Sure I love dressing up like any gal, but will I really be judged by what I wear? I've been raising kids and pigs for many years....I believe I am a bit out of touch with the fashion world. I'm a little panicky about what to wear when I visit Paris in June!

"<i>Is there really a "dress code" in Paris? </i>"

Of course there isn't! Who gave you that idea?

Yes there is and you will be scrutinized as you get off the plane and if they dont' like your looks you will not be allowed into the country.


I can't help that much with summer wear, I hate being hot and I usually go in the late fall or early spring. I was in Paris some years ago, the first week in June, and it was quite warm the first two days and then it took a huge turn and was very cool and drizzling every day. I liked the drizzling better that the warm frankly.

Everything I am reading in books and on-line states what to wear and what not to wear.

If you arrive at Paris airport you'll go through immigration (passport control), customs (to check your bags), and the fashion police. The first two are mere formalities, but that last can be quite grueling.

They'll check your luggage - don't even think of mix & match. Last I heard they will require a unique, coordinated, fashionable outfit for each and every day of your stay.

Since you've been raising pigs you may be familiar with the term hogwash....that's what this is all about.

I appreciate everyone having fun with this, but why in the travel books do they have lists of do's and don'ts? I've never seen anything like this in other countries...Obviously if I want to wear shorts, I will. But I actually read that was a big "no-no" for women. Why do the travel books say "leave your white tennis shoes" at home? I never thought twice about what to pack until I started researching for my trip.

luvmyfarm, finally someone I can relate to. (The pigs.) I have seen this question often since I started researching going to Paris. Pick an address in Paris. Google map it. Street view. You will see what people wear in Paris. Contrary to what the fodors fashion police says, people wear (gasp) blue jeans, tennis shoes, sports jerseys, t-shirts, and of course white collar Pariseans wear nicer clothes, often black or dark colors.
Leave the barn clothes at home and I'm sure you will look fine. What is the worst thing that can happen....that someone thinks you are a farmer from the USA? Certainly nothing to be embarrased about. Just a thought, you could always shop for clothes while in Paris. I hear they have department stores there. Enjoy your trip, ziggypop
attitude is everything

My assumption is that this is a troll.

On the (tiny) chance that it is not - Paris is a world capital and so people would dress differently than they do on a farm - just as in London, Rome,, NY etc.

You are perfectly free to wear whatever you want - but if you dine in any more upscale places you will probably be treated more seriously - and be more comfortable - if you dress like an adult - and even try for a little chic. This can be jeans - if they are well-fitting and paired with real shoes and a pretty top in silk or linen or?

If you choose to wear shorts, tees with cute sayings, lot of bright pastels, giant white clown sneakers and baseball caps you will stand out as american tourists and make yourself a target for petty theft. Other than that no one will care.

Here is one current thread on the subject (there have been many):

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...shionistas.cfm

I would agree that there is a wide variety of clothing worn in Paris. Trying to fit in with Parisians for someone from the U.S. is frankly hopeless, so I wouldn't even attempt that. The main reason to blend in is to avoid being a victim of crime. If you look too much like a U.S. tourist, you stand out more for pickpockets, weird taxi drivers, etc. My main advice would be, try to look more "urban" than you normally would, and that would go for a trip to NYC or Chicago, too. Usually that means, darker clothing, better shoes and an accessory or two to pull it all together. You probably only need to add 3 or 4 items to what you already have to pull this off.

NO, No code, be clean and you will be okay. The dress style differs in diffferent arr. but they will not look down ion you. so be youself

P.S. We care about how they look BUT.
they don't care how we look!

I am going in May.I have one dressup outfit to go out for dinner and the rest of 4 days I will be comfortable.soft shirts and pants and comfy shoes and socks by ECCO which I love.Not worring about what I am wearing ,Just enjoying Paris.

i agree with the others here, however you said something about wearing shorts. that is one thing I would not do.

If you are speaking English try and add a heavy French accent. That throws off the locals and they don't notice what you are wearing.

And nobody cares if your butt looks big.

We were in Paris in May 2011 and yes, I did not see anyone wearing shorts. Man or woman.

Nobody cares what you wear in Paris. Like you, they are all worrying about what other people think, and thus have no time to look at anyone other than themselves.

You can where anything in Paris,
But not to do in the countryside

Here is a photo essay that I stole from kerouac from awile back.
http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com...ay&thread=4630
my apologies kerouac, just trying to help a farm girl.

also lots of videos on You Tube that show what real people wear during the day.