xxx

I guess it's a new year and the beginning of the posts about what to wear in Paris. <BR><BR>There is no dress code in Paris-really!! Believe it or not, Parisians dress casually these days-jeans and all. Just wear what you usually wear when you're on the west coast.

yyy

Totally, utterly agree with xxx. Most people in Paris do not mince around wearing haute couture. There is no dress code!!! Wear whatever you feel comfortable in! If that means buying a new wardrobe, then fine, go ahead! If it means wearing jeans every day then do that too. <BR><BR>There's no reason why you shouldn't dress up in the evening when dining out, but in all but the poshest restaurants, don't be surprised if everyone else is dressed casual.

Scarlett

We usually go to Paris in the fall so I buy a new fall wardrobe anyway-and wear it in Paris first. I don't buy too much as I love to shop in Paris &amp; always find great things that are not found in the US and remind me of Paris whenever I wear them. <BR>Staples:<BR>comfortable black boots<BR>Black pants<BR>I take a black pants suit that can be worn w/out a blouse for dressy restos.<BR>one pair of high heels for the fancy places(take a cab,your feet will like it)<BR>Some turtelnecks and a couple of cardigans - wear the cardigans over some light cotton tops with a scarf, it is over heated in some places and you will be happy to shed some layers inside.<BR>Gloves,one big warm scarf , a couple of silk scarves, or buy one there.<BR>Our hotel always overheats at night so I never have to take flannel pjs, a cotton nightgown is ok.<BR>Keep the colors toned down, not too many California pastels.<BR>Have a good time!

Bag Lady

you will rarely see a woman wearing a Coach Bag because if you look inside, they are now made in china or other country. Not worth the bucks when you consider their profits being made by the bag manufactured in a country with cheap labor. I sold these bags for a well known department store.<BR><BR>

eioe

Bag Lady: Good for you to point out cheap labor abroad from a despicable communist country like China are threatening good US jobs. Really sad. I'd rather purchase 'Made in France' and 'Made in the USA' and if need be, pay slightly higher than a cheap Chinese-made product. So happy you posted what you did.

Shopper

Since Coach isn't made in Paris/France, this is a moot point, no?<BR><BR>Longchamp, Lancel and of course, Chanel are pretty fine bags to carry.<BR>When you spend a little more you sometimes get what you pay for, and in good leather and workmanship-French and Italian handbags are the best!

Eye Spy

Longchamp is FANTASTIC! The quality of the leather ages very beautifully. I've got an attache case (une serviette) from them and it's the best one I've ever had. Other good names are Didier Lamarthe (he has a boutique on rue de Rennes between SGDP amd Saint-Sulpice metros). Another is LANCEL. Yes, you are right: Coach is American so the point is moot. I think Bag Lady brought up a good point, however. Get the VAT refund when you purchase the merchandise and you'll save even more.

Rosie

We were in Paris in March of last year. We wore jeans, sweaters, carried nice bags &amp; wore black leather boots with a small heel. We weren't dressed any differently than most people. Of course we didn't wear this outfit to the classiest of restaurants but it suited us well for daytime sightseeing &amp; casual restaurants.

LIZ

As I'm reading these posts, I'm getting more and more confused. <BR><BR> I don't consider myself a fashion idiot by any means, and I have been to Paris before - and quite frankly, I cant figure out what all the fuss is about here. I didn't consider what to wear in Paris any differently than when I visited London, New York or San Francisco. Granted, those cities are vastly different, but I really didn't find the FASHION on the Paris streets to be too far out of the ordinary. <BR><BR>Am I blind??? <BR><BR>Also, what in the heck is wrong with a decent pair of sneakers when the activity of the day consists of climbing the steps to the top of Sacre Coeur and squeezing into a crowded elevator to ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower??? There's no way I'm going to ruin an expensive pair of boots (heels or not) doing these sightseeing activities.<BR><BR>

mimi

This month in one of my French Magazines, there is an article on Ines who was a model for Lagerfeld and the &quot;Mariann&quot;&quot; of france one year. She now has a boutique on the side of the Place de Victoires where she is pictured wearing blue sneakers, jeans with a very trendy expensive three quarter length coat. She is considered one of the chicest women in Paris.

liz

Thank you! Me and my bunions feel vindicated!

Louise

Really, it all boils down to your age and your shape and your peers. <BR>A thin, chic person can dress about any way at almost any age and look great. Those who are plump should dress to tone it down.<BR>Jeans on a slim person are fine with the right accessories, it all depends on how you put yourself together and where you will be going (peers).<BR>Emma, get some French magazines at a bookstore and see what is on the streets of Paris and then match it to your age and build.

xxx

It's no wonder you're getting confused. The more you keep obsessing about a dress code that doesn't exist, the more confused you'll become.

Cindy

Bring two outfits. Both black. Alternate wearing for awhile, then bring one of them to a laundramat. Comfortable (preferably European) black shoes - absolutely no sneakers. Don't even think about keeping up with Paris fashions. Worked for me.

Leigh

Are black boots and bag acceptable mid to late April? If not, what is?

Cowboy

I'm planning to go to Paris in February and going to wear exactly what I want to wear to keep warm and comfortable, sneakers included. Who cares what a bunch of Frogs think?

Diedre

Leigh, I just returned from Paris and there are so many different kinds of looks that work. This is a snapshot I took when I stumbled upon a fashion shoot - it was fabulous. This is the look to go for this year.<BR><BR>http://www.comedycentral.com/images/...arismodels.jpg

he

Diedre, Amazing, it looks just like you!

Sandy

I find this thread very funny &amp; informative. Poor Emma, probably wishes she never asked this question, but I'm glad she did, for I've learned alot.<BR><BR>Again, I'm not an expert, but I must say I agree with most every comment. I think, if you're a person that wants to fit in, then dress in basic/ conservative colored clothing. All I know is what I saw on the streets of Paris in September. Very good guality black wool pants, black skirts, white/off white sweaters/shirts. Black wool blazers, or smart leather coats/jackets, many adorned with beautiful; colorful silk scarves. Good quality black leather bags &amp; boots and comfortable looking classic black leather shoes. There are many low healed/comfortable black leather shoes/boots (I have some on right now, OH MY Gosh, they are made in China) you can wear for sightseeing, no need to wear sneakers. I was surprised by the expense of basic black skirts/pants/ jackets in Paris. Not talking designer here, but very good quality (beautiful; quality fabric &amp; fantastic cut/shape) The average price for (skirts &amp; pants) was about $300-$600. In sharing my surprise of such expensive clothes for the average person with a Parisien, they said that &quot;Many Europeans own very few clothes, as compared to Americans, but what they own are of the highest &amp; best quality they can afford&quot;. I'm just passing on what was told to me, all I know is a have a bunch of junk in my THREE closets compared to what I saw on the streets of Paris. I wonder if it's too late for me to start over!! PS. Yes, in the Spring/summer, when I travel, I always wear white sneakers/black sandals and fit right in

karin

emma...you will love paris...just came back two weeks ago... parisian women do not wear jeans shopping or dining. slacks and a sweater (black/grey/navy always works.. long wool coat) plus REALLY REALLY good manners and patience will insure that you have a wonderful time.