Clothing suggestions for France in September, slightly overweight woman
 

Yes, I am over 60 years in age, 5'1", weigh 150 plus. (Perhaps this meets the profile of many of my fellow female travelers.) My husband and I will be traveling in Paris and throughout France in September. I want to be comfortable, but also dress appropriately. We will be exploring some museums, but mostly we will walk and enjoy our surroundings. I would be very grateful for clothing suggestions from fellow female travelers.

In a word...think <i>shoes</i> for you will be spending many h-o-u-r-s every day on your feet.... walking. Coordinate your outfits around your shoes, comfortable shoes, and be sure to break them in before you leave on your trip. I'd suggest purchasing a couple of pairs of walking shoes with rubber soles and elastic stretch sides which expand from European manufactures such as Clarks, Ecco, Born, or Merrell. It's been a couple of years since I've been to Europe and six years since I last visited France, but I believe that you'd still be safe by building your wardrobe around the color black.... shoes, slacks, dress skirt, and coat. Then add your color in your tops, jackets, &amp; scarves. Don't pack anything that doesn't stretch and if it doesn't have 'grow room' leave it home as you'll probably put on a couple of pounds consuming all of those French breads and sauces. Enjoy your trip and don't count the calories.... plenty of time to diet when you return home!

It could be quite warm still in September so be sure to include a sweater or two. I like knits and there are so many different knit fabrics available now, in all weights. They don't wrinkle and if laundered, dry quickly. I have a couple of silk knit twin sets that I love. Can use the cardigan if cool or just the shell if it's warm. I personally don't care for capris so I like comfortable pants and skirts. Sandals could still be appropriate if you like them. I have some very comfortable slip on shoes..Clarks and Soft Spot that are wonderful.

I don't travel when it's hot...I HATE heat and turn into a huge sweaty &quot;patty melt&quot; so I'm thinking what I would take if I was traveling at the time you are. I use black as my base color and going in the fall I probably would still do that. I combine that with usually beige and gray with scarves for color. Everything goes with everything else that way. I usually take two pair pants, one skirt, and then of course have the pants I wear traveling. A few tops, a couple of cardigans and voila..good to go. If you take a coat or jacket, wear it on the plane. Also wear your heaviest shoes so not taking up the space in your suitcase.

I think, if you wear them, capris would be fine for the countryside. A lot of women do wear them in the city so it's no big deal...I just don't personally feel comfortable in them. You should be able to find a lot of good clothing deals..end of season..if you feel you need to shop before you go. Take an umbrella.

We used to go to France every September. Since hurricane Katrina, we now go in the spring.

But back to Sept. We've had 85 degree weather and we've had 40 degree weather, most of the time it falls somewhere in between. Layers help cover all your bases.

I plan my packing from the ground up. Since you're going to be on your feet a lot, a good pair of walking shoes is a must. I've found that the really good ones (comfortable) are less then stylish, so I stick to black and take 2 or 3 pairs of black pants. (You can do brown, navy or tan as your base color, but black is easier to coordinate and it doesn't show stains.) Try the pants on with the shoes before you pack to make sure the length is right.

One really lightweight pair of pants, one more substantial and one a little dressier. Then add one lighter pair of pants, maybe beige or a skirt that would go with the tops you're taking. And don't even think of taking any that are the least bit tight.

Walking shoes look less &quot;touristy&quot; when you have a column of one color. Pack another pair of shoes with a little heel for the dressier slacks.

One nice black jacket (or in your base color) that you wear on the plane. This will make a suit with your slacks that can be dressy or casual.

Think about what tops you would wear if it were really warm. Then pack 4 or 5 of your favorite blouses or shirts, (some short sleeve, some long) a couple of sweaters, scarves and/or jewelery.

Take one large pashmina type scarf you can wear either aviator style or shawl style in case it gets really cold.

I would avoid anything flashy or bright colored unless it's just a touch like a scarf. I usually take tops in white, pastel or neutral colors.

