If you need to see the latest collections and don't mind paying, go to www.firstview.com/ designerlists/parislist.html (remove the space). You may also see last season's for free.

I miss Elsa Klensch (sp?), her show on CNN was like a mini vogue for free.

I miss having the Style Channel..changed cable companies..they had a program called Fashion Trance and they showed all the runway shows in Paris and Italy and then fashion week in New York..it was really fun to watch. I was always "in the know" and now I just have to depend on mk2. (: I too always think "clothes" as the answer, or "In fact they are going nude this season" when I see one of these threads titled "What should I wear?", " What should I NOT wear?", "Who's wearing what and when?" :D

Paris is a city of over eleven million people, and both men and women there wear anything and everything. Asking "what are women wearing in Paris?" is like asking "what is the Parisians' first name?"

Just returned from Pars yesterday.What a beauiful city.To answer your question as far as shoes are concerned they are showing round toes with high heels,pointed boots with heels and fem. flat shoes.The styles were not that different from US but the colors and fabrics were unique.For men they show pointed toes.It seemed they are going away from the bulky shoes that were out last year.As far as clothes are concerned they were showing neutral colors,reds,blues,browns,Jackets and skirts were tailored but all the clothing was well made and interesting to look at.I felt very comfortable in Paris.During the day everyone is dresed casual,as a tourist the most important thing is comfort and at night most people are well dressed and have a great sense of fashion but almost all were understated in a sophisticated way.
Enjoy and be yourself.I picked up a lot of fashion tips there.
enjoy your trip

Thanks for pointing out my "typo" Christine - She said: "Bon gout - In France, the expressions 'bon gout' and 'mauvais gout' and 'erreur de gout' are used a lot. Said about your apartment, your outfit, your anything, the former is the ultimate compliment".
Sorry I should have put the little ^ over the u.

I live in Paris and my recommendation is to bring nice casual clothes and comfortable shoes. Remember no matter what you will look different than a french woman! Also you have to be comfy as you are walking around everywhere! French ladies in heels could never where those if they did as much walking as the common tourist. I can tell you what NOT TO WEAR!! This way people don't see you down the street and you stick out like a sore thumb. DO NOT wear t-shirts with logos or college names-they're ugly no matter wear you live. Don't look like your going jogging-sweat pants are for the gym!!! I'm sure you have good taste and will pack just fine. I would say black pants, khaki pants, jeans and shirts, scarves, nice jacket and comfy shoes-trying to avoid white trainers. Most walking shoes look pretty stylish these days...
have fun.
The black socks comment makes me laugh b/c my husband who is irish laughs at americans in the typical white socks and trainers.along with shorts(or short pants as he says). It is not uncommon for him to wear yes black socks with his trainers(never white) of course only under trousers. If he wears trainers with shorts its ankle socks. Every culture is different....

Thank you Cindymal- that was just the type of answer I was looking for at last. Didn't need a runway update, or chastized for being so ignorant, just a glimpse of what the current styles were. Also, got some good advice on packing. Thanks to all those very nice people.

m kingdom2 - you gotta get out more honey and stop reading so many magazines.

We returned from Paris a couple of weeks ago. The women wore mainly black, with a little beige and taupe, but absolutely no bright colour. They were also wearing very high, slender heeled, shoes.

I have another French fashion question. Are "French cuffs" on our shirts really a French thing, or are they like French Fries and have nothing to do with French ingenuity?

Jules

As an industry professional that has worked at several multi-billion dollar fashion houses, let me offer some clarity.You all make valid points. But the European markets are always 1 year ahead of the American market. This includes New York. If you see their collection on a runway 6 months before the selling season, that means it was designed 6-8 months prior to you seeing it. The time lines for construction and production have much longer lead times. Especially for couture. Also know, there are always industry leaks from staff working at the companies as well as competitors snooping for ideas. The American markets are strong ready to wear markets. More European fashion houses are atelier, couture and haute couture which offers options for non-couture houses to inspire their lines.Hope this offers more insight to all. It's great to see you all interested in the workings of the industry and timeline trends. Never stop the pursuit of knowledge.

Frankly, in terms of Paris street fashion (often generated at the Saint Ouen flea market), I have found it to be not one but two years ahead of American fashion (probably because the French fashion houses are one year behind the flea market).

However, I am greatly intrigued by why you would add this to a thread that is 8 years old.