I am trying to get my ducks in a row for my trip to Paris at Christmas. Planning for bitter weather and am trying to decide which coat would be the best so I would only have to take one. My choices: long black raincoat with liner, long black wool, red knee length wool or black peacoat.
We don't plan on dressing up a lot- we will have Christmas Eve dinner at Altitude 95.
Recommendations?
Thanks!

I took my long navy wool coat when I was in Paris during the winter and it worked great. Kept me warm but didn't show the dirt. Have fun.

NO! NOT THE RED COAT. That would be a complete fashion disaster. Throw that coat out, unless you live in Minneapolis and you're going to make it after all.

The raincoat will be dull, boring, and matronly. It is just too utilitarian for turning heads in Paris. (Just think of what Carine Roitfeld would say.)

If you are thin, young, and cute, take the black peacoat with you. If you are an older chick, take the long black coat.

Wide, wide belts are in this season. You could dress up the long coat with a belt. But, don't attempt this unless you can pull it off.

It is really hard for me to assist you unless I know your age and size.

Former fashion director

Take the best looking of the two long coats, then look for a scarf or wrap to add a bit of color when you get there. You don't have to be dressed up to wear a dressy coat in Paris. Don't take a jacket unless you are very young.

Wow!
Glad I asked!
Thanks for the fashion advice- I guess I'm a bit out of touch here in the Texas Hill Country.
L

Long black wood coat. It will keep you the warmest, which is the most important factor, as the Xmas season can be bone chilling cold. And add a wool or cashmere scarf, and don't forget the gloves and hat.

I had an ankle length medium wieght black wool coat whe I was in Copenhagen and Stockholm last year. I liked it because it wasn't too heavy and I could layer under it for added warmth. The length kept my legs warm. Worked really well.

Although I agree with what others are saying about which coat to take, I would not count on bitter weather necessarily. I arrived in Paris on Dec. 21 one year, and it was warm-ish and raining, and I was regretting my winter coat. By the 25th it was colder, and I was glad to have it.

BTW, I would not be afraid to wear the red coat; when I was in Paris last month, many women had on bright and pastel colors; they do not just wear black.

Have a wonderful trip!

And don;t forget boots - if it rains - as it does so often - you really need to keep your feet dry - and legs clean. I always take a pair with a low heel - so they're walkable - and save the stilletos for at home - when I know we'll be cabbing.