Eperanay, France "dress code"
 

Hi,
I'm going to Paris and Champagne and I'm wondering how dressy/chic it is. I'll be visiting the champagne houses and going out to some nice restaurants. Is it casual dressy? I don't want to be under dressed if its chic, but I also don't want to be overdressed.

Thanks for any info!

Male or female?

Time of year?

Age and body type?

The only general advice without this information would be to wear darkish colors; well-pressed, well-fitted clothing; and shoes that are not run down.

If you go to any nice restaurants in France you will find the locals - and many of the visitors - are chic.

It is not necessarily dressy. In fact, "dressy" is often not chic. Some people may be "dressy" but more are likely to be business chic or casual chic. What you are least likely to see among locals is unchic and or sloppy.

Chic can be a gorgeous cashmere sweater, silk scarf, black pencil skirt or trousers and stylish booties. This is way more chic for dinner than a "dressy" outfit with sequins and a lot of jewelry.

I would describe it as casually elegant. Dressy means something more formal to me which is not necessary. You may see many men in suits at weekday lunches but that's because that's what they wear to work so that's an exception. In general, I would say people in the Champagne region are less fashion conscious than in Paris as these are mostly small cities/towns and villages.

In the Moet Chandon Champagne House we had to walk down wet, dark stairs into their very historic, damp, and dimly lit caves. Proper footwear advisable. I think we dressed smart casual for dinner in Epernay.It is a small town, rural area.

do exactly as you would at home - no difference at all - no further expectations - no less - it's really IME practically the same so use same judgment as if the restaurants were in your home town - for the Champagne House tours casual is definitely what most others will be IME.

Oh yes, definitely comfortable shoes preferably with nonslip soles for the cellar tours. There are a lot of stairs. It can also be quite cool in the cellars.

Nice dark fitted jeans( pencil jeans are in) , a blouse and blazer , scarf and good shoes/boots will take you almost anywhere in Paris. Seriously.

Thanks so much for your responses--very helpful. I actually lived in Paris 30 years ago (I'm 48) and at that time it was dressier than it is now. I was really surprised when my husband and I were there about 5 years ago--there was so much of the grunge look there! When I was there sneakers were frowned upon, but the last time I was there many people were in sneakers--albeit more the young crowd. Things have definitely changed. I'm very much looking forward to bringing my 70 year old mother to Champagne and the above information from folks who have recently been there is very helpful!