When are you going?

Good point, ez1. I am going in August, pretty soon.

Can I add - what kind of day bag? I usually bring a canvas bag that fits a layer, like a sweater, bottle of water, etc. Has anyone seen a good day bag?

Tentek, I like your shoe choice. I usually bring 3 pairs and switch them up. I brought my running shoes once and never brought them again. Right now I am looking for a pair of Mary Janes. No luck on those either!

I would not bring the yoga pants unless you might want them for lounging in your hotel room at night.

I would definitely take a pair of nicer shoes for going out to dinner and to meet the relatives. Can you bring some linen pants or a pair of dressier summer cropped pants or a summer dress or skirt and top for looking presentable?

I would bring one pair of skinny jeans in case you have some cooler days. Depends on you but I have seen Italians and French people wearing jeans in really hot weather.

You might want the two pairs of comfy shoes that you mentioned in order to switch them up a bit from day to day. Maybe one pair of runners and one pair of walking sandals.

On one three week trip to Italy and Paris where we were on trains a lot and in a small rental car we all took small suitcases.(20 inches) It took me several weeks of practice packing beforehand but it was amazing how many outfits I was able to get in there! I took one pair of walking sandals, some "fashion" sneakers and two pairs of dressier shoes. One pair was a disaster- strappy heels! They got one or two outings and killed my feet.

I saw that Athleta skirt on another thread ( am debating whether to get it myself) and I think that would be fine for daytime sightseeing with a cute summer top and your Birks or ballet flats or the Merrells.

Have a fun trip and save room for shopping! I like to pack a small foldable duffel when I'm only taking a small bag and then dirty laundry can go in there and be checked and any nice new things and breakables etc go into the suitcase.

I always bring 3 pairs of shoes. 2 comfortable and one dressier but still comfortable and very walkable.
Won't it be hot in August? Why not bring a couple of skirts? They're so much cooler.

I'd skip the running shoes because it's August and for me, running shoes means socks.

I meant to add, I'd take the jeans. I live in So Calif and wear jeans in the summer.

Like raincity said take sandals, dressier flats with good cushioning, and "fashion sneaker". I'd go with a slip on sneaker type so I could get into quickly for the airport and around the hotel room.

Achh! I'm of the old school of dressing more formally in Europe. I leave the jeans at home.

I really don't think the tourist SoCalizaation of Europe is necessary. In Amesterdam, which I've been to about 15 times, the folks including the younger ladies actually dress in something called dresses.

It works much better in the nicer places, such as restaurants.

Do bring a pair of dressier shoes, but not heels, which are almost unwearable in Amsterdam. And I agree with Rasta, dresses are very much being worn in Amsterdam, and are best for hot weather anyway.

Don't forget an umbrella. We have had a horrible summer so far. It is supposed to improve from next week, but there really is no guarantee it will. An umbrella is preferable to a waterproof coat because can be quite warm still in the rain (though not the last few days when it has been cool to say the least ). A coat could be too warm and sticky.

Of course people wear heels in Amsterdam. If you are used to heels wear heels. If you're not then don't.

People will really not be looking at what you are wearing. Really they won't.
Jeans, capris, dresses, skirts, sandals, Birkenstocks, flip-flops, high heels, Uggs (yes even in summer!), Crocs, trainers, smart shoes, hiking boots, you'll see them all in Amsterdam, and all are acceptable for all but the very poshest of places.

The OP didn't seem to be planning on a steady diet of jeans; one pair of skinnys does not a whole wardrobe make.

We can be assured that anyone who starts and participates in a thread about clothes, likes clothes and is probably fairly well groomed. I'm not a fashionista but I do care about what I wear.

Except when walking the dog or running to Home Depot, I tend to be old school about wearing yoga pants on the street. I'd leave them home. I don't think they dress up very well.

Thanks all for such thoughtful comments. It is so much better to you with this issue than trying to have a discussion with my husband who will probably pack one pair of shoes and will be fine with it.

@hetismj, i am actually not worried about Amsterdam because i think it is sort of like Seattle in terms of clothing style: live and let live attitude.

Again, i am primarily concerned about Paris. I forgot to mention but we will be spending a day at Disneyland Paris, hence the runners. I know i know, not the destination of choice but that is where my relatives want to take their child, which means i have to take my child there too.

