Dealing with temperature differences

I come from a warm climate, though not as warm as Brazil, and I would also consider 10 C to be wintry weather. I would bring a light jacket and a pullover. When I was last in Paris (in May 2008) the first two days I was wearing a thick jacket because I found it cold. The temperature was probably in the low teens. On the third day it got warm (low twenties) and I was carrying my jacket around. In September like May you should prepared for a range of temperatures, and dress in layers. Obviously I have no advice about fashion. I would not worry about standing out in a crowd, the locals will not be wearing shorts if it is 10 C.

Since weather is unpredictable, and averages can be deceiving, I try to pack as much flexibility as possible. For me a waterproof rainshell with a hood is a must. I also pack two lightweight layering items (a thin wool sweater and/or 100 weight fleece) that aren't too bulky but can be layered together if it's cold. If it's really cold I'll add some fleece gloves and a ski cap - again nothing bulky. If I expect warm weather, I'll only pack one layer item. This year I'll take a sweater and a softshell as layering items. If it's cold, I'll layer a t-shirt, button-up shirt, sweater, softshell, and rainshell - which should be plenty. If it's nice, I'll wear fewer or no layers.

In my experience it's really hard to plan ahead for weather in Europe in general, it is pretty variable. I've been to Paris twice in the summer, once was ridiculously hot, another time I actually needed a light jacket. September could be quite warm. It could also be chilly. No way to predict it right now. To that end, both from a practical standpoint and a fashion standpoint is to pack with layering in mind. I like to pack a variety of clothes that can be put together in different outfits depending on the temperature. For example: 1 skirt 1 dress 1 pair tights 1 pair jeans/slacks 1 pair capris 3-4 blouses/tshirts 1 pullover sweater 1-2 cardigan type sweaters 1 blazer 1 pair comfortable open-toe shoes/sandals 1 pair fashion boots 2 scarves, one thin, one thicker
1 jacket this is probably considered overpacking by some RS ppl but if all these clothes go reasonably well with each other, you can create a fashionable outfit that will be fine in hot or cool weather. When it's cold in the morning, wear your skirt with tights and boots, blouse, cardigan, and blazer with a scarf. as it gets warmer during the day, stuff the blazer in whatever you're using as a daypack. If it gets warmer, stop in a bathroom to take off the tights, and also throw the cardigan in your pack. On a warmer day, wear a blouse and capris with the open toe shoes, but take along a cardigan and scarf in case it gets chilly in the evening. i lived in SF for years, so I got used to taking a big purse or messenger bag with a sweater/scarf always because the temperature is so variable there hour by hour and i would suggest doing the same for Paris. and don't forget a small folding umbrella!

I'm planning a trip for September also and while the average temperatures are a good general indicator, I find it most helpful to look up the actual weather on weather.com starting a couple weeks before I depart. The average in Paris in September is in the 60s, I believe, but the actual temp could be in the 80s or the 50s. Once you see what the weather is like, you can make much more informed packing choices.

Fraulein, I am very cold natured but would not pack winter clothes for September. I agree with the advice to dress in layers, as it will likely be warm during the day and cooler at night. I would take a couple of lightweight sweaters and/or a jacket or coat. It doesn't matter if others are in shorts, if you are cold, you should dress for it. Be comfortable!

It's also worth noting (at the risk of stirring up old arguments) that it appears to me that a lot of Parsians (and in some places in Western Europe in general) the locals are less likely to wear "warm weather clothes" i.e. shorts, tshirts, and tank tops than Americans (and maybe Brazillians? I don't know) would wear in the same weather. Of course Europeans can and do wear warm-weather clothes but my point is, you probably won't "stand out" for wearing pants and a sweater if it's in the 60s. I observed many Parsian men and women wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts and scarves when it was in the 90s. I don't know how they manage! AGAIN: Not saying people shouldn't wear shorts or anything like that. But that I think Fraulein's fear of standing out because she's used to warmer temps and dressing accordingly is mostly unfounded.

I have been in Paris the last three Septembers (second half). One year it was on the chilly side, in which case I found a fleece jacket kept me warm. The other years it's been warmer and I've worn a short or long-sleeve t-shirt during the day and a fleece at night. I probably tolerate cold better than you, since I live in a cooler climate. But I would say that a sweater and fleece would be plenty warm for anyone. I would not worry about whether you are wearing the same clothes as everyone else. Just focus on being comfortable. You'll never see these people again. And remember - Paris has a zillion people walking around - they don't all wear the same thing. I will say that very few people besides my husband wear shorts in Paris. I'm not sure I saw any women in shorts regardless of the weather. As for strolling around dressed elegantly, I think you should forget those vanities. Packing light is way more important (in my opinion) than looking elegant.

When you look at the locals in a big city,, please remember this, they are likely at WORK , not on vacation. Most of us do not wear shorts to work no matter how hot it is ,, right? When Parisiens go to the beach or country for vacation ,, they wear vacation clothes,, shorts and sundresses, just like we do. Don't compare yourself to them. You are a tourist on vacation. They wish they could be so casual! I always take a light rain/wind jacket and a sweater or fleece for underneath, whether I go in May, August or September.

