Please tell me what to pack for Paris, France vacation for early Sept?

Question

Hi, I'm a female, late 30's vacationing with my husband to Paris, France late August, early September. Could someone please give me some suggestions on what kind of clothes to pack that are conducive to touring the area, but so I won't look like a hick and stand out? This is also an anniversary trip, so we'll be going to a couple nice restaurants to celebrate too.Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Don't forget your tutu!

Answer 2

French ppl (and other western Europeans) tend to not wear baseball caps, jeans and sport coats (they wear jeans and sport coats, but not together).  Clothes that fit well (not necessarily skin tight) would help you not stand out and look like a hick.  You'd have to look at some photos from French websites (Galeries Lafayette, Au Printemps, etc.) to get a better idea of what is "in" in France.  French ppl also tend to not wear running shoes (except for kids and tradesmen). OTOH, if you plan to do a lot of walking, the running shoes might be a good idea.  French women tend to not wear socks with jeans and loafers.  The black dress for better restaurants sounds like a good idea. You can also get great meals for less at bistros and there, you can dress more casually.  Before you go, visit cnn.com and look for the weather icon.  You can find weather info on cities all over the world. Have a great trip!

Answer 3

First, you should consider that the temperature may be considerably cooler than you might antiticpate.

In September the average high temperature is only 70 degrees farenheit and the average low is 55 farenheit. Even in August the  average high temperature is only 75 degrees farenheit, and the average low 57 farenheit.

Be prepared for some rain. Paris receives an average of more than 2 inches of rain per month for August and September.

When packing think Black. That basic "little black dress" is what you need. Buy yourself a nice French scarf when you get there, something big enough to drape in a variety of ways.

During the day when you're sight seeing be less concerned about what you wear, comfort has got to be you number one concern. Jeans are fine but avoid sweatpants or track suits and wear a more dressy top than you might at home. Avoid like the plague anything with "cute" messages or logos (i.e. leave the "I'm with stupid -->" T-shirt at home.  Consider investing in some good quality walking shoes if you don't already have some.

One word of warning however. My wife, who was at one time, the women's wear buyer for a major depatment store chain, said that no matter what she wore she always felt like "Gravel Gertie" in Paris. French women really do have a sense of style and even penniless college students can manage to look very well dressed.

The bottom line is not to be overly concerned. After all, the moment you open your mouth people will know you are not French.

Answer 4

Lots of cute scarfs, hats, sunglasses and shoes. If you have a cute trench coat (which falls to the low thigh, then thats adorable! Make sure you bring 2 pretty dresses and heels. confortable shoes for all the walking (NO CROCS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and just have fun! also make sure your hubby does NOT WEAR sANDALS AND SOCKS!!!!!!!

Answer 5

In Paris, people don't care that much about clothes. There are sooo many different styles! But you come here late august, early september, you have to take some summer clothes and some pullover or sweaters and a don't forget a jacket! It can be chilly, especially on the morning. Time is so unforeseeable! Our summer time is at present like we were in the fall! Not very sunny! Hopefully it will be better end august!

Answer 6

I think the basic.  Jeans and tanks perhaps, with a light jacket in case you need it.  I just got back and it was a bit cooler than I expected.  

Of course have a nice outfit... the little black dress is always a winner... for when you go to the nice restaurants.  Other than that casual is ok but I'd most definitely stay away from "advert' T-shirts.  You know... the ones with logos of any kind.  Bring a nice trenchcoat and an umbrella for the rain.  

Please have a blast and Happy Anniversary!!! :)

Lucile:  J'aime votre pais :)

Answer 7

Omg the tutu answer was totally stupid.

Im french, so i think if you are afraid to look weird just wear jeans on the street and be a bit more dressed in restaurants and at night (simple black dresses, and for your husband a white shirt or black suit ^^)

well we dont really care that much about clothes...do we ? O.o

>.<

Answer 8

I'd go with a lot of basic colors, make sure to bring a fashionable trench coat that goes to your knees (I was just there end of June, it was chilly enough for one then, i think you'll need it, a lot of people had them)

Things are just very fashion forward there, I really felt underdressed all the time--it's a dressy casual. Try looking at some designers websites that you know have stores in paris (Morgan, lacoste, infinitif, Naf Naf, Monoprix) these are all on the Champs D'eleysses street, and very popular, as well as others. you can get some ideas from there, and buy similar things at cheaper stores.

Hope this helped!

Answer 9

The best thing to travel in is Nike Dri-Fit material or something like that. This is a senthetic material that you can find generically in many department stores like Target. It keeps you cool on hot days and warm on cold days. Make sure to pack a water repelant wind breaker. Take at least 1 long sleeve sweater. You can also take exercise pants that fit you comfortably. Make sure to pack at least 2 pairs of shorts. Take a nice pair of pants or a nice skirt matched with a nice top for eating out and celebrating. Thinly soled or high heeled shoes are not recomended, because most of the streets are coble-stoned.

Answer 10

If you don't want to look like an American, you had best take an empty case with you and buy all your clothes locally.