Runners should be cute and stylish (and not white) if you decide to take them. Cropped pants with flats and tops to match (lightweight) are basic. Skirt and/ or dress with cardigan, or shawl/pashmina. Layers are good, such as a a longish linen or cotton sleeveless top that you can put a T-shirt unerneath in the evening and wear with cropped pants. Neutral colors. One outfit that looks good on you, that you love and are comfortable in.. Have a great trip! And please report back.

No one really gives wooden shoes the attention they deserve for comfort and durability.

Tentek, I can see why you'd wear runners in Disneyland. (I'd still get a slip on type like I mentioned upthread)

This isn't a typical "wear what you want- no one cares" comment.
Apparently you care about what you wear and have a style of your own, so wear what you want. Be comfortable at Disneyland. It kind of takes the pressure off that the relatives want to go there, doesn't it?

IMO your apparel sounds fine for Paris! I'd wear the "nice yoga pants" on the plane: comfy and I'd assume metal-free for the scanner, and will be fine for your jet-lagged schlep from airport to lodgings. Plus, they probably air out well - perfect for the return flight!

I'd totally wear one of the cuter Athleta skirts in Paris. I wore a wool "sport" skirt all winter here in NYC, and got compliments from some friends way more stylish than me! (These days, there's not really any stark difference between what's worn in Paris and NYC, if you ignore the too-casual end of the American spectrum...)

I wish I could remember who posted the following link here on Fodor's to give them proper credit. At any rate, browse through "What Parisians are wearing spring/summer 2012". Maybe you'll find it as reassuring as I did!
http://www.parisescapes.com/paris_wear_winter06.html
(The page loads with summer 2012 content even though the URL says winter 06.)

Thanks, ggreen, i think it was ParisEscapes who posted this link. I loved it too when I found it somewhere up thread.

For our ten day May stay in Paris I had one pair espadrilles and one pair running shoes. The former went with everything - skirts, slacks and would work with shorts.

The one accessory I noticed on the chic younger women was anything orange; be it a purse or shoes. But just one item not both!

Enjoy your stay!!

hi tentek,

as it is likely to be hot, when feet tend to swell, sandals and trainers [aka sneakers - who cares if they are white, BTW?] which can be adjusted to be more comfortable, are a good idea. cotton socks will help to keep you cool and fend off blisters.

add to this a pair of dressier shoes [a small heel would work - sling-backs might be nice] and possibly something more substantial to wear if it rains, though the trainers might suffice.

if I were taking a day pack i might add a small handbag [aka purse] for meeting the rellies/evenings out. it might be red but it wouldn't be orange!

I'd also take some travel wash [in the heat, things dry quickly] and remember that they have shops! undoubtedly, if you forget anything, you'll be able to buy it.

Tentek, that makes total sense (duh). So I'm sure you've also seen Phread's posts, and the fashion on her blog. Back in May, she posted on the US board asking about shoes for NYC, and for comparison included a blog post about what was being worn in Paris:
http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/what-shoes-to-wear.cfm

Note that in that thread, the link to her blog didn't identify a specific post. Here it is: http://findingnoon.com/?p=607

I am going to practice using just one pair of shoes this weekend. I usually like to switch up during the day. We are doing a short jaunt to Victoria.

I think that what you are bringing sounds pretty good. I would like to suggest that you check with your relatives before you leave to see what the weather is like in Paris. We were there last July with all our summer clothes, and I froze at night in my cute walking sandals and lightweight clothes! Definitely bring layers, and an umbrella. I think I've read that summer in northern France is quite cool again this year. Your skinny jeans would be very comfortable then.

Tentek-if you are not planning on running, then I would leave the running shoes home. It sounds like you only want them for Disney and the Merrill sandals would be fine for that. I usually limit myself to 2 pairs of shoes but took runners last summer as I needed to do some runs. So I broke my "rule" and took 3 total-runners plus 2 sandals. Both were naot brand and easy to walk in all day but nice enough to wear with a dress and sweater at night for a few dressy dinners. I also took one pair of lightweight but darkish colored jeans and was glad I did as the weather was quite variable (lat August/early sept.) and I was a little chilly some days. I think the skirt sounds nice but the yoga pants are iffier. My vision of nice yoga pants and yous may not be the same. Honestly, I think the "nice" sweatpants, the fancy ones that cost a bundle, still look like exercise clothes and grown women should not be wearing them in public if they are concerned about how they appear to others. Which brings up a point-how old are you? If under 30 then you can get away with lots more and not look clueless. I brought a lot more last year because we did have some "fancy" events planned, but I was still able to pack all in a carryon plus small tote that held my purse and other items. I don't carry a daypack, just regular purse, which also goes a long way to looking just a bit nicer. Have a great trip!

