Authorities in the Flemish-resort town of Knokke-Heist have resorted to painting dress code suggestions onto the pavement in an attempt to encourage beach dwellers to don a more suitable attire as they leave the waves behind and stroll into town.
Markings with pictograms suggesting appropriate attires and accompanied with the word "dress code" (in English) have been painted onto the pavement of one of Belgium's most affluent seaside resorts, located along the border with the Netherlands.
The illustrations suggest holidaymakers swap out their bikinis and swimming trunks for light shirts and dresses, and high-heeled shoes are painted in opposition to flip-flops.
"Some people clearly have not received the education needed to understand that you are not supposed to stroll down Lippenslaan with no shirt on, in a bathing suit, or in flip-flops," town councillor Anthony Wittesaele told De Standaard.
Local authorities opted for the measure after many town residents complained about a perceived lack of decorum displayed by some tourists' "overly relaxed" attires, according to Le Soir.
The eye-catching pictograms are nevertheless not enforceable and have been painted merely as a suggestion, according to the councillor.
"It's not obligatory," he said, adding that Knokke was "not elitist" but wanted to ensure its holiday resort remained a "quality" destination.
Gabriela Galindo
The Brussels Times
