Need packing/shopping advice from Euro-fashionistas

MWC · 02-23-2007

Hi, starting to think about what clothes we should bring for our week in Paris.
We like to dress nicely when we visit Europe, so we don't stand out as tourists.
We're also hoping to limit ourselves to carryon luggage, so we need clothes that are going to be versatile.
What advice do those in the know have for outfits?
What's in style right now, and for Spring?
Any websites you can recommend to give me an idea of current fashion trends, especially in Paris?
What could work with jeans?
Any recommendations for footwear?
Or outerwear?
Thanks!

NorthMinnesota · 02-23-2007

Lucky you! Not a real fashionista but who could go wrong with a pair of black pants that can be hand washed and dried over night. Same with a lightweight black skirt. Dark doesn't show wrinkles or stains as much.

Andiline · 02-23-2007

I don't remember how french people are dressed...

But for footwear I would say bring something comfortable as you will be walking a lot. And as there are lots of tourists in Paris anyway I'd just say: wear what you like best and simply enjoy the stay.

Bring an umbrella though, april is very unstable over here.

Andrea

NorthMinnesota · 02-23-2007

This post made me curious. I did some research and a friend who travels alot said scarves are really big in Paris. She said you would not be turned away anywhere and would make a good impression with black pants/skirt, turtleneck and scarf. Says she accessorizes with different scarves, necklaces and pins to get different looks. Perhaps a lightweight cashmere sweater would work in unpredictable spring weather. She said in her experiences that appearance DOES make a difference with getting choice seating and acceptance at certain places. Said leather soles can be slippery on wet pavement but don't wear new white tennis shoes. I saw some very stylish Diesel shoes. Also try Puma. My youngest has some really cool black Diesels that can be dressy or casual.

MWC · 02-23-2007

So far, so good. My whole family wears a lot of black anyway, for that slimming effect!
I've heard that about scarves. I'll have to learn how to be more creative with how I wear them -- right now, I just wear them like a fabric necklace.

smyles · 02-23-2007

I get a catalog TravelSmith (travelsmith.com) which carries a lot of lightweight knits, mix-n-match outfits, reversible skirts and tops, etc. Looks like you could get a number of outfits from just a few pieces.
I've never purchased anything from them, but it might be worth a try!
Have a wonderful trip

NorthMinnesota · 02-23-2007

She also said to wear layers because it can be cool outside and very warm in the museums and such. Recommended silk long underwear if you will be out walking and a hat as it can be pretty windy.

cmsitaly · 02-23-2007

Scarves are very big over there. I would suggest layers. We were there in October and it can be warm/cool. Black is always a safe bet, if you don't want to be nailed as a tourist (which you probaly will anyway-but

) stay away from the white tennis shoes. Go to a comfort walking store and get some Eccos, Joseph Sieble's or whatever fits your feet well (in a dark color) They are more spendy, but with how long they last and how comfy they are worth every penny, and your feet will thank you!!

We did this boat trip on the river at the end of our stay and kinda "recapped" everything we had seen while we were there. It was very cool. Starts over by the Eiffel Tower.

Oh and if you are waiting in a train station/airport and there is a Paul (cafe/bread shop)-eat there. The bread is amazing. Don't even mess with the others

Have fun!!

Daddy B · 02-23-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MWC

Hi, starting to think about what clothes we should bring for our week in Paris.
We like to dress nicely when we visit Europe, so we don't stand out as tourists.
We're also hoping to limit ourselves to carryon luggage, so we need clothes that are going to be versatile.
What advice do those in the know have for outfits?
What's in style right now, and for Spring?
Any websites you can recommend to give me an idea of current fashion trends, especially in Paris?
What could work with jeans?
Any recommendations for footwear?
Or outerwear?
Thanks!

Not trying to be clever here, but I'd reccommend you wear whatever you wear back home (I don't mean in the privacy of your own home, though

).

Europeans are tourists, too, and only an idiot would make you feel like you're standing out when you're visiting their country.

Express yourself, diversity is good!!!

**sctx** · 02-23-2007

I'd suggest leaving your "GW Rocks!!! Chirac Blows" t-shirt at home

dartay · 02-23-2007

They're French, who cares what they think?

Dress how you want. If any of them gives you a funny look just scowl.
They'll surrender immediately, just like always.

himynameisjan · 02-23-2007

We tend to think the same way you do. On our previous trips to Europe, we stayed away from the shorts and T shirts and dressed a bit better. Made us feel way more comfortable and less out of place. Plus, it is nice to dress well now and then.

Don't look for us to be doing that in Playa though, for us, formal is shoes when we are in Playa. When in Rome.........

playabum17 · 02-23-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by himynameisjan

We tend to think the same way you do. On our previous trips to Europe, we stayed away from the shorts and T shirts and dressed a bit better. Made us feel way more comfortable and less out of place. Plus, it is nice to dress well now and then.

