The busiest part of the tourist season is coming to an end as children are back at school all over Europe this week, and winter is closing in.
Tourists usually stand out either because they are extreme or brash in style, wear eccentric or outrageous clothes, expose too much flesh or display (often unsightly) bare midrifts, wear shorts, skirts which are so short as to be revealing, or favour distressed, torn, or boho styles.
On the whole, French girls prefer more conservative styles, well cut clothes that suit their figure, and they do not follow fashion slavishly but adapt it to look original whilst not being way out.
At the moment there is a mixture of styles. These range from classics to puff ball short dresses worn over leggings, or short (but not too short) pleated skirts over plain thick tights. Jeans are ever popular and in vogue with smart or pretty tops, cashmere sweaters, or blouses. There are a few harem style trousers about.
Shoes have short heels or are ballerina style which is good if you are a tourist as you do a lot of walking. Only fashionistas totter around in extra high stilettos, though they are OK for evening wear.
The huge bags that were made popular by celebrities have now become passé and more sensible ones are carried around. You might need a fold away umbrella as it does rain in Paris!
Well cut long jackets are in, and if you go in a month time you will need one as it will start to be chilly. At the moment the temperatures hover between 10 and 19 degrees centigrade but will drop considerably in the next few weeks. You can check the weather on this website a few days before you leave:
http://weather.uk.msn.com/tenday.aspx?wealocations=wc:FRXX0076
As for the autumn fashions, you can get some ideas from the following site:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art47626.asp
One of the most obvious give aways is the guide book, so often it is better to read it before you go somewhere and keep it inside your bag and have a discrete street map in a pocket (the hotel will give you one free). Beware pickpockets in the most frequented areas that home in on unwary tourists. There are gangs of bag snatchers from eastern Europe operating in the métro and busiest stations, near the Eiffel Tower and even in Notre-Dame. Do not leave a bag on the floor or a chair by you in public places; straps are known to be cut if wrapped round a chair leg in a place like Mc Donalds. Only carry money for one day at a time in an inside pocket if you can, and leave valuables locked up in your hotel. A firm "NON, merci" should deter street vendors who can be a pest.
Paris is not a dangerous place but like in all capitals you just have to be careful of your property.
Have a great time, and enjoy!