jet_gypsy

Help. I have been to Paris several times. Just got back from a fairly cold trip last month or so (mid-March) and I was surprised that the women really were wearing all black. Yes, there were a few touches of gray, white, brown, etc, but in March, I felt out of place when I wasn't wearing mostly black. No, not my imagination.

I'm 58. I don't wear jeans. My two daughters are coming along (mid twenties) and they can wear jeans or anything as long as they look reasonable. Am I going to look like I'm in mourning if I wear all black (or almost all black) in June?

I realize that black is practical. I will, of course, throw some black outfits in my bag. I know that August / September is lighter, more summery...but the middle of June? Any ideas?

I'm a dress person (and hat person). Black dresses? Colored dresses? Both?

GoodLuckGirl

Dear jet_gypsy,
No, it is not your imagination. Most Parisians and Italians in the major cities wear black. Even in the summer, and that includes June. But the weather has been unpredictable lately, so make sure you are prepared.
I can offer some suggestions. Try an ankle crop pant in a khaki color with a neutral top. Add a light-weight colorful scarf. Wear flat shoes. French girls love ballet flats. Switch off to a black pant/white or beige top, scarf, flat shoe. Then do a white pant/beige or black top. Cotton twin sweater sets will work beautifully. You will look stylish in any of those combos. But why do you not wear jeans? They are certainly acceptable, as are cropped leggings. If you like hats, wear a cute straw fedora. And a sweet little sun dress with a sweater tied around your shoulders or a jean jacket would look very pretty, I am sure. I would save the black dresses for dinner in an upscale restaurant. Paris is the fashion capital of the world, and anything goes, really.
But you have to be comfortable with what you are wearing. And if you do decide to wear black, just offset it with a colorful scarf or handbag. So don't worry. Just have a good time.

Ackislander

I think the wardrobe suggestions from GoodLuckGirl are excellent for any month, including June.

Congratulations on not wearing jeans in the city. They are fine if you are going to a rodeo.

Students and young women up to your daughters' ages were wearing dark tights and tailored shorts two weeks ago or dark tights and tight, breathtakingly short skirts. I saw the former a lot in the UK a week later, but not so many of the microskirts.

As a healthy male. I can't wait until this trend hits the US.

julietita

Colored dresses! Right now I'm in Paris. The weather is great! 22°C 75°F!!! Just wear fresh!!!

alihutch

People who like black wear black, people who like dresses wear dresses, if you like high heels wear high heels, people who like jeans wear jeans etc etc etc

Christina

What does June have to do with it. I wear black at home all year round, too. I live in a big city. Paris isn't some tropical beach resort area where you might only find pastels.

However, I go to Paris almost every year and really cannot get behind the idea that you feel out of place unless you wear black all the time in Paris. This is your problem in your head. If you don't want to wear black, don't wear it, that makes no sense. Plenty of women in Paris on any given day are not wearing black.

nytraveler

Certainly wear whatever you want - but not high heels unless you are used to walking miles in them on often uneven pavements. There is a reason that all those ballet flats have been so popular since the 1950s.

grandmere

I just got back a few hours ago from Paris, where it was unseasonably hot this past week, and I did not see lots and lots of black. Many bright colors, whites, etc. I packed for this two week trip with many black cashmere sweaters, and that was definitely not the color nor the fabric for this time!

kismetchimera

grandmere, you are absolutely right..Why so many people have the strangest ideas that people wear black in Paris or Rome when the weather is warm?

Welcome back..I am leaving from Paris at the end of September but will stay there for 3 days before departing for the US.

GoodLuckGirl

Grandmere's post truly validates the fact that weather is unpredictable and your travel wardrobe should be both functional as well as personally pleasing.
Through trial and error in traveling to Europe throughout the year, I have learned to pack clothing that can be layered according to the temperature.
And, sorry to all who dismiss black in summer. I must admit that black is the staple of my wardrobe and my "go to" color, especially for traveling. It hides a mulititude of sins when you are on the go, especially stains. As I have already stated, I just mix it up with other neutrals and bright scarves. And in preparation for any rain, take along a cute rainhat. Using an umbrella is necessary but bothersome, especially when you are standing outside while waiting in line. That is a given, especially in the summer months. Hopefully, June will bring sunny weather, so remember your sunblock. And the fedora and lightweight scarves give you added protection.
Hope you are having a fun time preparing for your trip. And don't forget to call your credit card companies and bank a few days before you leave to inform them of your traveling plans and anticipated spending!

AlacarteParis

I can't really tell if we wear black or not in general, from what I see in the metro every morning we wear all kinds of colors, but it probably depends on where you have been in Paris.

What I would definately bring for a trip in Paris is an unbrella, sunglasses, a trench, a scarf or two, and cardigans or twin sets so you can adapt what you wear throughout the day. And definately ballet flats.

Or, you buy all that when you arrive...Shopping in Paris is also part of the fun, isn't it?