After many hours of deliberation, I am steeling myself to just a few choices of clothes and shoes. I am trying to travel with a carry-on only. Plus, I will probably do some shopping there. right? Thanks all for your help.
AtlTravelr, you are right, I am only going to wear my Merrell sandals most likely. I will still bring 2 more pairs of shoes just for variation, but not the runners.

What in the world are yoga pants?

signed: For sure not a fashionista.

Come on Pegontheroad, you live in Spokane, you probably have seen girls wearing yoga pants, black stretchy exercise wear, usually a bit more boot cut than your normal exercise/running pants. You should get yourself a pair, they are very comfortable and are totally socially acceptable, at least in Western Washington.

I am currently having the internal debate about whether or not to bring runners. I run at home, but will I really run in Europe on holidays? I took them to Vietnam and Cambodia last year and didn't run once, but we will have more time in France and there will be more places to run (parks, tracks, country roads etc). It also means taking running clothes, which don't take much space but will I feel like a complete dork in Paris in a singlet and shorts running around a park?
I definitely wouldn't take them if I just intended to use them for one day at Disneyland - they are so heavy and bulky.
Thanks for raising the wardrobe question - I need to get my head around it as we are about to book a pretty small hire car for our time outside the cities.

It also means taking running clothes, which don't take much space but will I feel like a complete dork in Paris in a singlet and shorts running around a park?>>

Judith - the jardins du luxembourg were full of people running when we wandered in there in March - and being french, they expect [you] to wear the appropriate gear for the activity. surely your running gear apart from the shoes won't weigh much? why not put that in, [you can always use it for lounging] and buy shoes if you decide to run when you are here? why not buy some cheap ones that you can use for walking as well and chuck if they take you overweight?

Thank you Annhig that's encouraging

I was training for my first marathon so it was very important to me that I run throughout our 2 1/2 week trip. I did run in Paris one morning and it was great fun to run though the Tuilleries and up to the Eiffel tower. I ran through vineyards in the Mosel and the small roads of Provence as well as along the burgundy canal. Must say it really was great-my husband sleeps later than I do anyway and so it was pretty easy to add this to our schedule. I had never bothered to bring my running gear before so this was a new thing. Besides my shoes (kept in a large ziplock so I didn't have to worry about dirt or smell), I took 2 singlets, 2 socks, and 1 pr shorts. I had another large ziplock to put them in when they were dirty. I also had my Garmin watch so I could do the distance I wanted without having to map anything out ahead of time. That mAde it really easy.

So glad you posted this Tentek, as I'm packing for our trip to the Netherlands and Belgium which is less than two weeks away. I'm also trying to decide which shoes to bring so I'm happy to be reminded that it's best to pack what fits my style! Last time we were in London/Paris I wished I had packed dressier shoes to wear at night as so many women were walking around in stilettos and I felt a little dowdy in my flats!

Jayneann, I agree with you that one has to pack what fits one's style. This is how I felt on my first trip to Paris in November of 2009, when I packed comfortable clothes, mostly from REI, and then had to buy 3 pairs of boots in Paris, because I was so underdressed.

It is better to be comfortable in all aspects, including your style and mental self-image. If it is important for you to fit in, then it is worth to have slightly less comfortable but dressy shoes, albeit maybe not stilettos. I will pack a pair of dressy shoes and a dress or a nice skirt. I realize for some people that's vanity, but it is worth it for me. Thanks for chiming in.

If you study cultures like pre-Columbians, or African tribes pre-colonialization, you'll find that fashion has been important to mankind across the globe for thousands of years. I don't know why it more important for some than others, no do I completely understand why it is important at all. But it is, and I no longer consider it a vanity.

If you like fashion and feel good when you look good, I say go for it. I can confirm, yoga pants are not yet on the Paris fashion scene. Women here are pretty serious about changing at the studio. BUT sneakers are in this summer, particularly if you can get some with neon striped or laces. I'm not being sarcastic, I've been seeing them everywhere.

