Paris in July - YouLookFab Forum

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Paris in July

Anonymous

Heading for Paris in mid-July for ten days. I've been researching your posts for recommendations for footwear--esp great walking shoes/sneakers as Paris is a walking city.

Based on your experience walking abroad in summer months, what specific shoes would you highly recommend?

Have any of you shared your travel capsule for a trip to Paris in July or August? I want to heed Angie's advice on overlapping outfits, builiding on neutrals with happy feet at the center. I really want to travel light as I tend to overpack.

Thank you!

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17 replies

Latest reply was from Runcarla

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I was in Paris a two summers ago but I did not record a capsule. I will recommend a light rain jacket for evenings and potentially cooler days and at least two pairs of well tested walking shoes. I believe I wore a pair of COS ballet flats and Birkenstocks most of the time. Have a fantastic time!

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Wow that will be fun!! I just bought my first pair of sandals from the brand bionica. I think they’re “orthopedic” but they are pretty cute and OMG, so comfortable! I think that type of shoe would be good for a walking trip.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

No suggestions but please take lots of pictures so I can live vicariously through you. I hope you enjoy yourself so much

Aurore

Veteran

You chose the period well! Paris is less overcrowded in july and august than the rest of the year, and the weather is often nice. Will you be there for our National Day on July 14th?
I personnaly prefer comfortable sneakers or light hiking shoes when traveling in en european city - I find them more comfortable than basic sandals when walking on cobblestone. I second Shevia concerning the lightweight jacket, especially if you plan to use the métro as the corridors can be quite windy.

Aquamarine

Veteran

I will echo Ledonna and say please take lots of pictures for us!

Molly Mac

Veteran

I was in Paris in July three years ago. Fashion sneakers were everywhere and I fit right in with my Stan Smiths. I also wore a pair of black Dune espadrilles with my dressier items. I brought a pair of black Coach with Nike technology sandals but barely wore them as I found closed toe shoes more practical for all day city walking. A denim jacket was my topper for the one or two cool nights. In 21 days in France we only had one day of misty rain so my raincoat saw no wear. I never check luggage so this is what I brought in my carry on:
1 pair of jeans
1 white shirt, 1 black shirt, 2 navy shirts (all were light weight no iron cotton blouses)
1 pair of black chino style pants
3 dresses (2 jersey maxis and 1 tshirt tank style)
1 athletic outfit (leggings/tank/running shoes).
Undergarments/night gown
We had laundry facilities at a few of our stops which was a life saver since we were traveling for 3 weeks. I felt stylish and well prepared for all experiences with the above items.

RobinF

Veteran

Ooh fabulous! I wear sandals in the summer, I hate hot feet. But I agree they do have to be super comfortable for lots of walking with nice solid straps so your feet don't slip around. I like Born and Sofft sandals for comfort.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Camper sandals have served me well for summers in France and Italy. Be sure to bring some talcum powder or something to prevent thigh-rub on long days of walking in a dress!
You’ve got me daydreaming about a lovely vacation......

Murph11

Veteran

I’m jealous

I wore these Sofft sandals (in silver) all thru Italy last May, and they were a dream, even for light hiking. We walked miles and miles daily. Upon returning, I immediately bought another pair in the blue since silver was unavailable.

I wore the Ecco sneakers on the plane and for the one rainy day we had the whole trip (in Venice), and had a pair of $2 Old Navy flip flops for lounging in our rooms. That’s it for footwear.

Have a wonderful trip!

Söfft 'Mirabelle' Sport Sandal

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8

Ecco 'Soft 7' Cap Toe Sneaker (Women)

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5

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

We used to live in France, and know it quite well. BE PREPARED for hot, warm and cool weather because it can change overnight. You will see EVERYONE wear practical walking shoes. The street style shots you constantly see of Parisians online is outside the very fashion-y head offices, and that's it. Trust me - it's not the norm by any stretch of the imagination.

You will see most people wear sneakers, ballet flats, oxfords and Euro sandals.

