When one fails to obey the many laws, it is everyone else who suffers.

"if one fails to obey these many laws
, what is the penalty ?" you ask.

Guillotine, of course .

I didn't ask who suffers; I asked about the penalties.

And how could anyone suffer from the way someone <i>else</i> is dressed? Unless you spend your time staring at other people and judging their attire, why would their dress have any effect on you at all?

People dress in all different ways in Paris. None of it makes me suffer, as long as they are clean.

I always travel with one pair of sneakers. They are my very best walking shoes for daytime activities. Pack and wear your best &quot;dressy-casual&quot; clothes from at home. Coordinate colors and pick fabrics that will pack well without needing an iron. Take things you feel good in and don't mind wearing a few times.

Bonjour! Just got back from a week in Paris lastnight. A once in a lifetime girls trip to Paris. One thing I can tell you for sure &quot;country girl&quot; is not to get stressed out over the packing thing. I knew better, but packed way too much of what I perceived would be the &quot;mainstream&quot; dress in Paris - WHAT A MISTAKE, I will say it again, WHAT A MISTAKE. You will waste so much time before you leave stressing out about clothes that you will forget important litte things like: a charger, extra card or batteries for your camera, a small travel umbrella, and most important, COMFORTABLE SHOES!! AGAIN, COMFORTABLE SHOES, and yes, a couple of pairs. The weather is great, but it does rain and it's busy, so many people from all over the world, hard to tell tourist from local. Everyone was wearing what you can buy in Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy,etc. In one week, throughout the whole city I must say, though that mainly only the guys (from other countries) wear traditional sneakers like we wear in the US. Buy an extremely comforable pair of sandals and a stylish but comfortable pair of sketchers or similar. Pack light, tees, tanks, a pair of jeans, cotton capris and a sweater or two, as it can get chilly at night or if it rains. Have a wonderful time!

Anthony- my list of rules was partially tongue in cheek, as they are pretty much the basics.

Healthy concern with one's appearance is a *good* thing. Unfortunately for us North Americans, it often gets mis-directed away from the basics. I'd go as far as to say that in our society, neglecting the basics is often encouraged. And this is a shame, because it is the basics, and *how* you wear your clothes, that go the furthest in making you look and feel good (you as a general term, of course, not you or the OP or anyone personaly)

My list of rules was just a half-silly half-serious way of saying this.

As for suffering and penalties and not being affected by what other people wear, you are right. I see it as being the exact same thing as good manners. The only 'penalty' for doing things like smacking bubble gum or farting in public is the temporary discomfort and fleeting distain of the people around you. It's not criminal, but it is anti-social.

And exposing feet, butt cracks, or underwear in public is also anti-social.

When we encounter someone with good manners, we feel uplifted. The same applies for being around people who are properly groomed and put-together. It's making an appreciated social effort to uplift rather than depress the energy around you.

And *that* is where I think our focus should be when it comes to concerns about how to dress.

I always fret about taking the &quot;right&quot; clothes when traveling and once I'm there I'm always surprised to see that Europe seems to be getting more and more casual in their clothing. I would avoid the Tweety Bird T-shirt if you're over 25. Good, supportive shoes a must. Moleskin, Dr. Scholl round pads that cover callouses,etc.

What does your husband think you should wear instead of sneakers?