I'm not a five-star-hotel and limosine guy, nor am I a backpacking hostel type, but a mid-level American guy. I'll be in Paris in mid-September and have never been before. Can anyone give me pointers on how to dress so as not to look like the 'ugly American'? Is it all black with wrap-around shades? During my daytime jaunts will jeans and a polo shirt be OK? I assume I'll need a jacket for the evening. Any tips are appreciated.

Ha - yes, please leave the black clothes and wraparound shades at home. The jeans and polo should be fine.

Just prepare for all kinds of weather (e.g. waterproof, comfortable walking shoes (ideally black); a good umbrella; a waterproof jacket that can be easily stowed if it gets hot; a hat; sunscreen).

If it helps, most European men I've seen are wearing jackets, scarves, jeans, a T-shirt and colorful sneakers or black walking shoes. Few people seem to wear sunglasses except for me, some Italians and some Beverly Hills chicks I saw near Notre Dame today.

In September you may well need a light jacket during the day. You will definitely need a sturdy folding umbrella and 2 pairs of waterproof walking shoes.

I would also bring some long-sleeve shirts and at least one light weight sweater - since it can be coolish and drizzly then.

Paris is a cosmopolitan, diverse place and you will see a bit of everything. Jeans and a polo will be fine for daytime though you may need another layer if it turns cool/rainy. If you mean a suit jacket, unless you plan to hit some upscale places it is not absolutely necessary, though I have found a blazer quite handy to have, can be dressed up or down as required. If you mean an outerwear jacket - yes, you will probably need that or at least a sweater in the evenings. The all black would actually be fine, too, would not tag you as a Yank but more likely get you taken for a pretentious Bobo, an artsy wannabe, or a frequent traveler tired of coordinating outfits.

Don't wear shorts!

Wrap-around shades aren't really "in" in Europe. Aviators, especially Giorgio Armani or Tom Ford, are preferred.

Don't forget your faux-hawk, red Pumas, and Lacoste shirts. A murse wouldn't hurt.

The Great and Powerful Thingorjus

Don a beret.

Carry a baguette.

Stick a Gauloise in the corner of your mouth.

Sling a murse over your shoulder.

Be sure to glower.

A scarf will do the trick if you are trying to blend in. No shorts ?! I have worn them & am often thought to be a local. In fact, there has not been a time I have been there & not been approached as a local. I DO like StCirqs' answer better though.

Relax Waldo...

Trust me, you'll get there and wonder why you ever asked this question. You will see everything from jeans to sandels w/socks! Don't get me wrong, I've definitely seen well heeled women and fashionably dressed me but they're certainly not the majority. Believe me, not everyone in Paris looks like they belong on the cover a magazine! You will be fine in whatever you wear Dress comfortable and have a great time!

Interesting first post. I am always amazed that a newcomer can find everything else he wants to know but what to wear in Paris (the most talked about, most contoversial topic).

Oh I forgot to answer the question... you wear whatever your wife tells you to wear...just like home.

ILUVPARIS actually gave you the best advice in my experience.

You'll see lots of denim, especially on younger folks, and various other types of clothing.

Your choices will be fine.

And try not to forget that you aren't going to be the only visitor in Paris and that not everyone dresses the way their wife tells them to.

The Paris fashion police will be disbanded as of September 7th this year, due to the start of the Rugby World Cup. Even vomit stains down the front of your clothes will be allowed.

Kerouac's only half right.

Vomit stains are rare among rugby supporters, who pride themselves on holding (and consuming) their booze like gentlemen.

But when you see what the ugly Australians and even uglier Welshmen are dressed like, you'll realise that ugly Americans are, by comparison, deranged fashion addicts. Carry a 10 ft model of a leek, shout "Oggie, oggie oggie" a lot and you'll blend right in.

no white shoes. and mostly avoid shorts and t-shirts and you won't look like an ugly American.. don't think it is possible to avoid looking American though unless you do your shopping in Paris with a French wife. As from Pulp Fiction, it is the small differences, that will make you look distinctively unfrench.

Good question but we need more information. First re-consider your phrase,"ugly American". Perhaps you can define it. How old are you, BMI?. What are you going to do in Paris? Are you traveling alone? The suit and tie male with polished shoes is probably a salesman. He is dressed to show respect for his customers. The smartly dressed young females are on shopping trips and want to be treated with respect. Take a camera. Take group pictures of queues at museums, restaurants, cinemas and business places. Try for some pictures of guests leaving expensive hotels and also of lesser ones. Get up early and record the dress of business people going to work. I remember seeing young women switching 'trainers' for heels before entering their offices. Evening! A different uniform. Check the garb at a McDonald's and then at a 3 star bistro. Had enough? Let us know what you find out.

Thanks for all the advice. I now feel more comfortable. Just to note, I'm a gay man traveling with my partner who wears the same sizes, so as far as having enough clothes to satisfy the requirements outlined, need I say more?

For Paris i'd advise white wing-tip black shoes with white socks, a cowboy hat, Oshkosh by Gosh overalls and a sweatshirt with God Bless America on it. That way you can blend in and no one will think you're a yank.

Gay men in the Marais run around in shorts, tank tops and flip flops. They change to go to other neighborhoods.