What to Wear in Paris, According to French Fashion Designer Jeanne Damas (2024)

FAQs

What to Wear in Paris, According to French Fashion Designer Jeanne Damas? ›

“I wear, more or less, the same things as a kind of uniform every day. A wrap dress, like our iconic Gabin dress, is something you can wear on any occasion – it's always good to have a multifunctional dress like this. Jeans are an important staple in my wardrobe, so high-waisted jeans are essential.

Parisian street style also consists of scarves to finish off the outfit, a belt, most bags are worn crossbody if they are long enough, sneakers are everywhere, and they take chic bicycle-style to a whole other level.

Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather shoes. Use tote bags or earth-toned simplistic bags if you really want to dress in France to fit in with the locals.

French women know good jeans—look for straight-leg, in classic denim blue. Pair them with smart blazers or casual knits, flats, or heels. Denim should be one color, not faded, with no fraying or ripping.

From statement sunglasses and scarves to clutch bags and jewelry, Parisians appreciate a well-chosen accessory. But unlike many Americans, who tend to pile on the accent pieces, Parisians keep it simple. Choose one (maximum, two) accessories to add just the right amount of flair to your outfit.

For their day-to-day activities, the French, both in the countryside and the cities, wear modern Western-style clothing. Perhaps the most typical item of clothing associated with the French is the black beret. It is still worn by some men, particularly in rural areas. The French are renowned for fashion design.

There is no national dress for France and the various regional costumes are all curiosities now, not standard dress. The traditional dress in France depends on the region, but consists of items like lace-trimmed blouses, aprons with colorful flowers and white, flared bonnets.

In an article for the New York Times, the resident fashion editor of the publication, Vanessa Freidman, writes that the easiest way French people discern which tourists are American is by their rigorous commitment to wearing leggings outdoors and wearing activewear everywhere regardless of the place and the occasion.

Yes, of course you can wear fashionable jeans in Paris, and sneakers as well.

Watch What You Wear

Avoid bright-colored clothes and wear muted colors instead. Ditch the white sneakers, bulky cargo shorts, and yoga pants, and opt for comfortable shoes and casual pants like khakis. Forget the fanny pack and hulking backpacks. Carry only what you need.

Can I wear black leggings in Paris? ›

The French are conservative and stick to their grey, beige and black. Period.

Dress comfortably and respectfully.

When planning your attire, opt for comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as you'll likely be wandering through the museum halls for a few hours. Additionally, it's advisable to remember that the Louvre is a cultural institution and a place of historical significance.

You can never go wrong with a classic Parisian look of a tweed jacket with black denim and slingback pumps. Classic and timeless for any type of restaurant. Of course, if it's a Michelin Star restaurant or more pricey, you might want to swap out the jeans for trousers or a skirt.

Parisians wear clothes that flatter their bodies. For instance, they ensure that they wear pants that are neither too tight nor too big, too short, or too long. Their shirts can be oversized only if they are designed to be so. Dresses are not too-tight, too-revealing, or too-short.

Dress Sandals for Paris

Anything with a low wedge typically works great.

French fashion is iconic. Often recognized for its striped shirts, oversized blazers, tights, ballerina, flats, and a foulard, a thin silk scarf.

A good choice for a woman is wearing black, formal slacks and a silk blouse, along with a fitted jacket. For men, a nice pair of trousers, a buttoned shirt, and a jacket is acceptable.

Paris. Paris is regarded as one the world's fashion capitals, with several premium fashion boutiques spread throughout the city. Most of the major French fashion brands, such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Lacroix, are headquartered there presently.