Originally Posted by
powerful pete
Honestly, as a foreigner in a country often visited by Americans (Italy), just be yourself, polite and don't raise the volume of you voice in English when speaking to the natives (and yes, I have seen Italians do the same in the US - no, speaking Italian slower and louder will not help the lady in Macys understand you).
The bits about white sneakers or crocs are just basic style. Be comfortable but decent. Again, be polite and don't draw unwanted attention to yourself. It will be fine - Americans are usually liked - they are nice,
good tippers and appreciative.
Without wanting to turn this into one of
those threads, here's another things that can make an American stand out like a sore thumb - flinging money around with no attention or respect of local customs. In its worst instances it just looks crass and ugly, and over long periods of time messes things up for other travelers and locals alike.