Photo by Craig Whitehead on Unsplash
How to Exude Parisian Girl Style
Americans have quite a romanticized view of Paris. And, as someone who goes at least twice a year, I will be frank, it is just as wonderful as you would expect (assuming you at least try to speak French and try to blend in).
In advance of my first trip to Paris, I spent hours reading about “French girl style.” I wanted to ensure I blended in perfectly with the crowd and did not stand out as a rich American tourist. However, after my first trip, I realized that none of those articles really hit the mark. I learned, instead, that “French girl style” can really be summed up into two words “effortless” and “polished.”
So, if you have your trip to Paris already booked OR you just want to incorporate a little bit of Paris into your style, below are 5 Parisian style tips to help you on your journey:
1. Avoid Shorts or Leggings, Opt for Skirts or Jeans Instead
While shorts and leggings can be sported for nearly any activity, neither are considered appropriate for women to wear outside in Paris. Shorts are reserved for the beach (and small children) and leggings are for the gym. If you plan to wear either in public, be prepared for looks and quite a few inappropriate comments.
Therefore, in lieu of shorts, opt for a mini skirt. You will have the benefit of bare legs, while still looking classy and chic. You do not need to be afraid of showing a little skin in Paris. Mini skirts and crop tops will draw no attention or lewd comments. But, be mindful of how much skin you bare and what you show — midriff or legs, yes, boobs, not so much.
And, in lieu of leggings, try a pair of jeans or a pair of linen, khaki, cotton, or leather pants – depending upon the season of course. Parisian girls love jeans just as much as American girls so feel free to rock those jeans all the way to Paris! Just ensure the jeans do not have appear tattered.
One of the most important tips to remember when channeling Parisian style is to ensure your clothes fit your body well. Anything too tight, too big, or ill-fitting will draw attention, as well as, anything with rips or holes. And, in a clothing shop, expect for the sales person to immediately tell you if an item does not fit you properly.
Pro tip: The weather changes quickly in Paris so always bring at least one pair of jeans. During my last visit to Paris in September, I stopped into H&M and bought the most amazing pair of black jeans because the temperature was fluctuating so widely during the day. In the mornings it was freezing, around 2pm it was searing hot and by 4pm it was chilly. I had filled my luggage with jean mini skirts in black and blue, but had failed to bring even one pair of pants. Totally rookie mistake.
2. Neutrals Are Nice, But Color is Chic
Prior to my first visit to Paris, many articles said that French women only wear black and gray so it would be best to avoid color at all cost. However, I now know the folly of this statement. French women love color as much as anyone, they just incorporate it into outfits differently. For example, I saw one French woman wearing black pants with a white, black and red tweed blazer. She looked stunning.
Compare that to America where you might see a woman wearing a brightly colored outfit from head to toe. In Paris, bold, primary colors tend to accent or compliment the neutral base of an outfit; they are rarely the outfit. So, how do you incorporate color into your outfit? Well, if you have a really brightly colored top, do not be afraid to wear it, just keep the rest of your outfit minimalist and neutral; allow the top to stand on its own. When in Paris, I tend to stick to two complimentary colors per outfit.
Pro tip: One way to bring in color is through your pashmina (or scarf). I love colorful outfits, but packing for an international trip is a bit like playing a game of Tetris — too many items and too little space in the luggage. As a result, I tend to keep my pants or skirts neutral so I can easily re-wear my bottoms and focus on having a colorful pashmina and a variety of colorful tops.
3. Comfortable Walking Shoes Only
You may have heard this before, but Parisian women walk a LOT! Each time I go to Paris I walk at least 30,000 – 40,000 steps each day. Comfortable shoes are essential, so save the heels for a nice dinner out (and even then, don’t make them too tall). You will want to be able to move around the city in style and comfort.
And, when choosing what shoes to bring on your Parisian trip, remember that the shoes you walk around in each day at home may seem comfortable, but take a look at your phone or health watch and ask yourself “how many steps a day do I actually take each day?” If it is less than 40,000 (and I assume it is), consider researching comfortable shoes.
Pro Tip: Bring several pairs of comfortable shoes, and at least one of them should be a chic pair of sneakers. Inevitably, a pair of shoes that you thought were comfortable become miserable halfway through the day. If the shoes you originally brought with you are wreaking havoc on your little feet, make sure you have a backup pair of chic sneakers. Fortunately, the sneaker movement has made its way around the globe (and that includes Paris) so feel free to sport your latest sneakers just ensure they are clean and chic!
4. Take Care of Your Skin and Keep Your Makeup Simple
One way I can always spot an American in Paris is by her makeup. Parisian women have perfected the “no-makeup” makeup look. They wear light foundation with mascara, soft blush, and lipstick. I firmly believe that part of the reason for this is due to the fact they can access high quality skincare products at a modest price. One of my skincare favorites – Caudalie – can be purchased in Parisian drugstores. In fact, many French women look down at me when I mention that I prefer Caudalie products. Upon seeing their response, I always have to explain that the average drugstore brand in Paris contains the “clean” ingredients that American women usually have to search out. These ladies just do not realize how lucky they are!
Pro Tip: Stock up on any French beauty favorites (including those great drugstore brands) while in Paris. I always stock up on my favorite Caudalie items when I am in Paris since they are half the price than they are in the United States.
5. When In Doubt, Channel Your Inner Audrey Hepburn or Jackie O and Add A Pashmina
Have you ever come across an outfit on Instagram of a girl in front of the Eiffel Tower or sitting at a café and thought to yourself “her outfit looks so French?!” Well, here’s the thing, most Parisian women do not dress like that when moving around the city. Think about it – do you walk around all day, every day looking like a supermodel? It is usually these overly “French girl” outfits that scream “American.”
While Americans definitely have a more casual style than Europeans, you do not need to invest in a new wardrobe for a trip to Paris. If you find yourself at a complete loss while staring in front of your closet and wondering what to pack, just channel the classic styles of Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O. Grab your wardrobe staples – a white popover top, pair of jeans or cute jean skirt, and a necklace – and your favorite pashmina, and you will have the perfect Parisian outfit. If you stick with outfits that are simple and neat, and then add a bit of your unique glamour, you will fit in with ease! Bon voyage!
Pro Tip: Buy your pashmina when you arrive in Paris — my favorite spot to buy scarves is Galleries Lafayette. They have a large variety of colors and sizes to complement any look. And, they are reasonably priced!
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P.S. I wanted to close with one last reminder – these tips are based upon my observations from my numerous trips to Paris. There is always an inherent flaw in sweeping generalizations – i.e. all American women wear yoga pants and Uggs. However, I hope my experiences in Paris offer a slightly different take than other articles you may have read.