Appropriate clothing Paris/Sept.
 

I am headed to Paris on September 2, and would like to know just what I should pack. I am female, early 60's, from Wisconsin (does that say enough!), and I certainly don't want to look like the ugly American. I do want to be comfortable, as I'm sure I will be doing quite alot of walking. I will be with my two sisters, and we are not on any tour, but prefer to "do our own thing". We've traveled together to Sweden, Austria, Czech Republic, England, and the Netherlands, but Paris and France just seems daunting.<BR>Thanks for help.<BR>Dolores

Don't become all a-dither over dressing for Paris/France; you see everything there, just the same as almost every other place in the world. If you've "done" those other countries, you can do France. If you dress nicely at home, you will do the same there.

Please make sure you do not wear shorts. The Parisians do not wear them. I was also there in September. They are very fasion concious. Have a great time, but wear khakis or jeans, not shorts.

Jeans? I've read on some "other" boards, that jeans are a big NO-NO in Europe... How about capri pants?

I've read in several books that blue jeans/denims are ok during the day, but that most French do not wear them in the evenings/dinner etc.<BR><BR>BTW: I've seen plenty of Paris pix with folks in blue jeans in them, but can't quite tell if they are non-French though :-)

I show up with my normal wardrobe, no shorts or jeans, and no one has thrown me out of the city yet. For the opera I had a coat and tie, with grey slacks.<BR>My wife had her usual dress up clothes.<BR>We thought we were elegantly clad for the second most expensive seats in the house until we sat down next to a man elegantly clad in a very formal black T-shirt. Guess we were not appropriately dressed or something.<BR><BR>Just remember, if you are in a place to spend big money, it takes a major fashion faux pas, or what ever it is, to get the old heave ho.<BR><BR>Like I was seated at a bistro next to a local clad only in his pants, shoes, and under shirt - not the T type either.<BR>He was a little strange, but he was served as if he was NOT talking to himself!!<BR>

We are also headed for Paris in September (also happen to be in my 60's)<BR>I had read jeans were ok except at night<BR>at the clubs and better cafes.<BR>Did any of you ladies wear jeans in paris and if so, did you feel appropriately dressed when you were out & about?<BR><BR>I am from Florida where September is still like a sauna...I have checked the<BR>temps for that month in Paris but no<BR>mention of humidity...which is what seems to make a difference in 75-80 degrees (as to feeling very hot or very<BR>pleasant).<BR>Thanks for any tips on clothing, weather<BR>etc.

Lou, when out and about sightseeing and shopping in Paris I wore a pair of nice jeans or cotton "jean-style" slacks and a nice t-shirt (long or short sleeve depending on temp.) I felt comfortably and appropriately dressed. For very casual restaurants, I dressed in the same manner. However, for most restaurants, I dressed in "smart casual" (dress slacks and nice collared shirt). Once again, this was completely appropriate. We didn't dine at the higher-end restaurants requiring dressier attire.<BR><BR>We were there one very chilly October and were thankful that we had various fleece vest/pullover options as well as jackets.

Paula...thanks for the reply and<BR>the clothing tips!<BR>Lou

I'm about your age, Delores, and the last time I was in France, I decided that next time I'd bring jeans and blazers -- that's what most nice-appearing people, other than the very elegant ladies inhabiting the very rich sections of Paris, seemed to be wearing. But any other kind of pants with a jacket would look really good too. Capri pants would be fine. Also skirts with a jacket.<BR><BR>I've always avoided jeans in the past, because they're so space-consuming in the luggage, but next time I'm taking them.

Where do you people read this stuff? The nonsense about jeans/black clothes only whatever? <BR><BR>Bob Brown is right, you're not gonna get thrown out of the city. Dolores, if you have indeed been to a number of European countries, Paris WILL be no different.