Which locals are you asking about, the locals that some people claim never wear jeans, or the ones locals that some people claim do wear such things?

Quite possibly, those that say "don't wear jeans" are want us to wear black, so we'll stand out like tourists, while they can actually blend in more in their jeans.

I'm going to Paris next Fall. In my fantasy I would have a French fashion Stylist pack my suitcase. The Stylist would make sure I not only blend in, but appear trendy and graceful. That is not going to happen, but in my dreams. I'll just try to shop myself and do my best.<BR><BR>I plan on walking for hours and hours, because that is how I like to explore a city. For this, I have to have my beloved Sketcher tennis shoes. I'll buy a new pair. No, they will not be all white, but they will be trainers. I have to do this or I won't be able to walk for hours and stand in the museums. None of those fancy, expensive leather shoes work for me. So I guess I might as well give up blending in, but it is a price I'm willing to pay in order to explore and gaze to my heart's content in comfort.

y..<BR>locals<BR><BR>either or ..unless one goes up to a person and engages them in conversation, how exactly do you know where they are from. How does one know a person is Parisien and wearing jeans, or a Swiss or Italian or from the countryside or UK or Ireland??

As I read the remarks from this thread and many other threads through the weeks I have come to the conclusion that many of the authors have never been or it has been years since they have been to Paris, London, Rome and many of the European cities they write about. Sorry, it is IMO. Their answers make no sense of what is reality.

Tommy, I couldn't agree with you more. It's a task trying to figure out who knows what they are writing about. I saw a lot of people wearing jeans in Paris and I was just there a few weeks ago.

i have been in paris for a few weeks...<BR><BR>in paris, you should bring comfortable pants like jeans or some other cotton trousers and some good walking shoes. at night, you will want to have something that looks a little dressier like some slacks and a nice shirt or, if you're comfortable with it, something fashionable (designer). <BR><BR>the casual clothes are necessary because seeing paris requires a lot of movement and you should be comfortable. don't worry about wearing jeans. parisians wear jeans. if you're worried about sticking out, then bring newer jeans that are darker in color. if you were going to bring acid wash jeans, you have bigger problems you should be dealing with...haha<BR><BR>despite being a californian who likes to wear shorts and sandals everywhere...i must recommend that you bring some casual dressy clothes for the evenings. people are human and they judge people by appearances. paris is no different. but because the level of fashion, this judgement level is higher. you'll get better service from waiters and not get immediately blown off by every employee of a service business you enter. you'll also look better and usually this is a good thing...<BR><BR>if being physically comfortable is more important, then do what you like. if being mentally comfortable (ie. not feeling like a black sheep) is more important, then bring the nice threads. <BR><BR>if you're going there with your lover, it might be worth it to go buy a new outfit for your moonlit walks along the seine.

Hi Kevin. Jeans -- blue jeans, that is -- may mark you as a tourist, but, IMO, not as much as if you wore jeans and athletic shoes (and, for good measure, a baseball cap.) If you have any (and like) black jeans -- especially ones that haven't begun to fade -- they'll be comfortable but also a bit dressier. Hope you have a great time in Paris. <BR><BR><BR>

Capo<BR><BR>You are the biggest wannabe in the world...not just this board.

You can't come up with anything more original than that? :)

Go with wearing jeans if you want! The Parisians wear jeans so what's wrong if we wear them too???

10 days in paris this april...had not been there for 3 years. amazed that the locals were now wearing slacks and tennis &/or walking shoes. they looked like they were in ny or phila. not many "fashionable" local women in daytime. did see jeans also but agree that summer will be too warm for that. things have really loosened up in recent times...

This is the year for nudity in Paris. Especially in the summer when it is hot. Bring a towel to put on the seat of the metro so you don't sweat it up. And, gentlemen, bring a tie for the fancy restaurants. Ladies, a scarf will do. Comfortable shoes are a must.

I go with nudie above.

I was worried about the dress code, consequently I overpacked. <BR>Parisians are not your best dressed people. <BR><BR> We were all over the city for a week. We noticed that they dress in drab colors and the clothes look like they were worn for days. Most young men and women wore blue jeans or black jeans and black sneaks or black shoes. The older men and women wore wrinkly dress pants. The women did spuce up their appearance by wearing sarves.<BR><BR>Frankly, I was taken aback by their appearance because I had read so much about how not to dress there. <BR><BR> My advice would be wear what you usually wear. That includes white sneakers and blue jeans. Of course, if you are going to dinner in a nice restaurant, you want to look more presentable.

Wear whatever the heck you want. I don't travel to impress other people. I travel to relax.

No matter how you try to disguise yourself, your stupid American face will allways give you away.

Now Jean Claude that was not nice but then again most French aren't anyway. By the way when was the last time you took a bath or shower? That is a concept that your countrymen have been slow to grasp onto for some reason. I can always tell a French person by their smell....

Wear what is comfortable. Jeans are fine. Personally I prefer the way the Italians dress, so much style.

Black is always in, so when you choose, that's the best color. Jeans are out, sorry. And whoever said white tennis shoes ought to know better. You might as well be impressive while taking it easy, so have a good time, but take the right clothes. I think some people on this board are confused about that.