If you want to see all of the fabulous museums, beautiful parks, and other magical, seductive attractions that exist only in Paris, but you don't want to spend top dollar, then you should consider taking your trip during the off season. I'm in Paris right now (March 2011) and here are my ideas about what to wear in Paris during early spring or late autumn. My info is geared toward Baby Boomer women over 40 or 50, but it applies to many younger chicks, as well.
This is my sixth trip to Paris, so I still see the magic in the city of lights. And, though I've been to other parts of Europe during their biting winter weather, this is my first look at the somber all-black Parisian outfits worn during the cold and rainy months. The women wear clothing that is elegant and practical, but they manage to add a bit of charm and color, as well.
What to Wear in Paris in Early Spring
The weather in springtime Paris is a bit chilly in the middle of March. According to frenchconnections.co.uk, the average temperature here is:
- 46 degrees Fahrenheit in March
- 55 degrees Fahrenheit in April
Today, the weather has been going back and forth between cloudy with cold winds and heavenly periods of sun breaks. Tomorrow's forecast is for rain, so I bought a chic and cheap little umbrella (in a soft orange leopard print) at Monoprix, their Kmart-style store.
How Cold is it in Paris?
If you are from the northern US or Canada, you won't find Paris to be unbearably cold in the middle of March. However, if you live in Southern California or Florida, you will freeze. But, what better excuse to buy a sleek raincoat or a pair of gorgeous boots?
Pack Chic Black Clothing for Paris
For winter or cooler days of the year, there is only one practical neutral for Paris. Black.
I am sitting at an outdoor table at a sidewalk cafe, near the Bastille monument, drinking a nice cup of hot chocolate. It is Friday morning and I am using this vantage point to watch the parade of rush-hour pedestrians on their way to work.
While I am concentrating on women over 40 or 50, it is most certainly apparent that all Parisians dress up more than their American counterparts. The French don't wear ugly jogging suits, sweatpants, or T-shirts. Their clothing fits correctly and their footwear is of good quality. It seems that every well-dressed lady has discovered her own way to tweak her look for a stylish edge.
The key colors are black, black with dark gray, black with brown, black with another dark color, such as aubergine, or black with denim.
Bring a Good Coat for Paris
In any European city, you will be walking a lot more than you would at home (unless you live somewhere like Manhattan). The Paris Metro is a fantastic subway system, however many times it is easier to walk. When packing, I would suggest that you build your travel outfits around a nice coat (or coats). Here are the most prevalent styles that I am seeing:
- Knee-length black wool coats (Some are a bit shorter or longer depending upon the height and weight of the woman, and what looks best on her)
- Knee-length tweed, gray, or brown wool coats
- Trench coats in black, tan, red, and other colors (Trenches often have a sweater peeking out, as wearing layers is a sensible option)
- Black quilted puffer jackets (These are less common, more casual, and mostly seen on thin women. The best ones are Moncler.)
A few of the black wool coats have exquisite artsy or folkloric detailing, and they look like casual haute couture or spendy boutique-wear. The most common length for coats appears to be a hemline at the knee, a bit above, or a bit below.
Women in Paris Wear Black Slacks
While there are a fair number of skirts and dresses, the majority of women over 40 or 50 are dressing for the weather and are wearing pants. Here is what I've seen from my sidewalk perch, in descending order:
- Black trousers worn with a knee-length coat
- Skinny jeans in light or dark wash (mostly worn by skinny women)
- Black leggings under a trench or knee-length coat
- Skirts or dresses worn with black tights or black nylon stockings (sometimes textured)
- Bootcut jeans
I am definitely seeing more jeans than on my last trip. Either Paris is going to hell or women are trying to stay warm and practical. The best denim jeans are worn by skinny, trendy ladies and girls.
Wear a Scarf in Paris
If you don't have a beautiful, warm scarf, you will need to buy one. Try one of the six Diwali shops in Paris. They have lovely, affordable scarves from India. Or, wander around Paris' fabulous department stores and boutiques to find a high-end cashmere or light wool scarf that is long enough to double and loop around your neck.
Expensive scarves will have a nicer drape than cheap versions, but the most important thing to look for is a flattering color. When a woman is over 40 or 50, she often needs to have a bright or flattering color between the black material and her older skin.
Comfortable Travel Shoes or Boots
Comfortable does not mean ugly. Many Baby Boomer women are wearing:
- Flat knee boots with skirts (or with skinny jeans if they have the body for it)
- Flat leather “bowling shoes”
- Flat loafers with trousers, bootcut jeans, or skirts
- High-heel ankle boots, worn with skirts, skinny jeans, or trousers
Actually, quite a few women over forty are wearing heels of some kind. And, these “girls” look fabulous. The key to looking smart in Paris seems to be finding a wonderful tailor, an Italian leather purse, and great shoes. If you like blending in with the chic locals, wear black in early spring, late fall, and throughout winter.
American tourists may come up and ask you how to get to the Louvre.
More Articles:
Women Over 40 & 50: Parisian women's Style is in the Details
Comfortable Shoes for Women: Travel Footwear for Walking Europe
Paris Street Style for Women over 40 & 50
Jersey Knit Dresses for Travel Wear Clothes: Women Over 40 & 50
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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