Capsule wardrobe for five nights in Paris? In August ☀️ 🇫🇷

[Summerbobs]

I do not have an innate sense of style so tend to buy things I like individually rather than them all complementing each other. I would love to look stylish on this trip and would appreciate some starting points.

I am 5’6” and have mild lipedema which affects my thighs, bottom and upper arms. So, no shorts or strapless tops please! (Chunky thighs, massive round bum and bingo wings aplenty.)

I am a 12 in John Lewis own brand dresses, a medium in M&S tops and a 14 in M&S trousers. 32FF with a relatively slim torso, so although my boobs are fairly small I often get gaping in shirts.

I did recently buy some navy wide leg crepe trousers which are very flattering so this could be a starting point.

Would love any suggestions. Thank you.

If you are doing touristy stuff, choose your shoes first. The comfiest pair you own that you can walk for miles in and stand for hours. Then build your wardrobe around the shoes.

You have more fun in comfy shoes than stilletoes! 🤣

We did Barcelona in the heat last summer and the best thing I took was cotton midi dresses. That way they can be dressed down in the day with Plimsolls and dressed up with sandals, the accessories can be changed and a hoody, cardi or blazer can be added if it’s cooler.
plus if you’re like me I highly recommend Snag chub rub shorts for underneath- a life saver!

I would never be able to capsule wardrobe as pretty much anything I wore would be sweaty by the end of the day in Paris in August.
i would go for one cotton sundress per day, I wear chub rub shorts to keep everything cool. And similar for evenings but dressier perhaps

There will be only tourists in Paris in August, so don’t worry too much. It’s normally roasting in August so Comfort and coolness would be my priority.

It's baking hot often in august (unfortunately like london it can also be cool and wet but generally hotter and drier than London ). I would go for loose leg trousers, long skirts and 3/4 sleeves tops, or dresses. Cardigan/light jacket for evening, I always take a thigh length trench coat unless very settled weather and umbrella. Sensible shoes for walking are a must, i favour sandals.

Having lived in France, I would say it might be unbearably hot (40°+), but also it might not be. Do bring layers in case it isn't a heatwave. July is generally hotter than August. By the end of August, you might be down to 20°. Check the forecast before you go and pack appropriately! Have at least a cardi and a shawl with you.

I have these trousers which are swishy & natural fibres (viscose & flax) so they are lovely to wear

https://thisisunfolded.com/products/lana-sustainable-high-waisted-trousers-sand-c6

Damsel in a dress have gorgeous silk mix ‘sculptural’ scarves on sale in JL - plus have a look at Jaeger cotton linen stuff on ( Vinted/EBay) - Bon voyage 👋🏻

I'd live in loose-but-cut-well linen shift style dresses, knee-midi length with a light cotton/linen shirt over the top, cardi-style.

Perfect for daytime or evening, go with several types of footwear, cool and casual, but smart enough for drinks etc.

I'm going to France around the same time, but in the South, so will be even hotter. And a hat! Or five hats!

I lived in Paris (many moons ago) and a very classic style is what most wore, think classic cut jeans, white shirts, linen wide leg trousers, lots of chic scarves in cotton thrown over anything. Also very classic/ structured shaped bags and accessories, a very understated style with the occasional red lip and big sunglasses. The city is amazing at any time of year. If you are a coffee and bookshop type, put Shakespeare and Co the list :)

The most boiIing night of our lives was in Paris. I never sleep naked, but even naked with an air on machine at full blast, I thought I’d due of heat.
so for day I’d recommend loose and cooling fabrics.

Go for linen on top and not thick cotton you will just find it unbearable. Something like the hawes and curtis loose fit one for women. Lipstick is really part of your wardrobe.

all of the above. a foldable beautiful hat. A good handbag and flat shoes or mid heels that you can run in. Light jeans and voila. A little linen dress also, black, you never know.

I’m also going in August and now panicking about the heat! I’m bringing these, all from Zara and all natural materials. Also a couple of light cardigans, jeans and white tshirts/blouses.

The difference between Paris and London is minimal. See the following link.

https://www.weather-guide.com/Weather-Comparison/London-Paris-Weather-Compare.html#:~:text=Amount%20of%20Rainfall%20in%20Paris%20compared%20to%20London&text=Surprisingly%20more%20rain%20falls%20in,falls%20on%20London%20than%20Paris.

Just be aware, as I mentioned up thread, that in August many shops and restaurants close for summer hols. But the mass exodus of locals does mean the city is quieter to explore than the rest of thee year.

For city summer capsule wardrobe I would ONLY pack midi and maxi dresses, plus a light jacket and perhaps one linen shirt or similar to throw over dress. And chub rub shorts obviously. Much much easier than separates. Chic loose silhouettes, very cool, takes up very little room. Can be dressed up in evening with a heel and some jewellery. Done.

It all depends on what you are doing their, but I normally have a nice pair of jeans with me, a breezy top and most often a few dresses. However, I am not particularly fussed about the heat in August. During heatwave last year, we were there and while most tourists had a moan, we happily went on with our business, just stopping a bit more for an extra drink. But, we are used to tropical temperatures all year round. In the tropics, most people will still wear a pair of long trousers.

For shoes, sneakers are great as you walk miles in the city of you want to see something of the city.

Do mind that quite some shops can be closed in August.

Honestly, do not get intimidated by the nonsense on MN about Parisian style. Most of the threads about it get it totally wrong, and, anyway, no one expects tourists - even from the rest of France - let alone other countries, to look Parisian. Imagine the disappointment of Parisian fashionistas if the rest of us plebs managed to copy them 😉

You can wear whatever you want, and you won't look out of place, especially in August, when there are so many tourists. If you do want to blend in a bit more with locals, I would suggest:

• plain colours or stripes but not florals/loud prints
• short, natural nails - gels/acrylics or bright colours scream 'American/Brit'
• discrete jewellery - statement necklaces also scream American
• neutral colours - personally, I find this boring AF, but most Parisians are big into beiges, caramels, navy, black and white.
• avoid sports gear, though fashion trainers are absolutely fine

This is quite a good article. See especially Point 2 - something that the S&B Paris fan girls tend to get wrong.

Why not take a very basic few lightweight trousers and tees, and aim to buy some lovely/different things while you're there? I used to go to Rome a lot, and did exactly that. Specially lovely accessories.

I'm a tad perplexed by some of the posts here! Since when did "chub rub shorts" become standard attire in womenswear? 🤔

Since when women got sick of their thighs rubbing together and hurting when sweaty in the summer? Since when we got sick of getting wedgies? And since when the shops finally responded and made underwear that we need!

I get that some people may want chub rub shorts, but I don't get why there is an assumption that the OP would want them. I also don't get why tight fitting big knickers with legs would be practical on a warm day. But each to their own. They are still very much for the minority though.

Ever since I get a sore rash and peeling skin at the top of my thighs after walking around for 30 mins in a dress in warm weather.

I think the assumption came from Summerbobs OP.

I am 5’6” and have mild lipedema which affects my thighs, bottom and upper arms. So, no shorts or strapless tops please! (Chunky thighs, massive round bum and bingo wings aplenty.)

Lipedema and chunky thighs = chub rub

I'm a size 10/12 and still get sore thighs in summer if I don't wear them. I buy ones that are very thin and don't make me hot. Much more comfortable