What to wear in Paris

thanks Dina, I'll pack as you recommend. I'm from New England and the weather changes by the minute and it sounds like Paris is experiencing that this week. merci for the advice. michael

With the proliferation of webcams you can probably find some that show what people are wearing. Here's an example:
http://www.camvista.com/usercams/webcam/308075335/Centre-Georges-Pompidou-webcam-in-Paris-France/

I would die if I wore long pants in Paris every day. It can be hot. When I'm in paris, I pretty much dress as I do here. Cargo shorts (holds the phrase book/guidebook nicely), polo short/nice t-shirt, and trail runners. No matter how hard you try, you are going to be identified as an American tourist (no a bad thing), so I would be comfortable. I always take long pants with me in case of a cool evening, or a sacred place that I want to attend. Generally, I wear shorts, and I never feel awkward. You'll see lots of them.

Hi, thanks for the responses. in southern france all we wore were shorts etc., and we all felt very comfortable. in paris i heard that long pants is more appropriate as the french don't really wear shorts except at beach and resort areas. Didn't want to stand out like a sore thumb but wanted to be comfortable etc. Shorts it is and long pants at night for going out.

Well, today you'd be more comfortable in long pants, jacket and scarf if you decided to tour in the morning or evening. Next week, you might need a rain coat every day. Or maybe just three days and then shorts one and a sweater the one after. What I'm trying to say is that the weather changes constantly and you need to bring a variety of clothes/layers, even in summer. That is more important than whether you are formal or informal IMO.

Dina is right on target. She didn't mention that it has been an unusually cool summer, since the beginning of June except for two days of heat wave in the high 90s. April and May were delightful but summer has been cool. It's been as low as the 50s in the evening to the 70s during the day, on a good day. However, a heat wave could start tomorrow, so be prepared with lots of layers: t-shirts, sweater, raincoat, jacket or windbreaker. One day you may have to pile it all on and the next day strip it off. And don't forget your umbrella.

Agree with Darren about the hot weather clothing; cargo shorts and golf shirts, and nice t's. Wear what is comfortable for you. Dress for the occasion. Paris is no different than any other city. We just got back from Spain a month ago. We finalyzed our packing based on the weather forecast a couple of days before we left. As was previously stated, we had to be prepared for many conditions; but I spent most days in cargo shorts and golf shirts. At night the "good" clothes came out for dining, etc.

I would agree with the comment about the webcams. You can actually see what people are wearing in different areas of France. While I used to believe white sneakers were a dead give-away that you were an American tourist, I have now noticed some locals wearing these. I would opt for shorts and a comfortable pair of sandals. I actually purchased a pair of very lightweight, cheap sandals at a neighborhood market. They're like wearing feathers on your feet...... extremely light. Perhaps some dark hiking low cut shoes for cool days and the flight over.

I've spent quite a few summer days in Paris and packing for all seasons is usually the best idea. You will look like a tourist whatever you wear, so just try to look respectful and presentable and you will be fine. I am off to Paris this weekend!!

Thanks to everyone for the advice and suggestions. Going to pack this weekend and check the weather on monday and leave all as is or adjust somewhat. Travelling light regardless so i can always buy what i need if necessary. michael

I think I'd feel conspicuous wearing shorts in Paris. OTOH, I do wear sneakers there for comfort; maybe I'll try getting walking shoes that are comfortable yet dressy enough for dinner. But each to his/her own.

Yes, the street cams do show an astonishing variety of clothing on folks in Paris. Yes, things are getting more casual by the minute. Yes, shorts are okay. Yes, the weather can be changeable, so pack accordingly. However, I believe you WILL notice that, overall, Parisians - not the tourists, and you can mostly tell the difference - do TEND to be, if not "dressier," then more fashion-forward. On guys, this can mean just a scarf tied around the neck, or a cool fedora with cargoes and slick looking Pumas or Adidas (never those Big White Puffy American Tennie Runner horrors). But generally it IS noticeably different than guys in the USA. So I think you might feel a little less like a "grubby American tourist" if you opt for a "nicer" or more fashionable version of whatever it is you are packing. You'll never not look like a tourist, but you might feel like you fit in just a little better.

Yes, many people are dressed quite formally in Paris (or any big city, particularly during their workweek). I was in Paris for a week earlier this month. I am with the "wear what you want" crowd. Along with people being "dressed up" there were thousands upon thousands of people wearing shorts and everything else you could imagine. Wear whatever makes you happy. The millions of people there aren't going to notice you or care what you wear.

Thanks. I'm packing today and including a variety of clothes to compensate for the cooler/warmer/rainy possibilities. Appreciate the advice from everyone and can't wait for tuesday..d-day.

Again, beware of the weather. It's been in the 60s and 70s and cloudy since the beginning of June except for a three-day heat wave in the 90s. There are a couple of days sun predicted this week when you arrive, but it's been crazy this summer.

We also are about to leave for three weeks in the UK and Paris and cannot wait for cooler weather. We've had well over 30 days of 100+ degree weather this summer, and I've had just about all of it I can stand. Someone will have to tell me what it is if we should run into rain because I've forgotten what it looks like. Bring on the 50s, 60s, and 70s!