After 20 years of doing this, I have found that I really need to pack clothes I love and that are comfortable. If I bring something just because &quot;it would look great in Paris or whereever&quot; I end up not wearing it.

I know this is getting long, but one more hint since you're travelling around. Throw a suit bag in your suitcase, the kind they give away when you buy a men's suit. It will hold several hangers.

When you get to your first stop, unpack some of each of your clothes and put them on hangers in the suit bag. That way wrinkles will have a chance to fall out and you won't have to keep packing &amp; unpacking your suitcase at each stop.

You might find that you even lose a bit of weight with all that walking ;-)
I'd echo the comfortable shoes.

I echo the comfortable shoes. I usually take one pair walking (i.e., Merrell Jungle Crocs) and one pair sandals. On the sandals, I go with Cobbie Cuddler lace ups because they're a bit more feminine than most comfort sandals but still cushioned and comfortable for walking all day.

I like color, so I don't do the &quot;black wardrobe&quot; (it also doesn't look good on me). I go with browns, olive and/or blue. On my next trip for 3 weeks, I'm doing the following:

beige walking shoes and sandals
4 bottoms: olive, olive, slate blue and jeans (the non-jeans are twill or cotton)
5 solid tops: garnet, brown, brown, sage, caramel
2 lightweight jackets: olive and blue grey (not quite the same color as the pants, but they work great together)
pashmina with all the above colors (I also use a cream one and a gold one for trips).

I wear mid-rise, bootcut pants and A-line skirts to just below the knee as they are most comfortable on me and look the best. They also both give a better line for imperfect figures. The tops are short sleeve or sleeveless and of cotton or cotton knit. I don't do tees because they make me look squat - I look for a more feminine cut without being tight.

I find that by keeping the bottoms and jackets in the same color family but of different hues, that I still look put together but not &quot;coordinated&quot;. And I get my color without sacrificing the mix and match ability. I don't do any prints (except the pashmina) to keep things simple.

Also, by not doing tees, I feel that I'm a bit &quot;dressier&quot; looking for evenings.

Definitely wear athletic shoes (sneakers or whatever you want to call them). Your feet will thank you forever. They don't have to match your outfit, they don't have to look good -- the French absolutely do not care what tourists have on their feet, and when they go on vacation themselves, they wear anything they damn well please, so do not let the fashion police influence you. Comfort is the only thing that counts.

Kerouac - but only if athletic shoes are comfortable for you. Don't wear them otherwise.

(I say that because I find them very uncomfortable and do better with other styles.)

Definitely over 60, the whole bit.

Shoes: two pairs of black ecco's but spend time in a shoe store finding out what works best for your foot. Mine are a little wide.

Pants: black, khaki, tencel jeans

Tops: black, red, white and one other color that makes your heart sing and goes with all the pants. (Wear black pants, black top and tie red shirt over your shoulders, khaki pants with black shirt) You get the idea. Only your husband will notice how often you wear something.

Rain jaccket, light weight polartec will cover any weather you could possibly come upon.

For tops, I used LLBeans pima cotton t-shirts and matching cardigan. If anything looks like it might be dressy, throw in a long skirt. Also include a scarf and a piece of inexpensive jewelry.

My color scheme isn't required. You can put together something similar in your favorite colors.

Great advice from everyone.
I'd like to suggest a jean type jacket
- fairly fitted and not necessarily in
denim. I like the jacket over a tee
with scarf/pashmina over top and black
pants underneath. Neat but stylish,
no?

Keep everything as light in weight as
possible - including your purse/bag.
And, yes, shoes that suit your feet
and allow you to schlepp w/o pain are
the number one necessity.........

Good quality walking shoes are generally much more comfy than white athletic shoes (which, after all are for tennis or running or cross training - or just sneakers) but not necessariy for walking long-distances on cobblestone or uneven pavements. Also be sure the shoes are waterproof - since in the fall it;s likely you'll see at least some rain.

