Aagghh - What to wear in Paris???

Question

I'm going to Paris & London in May/June this year (I'm 31).. I have no idea on what the weather will be like. I need to pack light, I'll be there for two and a half weeks, and probably doing a lot of walking. Any ideas on what kind of clothes and shoes to take?

Answer 1

In May the average high temperature is 18 degrees celsius/64 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 9 celsius/49 farenheit. The average number of days with precipitation is sixteen.

In June the average temperature is 22 degrees celsius/72 degrees farenheit. The average rainfall is 56 millimeters or 2.2 inches.

The fact is that you are a tourist and no matter what you wear you will be easily identified as a tourist unless you speak fluent French, navigate the city without a map, don't carry a camera and avoid tourist sites. So why worry about it?

At any one given moment there are tens of thousands of tourists in Paris. No one will assault you, insult you, or harrass you because you are a tourist. And, frankly, no will will notice or care what you are wearing.

Therefore the thing to consider is your own comfort and convenience.

I absolutely agree that you should pack light. This is the smartest thing a traveller can do. Pack clothes that you can layer. Make use every item can do double duty, is easily cleaned, and can hold up under the duress of travel. Wrinkle free, stain resistant and hand washable should be your watchwords.

Sturdy, water resistant, walking shoes are essential. It will rain almost every other day and you will be often be walking on old, uneven, and very hard surfaces. Forget fashion think comfort. And consider taking two pairs of shoes as walking in wet ones quickly will reduce you to misery.

Pack an umbrella and/or a practical raincoat. You'll need it.

The only concession to fashion you might want to make is to stick with dark colors and avoid anything that is loud, garish, bright, or has slogans written on it.

Answer 2

http://www.islamfrance.com/

Answer 3

Oh aye. Mai oui... well you want to blend in, so if you're a bloke, get the black and white striped jumper on, throw the ring of onions round the neck, and finish with le beret. Then light up a  Gauloises cig and stroll around looking cool, s**y and suave, whistlin some world cup tune maybe...And if you're a woman, don't try and blend in because the ladies in France are more beautiful than most, and born with more style at birth than most people will ever accomplish. as for london, don't wear a smile and avoid all eye contact. no-one will know you're on holiday, and maybe you winnae get hassled. (and if you are a brazillian electrican,use taxis...) enjoy spring (winter)in both.

Answer 4

look up Paris online, there might be a website that revolves around vacationing. Or just googling it in general might be able to give you a clue.

But if not then bring the basics.

So jeans, comfortable shirts & shorts. light sweaters.

Walking shoes & maybe a cute pair of heels or sandals for a night out.

Answer 5

I'm just back from there well (nealry a month ago) And i was laready with my jackets gloves & scarfs but i didnt need any of them i was really surprised with the wether sunny and dry and actually quiete warm throught the day i just had my trench coat and jeans and at night just a little thin jacket so i wouldnt pack all your warm stuff kos it will probs be fairly warm especialy in may but take comfy shoes for through the day i just wore my uggs or trainers

Answer 6

Comfortable walking/running shoes are a must.  In France, adults (except for carpenters and other tradesmen) tend to not wear running shoes.  But IMHO, running shoes are the most comfortable shoes.  And you'll do a lot of walking.  When travelling, I also bring a small umbrella. It saves you the trouble of having to buy one when you get there.  French ppl like Burberry clothes, so if you have some, wear em.  BTW, only veterans at Armistice Day ceremonies wear berets.  The image of a French civilian wearing a beret is an old stereotype. You mentioned about not looking too touristy.  French ppl tend to wear clothes that fit well.  Women do wear jeans/slacks and when wearing loafers, they tend to not wear socks.  French ppl also tend to carry briefcases and almost never carry backpacks.  You can bring a map (e.g. of Paris) with you, but keep it out of sight and just take it out when you really need to look up something.

Answer 7

I was there at that time last year.  It was colder than I thought it would be 18-19 daily (65-70ish). take a couple of nice outfits to go out to dinner, but otherwise the dress isn't much different in the US other than they don't go bummy at all.  If the women wear jeans , they wear a nice top and shoes.  Save the sneakers for the sightseeing