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What to Bring to Paris

I get a lot of emails on how to dress in Paris. After five month of studying the much talked about “French Woman” I have some observations on what to wear to blend in when visiting Paris.

A. Dress up! The French are a little more formal than Americans. If you are going to a museum think about what you would wear to a museum in the US and then dress up that outfit a notch. This dress is from the French Store NafNaf. I don’t love most of their clothes but they really nail it on about 10% of their inventory and they are reasonably priced. Polka Dot Dress | 48 Euros

B. Hemingway’s Writing. Nothing makes you feel more “American in Paris” than reading Hemingway at a cafe. Try Cafe de Flore and be patient and wait for a table on the street. This is one of Hemingway’s old haunts. It is one of those Paris institutions. A Moveable Feast | $16

C. Accessorize! French women wear sunglasses and scarves. These are the details that really make someone look “put together.” Vintage Round Sunnies | $139

D. Travel in Style! I’ve been obsessing over this gorgeous suitcase from Urban Outfitters. Its worth looking stylish as you lug all your belongings through the cobblestone streets. Suitcase from Urban Outfitters | $149.

E. Ballet Flats! Everyone has them. Everyone. You need comfy shoes for all that walking you will do along the Seine at night, plus these fir in the “dressy” category. I love this affordable pair from Marais USA | $60

F. Iphone. Get one of these loaded with neighborhood walking tours, Museum Tours, and Custom Google Maps marked with your itinerary. Don’t forget the This American Life episodes for the plane. Iphone case | $35

G. Headband! One of the biggest differences in Americans and French Women is their “natural hair.” Americans tend to straighten, curl, spray and brush their hair into submission. The French Woman probably spends time on her hair but she is going for subtle waves, beautiful buns, and those adorable hairs that naturally frame your face when you put your hair back. This is my beautiful headband I picked up in Londan last month from Toast. It’s on sale now! Stripey Headband | 34 Pounds

H. A Sweater. The French don’t wear bright colors. I’ve honestly never seen more people wear navy blue in my life. They also love a monochromatic outfit which is why I threw in this boring errr “classic” sweater. You’ll need this for chilly evenings. Cardigan | $49

  1. Alice

    July 10, 2011

    I just booked my flights to paris for September! I’m SO excited! I’ve been following your blog extra closely, and jotting down tips for my trip. Wardrobe was definitely something I was questioning- these are great tips. 🙂 Can’t wait!!

  2. Annie

    July 10, 2011

    I studied abroad in Spain last summer and was warned about not wearing shorts, so I didn’t take ANY with me. Needless to say I was not pleased once I arrived and everyone was wearing shorts. Maybe it was the location that I lived in (northern Spain, Logrono specifically), but women wore shorts everywhere. So, while many Europeans probably don’t wear shorts, the Spanish definitely do.

  3. Alice

    July 11, 2011

    hi! i just discovered your blog from “a cup of jo.” welcome to paris! i also live in paris and will be here for a few more years, but i am unable to capture and convey all the wonderful observations of this city as eloquently and beautifully as you. enjoy!

  4. Solenne

    July 11, 2011

    So nice and fun to read what american people think about our french-parisian style! You’re absolutely right about flash colors: for accessories only! Also true that ballet flats and converse are kind of ‘must-have’ for us….but high stilletos are now part of the french touch! Scarf is essential associated to belts, and sunglasses are absolutely crucial! Seems you intregrated french style so easily!

  5. Kristin

    July 11, 2011

    Love that hairband!! Now I will have to find out where Toast is located.
    Thanks!

  6. Natalie T.

    July 11, 2011

    Cuuute! I want that iphone case.

  7. kaisla

    July 12, 2011

    I always tell white Americans to dress like black Americans when they go to Europe. African-Americans are always more stylish, put-together and slightly more formally dressed than white Americans in their baggy, wrinkly t-shirts and shorts. I live in an African-American neighborhood now and I feel so much more at home with the way people present themselves.

  8. rachelle

    July 12, 2011

    Gorgeousness!
    please do a winter one as well!

  9. Rachel

    July 15, 2011

    Can anyone, even Americans, take advantage of the French prescription/sun glasses thing? I need a new pair of each and am going to Paris in just 3 weeks!

    However, I bought some really lovely white shorts for the weekend, Ann Taylor’s “Riviera Shorts” – If they have “Riviera” in the name, they really cannot be that taboo in France, no?

  10. Roses

    July 16, 2011

    That’s hilarious…I was just in Paris and was trying to emulate a French woman, and I bought this exact dress at Naf Naf! Definitely one of my favorite dresses, though wearing it back in NY, I feel less sophisticated French, and more a cross between Mad Men and stepford wife. Still love it though!

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