If you don't want to look like a tourist...<BR>don't carry a camera<BR>don't carry a backpack<BR>don't stop and stare at what you are there to see<BR>don't show any interest in anything<BR>never ever look at a map.....<BR>seriously folks - we look like tourists for one reason - WE ARE TOURISTS!!!

There's something to be said about being a tourist - the city still holds magic for you, you aren't worried about the utility bills, or the traffic; you are there to enjoy the things that make it wonderful and the hassles of day to day living aren't intruding into your awe and wonder of the beautiful surroundings you are in. Having just returned from Paris a few days ago, we saw people wearing absolutely everything. No offense to French fashionistas, but I was amazed at how the Japanese women tourists were able to pull off the smartest outfits with high heels for sightseeing and shopping. Jeans during the day were everywhere, and while a coat does work wonders covering up an outfit, Paris is full of residents who are going to work, shopping, running errands, and they aren't thinking of the latest fashion or what to model as they sit in the chicest of cafes. I think that if you even think of what you are going to put on, you'll be fine. Let common sense guide you, and if on the first day there, you feel inappropriately dressed, change your look for the next days. Capris are a great idea - down here in the far South everyone wears them in the hottest, muggiest weather you can imagine.

Shorts and "athletic" sandals are an absolute no-no in Paris, unless you absolutely want to get cursed at by waiters, ignored by sales persons, be mistaken as a hooker and generally be finger-pointed as a "sale am&eacute;ricaine".<BR><BR><BR>

I have no big problem with other people who "look like a tourist", but for me, especially in a place like Paris, I prefer to at least attempt to be a bit more fashionable and a part of the scene around me.<BR><BR>I was there in August and got by with items like black capri pants and black suede sandals with rubber sole but strappy and a chunky heel... comfortable but not birkenstock-looking.<BR><BR>and referring to one of the posts above, no personally i would never carry a backpack or stand around studying a map on a streetcorner. there are more graceful ways to do each of these things (find a cafe, have a glass of wine, sit in a park... all more authentic Parisian things to do than hold up pedestrian traffic gauking at the sites or your guidebook).

Going to any major city, is not the same as going to the beach or an amusement park. I live in SF and even on the hottest day I would not wear shorts downtown; the same is true when I visit NYC. Does that mean there are no short wearers, of course not. So what is wrong with wearing shorts, nothing if it doesn't bother you to be dressed more casually than those around you; that some will find it offensive that you visit a church in this attire; and that it will make you a "mark" for petty thieves.

There is a difference between a tourist and a visitor as far as I'm concerned. A visitor is someone who wants to experience a place, and familiarizes themselves with the local customs, languages, preferences, foods, etc. A visitor appreciates a place for its differences and wants for however brief a period of time experience what it must be like to live in that place. A visitor does not want to stand out and proclaim themselves to be outsiders.

I'd like to make a suggestion that you do bring your shorts and comfortable sandals, as they won't be taking up much space in your luggage. If you do see that people are wearing similar clothing and it seems appropriate, then by all means pull these items out of your luggage and wear them. That way, you won't have to say "damn, I should have brought those clothes with me". I've seen many woman in bermuda style short sets and pumps, or strappy sandals that look beautiful in all foreign cities. If you have the figure to wear these clothes, go for it.

Paris...cropped pants with sandels, yes<BR>Shorts...no way! I think the advice to dress like you were walking down 7th Avenue in NYC is good sound advice. Fran

Did Leslie actually say bermuda short sets and pumps? <BR><BR>I say there are at least three things wrong with that idea:<BR>1. Bermuda shorts.<BR>2. Short "sets"<BR>3. Shorts and pumps.<BR><BR>Christine: In answer to your original question: sandals, yes (although I personally prefer something a little nicer looking than Teva-style -- there are all sorts of very comfortable sandals that are not "athletic looking"). Shorts, no. Capris are a great alternative to shorts and are more versatile anyway since you can wear them for casual sightseeing in the daytime and can dress them up a little for going out to dinner in the evening.