You know if you are an American tourist. You're the one bouncing down the cobblestone European streets in your blinding white marshmallow tennis shoes, your socks pulled up to your knees and your fanny pack strapped on tight with a T-shirt that proclaims in loud print: "I'm Not with Stupid Anymore."

OK, glad you moved onto bigger and better things, but now that you have your personal life worked out, chances are you could also improve the way you dress when you're out seeing the sights, too. You don't need to leave your sense of style at home when you take to the friendly skies or the open road.

Here are a few ways NOT to dress like the quintessential frumpy American tourist:

— Blast the Bling:

We've all been behind a few "fashionable" tourists in the security line at the airport. They take three or four rings off (one always seems to be stuck), they have on rows of necklaces (and, of course, they are the short ones that don't just pop up over your head) and they really don't want to take their nose ring out.

Please, if you can't bear to leave the jewelry at home, then pack it in a padded pouch and put it in your carry-on bag. We'd all appreciate it.

— Ban the Bag:

Speaking of padded pouches, another unnecessary accessory is the fanny pack. It's the pickpocket's dream. You've got it all right there for them to zip right through in a flash, while you're mesmerized and pointing your camera at the incredible ceilings of Versailles in a group of about 100 "tourists" — some of whom targeted you for an easy mark, the moment they read that you were not with stupid anymore.

My favorite traveling companion is a lightweight messenger bag with a flap and long strap that can be worn across your shoulders. That way, your hand can easily rest against the bag; you will definitely be aware if anyone else's sticky fingers venture into your territory.

— Deal with the Dress Code:

Don't become too casual. I know it's an American method to show up looking like you just rolled out of bed and forgot to comb your hair. We'd all like to run around in our pajamas all day, right? And I know you're on vacation, but if you show up at the bus for the tour of the French vineyard wearing short shorts and a tight T-shirt, then you're asking for trouble .. ditto for provocative halters and sheer tops. Just think what the ride home will be like after a few glasses of that famous bubbly!

It pays to know the dress code and weather of the locale you choose to visit, especially if it's a foreign country. Do some research and then add a little common sense. You may need to pack something other than your favorite jeans and shorts. Leave the Daisy Dukes at home for your next hayride. Guys, you might want to leave those flowered board shorts and shirts at home, too.

— Beware the Beach Bum (and buns!):

Unless you're a famous cartoon of a character like Maxine who touts baring it all at the beach, no matter your size or your age, you might want to consider covering it up for the benefit of other sun worshippers. There are many stylish ways to camouflage figure flaws — and, yes, 99 percent of us have them — and make life much more pleasant for everyone. No one wants to look at someone flaunting a flabby body in a tiny bikini. It just ain't right.

— Don't be a Heel:

You do need to wear comfortable shoes when you're on vacation, especially if you're intent on seeing all of Europe in three days. But who said that the shoes you wear have to look like something you ordered out of an orthopedic catalog? Or that your sneakers must resemble clunky boats fit for walking on water? No excuses here anymore, even for old hippies who still like to wear those sandals from the '60s. Now, you can find plenty of sleek walking shoes that will give you lots of support and style.

(set caption) Avoid letting it all hang out on the beach this summer. Instead be style-smart and dress to impress with a great cover-up. Photo courtesy of Lands' End (www.landsend.com). (end caption)

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.