Anonymous

thank you, everyone, for your good advice. I shall try those Ecco Soft sneakers, Murph 1 and the sandals also look comfortable! Great and helpful list, Molly Mac! Thank you so much for posting it. I have added Bionica to my cart to try out as well, Jessikams. Rain jacket added to my travel list, Shevia! It is good to know the reality of the territory, Angie; everyone wearing sensible good walking shoes. Cannot imagine wedges or heels on cobblestone! I now have developed a too lengthy list if anyone wants to edit or comment --

The Paris travel
List:

Black casual summer dress (can be worn with jean jacket or
cardigan)

Another summer flowy dress or midi skirt or knit navy midi dress

Jeans (indigo pr and black pr—both in light fabric; maybe a white pr)

Pants (black chino)

Jacket—light rain jacket and possibly olive jacket or jean jacket

Tops (various, not super casual as in t’s, but will go with pants)

Scarves (incl Lulumon scarf for plane)

Shoes — two pairs: sneakers/walking shoes and ?

One sweater/cardigan

No show socks

Jewelry

Wide brimmed light hat

Passport pouch or satchel that also fits charge cards, money, wear
under clothing or around the neck

Money belt

water bottle

small water fan mister

travel umbrella

small backpack

mini portable charger for iphone

universal power adapter (probably apt will have that or not?)

Body Glide Anti blister balm and moleskin

travel size make-up/creams/etc

meds

journal, book, pens, iPhone

2 paper copies of passport.

inform credit card companies and bank when I am traveling Can set
a travel

bring debit and master card, American cash, Euro’s too?

Gigi

Veteran

I don't have any direct experience with this, but I recently bought a pair of Toni Pons espadrilles from Nordstrom, and I saw that many reviewers talked about how comfy they were for walking tours when on vacation. She has quite a few pairs with a Mediterranean flair, so you would fit in with the locals.

Toni Pons 'Lloret-5' Espadrille Wedge Sandal

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Anonymous

Susan at unefemme.net posts specific Paris travel capsules - you might want to check them out. She also talks a lot about shoes.

delurked

Veteran

Lisa - I check out her blog sometimes. Also, travelfashiongirl has a lot of packing lists.

I like how your list is shaping up. I’ve certainly travelled with two shoes before. I think it’s easeir to fit things, but I personally prefer three shoes if I can get everything in. On a trip last year I brought sandals that had worked really well for me in the past. This time though I got blisters from them. Therefore, I will travel with two pair of shoes I can wear socks plus one pair of sandals for a summer trip in future.

Following with interest, as I could use another summer shoe trip option. I do have those Eccos you’re looking at. I like them, and will test them with a very long walk to see if they would make it a full day with lots of walking. I think an enclosed sandal/athletic Mary Jane style could be useful.

ETA - sorry I can’t add specific Paris advice.

Lucy

Veteran

I have just returned from Paris, and echo what Angie says - everyone is in fashion sneakers and flats. I literally saw 2 pairs of heels in 3 days. Two were clearly tourists at the Eiffel Tower (I'm thinking proposals!) and one was a Parisian woman waiting for a date. The rest of the time, it was flats all the way.
The French seemed to be both casual and pulled-together. Never sloppy. Most women were wearing skinny jeans (and tighter than I see them here in Oz, and perfectly fitting). Tops were not so much t-shirts but more camisoles or other dressier tops. Then a fitted jacket. Which I doubt you will see in July! But I thought it made for relatively easy packing, as it is mainly really lovely well fitting basics, including jeans that could be worn over and over.
Have fun!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I wore these exact shoes in Paris in July a couple of years ago, in the midst of a heat wave, and they worked well for me. I also wore a pair of P.Monjo sandals with a block heel, for which I don't seem to have a Find.

by Firecracker (Sharan)

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Mephisto 'Yael' Soft-Air Sneaker (Women)

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8

Runcarla

Veteran

In my travels no one shoe stands out as being better than another by itself - but souped up with great inserts (with arch supports and gel heel cushioning) They all worked out just fine. My favourite shoe combo for adventuring and roll aboard packing are: 1 pair Chelsea boot style, 1 pair pointed flats or loafers, 1 pair fashion sneakers and if warm weather is anticipated, 1 pair sandals.