Anyone want to dress me for Paris in Oct?

[fauve01]

DH and I are going to Paris (without DD!) for our anniversary the first week in Oct. I've never been (switching planes at the airport doesn't count). Anyone want to help me figure out what clothes to take? I am the original jeans, cotton T, and fleece casual girl. I'm not comfortable in dresses. Weatherunderground tells me the average temps are usually mid-60s during the day and mid-40s at night. It's 90 here now so I can hardly think about putting on a pair of pants or a jacket!! ETA: we will be gone 6 days. :boogie:

The only thing I know for sure i'm taking are my Black Bettona classic pants and my black merrell jungle mocs. and jeans :). I'm probably going to buy a few new things, but can't break the bank (want to have $$ for souvenirs of course). And I just have to figure out what to buy...

probably need some kind of jacket--water resistant? Please tell me I don't have to drag an umbrella around.

I have Baggallini tote I'm going to take that will fit my DSLR.

oh, i'm 5'2", size 10, short legs/petite. pear shape. sigh.

Thanks for any ideas. :bowdown:

[hillview]

wow have an amazing time! When we were there in April I was in jeans and a nice looking top WITH a scarf (Ha love the Paris scarf culture!). I wore SUPER comfortable shoes (sneakers some days but "cool" asic tri ones) since we walked a TON. I'd have a light jacket -- I took a lululemon rain coat that folds up super small.

[Kindra178]

Boden's Rainy Day Mac might be the perfect coat for cool rainy days and nights into the 40s. I would pick up a blazers to wear. They really an outfit together, serve as perfect outerwear and can be layered appropriately underneath depending on weather. How about some Ugg Evera and Laila sneakers for tons of walking and still looking stylish?

[citymama]

Have a great time! We were there in June - and it's true, Parisian women (and men!) love their scarves. Bettona's should do you well, but the jungle mocs will definitely stand out. French women wear less clunky shoes. I wore my Bettonas with my Splendid wraps. Trouser jeans, black jacket and scarf would be a classic look.

Also: leave some room in your luggage to shop for some fabulous clothes there! I am so bummed I didn't have a chance to shop for clothing for myself (but the kids made out like bandits thanks to MonoPrix and DPAM).

[fauve01]

OOOoooh, thanks for the suggestions so far! I am off to get new shoes (what super comfortable shoes did you use, Hillview?) and check the Boden jacket. Keep the suggestions coming. :)

definitely leaving room in my suitcase. maybe I should start a different thread on "what should I buy when i'm in paris" :rotflmao:

ETA: ETA: Kindra, I am not a blazer person b/c they always just feel tight/too fitted. if I could find a comfy one, I might be willing to go for it.

[hillview]

I alternated Ugg boots and ASIC sneakers. We walked >4 miles a day so I went for comfort. I would also change shoes at night to go out (yet more walking). SHOPPING! YES totally save space in bag for shopping!

[ilfaith]

The nice thing about fall/winter weather is that with a great jacket, it doesn't really matter what you have on underneath. A good jacket or coat and great shoes can really elevate whatever else you are wearing.

I would probably go with a classic trench coat or peacoat, perhaps with a pop of bold color or pattern...or go neutral and let an accessory like a scarf add color and interest.
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=15227&vid=3&pid=305426002
http://www.anntaylor.com/floral-leopard-jacquard-topper/308856?colorExplode=false&skuId=14283635&catid=cat590028&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=7556
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=74688&vid=1&pid=648237012
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=15227&vid=3&pid=305430002
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=15227&vid=3&pid=305425002
http://www.loft.com/tipped-cotton-canvas-trench/308947?colorExplode=false&skuId=14479908&catid=catl000018&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=7469
http://www.anntaylor.com/gallery-topper/313085?colorExplode=false&skuId=14423499&catid=cat590028&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

As for shoes, maybe ballet flats...if you can find some with arch support, all the better for walking. A low-heeled or wedge boot or bootie might be an option. I am a high heel person, but even I know that when I am going to be doing a lot of walking, form does give way a bit to function...but the two aren't mutually exclusive.

[fedoragirl]

Lots of great suggestions. It will most likely be raining but I hope that is not the case when you go. I second a ballet flat that can be folded and put into a bag.
I would actually buy my scarves in Paris. Great souvenir and practical for your trip.
And definitely take your sleeker sneakers. A lot of Parisians wear them. Your knees will thank you after you've climbed the 100th step and walked all over the cobblestones.
And drink a LOT of wine. Have a wonderful trip.

[justlearning]

When we went to Paris, I took cute flat shoes that I considered very comfortable. But after a couple of days of walking/standing for 12+ hours while sightseeing, my feet and back were killing me. So I decided to not worry about fashion and wore my Nike tennis shoes (with great support) the rest of the trip. I was so glad that I threw those in my suitcase at the last minute when packing! Did I look silly? Sure, but at least I was comfortable and could actually enjoy the rest of the trip.

[Nooknookmom]

Will you take me to Paris in oct?! Our cousin is also going then, must be a good time to go!!

I'm no help...other than pack super light. Interchangeable Neutrals with layers and comfy shoes. My MIL hits Europe a lot and that's her best advice and not to look too "touristy". ESP in Paris.

[kwc]

I think that the jungle mocs probably stick out.
I would have a pair of "nicer" sneakers for museum days and booties for the rest of the time like these
http://www.zappos.com/ecco-abelone-short-boot-black-black?zfcTest=fcl%3A0
http://www.zappos.com/la-canadienne-felicia-black-suede?zlfid=191&ref=pd_sims_p_ab_1&zfcTest=fcl%3A0
(plus a pair of ballet flats for very short term wear as you will be walking so much):
http://www.amazon.com/Ballasox-Corso-Como-Womens-Festive/dp/B004A8JI60/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_18

I agree that with a scarf and nice coat, your Bettonas and jeans could be fine. I would either pick a pea coat in a color or a winter white as the previous posters suggested.
Or a little step down in formality (but still above fleece) but a bit better for packing/ rain would be the North Face K jacket... I have it in winter white and if the hood is off and worn with a scarf, it looks more formal than you would think.
http://www.6pm.com/the-north-face-k-jacket-baroque-purple
http://www.zappos.com/the-north-face-k-jacket?zfcTest=fcl%3A0

Have fun!