Packing for Paris

Do you find packing for the fashion capital of the world somewhat intimidating? Don’t. If you live in any urban center ranging from US to the Pacific Rim, the dress code is similar to Paris. Business wear doing the work week and more casual on the weekends.
Jeans (stylish jeans) go almost anywhere from the streets to the Garnier Opera House (there are some of us that might prefer not to see jeans at the Opera House, but that’s reality).

In spite of the fashion industry ’s efforts to to get people into different colors, black reigns. Fashion might say the new black is midnight blue, gray or chocolate brown it doesn’t make much difference. Whatever you decide to pack, choose dull, boring colors (especially in winter). Leave your electric blue and fuschia suit at home.

Ties for men? Skirts and dresses for women? You can if you want to, but an elegant pantsuit for women works just as well as a dress or suit. Unless you’re having dinner with the mayor of Paris, you probably won’t need a tie. If any Michelin star restaurants are in your travel plans, a suit jacket would be expected.

Shoes: Stash your hiking boots in your backpack and slip on a pair of red Retro sneakers, comfortable but discreet cross-trainers, moccasins or loafers. Wear the most stylish shoes you own that won’t cramp your walking style.
In fall, winter, and spring, you can wear leather boots anywhere. Boots don’t disappear until the spring rains do.

Jewelry: Discreet. Leave your rocks at home in a safe deposit box. A simple gold bangle or gold necklace, a string of pearls or diamond stud earrings makes a statement. Anything more is strictly showboat.

Makeup: Leave the bright lipstick shades at home. A little lip gloss goes a long ways. You don’t want to leave lipstick marks on everybody’s cheeks. A lot of kissing goes on as part of the formal greetings at parties. Daytime makeup is minimal with more emphasis on the eyes than the lips.

Leave your skincare products, shampoo, perfume at home. Buy it at the pharmacy, Sephora, or Monoprix when you’re there.

Do pack an extra memory stick. Be sure to pack plug adapters. Very useful. The French plug is two pronged with rounded tips (220 volts).
Bring extra batteries (especially for your video camera if you’re bringing one).
Cool sunglasses.
Leather jacket if you have one. (spring, winter, fall)
Leather gloves (spring, winter, or fall)
Sweater (for any time of year)
Umbrella or raincoat (for any time of year (except maybe July)

Want to look like a tourist?
Wear shorts in Paris.
Wear white running shoes with heavy tread.
Chew gum.
Talk loud.
Walk five abreast.
Let your handbag dangle from you shoulder with the compartments unzipped.
Carry your water bottle/Coke in one hand and a sandwich in the other.
Walk and eat an ice cream cone at the same time.
Shout to friends from end of a hall to the other.
Walk with your map wide open.

Want to look like an over-fifty American?
Wear khaki pants and a navy blazer.