Paris dress codes
 

Please comment on acceptable attire on the street and in restaurants in Paris. I know that Nikes on the street give one away as a tourist. I don't mind being taken for a tourist, but not a barbarian. We will be there in September and my husband likes to wear khaki shorts. Too gauche? What about restaurants, are coat and tie required at Michelin starred restaurants?

go naked

I have been 3 times, and am going for my 4th trip in September as well. On my last trip, I had an interesting conversation with a very stylish Parisian. She told me that the number one way to look like a tourist in Paris is to wear shorts. According to her, French women only wear shorts when they are going to the country or the beach. In the city of Paris, slacks and dresses or skirts are acceptable. When in Paris, I always cover the arms and legs when visiting any religous locations. I guess I am just old fashioned! Personally - I never wear a "fanny pack" or running/tennis shoes in Paris. Comfortable, fashionable leather walking shoes are so easy to find these days. Some of the streets ccan be hard to navigate with high heels, so you may want to save those for times when you will using a taxi. Have a wonderful trip!

Hi Danna, I think a little of common sense is enough to fair well. <BR>Forget about sneakers, in Parisians minds they are good only for playing tennis or some other sport. <BR>Ecco shoes for instance are more confortable and no one will notice them. (Mephistos too and others) <BR>Shorts are for a resort, Paris is a city, a vibrant city, September by the way is cold in Paris, so I would forget totally about shorts. If you go to a nice restaurant for dinner for example, the Parisians go there not only to enjoy the food but the ambiance, they would expect that people would be if not lavisly dressed at least showing that they are pleased to be there.Any black outfit ,with a nice necklace or a scarf will do. <BR>The same in the theatre etc. <BR>In my opinion it is aquestion of a little common sense. They will know anyway that you or I are tourists but they will appreciate <BR>some consideration to their way of life. After all we are the visitors and for us to impose our way of life or our way of dressing is considered by them at least rude. <BR>

Graziella - <BR>If it's rude to dress differently from the locals, what are we to think of Indian women in New York dressed in saris or Persians in chadors?