What to Wear in Europe in the Spring

Something warm. I've been going to Paris, in the spring, March and April for many decades. Last March, 2008, I was really cold. I'm from L.A. area. Even my Parisian friend, who's been there his whole life, was cold.

However, in Paris, in April 2005, the week before I arrived, I was told that it had snowed. The day I arrived it was so warm that folks were walking around in T-shirts. The weather is unpredictable, but I'd caution on the side that it will be cold and rainy.

But, I'd say you'd better layer and take a warm coat. I usually take my knee-length Burberry coat with the removable wool liner. Burberry can make a coat. Smiles. I have many of them. I also always take two, long-sleeved turtleneck tops, two cashmere, pullover sweaters, leather knee boots, and leather, cashmere-lined gloves. And never leave home without a sturdy umbrella when going to Europe. I've been going almost annually since the early 70s and the first thing I pack is an umbrella, even in summer as I lived in Scandinavia for 20-plus years of summer and it was always raining. So imagine spring. Happy Travels!

March is still considered to be quite chilly in Paris (with a few exceptions from time to time). Bright colors are not worn until the weather makes a marked improvement.

Layers is the best answer as most of these places are pretty changeable.

Issues for certain buildings. It is not appropriate to wear shorts, bright shirts, expose bellies etc in churches or mosques (yes some are open to none muslims), in some you may even be expected to cover hair (women mainly). Better restaurants would expect a man to wear a jacket in the evening (dullish would do)and at least slacks, and socks with shoes.

Tank tops left the European market in about 1970 so I suggest no. You will also find europeans walk a great deal. This is because their city centres are desgined for walking ratther than driving so do not assume you want to rent a car as there may be no where to park it. Despite this yu will be assumed to be carrying a small umbrella, a rain hat and a waterproof coat.

Just popping in to ask Guenmai to post her photo and profile--and anyone else to do the same. As I was reading this post, I realized that my picture of her as a man was probably incorrect. The profile part of this new forum format has been revelationary to say the least. Please join in the fun.

You too kerouac and bilbo. Would love to see what you two look like.

I second the recommendations for waterproof clothing or a good umbrella, along with a warm coat. March in France and the UK can be that kind of rainy-cold that can be miserable if not adequately dressed.

As for looking like a tourist... I wouldn't worry. Jeans are always a safe bet. For the most part, I don't see much difference in the way most people dress in those countries than in most of the US - but leave the Hawaiian print shirts at home.

Hi Guenami,

Not so long ago, I was asking the exact same question! Four European trips and WONDERFUL advice from fellow Fodorites, this is my best advice: a fitted trench coat. Always stylish and it can be quite warm when put on top of a cashmere sweater (not to mention waterproof and wind blocking). Dark wash jeans and comfortable shoes. (I am not a fan of work out type sneakers in a city, however, you can find other comfortable shoes.) I would also take a pair of well fitted black pants, nicer shoes, and some cuter tops if you are planning on going out to eat. Throw in a scarf in a brighter color, sunglasses, and some jewelry and you are good to go!

Oh, and don't forget your camera!!!!!

Best,
McAllister

gloves, hat, scarf....I always travel with them because they take up no room (or, sometimes I buy a scarf when I'm there) I find I don't need as heavy a coat to lug around if my hands and head are warm! (and layer, of course, as said) March can be very, very winter-like. or, of course, you can get lucky and get sun! However, you will NOT need shorts or any type of summer beach wear in any of those spots in March. I don't know Barcelona - but all the others? you will want winter wear for sure...wool...long pants or skirts, etc. Check the weather averages at weather.com or one of the other sites and you'll have a better idea.

Julie- I'm all woman. Smiles. And I don't post my photo on the internet. Happy Travels!

Very hard to predict. It could be fairly warm and sunny (but it won't be hot) or it could be miserable.

You won't really find any use for shorts etc.

So, jeans, trousers, skirts, t-shirts/tops (I think your tank top is what we'd call a vest or strappy T - small t shirt with just straps no sleeves? Probably not much opportunity to wear those in March), a couple of jumpers/sweaters/fleeces. You'll need a decent coat. A folding umbrella is useful unless you don't mind being rained on a bit (I never use one) as you'll probably be indoors most of the time. I wouldn't bother with hat/scarf/gloves until you get here - you may not need them and if you do, you can pick them up very cheaply.