I know it's not a popular opinion here but some of us do like to look nice, even extra-nice when we travel. It's part of the fun for us. Let us have our "vanities". :) It's a valid way to go about travel!

Sarah,, I look good when I travel,, I look good at home,, I don't go downtown in slob attire or "beach clothes"( flip flops, shorts and tank top) here in my small city, so I don't do it when on vacation either. However I also don't try and look like something I am not,, my pencil skirt and high heels I wear to work,, not for sightseeing. One has to balance looking good with out trying to compete or look like a local,, its fruitless and ends up with one soaking their blistered feet in the pools by the Pyramid at the Louvre( have seen that a lot, lol ) or being constantly frustrated (white slacks may look good, once,, but how much can one pack) ! One reason Parisien women look chic is they learn what makes them look good and wear it,, they are not all wandering about in runway fashions.. They don't cake on makeup or fuss alot with their hair either. Fraulein, the weather is nuts in Paris , no one can guarantee you it won't be either hot or cold,, I have been cold in August and hot in late May. Its a crap shoot.

I live in a place that has very low humidity, and me and my body are accustomed to that. I also tend to usually feel colder than most people. So when we go somewhere that has higher humidity (that would include everywhere in Europe), the cooler temperatures feel MUCH cooler to me. When we visited Belgium and Holland last year, it was unseasonably cool. I brought my light trenchcoat with a lining, several fleece layers, some warm but fashionable scarves, and gloves. I made my daughter bring gloves too. The locals didn't seem to be as cool as me, and I was one of the few people wearing gloves, but I (and my daughter) needed them! The warm scarf helped a lot too. So, some of whether it will feel cool or cold is based on what you're used to. But extra layers that you could wear under a light jacket, and a scarf or gloves, could provide just enough added warmth if it turns out to be cooler whne you're there. Or, buy a scarf in Paris!

sarah gets me! it's not about just looking good, but about looking fabulous. at least for 1 day or night. i know if i don't do this at least once in paris my trip will feel incomplete. i'm not sure i'll ever be back and i want some of my pictures to be just perfect. but it's not just about the pictures, it's about my own satisfaction too, there, enjoying the moment. in brazil it's common to wear shorts and tank tops anywhere, except at work (depends on your work), and whenever the temperature is 20 C or more. so these are the kinds of clothes i mostly have, and what i'll be mostly packing. i still didn't decide all the items i'm gonna pack but if there's one mistake i'm not gonna do as a rookie traveler is packing heavy. i want to go as light as possible. first of course because i want the comfort and mobility. second because i don't want to look like i might as well have a sign on my forehead that screams "TOURIST" (although they'll easily spot it by my clothes). third because i know my physical strenght and how hard it is for me to carry a lot of weight. so i'm giving up a lot of vanity, fashion wise, with my packing. i only want to take 1 pair of running shoes for the entire trip!

continuing: as a brazilian i'm fascinated about cold and winter fashion, the kind that is rarely possible here. and since i want to pack light i thought i should buy the clothes in paris and mail them home. maybe take the clothes to the alps first because it might be cold there (in the top? still not sure what i'm gonna do there). then there's italy with warmer temps and hiking and etc. so i could mail them from swiss. is this a terrible idea? my intention is to pack no winter clothes other than just a thin sweater. i don't buy the whole layering thing, i think it's hard to look good layering with as little clothes as i intend to pack. i wish i could bring as many clothes as sarah suggested, but i don't think i should. obviously the whole paris-shopping thing only applies if the weather in paris is actually chilly at some point. if it's hot all the time i'll just forget about it.

I think one can still look elegant while layering. I was looking for some examples for you, but could only find where this particular blogger went to NY (from France) in the summer, so she layers some but not a whole lot due to the heat. Anyway, take a look. She does accessorize with her Hermes scarves( !!) which are not realistic for me, but may be for others. She also has fabulous ways to tie scarves which is what let me to her to begin with. Check out maitaispicturebook (dot) com/2011/08/capsule-series-44-new-york-travel

pat: oh no, please don't think I was saying you (or anyone else) dresses like a slob while traveling, just that I think I kind of understood fraulein's issue specifically in a way that other people here don't really care about. i know i probably won't ever look like "a local" and i actually am quite casual-bordering-on-slob at home but when traveling it's just important to me to try to look a little nicer than i would at home, especially if it's a chic european city. but i still can't figure out how to all that walking in heels. nearly killed my feet my first time in paris, walking around all day in a pair of heeled boots. horrible. i bought a pair of jambu sandals for my last summer trip and they were fantastic, both really cute and amazingly comfortable, particularly for a wedge. and they went with jeans, capris, and skirts/dresses so they were totally perfect. next major shoe purchase is going to be a pair of stylish but non-heeled boots for colder weather.

I think you should definitely shop in Paris if you like to shop and if clothes are important to you. You would have some great souvenirs and memories of your trip. If you buy a lot, mailing them home is an option.

can be quite chilly at night if you're used to warmer climate , as others have said everyone wheres such varied clothes in Paris. Nice casual trousers shirt and light jackets with maybe a wrap if it gets colder, not many would wear shorts.....