My wife and I will be in Paris for a couple of weeks and plan to dine at "non-starred" places: bistros, brasseries, and neighborhood places that are not too expensive. We certainly know what would be and is unappropriate. But what would be appropriate attire? Tie and coat? Turtlenecks and sweaters? Skirt or slacks? Or, anything, as long as it is dark, clean, and well-tailored?

casual is fine.

We have been to Paris 5 times and have left home our dressy clothes the last 4 times. We found ourselves eating in neighborhood bistros, etc. and the dress was always casual. My husband and I take nice slacks and a sweater to wear in the evening and never feel out of place. We find that unless you are dining first class in a country or city, nice casual works well. If you want some good local restaurants at every price check Patrica Wells "Food of Paris" for all of her recommendations were good.

We go to Paris every November, and we always wear sweaters and black pants, black shoes/boots.In Paris you only have to wear and jacket and tie to the really 4star places, bistros and brasseries, are full of people just coming from work, neighborhood people eating and sometimes meeting friends, so dress the way they do! Smart casual is what they call it in England.Bon Appetit!

With respect to proper attire in Paris Bistros, ever since I was seated next to a man clad in an undershirt and trousers, I have ceased to worry about my dressy casual attire. <BR>He got the same service I did. <BR>

That's basically the kind of places I eat and I agree with your last sentence mostly (anything that's clean, tailored, etc). You definitely don't need a tie and coat, although you could wear those to the "nicer" bistros and brasseries and not feel awkward--but it's not necessary.