La Mode

In the world of fashion, Europe usually starts trends that eventually move west. If that's the case, I can't wait for these styles to head our way.

I'll start with women. French women always look put together. They rarely wear sneakers unless they are actually jogging, and no one wears flip flops unless they're at la piscine. Also, high heels are not restricted for nights out, they are also used as walking shoes. Birkenstocks seem to be in style this summer as comfy walking sandals, and oxfords go with any outfit. 

Moving upwards to the pants- jeans are not a staple. I've seen more dress pants, stylish sweatpants, and skirts than jeans on women. Not to say that they are rarely worn, but it's less common than in America. Lots of women wear tailored pants as casual wear, and not khakis either. I've seen some cute, flow-y bohemian style sweatpants that are super summery. Shorts are pretty similar to what we have in the states. Not really any daisy dukes or soffes...unless they're tourists. The skirts aren't too short--sometimes worn with tights or leggings underneath. I don't think there's a French translation for denim skirts, thus they do not exist here. 

T-shirts are also much less common on women. They wear tops/blouses/chemisiers. Nothing terribly fancy, but they have little accents of studs or lace or a little pattern. In America, I think we over-exaggerate details on our clothes. Think of French tops as H&M clothes, but...less bold and more subtle design. I love it. Blazers and little jackets are popular. I feel very out of place when I wear my sweatshirt under my green denim jacket with the hood sticking out because that's a very American look (Leonard from the Big Bang Theory, for example.) No women would dare wear a sweatshirt out of the house. It's not chic.

Their accessories are smaller and, again, not as bold. I haven't seen too many headbands or chunky necklaces. Definitely no hoop earrings, but scarfs are appropriate for any day, any temperature, any outfit. The purses are so cute. Mostly leather or pleather, they are a refined addition to an ensemble.

I've seen some very cute dresses. Some are shoooort and others are at more respectable lengths. I had this idea that all the French wore vintage clothes, but I think they're moving out of that and into more modern retro clothes. Yes, there are hipsters in Paris. I can't escape from them. They're just more stylish over here ;) 

Now the men.

Gosh I wish all men dressed like French men. Their jeans actually fit them! Their shirts are not baggy! They care about what they look like! 

Shoes with an elongated toe box are the "it" thing. No questions asked. If you are a man and don't own a pair, you are not a true Frenchman. Jeans are not ripped, and you always wear a belt. Polo shirts are a bit less popular, but t-shirts are common. Adidas seems to be everywhere, and men have their Adidas bags, sorry, man purses, on the metro. It's very acceptable, and I wish guys in America had the social liberty to wear them too.

Men's shirts are basically the same as in America. Not as much plaid, but t-shirts, polo shirts, button down shirts, etc, are the norm. They key, again, is that everything fits them.

They wear big watches too, but I haven't seen too many baseball hats, which makes sense. I haven't seen too many people wearing football (soccer) jerseys either. 

The city is very diverse, and there are many women who wear a hijab and a lot of African men and women wearing traditional African clothes. 

The point of French fashion, in my opinion, is that people put effort into their outfits and appearances. Whatever they wear, they wear with confidence. 

I don't have any pictures as I didn't find it appropriate to take pics of people on the metro (I'm assuming you agree with me), but I hope this gives you a basic picture of quotidien fashion in Paris!

"Fear is useless, what is needed is trust."

Love,
Anna