Parisian women put their pants on one leg at a time like the rest of us each morning, but maybe with more culturally-ingrained style to influence their choices. While spending one hot month in Paris, I was a spectator to incredible street style. It was so perfectly executed that at times I wanted to follow women down the street just to get a closer look at a skirt-and-sweater combo.
Yes, sweaters in July. Jeans, jackets, scarves and boots are all given a chance in the French air-conditionless heat. French women dress more modestly, leaving more to the imagination. Though sometimes they forego bras altogether.
How do they do it? Well, the book “How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are” by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline De Maigret and Sophie Mas gives insight into the classic, eclectic style and beauty secrets of Parisian women. In it, it states, “The Parisienne is in love with the idea of love. To a pathological degree. Her entire life revolves around the fluttering of her heart.” Judging by this quote, Parisian’s dress like they’re going to run into someone important. Their emotions dictate their fashion.
Though this high caliber of style isn’t always the case, sweatpants are never in their weekly rotation*.
Here are ways to dress more Parisian this fall:
1. Jackets, long or cropped. Think trench or structured with a zipper. Or with fringe like below. Anything that you can throw over an outfit and instantly makes it better.
2. Scarves can do many things, and can be worn in all types of weather. (Extra points if worn with a Chanel purse, but probably not on a college budget.)
3. Stan Smith Adidas will rock your world, until you realize they’re American-made. Nothing like a crisp white sneaker to provide comfort and a throwback to classic American style, seen overseas, of course.
4. Purseonality: have a purse that reflects your personality.
Lastly, never leave home without knowing makeup, uncomfortable bras, and caring about what other people think are truly optional.
*I love sweatpants.