Expert: Juan Carlos Valencia - 1/15/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I know this question has been asked before, but it was asked a couple years back. I'm going to Bogota, Colombia in a few weeks with boyfriend to meet family.  I would like to know what type of clothing young Colombian women wear (ages 25-35) please help me.  I don't want to be a laughing stock.  Thank you for your help in advance.

ANSWER: Hey Ashley

So you are about to "meet the family" ? I understand that you want to feel well dressed and do not be a laughing stock.

Fisrt of all you have to know that modern western clothing is the style common throught latinamerican cities nowadays, so what you will dress in New York or Madrid will look O.K in Bogota.

Second, Bogota is fairly cool. It´s very high on top of the Andes and although global warming has raised the temperatures, the city is still cooler than most of the country, so be prepared for a high temperature of 22*C (around 65*F) at noon and as low as 5*C (45*F) at midnight.

A young woman in Bogota would look O.K with jeans, black leather boots (high heels are no widely used here although some women do use them), cotton shirts and a leather jacket.

http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/Basketweave-Leather-Jacket.aspx?PfId=110325&De

That would be good for most ocasions.

If you have a formal dark suit with  short skirt and dark nylon pantyhose, that could be an option for more formal outings.

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/outfit.jsp?ensembleId=2168&N=1200048&pCateg

Snickers, jeans and t-shirts with a jean jacket would do for going to tourist attractions, short trips around or outside the city.

Bring some light sweaters in case the wind is blowing and maybe a cap for the sun, it can be very strong at this height above sea level.

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/outfit.jsp?ensembleId=2176&N=1200050&pCateg

As for formal woman dresses, bring one in case you are planning to attend some elegant party, otherwise you would be O.K with the mentioned outfits.

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/outfit.jsp?ensembleId=2215&N=1200049&pCateg

I hope that this helps !

JCV

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, thank you very much for this info. I've done quite a bit of reading to find the answer to my question. I've found that most people say Colombian women like to reveal their bodies. Is this true? Should I plan to show cleavage or keep them concealed..haha.

Answer
Ashley,

most of the population of Colombia lives in warm, tropical or even hot coastal areas so women there tend to reveal their bodies.

As I told you, Bogota is different because of the altitude. I would suggest that you stick to more formal clothing as suggested in my message. You would make a better impression.

Saludos

JCV