Espadrilles are reserved for young-ish men with so much money they have nowhere in particular they have to be. This is because traditional espadrilles are not particularly comfortable for waling very far. But if yours are, go for it. I wear mine all the time.

Great thread as I have many of the same questions for an upcoming (late Sept) trip to southern Italy. I may end up bringing 4 pair of shoes: trail runners as we'll do lots of hiking, Teva sandals for the beach and boating, Dansko sandals for cities and a pair of Mary Jane walking shoes if destiny shines on me and I manage to find a pair that fits & supports.

My other random questions probably need their own thread: can I wear white linen pants in Italy in late September? Cut-offs or a lightweight 'skort' for hiking? (Skort was pre-approved by my daughter and at 53, I suspect cut-offs fall into the yoga pant category. Fine for home, but...)

Rose-I vote for the skort only because you used the word "lightweight". I have found though for all real outdoor activities like hiking, biking, visits to ruins,etc. that the advice to not wear shorts (even cutoffs if that is what you'd normally wear), doesn't really apply. Not sure where you are going in southern Italy but I sure felt underdressed the last time we were in Ravello as it seemed to be Wedding Central with lots of wedding and/or honeymoon groups all looking extremely gorgeous and yes, wearing lots of white. I'd not be brave enough to bring white pants myself, but if you like to travel with them, I say go for it!

Thanks AtlTravelr - Good to know there was a lot of white, I think I will bring the white linen. We'll be in Naples, the Cilento, Positano and Rome.

rosetravels, FWIW, for the hiking I did in Italy two years ago (Walk of the Gods from Positano to Praiano, and light hiking in Sicily), my Keen closed-toe sandals worked great. They definitely took up less space than my trail sneakers. Plus, I was able to wear them elsewhere - like when wandering the Roman ruins - and didn't feel too dorky...

I was there at the other end of the tourist season (late April/early May), and a skirt with leggings and mary janes worked well on the days we were in places like Siracusa and even Taormina. As I think I mentioned up-thread, if I had one of those skorts they sell in Title Nine or Athleta, where the shorts are hidden and the skirt is cute, I would have been even happier!

Another FWIW: In Italy, they really tend to dress for the season, regardless of the weather and temperature. Since it was still considered spring when we were there, we saw women in furs in Sicily - even though the temps were above 70F!

Altho I love white linen pants they would be the last thing I would rake to Europe unless I was on a cruise. I'm not sure but on my Fall trips abroad, even on a cruise, the dress code seemed to adher to the old saw..no white after Labor Day. Also a spot is a spot is a spot no matter where you are and can ruin an outing..

Thanks ggreen - really helpful. Our hiking will the Path of the Gods and similar trails in the Cilento. I wish Keens fit my arches but they do not. Sadly, I'll be wearing trail runners while wandering around some days. I'll tell myself I look sporty and DH will think it looks great.

A skirt w/ leggings is my plan for cooler days, if we have any. And mary janes if I can find a pair. I have several more arriving today to try on!

amer_can - thanks, I'll leave the white pants behind. It was the 'white after labor day' guideline I was curious about. Our weather has been so cold and cloudy this summer that it makes me want to pack my unworn summer clothes for Italy.

Tentek - sorry for hijacking! You're in Seattle? I'm in Bellingham. Also doing a trial run to Victoria where I'll see if my (very few) outfits work.

No problem, it it's nice to see other people chime in. Enjoy Victoria! Are you taking BC ferry? Or Anacortes?
It has been so chilly.

Tentek - we'll walk on the Anacortes ferry, then take the bus to Victoria. No doubt it will be cloudy and cold the entire time!

Oh, I loved that hike! We got a little lost trying to descend to Praiano - it didn't help that "dove Praiano" in my American accent wasn't particularly understood by the team of eagle-scout types we encountered(!) - and ended up past the town by the time we reached the main road. That "bushwhacking" down some very deep old stone steps was the most challenging part. My trusty hiking boots would've been great at that moment, but the lesser shoes held up fine.

Come to think of it, there was one place at maybe the highest point we reached on the hill, where my partner climbed a little higher to check out a ruined building. He walked through some brambles and long grass in his trail runners; I would have liked to have followed him, but it was unwise in those shoes!

