wear cargo pants if you want to include lots of accessories. Tourists love cargo pants because they can load the little pockets down with everything they need while they’re sight-seeing. Grab a pair of cargo pants or cargo shorts and stuff your pockets with items like folded maps, sunglasses, sunblock, chapstick, and your trusty disposable camera.
- You can go with any color, but khaki or tan cargos would be very authentic.
- Cargo skirts are another option you might prefer. Just be aware that they're not the most flattering style for skirts because their bulky pockets stick out. You'll also need to opt for a top that hits at your waist, you don't want to add bulk by tucking things in.
Floral prints and neon colors are perfect choices. Knot the sarong at your hip and pair it with a souvenir tank top or your swimsuit top. Slip into sandals or flip-flops and you're good to go!

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Accessories

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Strap on a fanny pack. No tourist outfit is complete without a fanny pack around your waist. Be sure to get one that’s neon pink or yellow to make it as visible as possible. Load your fanny pack down with classic tourist accessories like sunblock and a disposable camera for additional realism.
- Strap on a second fanny pack for extra oomph.
- If you can’t get your hands on a fanny pack, an overstuffed backpack will also do the trick.^{[4]
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To really amplify things, pair the socks and sandals with your khaki shorts. If you don’t have sandals or loafers, white tennis shoes also work well. Make sure you pull those crew socks all the way up to your knees!^{[5]
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Dangle an oversized camera from a strap around your neck. Better yet, strap on 2 of them, or pop your second camera onto the end of a selfie stick. The more cameras, the better! For good measure, carry a disposable one in one of your cargo pockets or fanny pack, too.
- Strap on an old-school camcorder for a retro tourist vibe.
- Keep one of your cameras in your hands at all times. Photograph everything excessively, of course!
Go with something oversized and silly. If you can’t get your hands on a straw or safari hat, try a faded baseball cap instead. Preferably a neon cap made of shiny nylon! However, any hat with a sun shield or wide brim will get the point across.
Definitely go with bright-colored leis, and don’t limit yourself to just 1! Put on 2 or 3 of them. You can usually buy plastic leis at craft stores, costume shops, or online. Opt for colors that clash with your outfit to really stand out!^{[6]
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Question

I don't have any Hawaiian stuff, how do I dress like a tacky tourist?

Community Answer

You can wear some accessories like sun glasses, scarves, and a satchel. If you have any patterned button down shirts, wear that instead of a Hawaiian shirt. Pair it with khakis or tan shorts for the classic look.

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How could I improve this outfit?

Community Answer

To dress as a tourist, simply wear a lot of shorts, sunglasses and other things the locals wouldn't usually wear.

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Question

At my school we are not allowed to wear hats, and it's winter so I can't wear shorts. Any ideas?

Community Answer

It's not going to be convincing to dress like a tourist in school. You can dress like a tourist when you visit cultural monuments, museums, etc.

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Tips

Try a floral sundress or jumpsuit to create a slightly different look.

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Wear a pair of binoculars around your neck for an added dimension.

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Wear a pair of oversized sunglasses to complete your outfit.

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