Black, black, black -- that's what you will see most on the streets. I take black slacks, usually microfiber, with silk long johns to add if cold; one pair of dark jeans; one black and one colored cotton turtle neck; black cashmere V-neck pullover; a cardigan, either black or a color; several nylon/poly 3/4 sleeve colored tops that go with all that black; allweather coat (black of course!) with liner and hood; lightweight waterproof jacket; 2 pair of waterproof walking shoes; and a folding umbrella. Oh, yes, and a packable (light weight wool, poly) jacket-top which will look smart/dressy for special occasions and a scarf or two which will dress up and brighten up the black. Since it is likely you will experience cool-to-cold weather including rain, your coat may be the thing you are seen in the most, so what's under isn't so important so long as you are warm and dry. Layering, rather than heavy garments, is the key to warmth.

I agree with black. My 24 year old daughter lives in France and says COLOR is OUT. Goodbye to her cute red coat!

I am going actually in 3 weeks to Italy, doing the ROME MARATHON(Black pants for that!) and then to France. I'm actually looking for a mid to short length trench coat( with hood if possible and not too dorky). I'm in my mid 50's but fress smartly,(HAHAHA so I'm told)

Any ideas besides llBean and Lands End(a little too sporty) where to get this item?

My response to all these "what to wear" threads is always that most people look better with clothes on than they do naked, so please wear your clothes.

I suggest you all buy yourselves new wardrobes before going to Europe so you don't look like tourists. Please remember, however, never to open your mouth and try to speak because your North American accent and poor skills in most any foreign language will reveal you ain't no European.

I suggest you all buy yourselves new wardrobes before going to Europe so you don't look like tourists. Please remember, however, never to open your mouth and try to speak because your North American accent and poor skills in most any foreign language will reveal you ain't no European.

But wearing COLOR makes it apparent earlier. I mean, my God. COLOR! Who knew? Somehow, despite having spent the last 3 years in Europe, I didn't get the memo. People dress the same in Europe as they do in New York or Boston or most other major, temperate US cities I have been to. The only exception is that old men feel compelled to wear cheap and worn suits with cheaper shoes in Europe, but if you are under the age of 75, then you will blend in fine.

travelgourmet, I am glad you recognized the sarcasm. Many people do not.

Wanna start a shoe thread so people can talk about how much they pay for their shoes?

How about one on Hermes scarves? I always wear mine (not really because I don't have one) with the label prominently displayed.

Fine with me. You do know that Hermes scarves are the only place that color is acceptable in Europe?

I suggest that all those who prattle on about "black is so in" check out the following:

http://www.paulsmith.co.uk/collections/index/women,213,PSC.html

http://www.sand.dk/?id=20883

http://desigual.com/#/hombre/

Is there some black? Of course, black and brown are staples of US fashion too. But there is a lot of color there.

That bright red coat may make you stand out in Paris, but I suspect that was why one loved it in Peoria. Now, you get to the other side of the pond, and you are petrified of standing out? Silly.

Travelgourmet- You usually give me the laugh that I need for the day. Smiles.

And yes, I agree, that black and browns are staples just about anywhere. But this whole concept of one wearing black..black..and more black is a bit much for me. As a stable fine, but good lord, I'd be bored to tears without some color added in.

And personally, I'm not one to care what folks think as to what colors I wear. And I'd never stop wearing a good garment just because the fashion industry has dictated that it's now ,"out". It's now, "out" because they need to come up with something else that's, now "in" in order to make money. Now, if its something that's really dated, then that would be understandable. But, to wear a garment one season and then feel that one will need to chuck it, is just not something that I would do.

I love clothes and shopping for them, but invest in pieces that will go for many years. I'll also throw in a few fun, trendy, short-life things. I know that I dress quite well and pulled together wherever I go regardless of color or lack there of.

