Marilyn, I took a lightweight, hip-length, slightly fitted black quilted jacket and wore it virtually every day last May. It was the perfect weight and I felt like it looked dressy enough at night and casual and comfortable during the day. Maybe you can find something similar when the fall clothes appear in the stores before your trip in Sept. Of course, that may be as early as next month! :-)

Comfortable shoes are the #1 item. I splurged for Mephistos and wore them every day on the trip - and every day after my return as well! They are so comfortable and the excellent arch support helped my feet stay happy the entire trip!

I have a similar jacket, starrsville, but I think I'll stick with my trusty black leather jacket and a full length travel raincoat that I can wear over it if necessary. I'll also have a black structured jacket (like a suit jacket) that looks dressier in the evening.

Why, Miss Marilyn...and you said you didn't have the right jacket! :-) You just show your stuff in Paris in your black leather! You're going to turn some heads!

starrsville, I took a similar jacket to Ireland/Scotland this Spring (sort-of nylon quilted with a nipped in waist and stand-up colar) and found it was perfect on its own or for layering over sweater, or under rain jacket, or dressed up with a scarf for evening at restaurant.
Another vote for GOOD walking shoes.........they will make all of the difference, I wore Mephisto sandals, and Ecco black walking shoes that could go from day to evening with black pants....could have left the 3 other pairs I brought home, but one does want options.......

LOL, starrsville, but thanks for the compliment. We'll be in Paris at the end of the month, so I just hope it's not too chilly. I might have to buy an extra sweater wink wink.

I noticed that at my French school no one wore shorts; well people wore shorts, but they were relatively long. They went pass the knees.

I tucked in two thin cashmere sweaters I bought at Kohl's for less than $100 each - one in fuschia and 1 in black. I wore one of the every evening (in May). They were perfect. Light in weight but warm enough to take the chill off. The sweaters with the black jacket was my evening uniform. Black jeans during the day. Nicer black slacks for evenings.

Re Puma shoes--take a look at these--sleeker upper and lower
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/5106994/c/32430.html

But guess what--I just bought a pair which are dead ringers, comfee and the same look at Kmart--for a whole lot less--check them out at your local store--about $18 but on sale for $10 or $11 this week--suede, very very soft with a sleek rubber sole--will be perfect for Greece when we go in September--I am happy as a lark about it, as I typically do not wear this type of shoe except to the gym. Hope this helps.

Take care,
Robyn France

I doubt if Faconnable clothing is cheaper in Paris, hardly anything is. The company is owned by Nordstrom, and a lot of their clothes are made in the US.

Dress exactly like the locals? Believe me, they will know that you are American. What is the big deal about not looking American or trying to look like a local (you won't so don't even try). Some of the locals actually find it amusing that some of us try to look like locals and they ridicule this among themselves.

Robinfrance, thanks for the reference........i'm headed to kmart.....don't you love it! I'll stick my orthodics in and be on my way!

Great Marsha--please let me know if u find them and how they work for you--I think they are a true steal!

Good luck,
Robyn France

Marsha--1 more thing--the laces are too long in the Kmart pair--doesn't give a neat, sleek look--I replaced them with 40" black round cord ones and they look muck sleeker on the top--take a look at how they lace the Pumas in the picture--and lace them the same way if u r interested. Take care--I adore mine--so comfortable.

Robin, I love your attention to detail. Thanks for the laces tip. Sometimes it just something like that that makes all the difference! Tomorrow's Kmart Day so I'll let you know how I do.

Looking and being an American in Paris is fine. Just while in Paris, try not to look like an American at a picnic. Maybe avoid t-shirts, shorts and white sneakers. For men, lean more toward a button down shirt, slacks (or walking shorts) and sport shoes instead of sneakers. Women, maybe a skirt, top and comfortable shoes/sandals. Think about what you would wear in a major US city. For evening, depending on your age. For the younger, haute jeans are fine. Black pants/skirts/dresses perfect for all. Take a scarf...you will become a local:)