What to wear in Paris / Europe..

[Anonymous]

Wear clothes that fit well, don't wear athleisure/orthopedic sandals/athletic shoes ("fashion" sneakers are fine), don't wear obvious brands/logos, don't wear T-shirts especially graphic tees. Neutral colors with one or two accent color accessories are great.

-American consistently mistaken as European when in Europe

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nobody says the French don't wear shorts and sneakers -- they do -- just on vacation and not in Paris.

And if they do wear shorts, they are going to be super cute -- like black linen, with stripy flat sandals. Not Lululemon shorts and a polyester workout tank.

Oh, BS. Sure, some women might wear black linen shorts with sandals. And others wear perfectly ordinary shorts, skirts, pants, jeans, and sneakers. It's so ridiculous how some of you actually believe the "chic French girl" cliche.

Um, since when are black linen shorts not "ordinary shorts?"
I am American and wear black linen shorts a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m actually laughing at the posters claiming French women are so much more fashionable than American women. Maybe in the movies or on TV. Or at Paris fashion week. Otherwise, they are pretty much indistinguishable. I would say the women trying hard to “look French” are the very ones who will stick out like a sore thumb for trying waaaaaay too hard.

I really disagree with this.. of course there are amazing fashionable American women but in general I find the clothing in France/ Italy/ Scandanavia etc is just such better quality. I think the essence of the French Chic 'cliche' is because no matter what they are wearing it is made of natural, quality fabric, better tailoring, and fits well. Much less fast fashion and much more quality classic pieces.. even if they are shorts...

There is very much an American tendency to go for comfortable, trendy fast fashion that is just never going to hold up by comparison. And no, this isn't all Americans but there is definitely a large subset.

And for all the people saying 'just wear what you want'.. of course you can.. but there are some people who want to go on vacation and feel like they look great for the city they are in.

And I completely disagree with you. The French wear just as much "fast fashion" as anyone else. There are plenty of stores there that are similar in style, quality, and price to Target, Old Navy, etc. The vast majority of Europeans are middle class, just like Americans. It's a myth that the French are all strolling around looking très chic. In addition, you can still look great wearing less expensive clothes, if you know how to style them.

[Anonymous]

Linen generally looks awful - wrinkled, stretched out, limp.