I also don't understand why Americans always stress out on what to wear in Europe. I know that the original poster isn't doing that, but is just asking a very valid question especially coming from Hawaii where dress is very different. But, year after year, there are threads on how to not look like a tourist, in Europe, and what to wear. Do people from other countries stress out so, about such, when they come here? I'm from L.A. area and I can usually pick the European, Asian, etc...tourists out of a crowd, and very easily, but so what. They are just what they are..."tourists". Happy Travels!

hi manahalea,

have you got time to fit a trip to Cornwall into your schedule? - you'd fit right in as we don't dress up either. you might however need something slightly warmer than shorts and t-shirts.

seriously, as you're from hawaii, it's likely that you will find anywhere in europe chilly in April. bring layers - and don't fuss about the colours. when you get here, you'll find what others have found before you - NO-ONE CARES.

regards, ann

Ah, I see today is the day when the sane posters have decided to post. Maybe it is the only day all year for sane posters on fodors. LOL.

I'm not hyper fashionable but even I have noticed from the shop windows in London that brightly coloured (my favourite red but also acid green and yellow plus neutrals) short trench coats are IN. Some are very cheap and fun, or you can buy a sensible boring and expensive one. Agree with the recommendation to bring layers, or perhaps borrow as my academic hawaiian colleagues do. Remember even if it has been sunny in the day time it is cool at night. In southern Europe they will think it is cold as you will too. You can pick out the north European tourists who wear "summer" clothes in southern Europe and the locals are still in warm woollens.

We have had a warm day in London today 58 degrees F. but it is predicted to drop to 44 later next week. I discovered Acuweather, it came with my new Mac. http://www.accuweather.com You can put in any city or place and get a weather forecast for the week. What you will also notice if you study it is that in places like London, which has a very variable climate, the predictions for a few days ahead can be revised quite sharply as the day approaches. Its the Gulf Stream from Mexico, the winds collecting water from the Atlantic etc. Islands and coastal areas tend to have more varied weather.

You can bring your own umbrella but they are sold cheaply all over Europe. Don't wear clothes that will absorb water and be hard to get dry. Central heating is on in most of Europe till at least the end of March.

Finally the reason why tourists stand out in some countries like Italy is that in Italy they follow fashion very closely and so it will look as if everyone has the same coat and shoes. You are unlikely not to stand out unless you stay for some time and buy whatever the look is. This can extend to hair styles and hair colours. Obviously this applies more to women but can apply to some men's clothes. If you go in a bank and need help it is useful to look a bit different as they realise you are an outsider and will help.

We were in Paris last April and it was quite cold.We wore coats, hats, and gloves the whole time.

So Mnahalea- To sum it up....1) a warm coat, preferably with a zip-out lining
2) some pullover sweaters
3) a sturdy umbrella
4) a warm pair of leggings if you're going to wear skirts or
dresses. I never leave home without the Wolfords!
5) a pair of lined, leather gloves, cashmere-lined, or some
other kind of warm lining if you don't want to invest in
cashmere-lined ones. But at nordstrom.com you can get
a very nice pair for not so much. I shop at the Nordstrom
stores here and buy most of my gloves through them.

6) a muffler comes in handy. It's one of those warm scarves
that you wrap around your neck or can also take off and
wrap around your head when it's cold and windy.

7) And don't worry about color. Wear whatever color(s) that
make YOU happy.

I hope you all have a great trip! Happy Travels!

Well, I don't know about all black. As a 1/2 Parisian, 1/2 New Yorker, I'd said the biggest difference is that mothers here wear stilettos while carrying toddlers, pushing strollers, and gossiping in the playgrounds. Parisians in general are very comfortable and confident in their style, so obviously they don't limit their wardrobes to BLACK. gawd.

But: if you're here and found you haven't packed the right things, or are simply inspired by what people are wearing around you, DO stop by "Thank god I'm a VIP" (sounds a little pretentious, I know, but it's worth it). It's a under-the-radar (so far) store, 12 rue de Lancry, with an absolutely AMAZING vintage collection. I mean, satin Yves St. Laurent 60s skirts for less than 100 euros. I just found an incredible, Kenzo-esque coat in the cheaper downstairs for 25 euros. unheard of.

Enjoy!!

mnahalea....back to umbrellas as I'm helping out another poster with them. One that sounds quite sturdy is on amazon.com. Its called the, Gustbuster Metro 43-inch Automatic Umbrella. There are over a 100 reviews on this one.

The other poster that I'm helping was looking for the great Sharper Image umbrella that I have, but I don't think it's made anymore. So, I've found this Gustbuster one that sounds similar. Happy Travels!

