My theory, which has worked very well so far, is to find a comfortable and acceptably attractive (to you!) pair of shoes and dress around them. Sandals and open toes would be fine if your feet look nice, but I would avoid them because you will get dirty quickly, as has been pointed out. Nice tank tops and sleeveless shirts, appropriate to the weather, would also be fine. If you wear tank tops or sleeveless shirts, you will want a scarf or other coverup when you go into churches.

I think most of us understand that going to Paris is a big deal, and part of the fun is taking a little trouble with what we wear - it's not neurosis, it's part of the vacation!

I also understand your desire not to offend anyone due to ignorance of the local customs, but I think the only way you could offend anyone is if you were such a slob that it showed you didn't have any respect for those who had the misfortune to look at you, and that applies to wherever you are. Paris is a sophisticated city, where the women, at least, show that they care about how they look, so just dress appropriately to your environment. Paris is a beautiful city, and I think that inspires people to dress to match (and, sadly, there are few such cities in the United States). Skip the grubbies, be clean and comfortable and not overly casual, and you'll be fine.

I looked on the north america post and didnt see any about europeans asking what to wear in the states.

I live in Paris and am the same age as you. You won't offend anyone. Open toe and sandals are fine. Ballet shoes with arch support may be better, just in case you step in the dog poo that litters the sidewalks here. For night, I recommend shift/summer dresses and cardigans.

I watched a woman entering a rest stop on the Garden State Parkway back in February wearing pajama pants (real pajama pants, not the kind that are meant for lounging), fuzzy bedroom slippers, and a sweatshirt. I am sure she was comfortable, but she was not appropriately dressed.

This whole "how to dress" thing has become such a venue for cleverness that a person seeking an intelligent answer has a hard time finding it.

Yes, people wear all kinds of things in Paris, but middle class women in their late 30s through 50's tend to wear clothes that are the equivalent of Talbot's in the US and decidedly do not run down to the corner Pharmacie in sweat pants and sweat shirts. The color and formality of the garments are adjusted for weather and for the occasion but are generally more formal than at home.

No, most people in Paris don't care what tourists wear, especially those who are happy to take your dollar. InMiami makes a valuable point if you are venturing away from the "sites" that so many people spend their time visiting.

It is the same the whole world over. A recent poster from Texas on the US forum attacked women in New England for not "doing anything with their hair"; New Englanders laugh at Texas women for having Big Hair bleached blonde, still. Wear what you are comfortable with but be aware that it will be different in different places.

I'm an American woman living in Paris for several years and I can tell you that contrary to some responses on this post, there is MOST CERTAINLY a dress code. If you want to fit in, do not wear shorts unless you're going to a park/picnic/Paris Plage/outdoor concert etc. Try a comfy skirt instead or a summer dress. Sleeveless tops, tank tops, strapless anything are de rigeur among Parisiennes. Sandals are as well. I pair my funky print Birkenstocks with a cotton skirt or capri pants (men love capris here, too) and a camisole and I'm good for a day of walking. I change into cute sandals -- either heels or flat-strappy -- in the evening. White athletic sneakers, as you noted, are not worn here except for exercise. The only tourists who wear them are Americans, which makes them an easy target for pickpockets. Btw, I've never been in a church that had a problem with sleeveless.

barbarajo, here is one:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34999864

Of course there will be a few but few and far between. btw. I am american.

Travel_Kielbas, there is another issue, other than dress, that can cause offence in Paris.

We Americans have a habit of speaking quite loudly. The Parisians on the other hand speak very softly.

I remember a pleasant conversation with an American couple in line at one of the museums.

Once inside the couples’ voices could be heard booming through each of the rooms.

In America everyone would have been speaking at a louder volume but in this case it was clearly jarring.

Also, in line at a McDonalds (ok, I’m guilty) an American called out loudly to the cashier “don’t forget my fries!”

I still remember the Parisian in the next line looking at me, shaking his head, and rolling his eyes.

Looking out my window directly onto the exit of Marx Dormoy metro station, about all I see are athletic shoes, flip flops and sandals. So you won't necessarily look like a tourist wearing those items. You'll just look poor.

" I see are athletic shoes, flip flops and sandals. So you won't necessarily look like a tourist wearing those items. You'll just look poor."

An excellent point!

I think you got some good advice from alfiebb, which is pretty much what you were thinking of wearing. And maybe you can buy something there!

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't see this as "Talbot's" style, which I think of as for older, professional women.

Have a wonderful trip.

In your other posts you say that you have been to Paris. So you know that tank tops, capris, and open toed shoes are A-OK for women in July. That is assuming that your bod is fit for Paris street chic.

>>Birkenstocks<<

Now there's a pair of shoes that I don't think should be allowed in ANY city!! :)

If I were not one of the proponents of 'anything goes' I might have said the same thing.

The only thing I don't do is dress in items like Disney t-shirts and shorts. I tend to bring my very light sun protective clothing, and it's not THE most stylish, but it's not bad. And I bring a short sleeve blouse and nice pants for the evening if I go to dinner.

Oh - I do wear my white sneakers everywhere, just like other people do (not just tourists).

I do not understand why some people are against Birkenstocks. They are the most comfortable foot wear you can find. They are worn throughout Europe. I wear them every day wherever I am.

what do some people have agaisnt Birkenstocks? Honesly, personally I think they have to be the ugliest looking shoes in the world. I know people who wear say they are very comfortable, but isn't there some limits to comfort? I don't wear sneakers/trainers myself, but I would take those against Birksenstocks any time...plus so often Birkenstocks wearer don't seem to understand the concept of a pedicure and oh, please don't get me started on men wearing Birkenstocks!!!

Having said that...if that's what is truly comfortable for someone while traveling..I say go for it!

Classic Birkenstocks are HIDEOUS and should be banned, this is true. But have you seen the new ones out the last 3 or so years? They have single strap and fun prints. Also patent leather. Very very cute and perfect urban chic for a day of walking.

I love these posts because it proves that there are still some people who care about local customs and appropriate attire. To all who say "wear whatever you want and don't worry about what anyone else says", that is very nice of you but I think that attitude is also somewhat egocentric. kielbas obviously cares about what others think and that is fine, she wants to fit in and that is fine too! Caring about what you look like in public and caring about local custom in fashion is considerate (vs. saying to hell with what they wear here I'm sticking with my "____" team t-shirt and ball cap and garden work shoes!) what's wrong with being considerate in public?!

kielbas - I think Alfiebb gave you some great advice. I would second the suggestion of ballet flats (so many cute ones out today) in addition to sandals for walking around in.

Have fun!