I thought that the original subject line, Jeans appropriate in Spain was pretty funny. Of course, jeans are totally international!!!! But it's definitely the BRAND, the WAY YOU WEAR THEM, and THE STYLE. i.e. how baggy as previous posters including MM mentioning his ladyfriend trying on US jeans saying they were too baggy. This is my take on Spanish ladies and their jeans..see if you fit in: (by the way, I consider myself to be a fashion plate..I was born to shop, and consider it a high priority on any trip!!
Here in Canada we are pretty conservative and if we try on a pair of jeans, that shows a bulge or a body part protruding out too much, we are not likely to buy them. BUT then spanish ladies, I find are alot like the Mexicans in fashion. REGARDLESS of their shape or size, they squeeze into their tight fitting, low slung, hip fitting jeans so they are so skin tight, you couldn't grab an inch of fabric if you tried.
I really feel that the Spanish are not as fixated on looks as we are. They don't starve themselves to look good. They accept the body they have and wear whatever fashion comes in, although it may not even suit them in our mind. They definitely dress more sexy and chic then us North Americans.
I found Zara a very trendy reasonably priced store and they are everywhere. If you're there for a few days, why not take some time to pick out a pair of jeans from the many trendy stores around the city. And when you bring them back home, you'll always be a season or 2, or 3 ahead and be the fashion leader.
And about that statement regarding shorts in October
hahaha!! I'm glad she passed on that thought real quickly. Firstly, yes you'll definitely look like a tourist. I went in May and it wasn't that hot. Stick with the dresses, casual pants / capris, jeans idea.