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I'm leaving for Paris in 3 weeks, and I can hardly wait. Will be there for 5 days. Can someone please advise me on the type of clothes that I will need during the daytime and also for evening wear, probably just to nice dinners? Thanks

Sheila, I've been to Paris many times. Casual clothes for daytime is just fine but Parisians do not wear Jeans over there. You can of course but you will stick out like a sore thumb! If you see other people dressed in Jeans you will know they are from the states. For dinners your clothing will depend on what type of restaurants you will be eating at. Most women wear dresses in the evening there, moreso than a pantsuit. There will be a lot of rain so take umbrellas, rain hats and rain boots. You will most likely need them this time of year. Hope I have helped just a little bit!!

Not being a woman, I'm afraid I wouldn't be very good at recommending specific attire for you. Two comments, however. First, I'd definitely bring something warm as Paris can be quite cool in mid-March. And second, in case you're considering wearing jeans, I must respectfully disagree with Deborah that Parisians do not wear jeans and that you will stick out like a sore thumb should you choose to wear them. Perhaps older Parisians do not wear them, but I've seen plenty of younger Parisians wearing jeans when I've been there. The people who most stick out like a sore thumb, in my opinion, are those with shorts and running shoes, but I doubt you'll be wearing shorts in mid-March. Bon voyage!

For the evening i recommend something casual and black...

P.S. I second what Richard said about black. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with black.

Here's another recommendation for black. When packing for Paris, I take black bottoms (slacks, skirts, maybe a dress), white and ivory tops, and several sweaters in beautiful colors, along with a blazer in black or a color. A black skirt or slacks, beautiful ivory blouse (or even a white or ivory tee), and blazer or sweater, with one or two pieces of nice jewelry, with black shoes of course, will take you anywhere. Add a really nice belt and a scarf, and you'll be tres chic! Twin sweater sets are handy as well.

Thanks so much for all your advice. I was actually planning on bringing a long casual woolen skirt for evening wear along with different tops. I just went out and bought a "very" comfortable pair of black shoes for daytime wear. My son is insistent upon wearing sneakers for daytime. I'm counting the days and praying we'll be lucky and have very little rain. I can dream, can't I?

Yes, wear black exclusively, all the time. It'll make you look 'chic'.

I have been reading this forum for a few weeks, and decided to jump in on this thread. I've been to Europe 3 times. Every time I go, I pack "light" and never have what I want to wear. I'm going this time with a 26" suitcase, check it , let the taxi driver put it in the car, the guy at the hotel take it to my room,and not touch it again till I unpack and hang up my clothes. I'm taking 5 (FIVE) pair of shoes!! I'm sick of looking like "well, no one knows me, so it's O.K." I'm going to Paris, and I'm going to dress like I'm in PARIS! I will admit, tho, I'm staying in one place for two weeks!

You go, Vicki! After several trips of over-packing (tho I always liked what i took)...I'm getting ready to leave in 10 days..and have a monochromatic, and - i hope- pared down, wardrobe to go into a smaller suitcase. I say....let's compare notes here, after we both return, and see how it goes??

Parisian women match the stereotype, they are extremely chic. If you have time for shopping early on get one or two scarves. Parisians wear them all the time, you will treasure them as souvenirs of your trip, they can be as warm as a sweater on your shoulders, and you will feel as chic as can be.

I just packed a week's worth of clothes in a 21" carryon: thin black wool jersey skirt, black faille pants, 2 pair of navy pants, 2 black cotton jersey tops, 2 dark knit tops, a pair of flats (naturalizer walking shoes), 3 scarves, and the undies/sox/pj's. Makeup, OTC drugs, lotions, shampoo and perfume, plus two books, my camera, film and a booklight/flashlight combo. The way to pack light is to wear things more than once, color coordinate, and find lightweight fabrics (a pair of pantihose + lightweight pants take up less room than a pair of heavy wool trousers). I hate standing at the luggage carousel, so I'm willing to give up several changes of clothing for the convenience of rolling off the plane, through customs and immigration and onto the shuttle bus>the RER.

'Vira! Are you packing just for exercise or are you headed off on another adventure soon? Does your reference to the RER mean you're going back to Paris? Tell all! Bon voyage?

O. K. arjay, you're on! I want Elvira to tell us if she was cold (unless she's going to Italy or some warm spot). I want the liner in my raincoat, and a nice blazer, and I too, am only taking 1 skirt and 3 pr pants, but I want to dress 'em up or down, and can't do that with nothing but flats. A couple of cashmere sweaters, and 2 silk blouses, three long sleeved tee's, my robe and slippers(yes, yes) and the other stuff she's mentioned and a nice two piece black wool crepe suit...can wear the skirt and jacket with other things. Oh, and my pashmina shawl! The wind in Paris is cold in April. I've done the 20" carry-on...been there, done that. I'm taking a leisurely trip, and don't mind waiting for my luggage.

