What Parisians are Wearing - Spring 2009
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”” — 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 2009
The look for Spring is feminine and relaxed. Think Greek Goddess - flowing, transparent fabrics, loose pants and blouses, and comfortable flat sandals. A comfortable combination for touring Paris, France in the Spring.
Color - Spring in Paris is back to basics with barely there nude shades - beiges, peaches and off-white. Pale pastel prints in natural fabrics and sheer fabrics reinforce the "barely there" motif.
For a dash of color, accent shades are daring this Spring - bright oranges, blues, purples, and greens add "punch" to the overall muted look.
Dresses/Skirts/Pants - Dresses and skirts are full and feminine. Think A-line. On cool days, pair footless tights with flats under skirts/dresses.
  
Instead of the ubiquitous mini-skirt, young Parisians are rocking short-shorts or 60's hot pants. Not your mother's shorts, these are tight, tailored and paired with long jackets, dressy blouses, and heels for a more sophisticated look. Ballet flats in a multitude of colors are also paired with shorts.
 
Harem pants and flowing jumpsuits are back. The good news is that these outfits tend to be more forgiving for average figures than the recent skinny leggings trend.
  
Tops - Long, ruffled tops in sheer fabrics and colors are the top of choice among the Parisians.
  
The bare one - shouldered look is also popular.
 
Spring in Paris can be chilly - especially at night. Bring tops and bottoms for layering - tanks under light blouses, shirts under light sweaters, and footless tights under skirts.
  
Don't forget your umbrella and a scarf. Even on warm days, many Parisians wear light scarves draped around their shoulders or necks.
Shoes -Flat grecian sandals are the footwear of choice. Paired with "harem pants" or flowing skirts, the flat sandals are a comfortable choice for walking the cobble stoned streets of Paris.
 
 
Ecco produces an extremely comfortable walking shoe version of the gladiator sandal. We own a pair of these shoes and can vouch that the extra foot padding helps tremendously on uneven pavement, like Parisian streets.
Ballet flats are also popular of the streets with skirts and pants. On the streets of Paris this Spring, we see ballet flats in a variety of jewel tone colors and fabrics (our favorite is patent). This is an easy and affordable way to quickly spruce up your wardrobe.
For more walking support than a traditional ballet flat, try Ecco ballet flats. They are designed to expand at the front of your foot as your foot swells from walking, making them a more comfortable choice for a day of walking on Parisian streets.
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.
Handbags and Accessories - Clutches are popular, but very impractical for sightseeing. Instead, a structured messenger bag or larger purse with an extra long strap is 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.
Belts are the accessory of the moment. Think back to the big belts of the 80's. Wrap a belt around a sweater, tank or blouse. If you can wear it, try belting it.
Photos courtesy of Parisian chain Naf Naf .
In terms of what to wear specifics, try this if you’re…
In your 20s – Oh to be in our 20’s again. We were willing to try any trend that came along. And usually managed to look good doing it.
For this season, the focus is flowing elegance. Focus on your best feature and show if off. For arms, try an flowing asymmetrical dress. For legs, go for hot pants with a long top. Try out harem pants or a jumpsuit - you'll be surprised at how comfortable you'll feel. Use accessories (unusual scarf or clunky belt) to breathe your own personality in the outfit.
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.
Pair grecian sandals with flowing, ruffled top that hits anywhere from the hips to mid thigh. Add a fun scarf or jewelry for a casual, but put together look. Try a full A-line skirt, with a layered light sweater and tank for an elegant look.
To give your legs a more elongated look, go with a low heel instead of a flat. Once again, add accessories to taste. For the evening, stick to the classic black skirt/pants with a cute party top.
In your 40s –Take advantage of this season’s trend and match tailored full leg pants or a fluted skirt with flat shoes and a clean tailored blouse or top for a casual and comfortable, yet sophisticated look. Try using a scarf for a splash of color.
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.
Related Pages:
|
