Are khakis okay to wear in Paris?

Question

I just heard that khaki pants make you look touristy, but we're leaving in 2 days and those are the only dress pants my dad really has. Not that theres anything wrong with being a tourist, I just heard your easy targeting for pickpockets.

Thank you very much for all of your replies, it has helped a great deal! My dad doesn't know any better when it comes to fashion, but I'm a very fashionable girl, and I do not like to look tacky! I think we'll be fine, I have black pants, and a black pencil skirt with black tights. And I can also dress up my dark jeans. And when it comes to french, I took it for a year in school a few years ago, so I know basic things, but if I was in Italy I would of been all set!
Thanks again for all of the advice, I cant pick a best answer! I'm so excited I leave for my Europe trip tomorrow!

Answer 1

Don't worry. They disbanded the Fashion Police several years ago and people who dress in unfashionable attire are no longer deported on sight.

But seriously, chances are that you're going to look like a tourist no matter what you wear. Parisians obviously aren't looking at the sights, rubbernecking as they walk down the Champs elysee, or consulting a map or guide book. And if they can't figure it out from that then you're nailed the minute you open your mouth and English comes out.

Khaki pants are no problem.

Answer 2

Don't worry about that, many people wear khakis in Paris. My bro wears khakis most of the time and he's absolutely not a tourist we're from Paris!
Just be careful with the pickpockets, there are a lot and once you're in the metro dont think you're safe cause thats where you can find most of them. Just be careful and everything should be alright
And also a piece of advice : try to speak french, and if you don't know french at all, say at least "bonjour" or "merci" in French that way people might be a little nicer to you, because it's true that Parisiens are pretty rude without realising it...

Answer 3

You go and have a great time! I think the only way you really stand out in Paris is if you wear jogging suits or wind suits and tennis shoes, t- shirts, blue jeans, and again tennis shoes. We have been able to pick a fellow American out of a crowd wearing these exact pieces of clothing. But you won't have to worry too much about pick pockets if you use a money belt, I hope you know what this is, if not go to the Container store ASAP to get one. Only keep the money you'll need for the day in your front pocket the rest of it goes in the money belt along with your passport. And be very much aware of your surroundings. Don't flaunt your camera. As soon as you're done taking pictures put that camera away. Paris is not DisneyWorld where we tend to let our guard down. Paris is a large, beautiful, enchanting city which unfortunatley has its crooks, too. Another piece of advice, perhaps the one that can make or break your vacation: Use the words Merci, Je vous en prie (you're welcome), Madame, Monsieur, desolee (I'm sorry). PLEASE use your manners. Try, try, try to speak some French. When they see you try they ALWAYS come to your rescue and speak back to you in English. The times we've been there NOBODY has been rude to us because we use our good manners. Don't complain because refills aren't free, don't compare the US with France, condescending remarks never work. Have fun, take it slow, and envelop yourself in this once in a lifetime experience for most.

Answer 4

anything goes in Europe. Look around, you'll likely see that you're dressed nicer than others out and about touringl. Oh, and you'll laugh when you think back on the fashion police comments online about jeans........you'lll see jeans everywhere in Europe and t-shoes, too, and more Euro's dress this way than Americans. Have a great time. Trust me, your Dad won't be the only guy in Khaki's. If there's any reason to not wear them it'd likely be because they're lighter colored and show dirt. There's one fashion police "rule" I do follow because it's easy and eveything matches......you can't go wrong with black. Dress it up dress it down, mix it, match it. Most saavy travelers and model types I know pack black. Have fun!

Answer 5

that's true, but you know when you're in Paris with a backpack, a camera a map and a guide you'll look like a tourist and you'll be going to touristy places where pickpockets are (they are also in the subway).
I almost been pickpocted last year by a 9 yr old (from eastern europe), so be carefull watch for these kids.

Answer 6

paris is the most SNOBBY area of france - the parisians are known for being rude and ignorant - so really it doesnt matter what you wear -they'll still be rude - as for pickpockets and looking touristy - paris is full of tourists, its a tourist delight with the arc d'triumph and the eiffle tower etc etc - as long as you keep all valuables hidden under your shirt or in a safe in the hotel room you will be ok - i dont think you will have any worries with pickpockets as long as you are aware and alert with your valuables - just take the parisian attitude with a pinch of salt. have a great trip France is lovely especially normandy and brittainy

Answer 7

Of course that are OK. Khaki is a TRENDY colour, and PARIS is a trendy city. So don`t worry. It will be great with khaki pants and no one will think that you are tourists.... of course that you have to be carreful because everywhere in the world are burglars.

Answer 8

Actually, it's blue jeans and white athletic shoes that make you look touristy. I wore nothing but khakis in Paris, and didn't get a second glance from people.

Answer 9

Please burn the khaki's before it's to late.
Every Euro-pickpocket will point you out over a mile.
If you want to get casual, at least wear a pair of jeans.
But as told Paris is the fashion capitol of the world!

Answer 10

I do enjoy wearing long skirts occasionally. They are actually convenient than Trousers and also much less hot to wear.