rebostraveler

Traveling to Rome and Paris Sept. 18th, (Rome first,) and wondering what the fashion "rules" are in those two cities. I am in Los Angeles so tend to wear summery clothes and sandals through October. But, it was not ok to wear sandals and white after Labor Day where I grew up, and I suspect some version of this might apply in fashionable European cities. I am thinking of taking a pair of lace-up ankle high boots, (very in for this fall,) a pair of Mephisto sandals for comfort/walking, and a pair of uggs that will double as slippers. I am also bringing a couple of pairs of jeans, and two long skirts that can double as dress and casual, a short dress, and a short skirt...The dress and skirts are not summer, but fairly lightweight. Will be wearing tights with the short dress and skirt...do these items fit with the fashion sense of Roman and Parisian women in early autum? And, might it be too warm for tights and denim?

JAMH

In Paris it could be hot enough for summer wear in September or not. Unlike in some parts of the world, weather in Paris can be unpredictable. Yesterday in Paris was quite cool (15 degrees Celsius) while a few days before, it was 30. You should check weather.com right before you go. This summer, for example, some friends were joining me in France and it was quite cool when they arrived in late June. They actually ended up packing lightweight sweaters, etc. because I e-mailed them about the weather. Labor Day in September is an American holiday and generally what I see when I'm in Paris is that people dress for the season and the weather of the day. So if it is very warm and it is September, you will see people in summer clothes. All of that being said, I would ditch the ankle boots and pack stylish, comfortable flats/wedge. September is tough when you travel to places with seasons because it could go either way.

Tulips

The only rule is that you do not go into a church or the Vatican with bare shoulders or knees.

Late september could still be quite warm in Rome or Paris - you see more bare legs than tights in september (unless it is unusually cold).
Just wear whatever you wear at home, and be sure to have comfortable walking shoes. And check the weather forecast just before you leave.

Really, people wear anything in Rome and Paris. But if you are concerned about looking fashionable; in late September, many women do not wear very summery clothes, even if the weather is still warm. And everybody wears jeans.

Jean

I'm also in L.A., and at home I also wear what's comfortable all the way through October. I pretty much do the same when I travel. I don't check the calendar first; I check the weather forecast. And I don't really care about anyone else's fashion sense.

But you're likely to get a range of responses here to your questions. For me, I would only bring the boots if they are comfortable walking long distances (don't forget socks), and I wouldn't waste the packing space on the Uggs. I don't like to travel in jeans, so I would bring other trousers. It might be too warm during the day for tights, esp. in Rome.

You'll want a variety of tops that you can wear separately or in layers to accommodate weather/temperature changes, and you'll want a sweater or jacket for evening. I don't know how long your 'long skirts' are, but they should be easy to walk in, climb up and down stairs, etc., without having to be picked up, gathered up, just to move around.

Guenmai

I'm also an Angeleno and have been going to Paris regularly since the mid-70s. Although I haven't been in late September (up to early September), the weather can be touch and go in Paris. I always pack clothes that I can layer and I do pack one pair of tights just in case. I always pack boots, except in summer, and wear them on the plane to save space. I love boots and the ones I have are easy to walk all day in.

As for the Uggs, I'd leave those at home. And as for the long skirts, I also don't know how long you mean. Are you talking Boho long? I'm one who is a skirt person and pack slightly above-the-knee skirts that I wear with boots. I find long ones too difficult to move in when I'm on the go and am on public transportation. At home, with the car, I find Boho long fine.

And don't forget to take an umbrella.

As for Rome, I've only gone in the heat of the summer, so I don't know about late September.

Happy Travels!

Tulips

For september Uggs will be too warm, and too bulky to put in your luggage if you don't wear them.

Fashion week in Paris from September 24 - if you are still there, interesting people watching.

adrienne

<< do these items fit with the fashion sense of Roman and Parisian women in early autum >>

Are you a tourist or are you going for work? There is no fashion sense for tourists - they wear anything. If you're going on vacation you'll be with other tourists and no one will care what you wear.

I'd leave the sandals at home and bring comfortable walking shoes for day time. You can wear the boots at night. Bring one regular trousers in place of a skirt.

No jacket/waterproof jacket/coat? If you're used to LA weather you will freeze if it rains in Paris as it will be damp (might be damp even if it doesn't rain) and will feel very cold to you. Bring gloves & a warm scarf.

I've seen Roman woman wearing winter coats when I'm in short sleeved tees.

mamcalice

We often travel to France or Italy in late September. While many of the women in the business districts are fashionably dressed, tourists normally are more worried about comfort than fashion. Don't bother with the Uggs or the boots. Take comfortable walking shoes, comfortable sandles and a pair of flats for evening.

Tights might be hot in Rome. While I wear skirts at home, I normally take capris, crops and slacks to Europe. They are so much more comfortable for touring and look better with comfortable shoes. Take a skirt or two for evening.

Take tops that you can layer. I take a light rain jacket and it gets a lot of wear, especially in Paris. Take a light sweater or pashmina for evening.