Not to 'rain' on everyone's parade - but I've seen only one response mentioning be prepared for rain - and that was from someone who lives there! While it may certainly be hot, it can also be very cold (50s) and rainy in both Paris and Amsterdam. I just came back from 10 days in Netherlands/Belgium and it rained some every day. What is you tolerance for wet feet? I have never backed boots or waterproof shoes for a summer trip to Europe - but I now own two pairs of boots bought over there.

We were in Amsterdam and Paris in August of last year. It rained a few times in Amsterdam, so bring an umbrella. A sweater could be handy at times.
Paris was so hot. I hear, though,, that the weather there recently has been cloudy and rainy...I guess you and I will have to see for ourselves. I, too, am going there next week.

I found that dressing "up" a bit is always a good thing. I mean...a pair of slacks, nice top, and sweater or jacket. It doesn't have to be fancy just neat and pressed. Just wear your comfy shoes. We were on a tour to Eiffel Tower for lunch. All arrived at different times...my husband and self got a window table while our "jean" wearing group got 1 to 2 rows back.

I am not packing the runners. In fact, influenced by debitnm, i am only taking 3 pairs of shoes.

It turns out more friends are in Paris while we are there. Lots of reunions, if we manage to squeeze them in.

Tentek, I'm impressed! Which 3 did you narrow it down to?

Now that it's August, your trip must be imminent. How exciting!

Merrell sandals, which i have been wearing every day this past month. Birkenstock slide and the dressy pair of shoes i bought last summer in Geneva, 2 heel with a cork sole.

Sounds like a good plan! The Merrells should stand you in good stead as a replacement for the runners. Have a great trip!!

Well I'm late to this party, but I *never* travel without my running shoes. I wear them on the plane, and every day for touring around. For serious all-day walking they are the only thing that works for me. Trips I left them home I was very sad. I'd never travel with 2" heels myself.

Oh and August is WAY too hot for jeans (skinny or otherwise) imo

Well, I was at a shoe store today and tried on Merrells, Naots, Danskos, Tevas, Keens, and a few other PRICEY shoes, but every pair felt a little uncomfortable and I know would be very uncomfortable walking around for hours. So, I decided to pack my runners and a pair of Born Mary Janes, then wear my comfortable sandals (flat and heels)the rest of the time. I have such a hard time finding comfortable shoes!
On another note, Tentek, when are you leaving?

Tomorrow morning we get on a plane and Sunday morning Paris time we will be in Paris.

So exciting Tentek....have a fabulous time! We leave on Thursday! Can't wait!

Bon Voyage Tentek!
Hope you have a wonderful time. I love Paris, please tell us all about it when you return.

I hope you report back about how your clothes and shoe choices worked out!

I'm in Amsterdam right now and for anyone curious about what the locals are wearing, well, SKINNY JEANS! Colors such as mint green, red, orange and white are everywhere! Also flip flop type sandals or leather flats. I've also seen longish shorts, capris, and a few women in dresses with leggings although I believe most of these might be tourists. The best part is really anything you choose to wear is fine! Yesterday was a beautiful day with lots of sunshine and warmth!

I quit worrying what I wore in Paris in 1999. My wife and i wanted to attend a performance at the Opera Bastille. The middle priced seats were out. We decided that if we were going to fly from Atlanta to Paris to see an opera, spending money for premium seats would be a small percentage of the total trip cost.

Accordingly I had my bet pinstriped suit and my wife had her best dress ever. I thought we were very elegant until we sat down next to a French gentleman wearing a very formal black Tee shirt and sandals.

If that attire goes well in the premium seats of the Opera Bastille, then I concluded I was overdressed.

As for jeans, when we changed airplanes in Amsterdam, 3 men clad in jeans carrying black leather briefcases walked onto the aircraft ahead of us and settled into first class seats.

As for shoes, I say have all comfortable, walkable shoes.
Unless I miss my guess, you will walk a lot in Paris.

Impressing the relatives is another matter that is not linked to what you wear to fly or what you wear to go to the Louvre or the Musee d'Orsay.

Debitnm was right, i could havejust brought 1 or 2 pairs of comfy shoes. I am wearing my Merrell sandals every day.

My Merrells are getting a worn out weathered look to them and areeven more comfortable now.

Here is what the journalists, bloggers and fashionistas were wearing while working Paris Fashion Week. Some of it practical, some of it not, all of it chic.
www.findingnoon.com

A great site from which to take your lead if you want to be on the cutting edge of fashion:

http://www.thesartorialist.com/