What to wear in Paris? - YouLookFab Forum

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What to wear in Paris?

MsMary

Veteran

Lovely Husband and I are leaving on vacation on Wednesday. Hooray! Most of the time we will be cycling in Crete, and I am all set with cute cycling jerseys and what we call "space clothes" -- washable/quick drying travel tops and bottoms. But we will be stopping in Paris for a few days on the way home and I don't want to look too American Touristy.

I was thinking jeans, sneakers/sandals, and cute tops. Similar to Angie's recent travel capsule when she visited her Papa. Not quite sure what to bring for evening. More of the same? LBD? Any ideas?

Dressing

16 replies

Latest reply was from Meredith

Christina F.

Veteran

As someone who lives in NYC, I can say that tourists don't blend in, even if their clothes do. It's what they carry (maps, travel books) and how they act in public transit that gives them away. I live near hostels can can spot them a mile away. So I wouldn't worry about blending in except if you feel more comfortable not sticking out. I can understand that, especially nowadays! Americans may not be super popular, though I had no problems in Amsterdam in Feb.

Make sure your shoes are supportive. Cobblestones are killer.

If you want to bring a dressy outfit, it's not a bad idea. You may want to eat somewhere nice, since it's Paris. Not sure what kind of dressy outfit is most appropriate these days. Can't go wrong with LBD, though.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

WOOHOOO. We used to live there. VERY fun that you're going off with hubs. I'm excited. Must hit Le Marais.

No need for sandals, SoCal gal.

Need:

knitwear
toppers
scarves
jeans
trousers
socks
Body glide
boots
fashion sneakers
Beautiful bag. Take your Burberry.
Frock if it's warm enough. Tall boots.

No high heels! Cannot walk cobbled streets in heels.

MsMary

Veteran

Boom! On it! Forecast is for high 60s so it should be perfect! I bought fashion sneakers specifically for Paris so I am good to go. Maybe a sweater dress, tights, and tall boots for dinner? Oh and I was planning on taking my fab gold backpack!

Christina, I don't expect to look like a Parisian! LOL I just want to do something a step up from my Columbia Sport quick-dry capris and Teva sandals!

Rebecca Minkoff Medium Julian Metallic Leather Backpack

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Christina F.

Veteran

I can understand that! I've just read a lot of travel forums where people worry about blending in, and I think it's not possible or even that desirable. I'd want to look my best in Paris too, though, and in your case specially after wearing all that gear on your bike trip. LOVE the RM backpack!

skylurker

Veteran

Our temperatures are fickle and hard to predict, but Angie's capsule looks too cold for now - I'm wearing socks, oxfords, full length jeans, long sleeved cotton jumpers and topper at weekends.
I always carry an umbrella in my bag.

You need very comfy shoes.

Be careful with your bags : there's a mafia of pickpockets that lives off the millions of tourists here.
Nothing too precious or delicate : streets are dirty, public transport is dirty.

You will walk at a leisurely pace : you will look touristy.
Your hair is coiffed, your face made-up, you wear white or colourful clothes/shoes? = you will look American touristy
But what's wrong with that?

Anonymous

There's nothing wrong with looking like a tourist! I would plan to be very well-dressed though, but you always are Ms. Mary!

Have fun Cycling In Crete! OMG! Sounds wonderful!

Beth

Veteran

Eek! Mary, DH and I are taking a similar trip around the same time...instead of Crete, we're tooling around the Loire for a week and finishing off with a few days in Paris in the way home.

This will be our 4th trip to Paris in the last four years. For all of our trips I've packed very similarly to what Angie suggests: fashion sneakers, a pair of flat ankle boots, skinny jeans/pants, knitwear, scarves and toppers (usually a blazer and a leather jacket). I do use a crossbody bag that zips as it feels more secure, especially on crowded Metros.

Next week looks like the highs will be in the low to mid 60s with evenings in the 50s. Sounds like perfect layering weather!

Anonymous

I get so tired of reading about French style, as if they're the only ones who know how to dress well. I'd be tempted to dress in a fab way that's not the least bit French, just because...

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Have a grand time! American touristy may be more an attitude than any particular clothes, and anyway what it wrong with it? Believe me the British tourists are doing everything they can to distinguish themselves from the French ! Self assurance is the best look - that ironically is very French.

Runcarla

Veteran

(Typing from the train enroute to Brugge). Not Paris, but Rotterdam last week was cold to cool with full on rain, or half sunny days with rain the other half. I am most grateful for my sweaters ( turtleneck) and trench coat. Feet are fine in sneakers with inserts. Amsterdam was cool and sunny yesterday. I wore cropped black jeans, a sweater, and my Zara embroidered jacket.

A thin puffer would not be remiss, and I may buy one before the end of this trip. If you feel the cold, bring gloves.

I am seeing a lot of black.

Rain and humidity is creating issues with hair....

Anonymous

Wow! Sounds like a great trip!
I really hesitate to contradict a suggestion from Angie, but tall boots will consume quite a bit of space and add a commensurate amount of weight. I would forgo those if they would be worn only for 2 or 3 dinners. Especially since I quite suspect there is an amazing selection of shoes in your unbelievably gorgeous closet.!
Ditto the sweater dress, unless it is pretty thin. Wil eat up suitcase space and could be too warm if the weather turns a bit.
For mild autumn and spring travel, I prefer silk for tops and dresses. Termperature-regulating, easy to layer if necessary, and of course scrumptuous.
Whatever you pack or wear, have a lovely time!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

For casual sight-seeing -- slim jeans, fashion sneakers and/or flattish booties, layerable tops (knit and/or shirts -- I like silk for the reasons Ryce mentions) a sweater or two, a trench. And umbrella.

For nights out, a dress or two and the trench with some attractive but low heeled shoes. Crossbody or shoulder bag better than a backpack.

Bring colourful scarves!! And buy some.

anchie

Veteran

Whenever I travel I have only two priorities- that I am not cold and that my feet don't suffer. If everything coordinates is a bonus .
I am sure you will look fab as always. Have a nice time.

MsMary

Veteran

Thanks, everybody! Lots of help here!

I guess I didn't make myself super clear. I am under no illusions that I will pass for a Parisian and I don't mind looking like an American. What I should have said is "I feel like I want to wear real clothes in Paris as opposed to the gear I will be wearing on the rest of the trip!" LOL

JuniperGreen

Veteran

YES I echo Angie's tip to go to the Marais for your shopping trip.

I was there in April and everyone was wearing scarves wrapped close to the neck, fashion sneakers and leather jackets (men and women alike). And all the ladies had fabulous tiny chain crossbody bags. Wish I'd found one for a souvenir... I'll just have to go back.

Bon voyage, and share your haul when you're back!.

Meredith

Veteran

Mary, I don't have any suggestions beyond what others have mentioned, but I just have to tell you I think your trip sounds heavenly. I'd like to do something similar with DH someday. I hope you have a fabulous time!