Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Packing your bags
• Part 2 of 2: Travel smart
• Tips
• Warnings

Are you going to Paris on business or for pleasure? It's always difficult to pack your bags because you never know what the weather will be like. This is no different in the Netherlands, but of course you don't want to be out of place when traveling. In Paris you can look elegant without compromising on comfort.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Packing your bags

1. Consider the weather and the season. The climate in Paris is not very different from that in the Netherlands, but it is certainly worthwhile to give some thought to your wardrobe, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.
   • The temperature is usually just above zero in winter in Paris. In summer it is on average about 21 Celsius. If you dress in layers, you are good for any season. Also keep in mind that the nights can cool down considerably and that Parisians also like to sit on a terrace on a sunny, winter day.
   • In the spring it is mostly dry. In other seasons it rains more often, but showers are usually short. In the winter months you can expect slightly more snow than in the Netherlands, so it is useful to bring a pair of boots. An umbrella is useful in all seasons.
2. Keep your plans in mind when packing. Also consider a pair of comfortable shoes for your walks through the city. A pair of sneakers is not classed as "easy shoes", because that is not chic enough for Paris. If you mainly want to visit terraces and shop, then you need different outfits than if you want to cross the city to visit the Eiffel Tower and all other sights. So keep your travel plans in mind when packing your bags.
   • For a business trip, you should pack business attire, such as a dark-colored suit with a neat skirt or trousers. Instead of a suit, you can also wear a neutral colored dress in Paris, which is stylish but not flashy.
   • Bring comfortable shoes and clothes if you want to visit many tourist attractions. The sights are far apart, so you will have to walk a lot. Remember that the French dress much less casually than the Dutch, so sweatpants with a pocketed T-shirt are really not possible in Paris. Instead, wear linen pants with a blouse, a stylish pinafore or a summer dress with a cardigan. You also see a lot of designer jeans, skirts and sweaters in the streets. For dinner you wear a dress with a jacket or a fine knitted cardigan.
3. Leave your jogging clothes at home, or at least at your hotel. When you take to the streets like this in Paris, you can be sure that everyone is staring at you because you stand out negatively. This is especially true when you go out at night. In Paris, people really look down on ill-dressed people, so for goodness sake, leave your camping tuxedo at home.
   • Parisian style is all about materials and fit. For this reason alone you cannot wear sweatpants with sneakers, because they do not fit this style and certainly not in those authentic bistro dresses and discos that you want to frequent - perfectly dressed.
4. Black is always good in Paris. Black dresses up and it is classic and stylish. You can really wear it any time of the day and year. With the right jewelry and accessories you can adapt it seamlessly to the occasion every time. For example, add some color to your outfit with a casually wrapped scarf or a stylish piece of jewelry. Also think of a matching mouth mask for the times and occasions that this is mandatory, so that you also stay in style.
   • Covered colors are always good, because they can be combined well with each other. Think of black, khaki, dark blue, brown, beige and gray. This way you can create a large number of different looks with a few items of clothing.
5. Keep it simple. Garish colors and designs are vulgar and that is the exact opposite of Parisian chic. Keep everything you wear simple and simple. So please don't put big logos on your T-shirt or bag. These supposedly expensive markings actually make you look cheap. For example, wear a simple black turtleneck sweater with stylish dark pants. You can wear such a timeless outfit anytime, anywhere.
   • Some people describe the Parisian dress style as androgynous, and there is certainly some truth to that. Although men and women dress differently, you still see many similarities. Both men and women often wear sweaters, jackets, plain T-shirts with cotton, linen or denim pants and boots or sandals. The basic wardrobe of both sexes therefore consists of the same basic pieces.
6. Don't be afraid of accessories! Black and simple are of course a must in Paris, but you don't always have to look like you're going to a funeral or job interview. For example, combine those black linen pants and that beige blouse with a scarf, a jacket, a necklace and a pair of tinkling bracelets. This way you create your own style by using contrasts.
   • A scarf or shawl is super hip - Parisians know that a simple accessory can pick up the most boring outfit. So make sure you pack a few nice scarves in your suitcase. Don't have scarves? Then you definitely buy it in Paris, right? There they can be found in all sizes, colors and patterns!
7. Store your belongings well. There are areas in Paris where many robbers and pickpockets hang out. Make sure your money, your passport and your phone are in a safe place. Do not put them in a shoulder bag that you leave half open, or in your back pocket. The latter in particular is almost an invitation for pickpockets!

Part 2 of 2: Travel smart

1. Be a part of Parisian fashion culture by curating creative outfits. Be inspired by the cradle of haute couture. Take your basic pieces and combine them in all kinds of new ways. In Paris they've seen everything before, so whatever you wear: keep your head high and move around Paris like a real mannequin.
   • Paris is known as the fashion capital of the world. You see people in the most spectacular outfits. Grab your chance here to take to the Paris dance floor in stiletto heels and with an ostrich feather boa.
   • A closet full of designer clothes certainly does something for your confidence and your appearance, but it really isn't essential. The most important thing is that your clothes are well cared for and that they flatter you. If you also move with flair, you will fit right into the Parisian fashion world.
2. Be inspired by the Parisians. Take a look at how the Parisians do it themselves. Pay close attention and see what you can learn from this. Take over a piece of their style and integrate it into your own unique new style.
   • You will see women with ankle-length skirts, men with leather jackets and even provocative ripped jeans. You'll see hipsters and Ibiza chic, but somehow there's an unmistakable French touch to everything. Try to name this, so that you can also apply it to your own style.
3. Keep your hair and makeup as natural as possible. The French want to emphasize their natural beauty, rather than camouflage it. They find too much make-up vulgar. Just run a comb through your hair in the morning, put on some rouge, lipstick and mascara and you're ready to hit the road.
   • As a man you have to look well-groomed, but above all not over the top. Keep it a little casual. Trim or shave your beard and run a hand through your hair. When you've just woken up, you can keep your head under the tap for a while. It's that simple for a Frenchman!
4. Bring your umbrella. The sun may be shining now, but it could look very different in half an hour. Bring your own umbrella or buy one for a few euros in Paris. If it suddenly starts to rain, you will thank yourself for this!

Tips

• Both men and women appreciate the use of accessories to enhance their outfit. So bring a watch, sunglasses, jewelry and a nice handbag.

Warnings

• Never wear a tracksuit in Paris. People find this sloppy, shabby and far too informal.
• Pickpocketing is the most common crime in Paris. Wear a handbag with a zipper and always close it. Pay particular attention to this when you are in a crowd, such as on the subway or in a queue. Also, do not wear baggy clothes with large pockets. There are tourists who find it convenient to wear some sort of storage belt under their clothes for their money, passport and cards.