Hi Katie - i usually skip over these posts about what to wear cause there are a lot of them here - but I am so proud of you for trying to do it all with a 21" bag that I wanted to respond.

Once you get there, you will be soooooo happy you didnt overpack. And - you will also realize immediately that absolutely no one notices or cares what you are wearing. In March, I had a carry on and a tote bag and that was it - and it was so much better than when I had packed a ton of clothes on prior trips.

There are lot of people wearing jeans but I did notice that the women our age (I am late 40s) did not wear them as much. But you would not standout like a sore thumb if you did. And unless you walked down the street in a clown suit - no one will look or remember or notice.

I find it easiest to bring stuff that you can switch off - black pants with different tops type of thing. Mostly, be comfortable as you will walk a lot and it will probably be hot.

Also - just search for some pictures that others have taken of Paris - and notice what people in the background are wearing - really no different from home...

The thing that struck me the most - even moreso than the clothes -was the lack of obese people walking around. No wonder they all look good in clothes - they are all about a size 4....or maybe 6...

Wear what you feel comfortable in and so what if you stand out like an American. I'd just advise not to pack shorts and big,clunky, white tennis shoes. Happy Travels!

You know - I'm going to let you in on a big secret..............









They wear - wait for it......



CLOTHES!!!!!

Question: So many people say they spend a lot of their time people watching. Aren't they watching and commenting on what people are wearing?

When someone walks by an outdoor cafe aren't they being scrutinized?

I think we are being watched! eeek

I may watch but I don´t really care what I see.

Katie:
My favorite travel pants are the stretchy cotton knits. They pack well, keep their shape, and dry quickly with no ironing. I'm not talking about the "slinky" ones. The ones I like are a cotton blend with tapered leg. They work fine day our night.

I would assume it will be warm to hot in August in Paris, which helps packing light.

My method is to take my favorite things from home for that season. You know, the things you reach for first in your closet, that you feel good and look good wearing.

My list would include: one linen pants, two pair capris, one pair knee length shorts, 3-5 coordinated color tops, one lightweight sweater or knit jacket (wear over on the plane), like that.

Sure women of 40 wear jeans in Paris, but I would not because of it being August. They are too heavy and too hot imo to be practical.


Myself I don't take a skirt or dress which also means you don't need the dressy pair of shoes. I take one sneakers and two sandals.

Yes, we probably all people watch to some extent. I know I do since I've always been interested in fashion/clothing styles in general. I've always had lots of clothes. However, I wear what I want to wear and if people are watching...then let them watch. As for standing out like an American...I've been hearing this comment for decades...Americans worried about standing out like an American. I never hear anyone from other nationalities worrying about standing out like one from their nationaltiy. So, I've never understood this American obsession. I say where what you want and be who you are, just don't be tacky...unless that's who you are. Smiles. Happy Travels!