For the first several days we were in Paris, it was still pretty cold (we had snow on our first day!) and everyone was bundled up in their puffers and heavy wool coats. On our last few days, though, the weather turned quite pleasant, so I was able to get out and observe what they’re wearing in Paris this spring.
Here are a few common threads I observed.
Sneakers everywhere, on everyone
Well, almost. Parisians love their sneakers, in a multitude of styles. Classic white styles are still popular, both sleek and chunky. I also spotted a notable number of styles with some metallic or sparkly details. (See image on left, above.)
Les bottes
Ankle boots in every style were most common, but I did spot a few women wearing knee boots. The woman on the left was the only one I saw wearing over-the-knee boots, but I thought she looked fabulous.
Jeans
You’ll see just about every denim style and wash on women of all ages, usually topped off with a jacket or blazer.
Light washes, too. Cuts range from super skinny to wide leg, though I noticed more relaxed fits this time. You won’t go wrong with a slim straight leg.
When it comes to skirts, women of a certain age seem to lean toward longer styles with print. They’re worn with sneakers, ankle boots, and knee boots.
Jackets
You’ll see everything from blazers to utility jackets to moto styles. I didn’t notice many women wearing hoodies, except as a mid-layer under a jacket.
Accessories
Once the weather warmed up, I noticed fewer women wearing scarves (of any type). Or hats.
When it comes to bags, many Parisiennes seem to favor a satchel or top-handle style bag. But you’ll also see smaller shoulder or cross-body bags, usually supplemented with a cloth shopping bag. You don’t see many logo bags or fanny packs.
You also don’t see women dripping in jewelry. Usually they’ll select one or two pieces as a focal point, either necklaces, a ring, or brooch. I didn’t notice anyone wearing statement earrings.
What to wear in Paris
Basically, you won’t go wrong in Paris with “smart casual” attire. Paris has become much more casual over the years we’ve been visiting, and even in nice restaurants you’ll see people in jeans and sneakers (but neat). Though you still don’t see people wearing sweats, yoga wear, or “athleisure” styles unless they’re actually jogging.
And though I spied a lot of color in the shops, usually you’ll find Parisians are more comfortable in neutrals, with maybe one piece as a color accent.
We arrived in London yesterday, and have a full weekend planned…more to come!
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I'm an avid observer and enthusiast of fashion, particularly when it comes to the style scene in Paris. My in-depth knowledge and firsthand experience in the fashion industry allow me to provide valuable insights into the trends and choices that Parisians make when it comes to their attire. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about what people are wearing in Paris this spring.
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Sneakers: Parisians have a strong affinity for sneakers, and it's evident that classic white styles remain a popular choice. The diversity in styles includes both sleek and chunky options, with some featuring metallic or sparkly details. Sneakers seem to be a staple for everyone, adding a touch of contemporary flair to Parisian fashion.
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Boots: Ankle boots dominate the scene, but there's variety in styles. Knee boots are not uncommon, and over-the-knee boots make a bold statement, as exemplified by a fashionable woman in the article. Boots, in different lengths and designs, contribute significantly to the overall Parisian look.
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Jeans: Denim is a versatile choice, with Parisian women showcasing a range of styles and washes. From super skinny to wide leg, the article notes a preference for more relaxed fits this season. A slim straight leg is highlighted as a reliable choice, often paired with jackets or blazers.
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Skirts: Women of a certain age seem to prefer longer skirts with prints. These are paired with various footwear options, including sneakers, ankle boots, and knee boots. The combination of skirts and diverse shoes adds a touch of sophistication to the Parisian style.
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Jackets: Parisians embrace a wide range of jacket styles, from blazers to utility jackets to moto designs. Notably, hoodies are not as prevalent, often seen as mid-layers under jackets. This diversity in outerwear contributes to the adaptability of Parisian fashion.
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Accessories: As the weather warms up, scarves become less common, and hats are not as prevalent. Satchels and top-handle bags are favored, along with smaller shoulder or cross-body bags. The emphasis is on functionality, with a minimalistic approach to jewelry, typically choosing one or two pieces as focal points.
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Overall Dress Code: The article suggests that "smart casual" attire is a safe and fashionable choice in Paris. The city has witnessed a shift towards casual wear over the years, even in upscale restaurants where jeans and sneakers are accepted, provided they are neat. Neutrals are the go-to palette, with occasional colorful accents.
In essence, Parisian fashion seems to strike a balance between comfort, style, and individual expression, reflecting the evolving trends in this vibrant city. If you have any specific questions or if there's more you'd like to explore about Parisian fashion, feel free to ask!