Agree that tenps can vary - so you need to be able to layer - with thin to medium weight pants (and skirts if you prefer - Idon;t do them except for dinner outfits), a mix of lon and short-sleeve tops, one or two light sweaters and a light jacket (I have one of those tissue weight rain jackets with hood, reversible from tan to black).

I don;t find sandals that comfy for long-distance walking - and the possibility of rain makes them less practical than real shoes.

Then - I pack 2/3 dinner outfits - usually silk or nice quality knits - with topr, pants and skirts that mix/match (navy or black and white) an done pair of pretty shoes (wedges are esier to walk in than heels).

And I've found that even though I eat way more than I do at home I lost 2/3 pounds per week due to all the walking.

Wow! I was worried when replies were slow to come in. When I shopped for clothing in Italy, I could not find much in over a size 12. I know skinny is &quot;in&quot;, but I think most of us will agree, these are women who can eat whatever they want and/or women who starve themselves/exercise excessively, neither of which is &quot;healthy&quot;. Thanks to all the women out there, like myself, who exercise each day, eat right and still are who they are, without obsessing about it. I think that is the real &quot;healthy&quot;. Thanks for your advice.

&gt;&gt; I know skinny is &quot;in&quot;, but I think most of us will agree, these are women who can eat whatever they want and/or women who starve themselves/exercise excessively, neither of which is &quot;healthy&quot;.&lt;&lt;

You may find it comforting to think so, but in fact, most Italian women are much thinner than most American women because they eat healthier foods and in more moderate quantities.

&lt;&lt;You may find it comforting to think so, but in fact, most Italian women are much thinner than most American women because they eat healthier foods and in more moderate quantities.&gt;&gt;
I realize that is why they are thinner. I know they carry the grocery bags home from the store and up six flights of stairs. I know they walk, or ride bicycles, everywhere, rather than drive. I know I walk two and 1/2 half miles a day, also swim regularly, don't eat huge portions, have low blood pressure, good cholesterol and wear the size I wear. We are all who we are, skinny or bigger. And I accept your point of view as well.

I am a size eight and sometimes a ten and I have trouble finding clothes in France. I went to a boutique and to the Galleries Lafayette in Paris last Fall and I was struggling to get into extra large! One saleslady was struggling to help me with a tweed jacket top and she was pulling it together like she was lacing a corset!
We both had to laugh.

Yes, we are all built differently so I agree with you, be proud that you exercise and are who you are. Have a wonderful trip.

I agree. There are many factors that affect &quot;size&quot; - including height, bone structure, build, etc. A 5'4&quot; woman who weighs 150lbs with a long torso and short legs will often fit a smaller size than a 5'4&quot; woman who weighs 140lbs with a short torso and long legs.

That's also why many women wear different sizes in tops than they do in bottoms - their build structure puts more of the weight distribution in a specific region.

hi, meggies,

though this doesn't exactly answer your query, you'll find more and more shops in europe cater for the more generous figure.

you'll have to avoid most of the &quot;boutiques&quot; but the big stores and some specialist shops have some lovely clothes designed for us.

so leave space in your suitcase!

regards, ann

I'm over 40 and fat, and after about 15 trips to Paris, I've decided after my month here this time that from now on, for my packing ease and comfort, my clothing will consist purely of black, white and denim. A couple of scarves for color, but watching the chic locals, those three colors seem to me to predominate the &quot;look&quot; and work anywhere you might go.

Hit Chicos for comfortable, washable, and more-or-less stylish stuff. Take a few things that mix and match. Stick to darks so they don't show spills. But some fun, moderately funky sneakers (like Sketchers or whatever) for serious walking and throw in a dressier pair of something for dinner.

No jogging suits; safari vests; heavy, hot jeans, but I'm sure you know that.

I am 44 and probably have the same body type you mention. &quot;Regular&quot; sizes are usually snug on my...um...generous bottom half. If I move up to Women's sizes, I am lost in flapping yards of fabric! It's tough...all a matter of cut.