Stop worrying about "fashion". Check the forecast before you pack and include the clothes you feel and look best in. And have a wonderful time in two of the greatest cities in the world.

aliced

I too would drop the Uggs and use a cute pair of comfy ballets as slippers; they'd work for a short walk to dinner. Also I'd bring only one long skirt, dark neutral pallette, and a cute anorak or water-repellent jacket of some sort; umbrellas are a nuisance. Capri-length tights should do it either under skirt for warmth or as is w/ tunics. September is usually very warm. I never travel w/ denim as usually too hot. Bring a fabulous big scarf to wrap around your neck.

johnnyomalley

How long is your trip?

Weather perdiction for Rome in Sept.

http://www.accuweather.com/en/it/rom...weather/213490

Like others have said. I would skip the uggs and the boots. Too heavy, too much room to pack. Take a comfortable pair of walking shoes, walking sandals and a pair of ballet slippers/sandals for dinner out/dress up.

I second the suggestion of capri leggings

I would skip the jeans and take lighter weight pants instead. Jeans are heavy to pack and if you need to wash them, they take forever to dry.

Tulips

The lightweight rainjackets you can buy at Uniqlo are the best - and very cheap. Easy to put in your bag, and they look good too. There's a Uniqlo in Paris - don't know about Rome.

Adrienne; gloves in Rome and Paris in September? Seriously? You must get very cold, I wouldn't dream of packing those for September.

nytraveler

It's likely to be warmer in Rome than Paris - but in either place you can get quite warm or chilly and rain.

I would NOT do boots - no matter how cute - unless they are comfy in hot weather and you can easily walk 6 or 7 miles in them. And I would never bring Uggs - whatever for? Either take very lightweight flip flops as slippers or a pair of those stretchy fabric ones.

You will need at least one sweater, preferably a cardigan, a tissue weight rain jacket with hood and a sturdy folding umbrella. And a pair of comfy closed waterproof walking shoes.

Other than that - wear what you want.

laurela

I've been to Paris and Rome twice during the last two weeks of September. Both times it was very warm verging on boiling hot. lightweight slacks, t shirts (no artwork on them, but that's just me) jeans and nice tops for evening, one nice lightweight dinner dress. Can't walk in sandals so it was flats for me day and night. I don't bring anything in white because I spill. Have a terrific trip.

rebostraveler

Thanks everybody! I will be checking the weather up until the time we leave...I suspect it will be fairly warm in Rome, and was really just wondering if I could get away with a white skirt in late Sept. In response to the may shoe comments, the ankle boots are flat AND stylish and, hopefully, suitable for a lot of walking. The Mephisto sandals are my most comfortable walking shoes, and I am now contemplating leaving my beloved uggs at home...they do tend to save the day, though, in a lot of situations...And, to whomever mentioned the rain jacket, yes I am bringing a mac!

johnnyomalley

IMO - as long as the weather is hot, then yes you can wear a white skirt

adrienne

Are your ankle boots waterproof or are they suede or something that will not keep out the damp and wet? Sandals are fine as long as the weather is nice.

You can wear the white skirt but it's likely to get dirty.

Christina

What do you mean by "get away" with? What on earth do you think is going to happen, that people will stone you? I used to live in LA many years and never wore white skirts in October there, either, but I don't really find white skirts that attractive or practical for most people, frankly. But if you want to wear your white skirt, wear the darn thing, who cares.

I've been in Paris several times in September and OCtober and it can be warm still, sometimes, but it is Fall, it gets dark earlier, won't be as hot at night and can even be rainy and cold, you never know. End of September, you might want some sandals in Paris, possibly. It is highly unlikely it will be too warm for denim, especially at night.

mamcalice

I would not take a white skirt to Paris and Rome, especially in the fall. Not seasonal but, more than that, not very practical for travel. Don't think LA, think NYC.

Jean

"... the ankle boots are flat AND stylish and, hopefully, suitable for a lot of walking." Don't assume they're good for walking. Wear them at home for a day or two. Besides fit and comfort, you'll want to make sure the insides dry out overnight. Walking in shoes that are damp with sweat or rain from the previous day is a recipe for blisters.

Definitely take the Mephisto sandals. You'll likely wear them most days, at least in Rome. I've worn sandals in Rome and elsewhere in Italy well into October. But, again, I don't care what people think about my attire.

janisj

Jean makes a good point . . 'hopefully' doesn't cut it. You need put them on sometime in the next couple of weeks and wear them ALL DAY LONG. And not a sit at a desk/drive around sort of day. You need to walk at least 3 or 4 miles total in those boots. If they rub anywhere or are not comfy - leave them home.

Ditch the Uggs. No practical use for them and take up too much space.

Re the white skirt - it will probably be warm enough some days. But I would not take it (I don't generally take white slacks, white jeans or white dress either -- even in summer). Simply less practical since they can look soiled after one wearing. You need to think in terms of layers, mix/match, and practical.