Vicki - Well, I'm not totally decided yet, but I'm pretty sure I'll be taking at least two turtlenecks (we're travelling 3/1-3/15; Amsterdam, Brugges and Paris); a black pantsuit in sort of Tencel fabric (like it so well, I just bought one in taupe and I think it goes too!); maybe 4 liteweight tops for under the jackets? black, aqua, white, red and a couple of knit longsleeve tops in dark colors. Just bought a long sleeve cotton knit dress in black, almost ankle length. It could be a uniform for the two weeks, so I'm pretty sure that goes and one pair of low black suede pumps, the only shoes other than the walking ones i'll be wearing. Hmmmm...this probably doesn't sound like 'light' to the veterans here.. But last time, on a two week+ trip, we had to do laundry twice, and I don't find that much fun either. We've just bought two new 24" wheeled cases, one for each of us, and what doesn't fit, doesn't go...(oh, and an umbrella, of course!)

Elvira, I envy you and others who can pack light. I find with 2 pair of shoes (2 walking and 1 dress) I need a checked suitcase just for them. You've seen me Elvira and know what I'm talking about.

Does anyone have any experience with ECCO shoes? I've heard from many that these are extremely comfortable and come in a variety of styles. We leave for London/Paris in 4 weeks. I really want to pack one pair of shoes that I can dress up or down. I plan to pack mostly black, with some colorful sweater sets, blouses and a few scarves. I just found a great 3/4 length black coat that will work in cold/rain. Thanks for the previous posted tips/advice!

I have terrible feet, and need to wear orthotics. I've worn several pairs of Eccos, and have found them to be quite comfortable, but I recently discovered a new brand that I like better than any I've tried -- Stonefly. I got a pair of short, black lace-up boots that are amazing. I wore them every day on my trip to Paris in January, with dressy clothes and casual. They're also waterproof (Goretex). Got them at Nordstrom. Highly recommended.

Find out the weather, dress appropiately - if you eat in michelin starred establishments, dress accordingly, if you dine in cheap bistros, dress down - simple? I take it that you are an adult and hopefully of reasonable intelligence and self-integrity, why do you need to ask others how to dress? If I asked whether I should wear suit X or suit Y for work I could hardly expect one to take me seriously. Furthermore, why do you thinnk anyone is interested in you? In the grand scheme of things, you, I , and everone else are no one. Please could people stop asking for fashion advice in a travel forum. Learn how to dress appropiately, before you embark on travelling.

That was a little mean, Miles. Deborah, plenty of Parisians wear jeans, more than likely the ones you have seen have been professionals/workers in the touristy areas etc thus they probably dont wear jeans. And unfortunately this wearing black nonsense has reared its ugly head again. Anyone unfamiliar to Europe must think we are a nation of undertakers. Do all the Rick Steves tours have stopovers in coal-mining areas or areas whrere there are many old widows etc? Wear black - what nonsense.

Tony, how nice to see you at the Forum. Aren't you coming to the States soon? BTW, aren't you a little harsh about the black thing, too? I have almost black hair, very pale skin, and dark eyes. Black is my best color! I love to wear it. However, I was with some women on a trip to London a year or so ago. When questioned about clothes, I told them that I wear primarily black and work my trip wardrobe around that color. Seven women went out and purchased virtually the identical handbag as I and cleaned the stores out of everything black!!! We were the Black Brigade! Many of them don't look very nice in black, either. They would have been better wearing what they normally wear at home! (I have to admit, I was a little embarrased by it all.) I do think Miles makes a valid point in one of his posts this morning. He said something to the effect that 'nobody really cares'. I think he is right about that. People care much less about us than we probably care to admit. Sheila, wear what you would here in the States (I am assuming that's where you are writing from) and what makes you feel gorgeous! You'll look great I'm sure! Have a wonderful trip! Gigi

Do you think I should bring my sheared beaver bomber jacket? I take it my pashmina is a "must." Am going to Paris in 3 weeks.

Gigi In my opinion, there's nothing I like better than seeing a dark-haired woman dressed all in black. However I tend to reserve such thoughts for the bedroom and perhaps on holiday/vacation one could afford to wear something not-black. Oh I forgot to add black lipstick too, that does it for me, that's THE best. I'll be in the USA from next week, we're comin' your way.

The original poster had a legitimate question. There's nothing wrong with asking what type/style of clothing is appropriate for some place you have never been. Although many people wear black for fashion reasons there is a practical reason as well - it doesn't show the dirt. Most people can't wash their clothing as often when they travel as they would at home. Some very light colored clothes can only be worn one time without looking terrible. So dark, not necessarily black, is best especially for skirts and pants.

