July/August in France- What to wear?

http://troi.cc.rochester.edu/~tdip/tomsguidetoparis.htm

Hi Sarah, if you don't find exactly what you need to know from the above guide, then scroll to the bottom of Tom's home page to find "Contact Me". Click on it and send Tom an email with your question(s). bon voyage! P

Think about bringing lightweight clothing that doesn't wrinkle too easily that you can layer. And bring a jacket because even in summer, you can get a windy/rainy day as easily as a hot/sunny day.

In general, Europeans dress more conservatively than Americans. And your choice of shoe can scream "American Tourist". If you want to blend in better, stick with dark rinse jeans that are fitted (not baggy) or black capris or ankle crop pants, a simple wrap or sun dress, lite cardigan, skirt (no super minis), cap-sleeve or short-sleeve tees are better than tank tops, no shorts, no track pants, no pants that zip off into shorts, no tees with logos or words, no midriff-baring tops, no baseball caps or visors. White sneakers, clunky sport sandals & fanny/day packs are dead giveaways you are American. I see more European women wearing mules, strappy sandals with heels and shoes that look like a driving moc or sleek "bowling" shoe - all in darker neutral colors.

Weather in August is almost universally hot but July is less reliable. Last year it was all of 60-65 degreees in Paris in early July. Not surprisingly, the farther south you go, the hotter it tends to be.

With all due respect to TomsguidetoParis --- I think rather than email him for advice on woman's clothing, you just go by what Ceidleh says -- she is right on!

Ceidleh is right on re what to wear, except when on the topic of shoes I think one should note the average Europeon , while not on holiday, does not walk 10 - 15 miles a day , like a tourist does, so therefore disregard what a local wears when it comes to shoes. Wear comfort.

Also, last August , for my entire 9 day visit, it was cool , and rainy many days, never had to turn on the a/c once, and hadn't brought enough warm clothes, was sick of wearing the one pair of long pants and jacket I had brought, every day, .
I had of course counselled my travel partner to " pack for the heat, light skirts, cool sundresses, etc,, boy that was a mistake, even though every other summer I had been to Paris it involved roasting to death, LOL

I always enjoy it when people are worried about "looking like a tourist" because the truth is you are and you are recognizable even if you bought an entire wardrobe here. It is not the clothes but the looks upon your face, your accent,attitude, how you walk together, etc. Be who you are.
Paris had no summer last year. We are still muttering on about it because we have had little winter this year also.

Tank tops with decoration and crop pants have been common this past two years. Decorative Flip Flops too. I would recommend items you can wash and will dry quickly. When it is hot here it is also humid - thus you sweat whether you like it or not. You will find that you will be wash things out often and thus will want at least 3 days change of clothes. I have a pair of Mephisto sandals that allow me to walk all over in the summer and yet remain cool.

Thank you for all your responses--
but I am not concerned with "looking like a tourist", but wondering what kind of clothes to pack.

Where I live it is 100+ F in July/August and I am probably right in assuming that where I will be staying in France will not be the same temperature. I would like to know- should I bring skirts? Will pants or jeans be too hot? Will it be cool enough in the morning that I will have to wear a jacket walking 1/2hr to school? Etc.

Thanks :)

Of course bring a pair of jeans( they are heavy to pack but I realize young people cannot fathom a week with out jeans) , but do also include some clothes for hot weather. You may or may not encounter a heat wave, ,but I have been to Paris , serveral times, when it was 90 + day after day,, and no a/c in most buildings( I bet where you live there IS a/c in most places right?)so a cool skirt is a great item to pack . I have also been to Paris , in August, and it was cool and rainy for most of my stay( 9 days) and I did not have enough "warm clothes" .
Its a balancing act, you will need a little of everything, discount nothing except snow, LOL.

It's always best to be prepared when traveling. The weather where ever you are can be unpredictable.

Last July we spent 3 weeks in France and it ranged from cool and rainy ( high in the low 60's ) to very pleasant and sunny ( high's in the 80's )

I think last July was cooler than normal, but again be prepared.

http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/LFPG/2007/7/9/MonthlyHistory.html

Dear Sarah, France can be roughly divided into 2 climatic zones. The northern half of the country is characterized by a temperate, oceanic climate with cold winters and mild (sometimes chilly), but often rainy summers. The southern half of France has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Note that Europe experienced an unprecedented heat wave in 2003, and that temperatures of 90F are exceptional in Paris. Boulogne-sur-Mer is located in the northernmost region of France, referred to as "Nord-Pas-de-Calais", and known for its rainy (and sometimes chilly) summers. Therefore, dress accordingly! Bon voyage et bienvenue chez les Ch'tis!