IMO, after 8 trips to Paris, nobody cares what you wear---ACCEPT, if you plan to eat or stay in 5* hotels and restaurants!

Just sayin'!!!

Might as well look at one of my reports for the proper month. Here are the jeans, T-shirts, shorts and white shoes that Parisians were wearing last June: http://tinyurl.com/62my3gx

"but why in the travel books do they have lists of do's and don'ts? "

Never come across anything of the sort in my life. And I'm a travel book junkie.

You're obviously choosing to read exceptionally silly books.

well it seemed that even this board shifted from preaching what to wear and what not to wear in paris to this foolishness now pretty much out of favour. commonly in the past we would see the 'well travelled' (usually) americans trying to help their less travelled 'unsophisticated' breathren fit into paris and avoid looking american (presumably something that is shameful).

this was like borat trying to teach the people of kazakhstan how to dress in america and avoid looking like a foreigner. it was comedic, cliche, simplistic...pretty fun to read.

now it's generally fallen out of favour here to preach about the evils white tennis shoes and bright colours in paris. overall it's a good thing but with its decline, some of the comedy here on the fodors boards is gone forever.

Bravo walkinaround. I have been active on travel advice websites every since Al Gore invented the internet, and my biggest pet peeve is Americans with inferiority complexes who want Europeans to like them, and thus preach the dress code. You can be sure that when Europeans visit NYC they are wearing running shoes and track suits too. And weird colored slacks like orange!

The only time that the "what to wear" admonition is valid is when visiting countries with cultural/religious restrictions.

Thank you all for your responses.

I found the lists of "do's and "don'ts" in the main, well known travel books I found at the library. I don't have an inferiority complex...my point was, if it is no big deal, then why am I reading about it? Someone did say they would not wear shorts. There you go...

We're having fun luvmyfarm. Walkinaround nailed it. The whattowears are now running for the hills, naked, stripped of their credibility.

You will see shorts in Paris.

No shorts and I wear mostly one color, black so that I can pack lighter, mix and match and items that are easy to wash and dry. Layers are best, cropped pants if you tend to be hot but no shorts, fanny packs or you will set your self up to look like a tourist and that is not bad except for pick pockets.

Having observed the evolution of these "what to wear" discussions over a decade or more, I believe the common thread (as it were) is ridicule. There has been a slow movement from a preponderance of posts ridiculing the clothing Americans wear in Paris to a preponderance of posts ridiculing those who ask the question.

Both factions have always been present, but the balance of power has shifted.

I prefer to wear pantaloons, lice collars and buckle shoes so people will think I'm from Europe.



dave

No city has a dress code except in certain Islamist countries, that I know of.

But people may judge you if you look ridiculous, you can't help that, or if you look like a slob or dress completely inappropriately for a particular kind of place. But I think anyone knows that, no matter where you are.

I've seen various travel books giving do's and don'ts for dressing, that isn't that unusual and they are not "exceptionally silly." It's just kind of the norm for them to say things like don't wear shorts, sneakers, whatever. And I have seen that for places other than Paris (travel dress advice).

I've seen people on Fodors give lots of dress advice I can't follow and don't even think is true, but I've traveled so know better. Such as that you can't wear jeans in Europe.

Agree that anything goes! You will see people wearing everything...when I travel in the summer I wear flip flops in Rome and Paris, and all summer in London on the weekends where I live.

The only time I have seen do's and dont's is maybe in a church, where you are sometimes restricted from entering wearing anything shorter than your knees and your shoulder naked. This is usually in Italy though.

Very good! Of course I didn't mean a literal dress code...that's why I had it in "quotes"... I'm very excited!!

I don't know where that 'don't wear jeans in Europe' advice comes from. That is simply idiotic, everyone wears jeans.

And you must wear comfortable shoes. You are not on your way to work, you are sightseeing and walking all day. If that means white Nike's, than so be it.

Wear whatever you would wear when visiting a large city in your country. Smarter clothes if you go to smart restaurants, that goes without saying

I would not wear shorts or a fanny pack because I think that makes you a target for pick pocket. I am going in May and bringing a few nice pairs of crop pants...very comfortable especially if weather is warm and with comfy sandals.

<<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.>>

Paris is known for fashion, and I'm guessing those comments are directed at those who follow fashion to some extent. They're funny though because people who pay attention to fashion trends don't need a book to tell them what not to wear if they want to look "stylish".

>> I prefer to wear pantaloons, lice collars and buckle shoes so people will think I'm from Europe.<<

Lice collars?! Bet you feel a bit of a nit.

Watch Antiques Road Show, US version. Look at the people in the background. See what they are wearing. Don't wear that.

This is always a topic that generate lots of discussion.

I don't wear t shirts unless I am working out at home or abroad. I also don't wear tennis shoes/running shoes unless engaged in sport. I think there are other shoe options for comfort and you can like nice in them...but if you want to wear athletic shoes, do it. I also only wear flip flops at the beach or at home but not out & about. They are also terrible for your feet (no support)and don't work for a day of sight seeing. I have friend in Europe who do make fun of the American tendency to wear flip flops everywhere.

I have worn tailored shorts out in Paris in summer (linen, longer leg length, not elastic waist). Again with nice shirt and shoes, not athletic wear. The same with jeans; nice jeans as part of a nice outfit (no holes, not faded, baggy crappy jeans).

Wear clothes that fit properly and are comfortable for what you are planning to do. Other than that, don't worry. While Paris is known for fashion, the average person on the street is not decked out head to toe in Chanel or Dior! Kerouac, am I right here?