Don't look for us to be doing that in Playa though, for us, formal is shoes when we are in Playa. When in Rome.........

No, they are going to Paris...

**Susie Q Roo** · 02-23-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by playabum17

No, they are going to Paris...

Sometimes you crack me up, PB!

himynameisjan · 02-23-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by playabum17

No, they are going to Paris...

LMAO

Are you enjoying our lovely weather this evening, or hasn't it started in the Cities yet?

02-23-2007	#1 (permalink)
MWC añejo Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Connecticut Posts: 5,997	Need packing/shopping advice from Euro-fashionistas Hi, starting to think about what clothes we should bring for our week in Paris. We like to dress nicely when we visit Europe, so we don't stand out as tourists. We're also hoping to limit ourselves to carryon luggage, so we need clothes that are going to be versatile. What advice do those in the know have for outfits? What's in style right now, and for Spring? Any websites you can recommend to give me an idea of current fashion trends, especially in Paris? What could work with jeans? Any recommendations for footwear? Or outerwear? Thanks!

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02-23-2007	#2 (permalink)
NorthMinnesota añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 5,600	Lucky you! Not a real fashionista but who could go wrong with a pair of black pants that can be hand washed and dried over night. Same with a lightweight black skirt. Dark doesn't show wrinkles or stains as much.

02-23-2007	#3 (permalink)
Andiline añejo Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Cologne, Germany Posts: 7,587	I don't remember how french people are dressed... But for footwear I would say bring something comfortable as you will be walking a lot. And as there are lots of tourists in Paris anyway I'd just say: wear what you like best and simply enjoy the stay. Bring an umbrella though, april is very unstable over here. Andrea

02-23-2007	#4 (permalink)
NorthMinnesota añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 5,600	This post made me curious. I did some research and a friend who travels alot said scarves are really big in Paris. She said you would not be turned away anywhere and would make a good impression with black pants/skirt, turtleneck and scarf. Says she accessorizes with different scarves, necklaces and pins to get different looks. Perhaps a lightweight cashmere sweater would work in unpredictable spring weather. She said in her experiences that appearance DOES make a difference with getting choice seating and acceptance at certain places. Said leather soles can be slippery on wet pavement but don't wear new white tennis shoes. I saw some very stylish Diesel shoes. Also try Puma. My youngest has some really cool black Diesels that can be dressy or casual.

02-23-2007	#5 (permalink)
MWC añejo Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Connecticut Posts: 5,997	So far, so good. My whole family wears a lot of black anyway, for that slimming effect! I've heard that about scarves. I'll have to learn how to be more creative with how I wear them -- right now, I just wear them like a fabric necklace.

02-23-2007	#6 (permalink)
smyles way into it Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Sagamore Hills, OH (between Cleveland & Akron) Posts: 109	I get a catalog TravelSmith (travelsmith.com) which carries a lot of lightweight knits, mix-n-match outfits, reversible skirts and tops, etc. Looks like you could get a number of outfits from just a few pieces. I've never purchased anything from them, but it might be worth a try! Have a wonderful trip

02-23-2007	#7 (permalink)
NorthMinnesota añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 5,600	She also said to wear layers because it can be cool outside and very warm in the museums and such. Recommended silk long underwear if you will be out walking and a hat as it can be pretty windy.

02-23-2007	#8 (permalink)
cmsitaly añejo Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 3,082	Scarves are very big over there. I would suggest layers. We were there in October and it can be warm/cool. Black is always a safe bet, if you don't want to be nailed as a tourist (which you probaly will anyway-but ) stay away from the white tennis shoes. Go to a comfort walking store and get some Eccos, Joseph Sieble's or whatever fits your feet well (in a dark color) They are more spendy, but with how long they last and how comfy they are worth every penny, and your feet will thank you!! We did this boat trip on the river at the end of our stay and kinda "recapped" everything we had seen while we were there. It was very cool. Starts over by the Eiffel Tower. Oh and if you are waiting in a train station/airport and there is a Paul (cafe/bread shop)-eat there. The bread is amazing. Don't even mess with the others Have fun!!

02-23-2007	#10 (permalink)
sctx political anarchist Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Body in San Marcos Tx....Tankah in my mind Posts: 27,707	I'd suggest leaving your "GW Rocks!!! Chirac Blows" t-shirt at home

02-23-2007	#11 (permalink)
dartay añejo Join Date: May 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,881	They're French, who cares what they think? Dress how you want. If any of them gives you a funny look just scowl. They'll surrender immediately, just like always.

02-23-2007	#12 (permalink)
himynameisjan reposado Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Mankato, Minnesota Posts: 1,466	We tend to think the same way you do. On our previous trips to Europe, we stayed away from the shorts and T shirts and dressed a bit better. Made us feel way more comfortable and less out of place. Plus, it is nice to dress well now and then. Don't look for us to be doing that in Playa though, for us, formal is shoes when we are in Playa. When in Rome.........

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