cgonz1969

1st post, 1st trip to Paris... Need help in deciding what's the most versitile, yet hip clothing for seeing Paris, which does not scream "Tourist." Can you wear open-toe sandals in Paris???

Also, any tips or hints on fabulous shopping, flea markets, cafes, to make sure we get the most out of our anniversary trip! Thanks

suze

Of course you can wear sandals if you want to, just make sure they are comfortable because you'll most likely be doing a LOT of walking during the day.

Male or female? What time of year? General age bracket? would help for other clothing suggestions.

Travelnut

"What to wear in Paris and not look like a tourist?"
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34583857

"Wearing cowboy boots in Paris"
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34588272

Just wear normal "city" clothes - I don't like sightseeing in open shoes b/c the feet get dirty, and that rubs blisters. Leave these articles at home, if it's something you might wear: shorts, logo-tee shirts, fanny packs, big white athletic shoes. Jeans are ok. Bring a jacket or dress/skirt for nicer dinners.

haenelsski

Keep your hair dirty, and wear a scarf if you are female.

jody

I don't like sandals in a city because , as above, your feet get DIRTY, if you stub your toe on a curb you have no protection..and if you step in dog poop, it goes between your toes instead of all over your shoes!

suze

Really pointy shoes, flats or heels.

cgonz1969

Suze... Female, middle of May, mid 30s

husband, mide 40s

thanks for the feedback!!

cecisard

Don't worry about looking like a tourist in Paris. As far as I can tell, the french are not worried about looking like tourists themselves here in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. During my morning walk today, I ran into two middle-age couples with huge (and ugly) white tennis shoes, wearing ugly short shorts that exposed very white legs, and talking loudly while acting obnoxiously such as the type of tourists we condemn here.

For sure, I will not act like them when I get to Paris this coming May...

suze

OK- seriously now. What I find works for me is taking my 4-5 best higher-end casual outfits from a similar weather/season at home. I try to have pieces that both layer and mix and match. I believe that looking sharp and having style comes from your own personal sense, not trying to match what they are doing in another city.

I'll give the example of visiting in Switzerland (winter and I was wearing boots, knit pants, same color baggie sweater) and a local friend of my friend said "oh, i didn't know they had cute clothes like that in the U.S." ~LOL.

May might be a little early weather wise for sandals. It sounds silly but really what you both need is pants, shirts, shoes, a jacket. Since you mention <anniversary> maybe one dressier outfit each if you plan to go to a nice restaurant.

SAnParis

Drab monochromes, no tennis shoes, no apparell w/logos. I always seem to get asked for directions & what not so I guess I fit in pretty well. Maybe it's the goatee that gives me that mysterious, artsy look. Oh, & lose the fanny pack.

Intrepid1

Don't open your mouth at any time to speak; get RID of those obviously American shoes.

Get skinny.

Define the term "hip" for all the rest of us..a term that is oh, so 1960's....

ThinGorjus

If your husband is in his mid-40's, he will pass muster if he wears a jacket with a sweater (cashmere would be best, especially in a bright color) tied around his shoulders. Cordovan shoes, with cream-coloured socks, and light trousers will complete the look. This all screams, "I HAVE A HOUSE ON MAJORCA!" Oh, and make sure your husband has a tan, or at least uses some bronzer.

Of course you can wear open-toe sandals in Paris. They will be all the rage this Spring, especially a strappy raffia wedge. Really, dog poop?? What neighbourhoods are you girls venturing into? But, honestly, who cares as long as you look good? Beauty is everything, darling.

euroenvy

Wear scarf tied the "Parisian" way you know it when you see it...Wear bowling shoes..match your shoes and purse when you go out for dinner..Act like you know where you are going and you own the place. (it still won't work) Remember England is across the channel and Parisians are used to hearing English,Italian,Turkish etc. You want to be noticed for your lovely ensemble! One artist in the Tulleries asked me if I was from california... so wrong but everyone has an idea about how people from certain places should look.....I took it as a compliment...