City Break - Paris

[celticlassie]

Going to Paris for a few days next week - what would you pack? I think it's to rain but not be too cold... Help!

Trench coat

Silk scarf

Dress

Red lipstick

Eyeliner

court shoes/nice boots

Plastic rain bonnet

I'd make first priority shoes or boots you can walk in comfortably - Paris is definitely best enjoyed by lots of walking around. You see plenty of stylish women in Converse in Paris, particularly on Left Bank.

Also a handbag that has room for a guidebook and an umbrella (essential), so you don't end up trailing several bags around - except any shopping you do, of course! Across the body would be good, specially for when you go on the metro.

I would tend to go for a couple of pairs of trousers/smart jeans with several tops/ tunics, for different occsions. A stylish tunic would work just as well for dinner in a bistro as a dress - though obviously dress fine if you prefer - probably with opaques or boots if it's going to rain. Layers are good as can get very hot in department stores, etc.

Agree a trench a good bet.

On make-up, would take what you feel best in, even if it's a natural look - not all Parisiennes (particularly younger ones) are walking around in red lipstick.

Comfortable shoes are THE essential!! Style comes second, even in Paris, in my book!

Thanks so much. Don't have a trench coat - may have to shop ...

Just loads of waterproof stuff and really comfy shoes!

Every time I've been to Paris it has pissed down the whole time.

Hope you have a lovely time .

I am currently reading a book about why French women appear so stylish - so I would make the following suggestions so as not to be outdone

Trench coat
scarf
dark rinse straight leg jeans
breton top
silk pussy bow blouse
cashmere cardigan
dress
opaques
comfy boots
heeled shoes

Please let us know what you decide on and have a fab trip

Boots - one pair of Hunters for rain, one pair of flat comfortable leather boots.

A waterproof coat of some description that must be glamorous.

Your smartest day clothes.

Don't think a trench essential - just something waterproof (as others have said), light and, preferably, not scruffy/ country walk-ish. I personally couldn't walk as far as I usually do in Paris in Hunters, or any other wellies, but you will know what shoes and boots most comfortable for you.

loving the idea of taking hunters to paris

They are hyper chic here - preferably worn with bare bronzed legs!

Yes, I know - in fact English quirkiness generally goes down well. Only thing is, most women who live there don't have to walk around in them to the extent the average tourist who wants to see Paris does.

On a similar topic, what shops would you recommend? Have previously shopped in regional outlets of Lafayette/ Zadig & Voltaire but it's my first time in Paris.

Bonsoir, don't you find the French chic thing a bit of an overblown myth outside paris by the way
I grew up in Brussels and my parents live in the Charente-Maritime now. Women there seem pretty much like women anywhere to me - a variety of shapes and sizes, some pretty dodgy fashion - but then you hit Paris (or other big cities, I guess... I'm just not in the others very often) and WOW - big contrast! Your continental bronzed-legged hunter-sporting thoughts please

TBH, I rarely venture into the French provinces outside tourist destinations . Women in the Alps or the Ile-de-Ré or a spa etc all look fab, albeit in different sorts of ways.

Having said that, we do sometimes stop off in medium-sized towns on our way to more glamorous destinations - Poitiers or Chartres or Reims or Colmar - to have lunch and/or visit DP's shops, and some of those destinations have some very shabby and flabby inhabitants, even in their town centres.

Personally I find the French chic thing is definitely overblown outside of Paris/where the Parisians decamp to for ski-ing/the summer.

They all seem to have lovely, well cared for hands though.

Bonsoir, your posts always make me smile - I imagine you as the double of the cool, glamorous, collected Kirsten Scott-Thomas - am I right?!

Absolutely not

I don't believe you. you ARE kristen, aren't you! I've outed you, admit it
OP, hijack over - apologies!