I have actually never been to that expensive a restaurant, but I think they could well refuse to serve you if you show up dressed poorly or too casually in a restaurant like Taillevent (3 star is the highest rating and there are not very many of them, about 20 in all of France). I would say a jacket and tie are essential at Taillevent or restaurant in that category. Jules Verne is not a 3-star restaurant. I think it may be a 1-star and might be the only one where you could try that as it's full of tourists. I think I've read that upscale French restaurants do have an enforced dress code, although I can't sweat to it; some in the US even do, don't they? I think a restaurant like that has standards and won't just accept anyone because they want your money (where is the line drawn? surely you think they would refuse you in sneakers and shorts and baseball cap, don't you? )Generally, I think they presume if you're going there, you will dress appropriately.<BR><BR>Tom doesn't need to worry as everyone says if he's going to casual places--I think he overlooked the point that Neal was going to 3* restaurants. Black and khaki colors will be good. Why don't you try a different kind of pants than cargo for one pair. Those inherently look too casual for most things just because of the style; you can easily get a pair of casual cotton twill (called "chino" by some makers) comfortable pants without those big pockets on the side. If you want to wear lighter colors, a pair of khaki shorts will be ok because they are casual anyway; I'd pack darker color long pants.

Tom, as long as the cargo pants are dark and not denim, I think they will be tres chic. My boyfriend bought some great dark gray cargos when we were in Paris last summer, and they look so good! I think they were a cotton blend, which made them a little dressier, but not fancy. Wear them with a dark fitted t-shirt of a ribbed v-neck--a very cool look. While in Paris, we ate at some pretty nice restaurants with him wearing those and never felt out of place or were sneered at. I think chinos would be lower down on my list than the cargo pants, as they don't really have style. I do think dressing dark is a good idea, especially if you're backpacking it--you don't want things to look dirty.

Good advise Sue, Christina, and Jess, thank you very much. Now I have a good plan of what to pack! I cannot wait to be sitting at a cafe watching the people stroll by, just a few weeks away!!

Well, it's been awhile since I had check my post and was happy to see a lot of great advice. I am taking my two daughters ages 15 and 17 on this trip, it seems what I am hearing is dressier is better in Paris if you want to blend in. I am thinking a very simple back dress that packs well would be appropriate for dinner. What would the atire be for day for my daughters and I, we want to do some shopping mixed with site seeing? Shoes for day?

I guarantee that my husband NEVER did the suit and tie thing in the middle of the day for lunch....nice slacks and a polo shirt, yes but never a suit and tie for lunch. For more formal dinners with his company at night, he did have to do the suit and tie thing which was no problem. For a women, a nice skirt with sandles etc., or a nice pantsuit is fine. Remember, you're on vacation too!

Denise, McDonalds does not have a dress code so it is natural that your husband "never did the suit and tie thing" what ever that is.

forgive triviality please, but:<BR><BR>I plan to wear a sleeveless black silk sheeth dress to a couple of 3 stars in Mid-May. I will take a evening wrap or silk cardigan along. I am working under the assumption that, as in the US, bare shoulders are always appropriate for more formal occasions, even if the weather is not balmy.<BR><BR>Any comments?

I am taking a quick tourist trip to Paris at the end of May and will be visiting no 3* restaurants. I will be wearing jeans or black pants with crocheted or knitted dusters over tanks. Birkenstock sandals as I will be walking as much as possible. I don't mind being seen as an American, but I sure as hell don't want to look like an American trying to look French. Not to mention, the first time I open my mouth it will be pretty obvious where I come from.

I go to paris often and eat at top restaurants I wear a smart pant suit with pretty belt and jersey. Husband wears a suit and tie. I usually say a week and bring two pant suit with different tops for evening, and a smaller pocketbook for nighttime.