I stayed in Paris last September and was a little surprised by the weather. We started in Switzerland, then went to Southern Italy (where it was HOT), then to Paris. I was surprised that it seemed to already be turning into Fall there...leaves were already falling and it was slightly chilly. (this was the 2nd or 3rd week of September).
Definitely plan on layers.

<<No one dares tell men what they must wear.>>

Well, I *try* to tell my husband what to wear-- or at least what not to!-- that is, no tank tops or shorts in a European city. He tells me he *must* be comfortable if it's hot; he doesn't care about offending people's fashion sensibilities, and is indifferent about being immediately seen as a an American tourist. <sigh>

He distinguishes this stance from what he'd do in a country where the clothing reflects religious or cultural norms not based on fashion (e.g., an African and/or Muslim country, or even in a European cathedral). There he wouldn't want to offend, but he sees that as totally different from a fashion standard. I think the distinction is not totally clear, but I have given up.

On fashion for the less-than-svelte of us, (or should I say MORE-than-svelte??)...

Why oh why do they have to make knit tops so freaking clingy now? I used to love travelling with knits but everything I see now shows every lump and bump. I'm hanging on (literally by mere threads) to my 4 plus year old tops that fit me just perfect. Not too loose, not too tight, just slightly curved in at the waist and thick enought to not show any bulges. And sleeves that actually cover the upper arms.

And speaking of sleeves, I need a dress to wear to two weddings this summer(hot daytime weddings) but I cannot find anything other than sleeveless or with a jacket.

Sorry for the rant. I just had another caffeine jolt and needed to vent!

Linda - I agree. They are making the knit tops (and bottoms) so tight on the body that all the benefits of the knit material are lost. Instead of softly draping your body, they are getting caught at every curve.

Finding a short sleeve top is impossible these days. They either have sleeveless or cap sleeves (which look horrible on anyone with sloping shoulders) or they have 3/4 or long sleeves that are too hot. What happened to sleeves that go to your elbow?

two word:

Eileen Fisher

In the line of complaining about tight knits, I am going to register my complaint for women with big bosoms, if we buy clothes to fit them, the rest of the fit is baggy. If we wear fitted clothes we can't button our tops. Seems like there should be a line where we can be fitted without having alterations. There, I got that off my shoulders, no pun intended. lol

Here's a plug for an outfit that makes great clothes for women of a certain age: Draper's and Damon's. I love their pants and tops and dresses with jackets: all nicely stylish without requiring the body of an anorexic teenager.

Ok mes amis:

I forgot to add that perfect (if cheapo)black dress, was way too long. I took it to the dry cleaner and
got it hemmed & taken in so I paid 50% of what the dress costs. It was still less than $50.00 total.
But I was short on time because of course I waited until the last minute.

I suggest you find a good seamstress to alter or make that perfect dress. Or a tailor.
I am Hispanic, and The older latina seamstresses are used to sewing with tons of material. So a little dress is nothing. Have you ever seen the detail work on the huge white skirts for dancers from Veracruz Mexico? Flat pleats and seams for miles of fabric. How much could they charge for a nice basic dress custom made. Just don't go to Rodeo drive.

Or go to a bridal shop and meet a few seamstresses and made a tester.

My 5 ft curvy mom had many nice dressed made for her because she had a small waist and liked her dresses to fit. Give one a try.

I am 54 and off to France from NZ for the RWC in September and October too and am what might be politely termed "reubenesque". Am taking nothing that remotely resembles a skirt- just stretch pants including stretch jeans, mix'n match tops, smart denim jacket, a couple of sweatshirts and a couple of silky knit tops for evening with dress pants as well as an allpurpose light rain jacket. Should I get invited somewhere stunningly flash I will be seen scouring the shops in a blind panic! And I am taking the most comfortable "walking" shoes/ sneakers I can get. Kumfs, Ecco or similar. And one pair of black dress low-heel shoes. Whatever I am short of, I'll buy.

I topped off this older post to add that the newest Travelsmith catalogue had some great new items. Travelsmith.com

See page 35 The elusive LONG SLEEVE gabardine look black dress (yes it's really polyester but so what. It travels well and comes in plus sizes)
You may need to shorten it

See pages 34 & 55 for a nice and affordable (yes consevative) but comfortable suits.

ams

I have had extremely mixed results with TravelSmith. Two things I have and love and have lasted for years, several others were so shoddily made when they arrived that I returned them immediately.

TravelSmith is "almost there". Yep, the stuff doesn't wrinkle, but, for example, the slack's inner liner wasn't taked in. So bending or stooping one had a little ruffle with the tag showing! The "must have little black dress" hangs like a flour sack. I avoid them from now on. Not the value for my buck.
Now, that said, being particularly well-fed as I am, I have found a catalogue that the quality seems to be fine, the liners don't flop around etc., and its called Silhouette. Plus their things have a bit of panache rather than simple.
Did anyone comment on the amount of bejeweled flats the French wear? I saw a LOT of gold toned simple flats...
But yes, follow the advice about shoes.
And you will find yourself a pound or two slimmer even with the wine, cheese, breads, etc. I always do and don't deny myself ANYTHING.

Suzie do you have the Silhousette website please?