Last year, I started buying from Talbot's Women's Petites collection. The clothes are more generously proportioned, yet still appropriate for the shorter figure. It has been a lifesaver. I take an 12 or a 14 and have not had to have any tailoring done.

Their Matte Jersey separates are my go-to travel clothes. Actually, the Matte Jersey pants are my everyday pants, regardless of where I am. When I first took them to France, I was amazed at how well they packed and washed. More than a year later, I am still wearing them. (Yes, I have three pairs now!)

While I would love to be wearing more &quot;artsy&quot; clothing day-to-day, I have also surrendered to the fact that I just look better in tailored clothing. More flattering to the short but zaftig frame.

Since you aren't going to Paris until September, you have plenty of time to lose weight. Cut your caloric intake to 750 calories a day and go for 3-mile walks before bed.

When I am really hungry, I take a half-bottle of Nyquil. This knocks me out for about 10 hours so I can't eat.

I just lost 14 lbs. for my upcoming trip to Greece. I have to look good in my Marc Jacobs' swimsuit, sweetie.

The Great and Powerful Thingorjus

WELCOME BACK!

Ankle-length skirts would be beautiful on you, and will work- day or night - even if it's hot, as it's been for the last few years - at least the first 2 weeks in September...
As for footwear -- sandals, boots, espadrilles all look great with a long skirt.
If you need to wear sneakers, I'd suggest black ones with black pants.
Jess

Aren't you worried about tripping over a long skirt, like getting on and off public transportation, trains, and such?

&quot;Aren't you worried about tripping over a long skirt, like getting on and off public transportation, trains, and such?&quot;
Not really; you kind of pick up the right habits pretty quickly.
Jess

I don't know about ankle-length skirts. I was &quot;heavy&quot; for a few years (5'3&quot; - 140 lbs, now down to 112 lbs for the past 4 years
and can wear anything I like...pssss: South Beach diet and loads of exercise!), but when I was what I considered fat, I couldn't bear to put on a skirt. I mean, I had no waist! And without a waist, what's a skirt? Besides, schlepping on and off trains, buses, even in and out of cars with an ankle-length skirt while traveling with luggage or even a purse and some shopping bags? No flipping way I'd ever have managed that without landing on my face a few dozen times.

To each her own; I figure meggies can decide for herself what camp she is in.
As for a waistline, remember that
whatever one's weight, some folks are &quot;apples&quot; and some folks are &quot;pears&quot; --
Jess

An ankle-length skirt would look ridiculous on a short, heavy woman. I am throwing profiteroles at you right now, Jess. You are certainly not a fashion expert. Listen to St. Cirq, one of the top travel writers on Fodor's.

Did you graduate from the Laura Ingalls Wilder School of Design, Jess?

The Great and Powerful Thingorjus

I am going to put in another vote that you consider shoes first. I don't find walking-type shoes (Clarks, etc.) any more comfortable than regular shoes that are well made and WELL broken in. During our first visit to Paris, I wore a pair of Born walking shoes that not only looked awful, but gave me blisters! They weren't broken in because, hey, who wears shoes like that except when on vacation? During out last trip, I brought a few pairs of comfortable shoes that I had worn for some time (a pair of low-heeled pumps, a pair of loafers) and they were perfect. I would not wear athletic shoes....that's just my personal preference.

As far as clothing, I would too, hit Chico's heavily as they have a great selection of clothes that travel well. I don't shop there because I am tall and they cut for more petite women - but my 5'1&quot; mother-in-law swears by them for her travel wardrobe (and she travels a lot all over Europe).

I think a couple of pairs of black pants, with nice sweaters, blouses, etc. and a nice jacket, can get you through Paris. I find I feel more comfortable in Paris if I am dressed up - that's me. But - don't worry about not looking like a tourist, they can pretty much spot us a mile away, no matter how much French we speak or how nicely we are dressed.

