What Parisians are Wearing - Spring 2008
"Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions.” — Coco Chanel
Paris - like any major world city - is a stylish city. And it always helps to dress up a bit in order to get better treatment. So what does that mean for the tourist who doesn't want to stick out but does want to stand out?
Fortunately, there are ways to stay comfortable while looking fashionable on the streets and around town. The most important thing to remember is to wear what is flattering for you. In addition, while Parisians are fashionable, they are also timeless. So mix and match your classic fashionable pieces with some of this season’s trends.
Trend Watch – Spring 2008
The look for spring is flirty, flowy, and feminine. Spring is the perfect time to lighten up and blossom. Flirty, flowing, skirts and feminine cuts will not only show off your calves but doesn’t a fluttery skirt just make you feel good?
So focus on fashions and fabrics that make the best of your assets and bring a bloom to your cheeks. It’s springtime in Paris!
Color - Springtime in Paris is bringing a bouquet of bright cheerful yellows, punchy pinks, bright oranges, cool blues, and lilac. Neutrals will be just that – beiges, golden browns, and peachy nudes. Prints, both floral and ethnic, are an easy way to make a big impact.
Tops - The cut for tops is still figure flattering with the option of layered tunic tops and sweaters that hide a slew of figure flaws to go with slimmer bottoms. This is also the perfect time to go with a flirty skirt and twin set for a feminine but body conscious silhouette.
Pants/Skirts - Bottoms are all about the legs (still). Slimmer cut jeans and pants, skirts, and dresses are still very visible. While hemlines aren’t as sky high as in the past season, the new influx of flirty fabrics makes your strut still sassy while stopping at the knee.
Shoes - As always, you should choose your shoes carefully when traveling to Paris. The cobblestone streets can be rough on the feet. There seems to be an eternal debate on what shoes to wear on Paris streets. Do you have to give up style for comfort?
When we visit Paris, we see all kinds of footwear on the streets, from stilettos to sneakers. Yes, sneakers.
White sneakers can be seen on the feet of Parisian locals, but they are also a very specific type. The classic Converse All Star®, also known as the Chuck Taylor® is the overwhelming sneaker of choice on French feet. Fortunately, for the fashion forward, they come in a wealth of other colors and styles. So many Parisian feet are covered in blue, brown, plaid, or even hot pink sneakers.
If Converse Chuck Taylor's are a too young and casual for your style, try Puma sneakers. Puma's are also available in a wide range of colors and are seen on the feet of fashionable Parisians of all ages.
Comfortable flats are also a very viable option, especially with this season’s knee length skirts and casual neutrals.
Handbags - A structured messenger bag or larger purse with an extra long strap is probably the perfect travel bag. Not only will it hold all the accessories you need, but also the longer strap allows you to carry it more securely.
Essentials: Spring in Paris with the gardens blooming can be stunning. But remember, April showers bring May flowers, so be prepared for some rainy, chilly days. Pick up a small umbrella, like Totes, to carry in your purse.
Pack with layers in mind. Bring a coat. The spring coat of the minute is an updated (read: fitted/tailored/knee-length) version of the classic trench coat in any primary color. Carry a sweater to "put on - take off" as the weather permits.
Skirts are all the rage in Paris this Spring, but toss a pair of pants in a neutral color in your suitcase just in case the weather doesn't cooperate. Also, bring one pair of closed toe shoes with you. Chilly rain with bare legs and exposed sandal-clad toes can put a damper on your Spring Fling in Paris.
In terms of what to wear specifics, try this if you’re…
In your 20s – If you have the figure for it, the classic and comfortable uniform of leggings or tights, jeans, ballerina flats, tunic tops, and dresses will work for you anywhere.
Use accessories (a big colorful bag or unusual scarf) to breathe your own personality in the outfit. For evening, try a cute dress and flats or you could also go with a cute flouncy miniskirt and party top.
In your 30s –If you want to look stylish but not feel like you’re stealing clothes from your college intern’s closet, take the fashion trends that work best for you and leave the others behind. You’re on vacation. This is supposed to be comfortable and fun, not work. Can’t deal with the thigh high miniskirt; go for something that hits at the knee in a fun feminine print or fabric. To give your legs a more elongated look, go with a low heel instead of a flat.
If high waisted tops make you feel like you are in maternity wear, choose a tunic top that goes to mid thigh instead. A mid thigh top (or dress) with jeans and flats will also look stylish without feeling too “young.” Once again, add accessories to taste. For the evening, stick to the classic black pants/skirt with a cute party top.
In your 40s –Take advantage of this season’s “lightening up” trend and match well-tailored pants or a skirt with flat shoes and a nice twin set for a casual and comfortable, yet sophisticated look. Try using a scarf for a splash of color. Jeans are still an option in Paris, but may we suggest a dark blue boot cut over a low heeled (1 ½”) boot or shoe. For pants, we suggest something with a nice drape as opposed to your khakis.
In your 50s (or so) – Stick to comfortable clothes that flatter. Use any of the suggestions listed above to create a travel wardrobe that will make you feel comfortable and look great too.
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