I keep seeing this word "pijo" around. Is it slang? What does it mean?

Pijo refers to "stuck-up" and usually a person who is rich or acts like they are rich. When Spaniards imitate a pijo/a they usually speak in a conceited tone. Pijada is one of my favorite words... (think of it as the stereotypical sorority girl way of acting).

My summer wardrobe consists of spaghetti- strapped tanks and skirts (in the heat, pants for me are out of the question unless they are loose-fitting linen). Fitted linen dresses are also cool and comfortable. I also wear leather sandals (camper) and also have some others with heels. Plastic shoes (flip flops) aren't really seen in the cities...the beach is a totally different story. Fashion tennis are also a good choice, especially if you are touring a lot. For socks I choose the very low ones.

I actually saw an española once who was so color-coordinated that her tanga (thong) peeking out over her low-cut jeans matched her belt, matched her tank top, and matched her shoes!

Eduardo,

Well of course thongs are supposed to match everything else! Aren't they almost just as visible? No question about it!

I'm pretty off topic but I think all the information you need is on here but when I was shopping in Spain you can buy pants with the thong inside the pants, liek connected so it's matched and that the thong is out and showing. ha gotta love it

I wanted to just highlight what nevado said about flip flops. Thats probably the reason you were getting looks. They are thought of as for the beach or around your house but NOT for the "calle". And I agree with misspom that for 20 and 30somethingss the fashions are not that different in NYC and Madrid. BUT, if it is considered casual in the US its maybe too casual here.
Ah, and remember, if the temp is around 70F, the locals may still be wearing long sleeves and if you are in a tank top people will be looking at you thinking.. When the sun goes down that girl is going to freeze!!

Ha so very true. I've lived in Wisconsin my entire life, and when I moved to Madrid my first thought was "wow, it's so nice and mild here during the winter". The second week I was there, it "snowed" (really, just a few flakes...the temp was still in the upper 40's). All the madrilenos were in giant parkas and hats and scarves and I was walking around in a long sleeved shirt and light jacket.

And, re: what I posted before about clothes...I didn't mean to imply that EVERY spaniard was compeltely fashionable and that an American would be completely out of place. Since I attended ICADE and lived in the Argulles/Moncloa ara, I was kind of on the upper end as far as fashions I saw on a daily basis. Here in the states, I'm a pretty casual dresser, but in Madrid I just didn't feel comfortable going to class in jeans and a hoodie because I knew I stuck out like a sore thumb.

I think the moral of the story is just wear what you find comfortable. But try to stay away from those oversized t-shirts that say 'proud to be an American"...

Thanks everyone for all the info. I decided to bring what I own, but save the flip flops for the beach.