Tony! We so look forward to hearing about your time here! I think we should all like a chance to meet you! About the time you are here, I shall be across the Atlantic in your direction. As for black...black clothes everywhere still works for me (yes, especially in the bedroom). I think I'll skip the black lipstick, however. A merlot red or chocolate color is more my style! Lovely, safe travels to all, Gigi

Gigi Surely you will not be in Europe for my entire 3 month trip? :-( Say it's not true!

My very dear, Tony, I fear I may never have the opportunity to meet you. It appears this wretched schedule will keep me occupied for much of the next three months. As you were voted the most adored man on this post, I am most disappointed. I am sure you will have a lovely time here. Most women will go crazy over that wonderful accent you sport. By the by, Tony, what do you wear on your travels to the U.S.? Just curious... Gigi

I think Miles is being a bit cynical. I like to know what "seasoned" travelers wear when traveling because I have a tendency to over pack. Also I do care about other people and don't get why Miles thinks "you, I, and everyone else are no one". I think that women tend to be somewhat more concerned about what they wear and whether their clothes are appropriate for the occasion than men do, so perhaps that is why Miles is not too interested in fashion advice.

All black, Gigi. No , actually I'm into cream right now. I will be wearing a kilt whenever possible despite my hairy legs coming with a health warning.

Tony...you are killing me!

This "post" has seen to have gone array from the original question. Can someone please answer my question re: my beaver bomber jacket? Thank you.

take your Bomber jacket. Someone asked about Ecco shoes. My wife loves her pair.

I loved the comment about the people at the hotel carrying your suitcase to your room! Does that actually happen?

I've heard about the impressive tilt of your kilt.

Marjorie - who told you?

Janice..I'll let you know. Got a bet with some of my friends that the only place I'll handle that suitcase is checking it in, baggage pick-up,etc., to the taxi, and back. $20 is $20.

Parisians wear jeans, they just don't wear then to work while you are out being a tourist and seeing them, and 60 year olds don't wear them like they do in the US. I am with Vicki, I do not want to be uncomfortable or not look nice on a trip just to save a little luggage space, at least if I'm staying in only one place. I always take about 5 pairs of shoes (2 casual, 2 dressier for night, one flipflops or slippers for the hotel), I would be miserable and uncomfortable if I only took two as some people advise; it's not good for your feet or shoes, either. When I go to Paris, luggage is no problem, I check it, wheel it from baggage claim to the taxi stand, wheel it from taxi to front desk of hotel, from there I usu wheel it to room but some hotels have bellman guys even when you don't want them. I can always handle my bags on my own and I pack all that stuff in only a 21" pilot case and a smaller tote bag/duffle bag thing that matches and can go right on top of the suitcase when I'm pulling it along. There really is very minimal handling of luggage if you stay in one place, it's never been a problem for me. I used to worry more about this until I missed some things and spent part of my vacation looking for them, paying a fortune, and not liking them (ie, a warm sweater, slippers, etc). I usually fly Air France and they have started allowing only one carryon in any case, so you have to check the other one even if it is only 21" (no, I couldn't go to Europe for two weeks with only one piece of carryon luggage). I have never had a problem handling my luggage myself, but I wouldn't want to do it if I were changing hotels and being on the train every other day or something. Oh, and I go in the summer when clothes are lightweight, I don't think it would work in winter. And I wear black quite a bit, it's true, as well as olive and khaki or offwhite, but I do that anyway--I'm blonde and we look pretty good in black IMO. The only time I took too much was when I went to Prague for a week and I had two pair of jeans, one lightweight nicer slacks for evening, two skirts for evening (I was going out to opera and nice things at night a lot), and maybe one pair cotton twill casual pants, and two sweaters (plus a variety of tops). One pair of jeans was enough and one sweater but that was because it turned out to be a lot hotter than usual in May, so I had to end up buying cotton capris to wear in daytime and didn't need the heavier sweater even at night. It didn't really burden me in any way, though, as I just went straight to the hotel and stayed in one place. I really don't mind waiting for luggage 1/2 hr at the end of a long trip like that, I'm just trying to get awake and feel normal; often, it's very early in the am anyway and I may be procrastinating as my room won't be ready, anyway. So, there are different traveling theories but I don't worry about whether I'm dressed right at night or in restaurants, either, as I have correct clothes to wear, and I don't wear souvenir Tshirts on my trip. One thing I don't pack even though I'd like to is a robe; lounging around the hotel I wear Tshirt and either leggings or, if summer, knit shorts. This is more versatile to me, especially if you want to step out in the hallway or something. I have plenty of room partly because I don't take athletic shoes and stuff like that, I think. Those suckers are very heavy and bulky. I don't usually take a raincoat in summer; oh, I took one to Prague and wished I hadn't as I never wore it because it was so warm--see, I packed all that stuff in one 21" pilot case but small carryon. I feel sorry for guys because their clothes are a lot bulkier, espec. shoes. I could easily pack for 3 weeks in a 24" suitcase but I don't own one, 20" suitcases are about too small for me for even a long weekend.