Hey guys! I'll be going to United Kingdom and France in March.. And many have told me that it's gonna be the end of winter, beginning of spring? Yeah? Well so I was wondering what I should wear because this is the first time I'm going to U.K. and France, so I don't really know how the weather would be like and what I should wear to keep myself warm. My mom got me some really dull-coloured sweaters, and I know I'm just gonna look super dull.. So I wondering, maybe you guys can give me some advise?

Joanne,
March is a tricky month--it could still feel like winter, or it could feel like spring. Your best choice is to pack clothing that can be layered depending on the weather. Plus, watch Weather.com for the places you will visit as your trip approaches to see the actual weather patterns at the time, since anything is possible.

The most important thing you can do to help your wardrobe not define you as a tourist(which you are) is leave the white sneakers at home. There are many other choices of comfy foot wear , with out getting into the shoe discussion.

How do these really old posts get resurrected?

I think people do a search for a topic they are interested in or to find answers to something, and then they find a post on the topic but want to add a new question at the end for themself. In any case, this post wouldn't be any different if it had started today rather than two years ago.

so I don't know where Joanne lives, but Western Europe excluding the most southern areas is pretty much the same as many parts of the US in March, it shouldn't be that unusual to find that it is the end of winter and not real springy yet. That's the same way it is in every place I've lived in the US. Just imagine it about like New York city and dress as if you were going there, weather is similar.

Just got back from Madrid and Lisbon. Seemed that two women out of three were wearing pretty much the same thing - skinny jeans and calf-high boots. Pack those and you'll fit right in.

skinnies and thigh high boots in Rome last week (guess the girls are shorter in Rome)

The boots will disappear when the weather gets warmer.

Agree with kerouac (wish I'd thought of that screen name first) about colour, except for RED, which Parisians seem to love.

Leave the white sneakers at home ? When in France last September, I saw at least half dozen men and women who were very fashionably dressed and who were wearing white sneakers and the canvas ones at that. They are seen through out Europe. Several years ago, I lost count of the number of pairs I saw in Great Britain, France, Greece and Croatia.

ht - the quest to be invisible tourist is a fruitless one - we stick out like sore thumbs whatever we do.

does it really matter?

being warm, dry and comfortable come much higher than being modish in my book.

apropos of which, joanne might like to know that we often get some very nice warm days in March in the UK, in fact we had one today [and yes, i know that it's still February].

If I were her, I'd leave the fur coat at home and bring a few layers.

Re: Comfortable shoes.

I bought a pair Dunham walking shoes a few weeks ago, a discontinued model, about $50. Dunham is a New Balance line, but resembles a casual dress shoe rather than an athletic one. Walked up and down hills, cobblestones, stairs, gravel, you name it, on our Portugal trip, all day, every day, and never once did I experience sore or painful feet. They worked out far better than any athletic shoe I've ever worn touring. Worth a look.

http://www.shopnewbalance.com/detail.asp?type=MNCLFTCA&style=MCR820BR

historytraveler -- I think there's a significant difference between canvas sneakers (eg, Converse) of any color, and chunky white faux-leather athletic shoes from Nike, Reebock, New Balance, etc etc. Converse with skinny jeans are fashionable. Chunky white running shoes, with white socks and shorts no less, are the touring uniform of a lot of Americans, no matter where they vacation. Those are the white sneakers that many people advise to leave at home, not the Converse.

I know there are some on these boards who claim that the white sneaker thing is a myth. I really need to bring my camera with me next time I go to Disneyland (I'm a local) so we can compare pictures of people in big cities in Europe and vacationers at Disneyland. You can pick out the American tourists by their chunky white sneakers and socks, the Japanese tourists by their slim black shoes, and the locals by their flip flops and Converse. There's a mix, of course, but the number of marshmallow shoes in Disneyland on any given day is really staggering, especially compared with more stylish areas of LA and Orange County.

Sorry, but there were actually more people (not Americans) wearing the white brand name aka running shoes than there were the canvas sort. Go to any shoe store in Europe, and you'll see the same athletic shoe brands as you do here. Hey, Adidas, Reebok and K Swiss are are all European brands.