As far as the countryside, you might want to switch to khaki pants and your sweaters. It's not a bad idea to base your wardrobe on a few colors - I usually use khaki, navy, and white, and throw some red in - but you could also use black and white and khaki as a base.
Is this your first trip to Paris? I am in the middle of planning our 5th visit, next year. We love it and I know you will, too!

This is actually our fourth trip to Paris and France, but our last was ten years ago. When I read fashion recommendations of short shorts or skirts over leggings on an earlier post from another traveler, about clothing for Paris in July, I began to worry! I've always worn the dark pants with the dark shoes, but the only comfortable shoes for me are a pair of black New Balance, wide. Seriously, I went into an SAS store, tried on every recommended pair of walking shoes, and none were comfortable on me! I have Clark's sandals in three colors, but they are good only for maybe a mile. I like the Chico's and Talbot's women's petite recommendations and will explore those options. I've never been creative with scarves, but may work on that idea. I genuinely appreciate the ideas I am getting from fellow travelers. These boards are priceless for travel advice.

Re: the shoe issue. We have taken tons of trips to Europe (and yes Paris too). I do not own a pair of &quot;walking&quot; shoes or a pair of sneakers. I do, however, own lots of pairs of high-quality European shoes. (No SAS though, sorry, I think of them as old lady shoes, and I am rapidly closing in on 60). So, don't go out and just try on &quot;walking&quot; shoes. Look for such brands as Dansko, Ecco, Merrill, Haflinger, Birkenstock, Stonefly, Joseph Siebel, Naot, Wolky, Mephisto etc. By the way, my husband swears by some Clark's styles because they fit his feet, but I have a pair and they definitely don't feel as good as other brands because they are not up to the same level of quality.

Hi Meggies I am chiming in quickly on my lunch hour.

I too am a plus. It's a whole different world as you know.

Get the basic black/neutral outfit as recommened by the others. Forget the normal at home wardrobe mentality about what looks cute. Go for classic, non wrinkle and elegant for France.

I have a black bias cut skirt in a non clingy knit just longer than knee length from Macy's. Great basic item.

And a black a line dress with the essential but elusive sleeves (I HATE that thy make so many sleeveless dresses for plus gals, add a sleeve for heven's sake we need it) From Ross that costs me 24.$ It is unbelievable how many compliments I get on that 24 $ dress. I almost did not buy it because it was too cheap. It works and has a good silouette. Just for travel.

Then get a new necklace.
I went out of my comfort zone and bought a medium length big chunky silver &amp; gold necklace from Chicos for $40.00. It was not real gold of course which I prefer. But, with the black outfits I get so many compliments.
And it draws the eye to my face.
And if it's stolen well it's not real.

If you are just getting used to the scarves try a long medium weight type that will stay securely in place just around the neck and casually over the shoulder. I donlt know about you but my face is now fuller and I am not comfortable with alot of bulk near my face. But the long scraf does the trick.

I ditto the others on shoes.
In my case I just had to buy the walking shoes and one pair of basic black pumps one size larger
I also have wide feet &amp; they swell alot despite all efforts. So the shoes I take just for travel are a larger size and I am happy on the whole trip. And I save them for next trip.

Have a great time!

Meggies, your description of height, weight, and age are very close to mine. (I look at the mirror and see my grandmother looking back at me.)I prefer skirts when traveling (obviously not mini, nor ankle length either) slightly below the knee. I find them cooler in hot weather and much easier to deal with in dicey toilets (can't find a way tokeep pantlegs off wet floors) or in the occasional squat toilet. I do take one pair of slacks for the days hiking in the mountains.

As for shoes, just take whatever is comfortable for long days on pavement uphill and downhill, etc.

It all comes down to pesonal comofort and taste. Whatever you wear, have a wonderful time! And don't let the skinny Minnies get you down with diet aedvice.

A skirt over leggings? Please. That's the look of some black high school girls from Baltimore. I hope you weren't even considering that. I would really question your judgement as a human.