I really don't think Disneyland is a good venue for making broad statements about who wears what in the way of footwear in European countries. I made my observations at LHR, in France, Croatia and at Athens airport. I had for some time thought the idea of Americans being the only ones wearing white shoes was a myth and, on my last trip, (fall,2010) I made it a point to observe more closely. What I discovered was that white athletic shoes was probably the most common choice of footwear for most people.

I would also argue that your vision of the typical American tourist (at least those traveling in Europe) is way off base. Seeing an American such as you described is rare overseas. They generally tend to be well-dressed.The younger ones dress very much like thier European counterparts.

"...in March..And many have told me that it's gonna be the end of winter, beginning of spring?"

That's pretty much how it works in the Northern Hemisphere that time of year.

oh, if only my aching feet could comply with all the advice given! Alas, I am doomed to wearing my orthotic inside a running shoe albeit dark grey.

Thank you to Ellenem
Christina, I'm from Malaysia. I've never been to New York, or the US. I've only been to places in Asia (Hong Kong and China). This is the first time I'm going to Europe, and I don't know how spring will be because we DO NOT have the four seasons here in Malaysia. And to RedStater, I've already packed a few pairs of skinny jeans, but no boots. I'm gonna wear a pair of white sneakers. Anyway, thanks so much guys I'll be flying to UK this Friday.

Years ago, my Granny who lived near a USAF base in England, said that she could always tell the Americans who walked passed her flat by their shoes.

GlassCannon, When we go to Disneyland or Disney World I wouldn't wear anything but athletic shoes and shorts--keeping up with 3 active young boys is an extreme workout and I dress accordingly Deborah

Regarding umbrellas: On the advice of a Fodorite I bought the Gustbuster to use during a trip to France. While the umbrella is indeed sturdy, it is also very, very heavy and rather large. The Gustbuster now stays at home. In its place I bring an inexpensive and compact umbrella that easily tucks into the small shoulder bag that I use during trips. In any case, if my umbrella breaks I know that a new one will be available for only 5 euros at the nearest souvenir shop!

when we were in Rome, as soon as there was a drop of rain, out came the umbrella sellers - €3 each. no need to take one with you!

I wandered around Russia in the early 90s packing enough money to make myself an extremely tempting target (no atms or even traveler's checks, in those days) so looking like a local seemed imperative. Luckily (first time in my life I've thought this) I look Slavic so I just dressed myself up like an poor Russian and hollered "Nyet!" (my only Russian word, then) at any young punk who seemed threatening. It was a hoot and worked well. Not a soul suspected I was anything but a crazy old Russian lady. Once, I was walking with several Russian women in a town near Moscow (one was local). Another local hollered at her, "Why are you with foreigners?" I assumed they could tell I was not Russian but she said, "They mean, why are you with Muscovites."

A couple of years ago, in San Diego, my husband and I were in shorts (at 15C to 20C - we are Canadian) while the locals shivered in sweaters and coats. Just over the border, in Tijuana, we saw Mexicans snappily dressed in mukluks and furs (no kidding, might as well have been Fairbanks).

Later, in Singapore, where it was 28C and very humid (what else?) the locals assured us that it would get "much" hotter. Turns out they meant 32C.

Nothing so queer as folk. We are all shaped by our environment.

We will be in Paris in the Spring and like to wear crop pants a lot ......nice dressy ones. Would they be out of place there if it warm? BTW I am a senior female.

"We will be in Paris in the Spring and like to wear crop pants a lot ......nice dressy ones. Would they be out of place there if it warm?"

Mostly depends on what you mean by "Spring". March/April -- you'll more likely need warm clothes/jackets/long pants. June -- Capris are fine.

Meant to add -- You will obviously be a tourist and you can wear whatever you want. Though in Spring it may be too cold for crops/capris.

We will be there in mid May....not sure if it will be warm enough for capris but just wondering.

We're doing a Viking Paris/Normany River cruise---las week of April, first few days of May, including 3 extra days in Paris. We need advice as to what to pack!

I will start watching the weather for Paris a couple of weeks before we leave on accuweather as that is a fairly good indicator. planning on bringing a couple light shorty jackets with pants to match and some short sleeved cotton sweaters to wear under them..no jeans as too bulky to pack and wash and comfy merrell sandals. We will look like tourists no matter what so who cares! We dress as if we were going to Boston or NYC.

Thanks for so many great replies!