The fashion advice here floors me, as I used to work for Todd Oldham. One of my closest friends is an editor at French Vogue.

We have a lot of mall walkers from Michigan, I guess.

The Great and Powerful Thingorjus

Just wanted to mention that for the last several years, Paris has had serious heatwaves during the first 2 weeks of September. I'd have died in anything other than long-ish skirts (no pantyhose!) and very loose pants. I've finally learned to bring warm-weather clothes because you cannot buy any in Paris in September. But if it is cool, fall clothes are everywhere, so there are many sweaters, etc. on offer. Petite sizes (even for slim people) are a relatively recent phenomenon and not easy to find. RE: shoes, I've discovered that Zappo's actually EXPECTS that you'll order several pair on-line and will return (free) the rejects, so you might want to try that.You sound like you know what you're doing but are seeking some tips from those of us with a bit more recent local knowledge.
Jess

Well~You describe me a bit and I will be making my thrid trip to Paris and the South of France for 3 weeks in late September. After all our trips, I have finally come up with good travel pants(3 pairs). They are black poly/spandex. They wash well and hang out without ironing. I will also take a few cashmere sweaters(3) and some silk blouses(2) which can be used interchangably for dressier needs. I also will take some(2 pairs) black &quot;jeans&quot; and several knit tops.

Shoes are important. I usually take one casual pair for walking(usually black) and a dressier pair for dinner(low black suede heels).

One of the best things I have ever taken to Europe is a pashima shawl. I take my black one which provides some warmth in the evening and can actually dress up an outfit. Should it rain, you can always purchase an umbrella.

Mind you, I try to pack in one 21 inch rollalong and a separate bag for cosmetics and sundries.

On our last trip I packed three pairs of black pants which needed ironing. BIG DRAG despite the fact I 1) packed a travel iron and 2) like to iron.

Great packing advice, but I disagree about Chicos &quot;travelers&quot;acetate/spandex clothing. The synthetic packs well and looks great--it just doesn't *feel* great (to me) in anything other than cool to mild weather! I recommend natural fibers.

As a woman of a similar age, also &quot;slightly overweight,&quot; I was surprised to find that I no longer feel as outlandishly un-stylish in Paris as I'd think. I do wear black shoes (Keens maryjanes are my current favorites for traveling), black pants, and a scarf, but I am no fashion plate. Yet I found local women approaching me to ask directions or just to make small talk in an elevator. I think the moral is that French women, while far thinner than their American peers, look lots of varying ways--there is no &quot;one&quot; look (except I don't think they wear shorts with white running shoes in Paris).

Liz

PS I see no reason to bring any kind of heels unless they are shoes you enjoy walking in.

As above, Chicos &quot;Travelers&quot; are good in cool weather, and I have some nice pieces, but they get me overheated very easily.

For September travel I would myself be more comfortable in natural fabrics, cotton knits usually. The skirt vs. pants is a personal choice. Wear whichever you would feel best wearing at home.

I agree with the *shoes are the most important thing* you will have. Wear a twice-worn top if necessary, no problem. But if your shoes are wet, give you blister, whatever... that really puts a cramp in your style and enjoyment.

I agree that anything with spandex or latex, especially in a top, is not comfortable for wearing in warmer weather. I find also that the spandex blend fabrics do not look well after washing. I don't know why they are so popular. Amsdon, I am always in search of the black dress you describe, but usually they are too long, or the wrong fabric, or the sleeves are too long for my arms. I'd love to find that dress, though. No, margiela, I never for a minute considered the skirt over leggings-just went &quot;geesh--it's a skinny woman's world(read: the world of male fashion designers who dictate what women will wear and how they will look.&quot; The scary part is so many women go along with it. My husband will wear on this trip what he has worn on all our previous trips over many years. No one dares tell men what they must wear. So, here I am, wondering what to wear. Comfort will be my goal!

Thingorjus,

You always make a thread interesting!