Mastering the Art of Subtle Chic. -- When in Paris...

 

"Style is forever. Fashion? She’s dramatic, needy, and always chasing attention"

As some of you know, I am a total clothes whore. But I believe:

Fashion is the language; style is your accent.

Fashion is the recipe; style is how you season it.

Oftentimes when we travel, we want to blend in — or maybe not. Some people want to scream “TOURIST!” with a beret, cargo shorts, and a neon fanny pack. Definitely not me. I prefer blending in so I’m not instantly marked as: “Hello, yes, please scam me.”

After living in Paris for 18 years, I can confirm: this city has changed. When we first moved here, wearing shorts was practically a criminal offense. Even in summer. If you wore shorts, especially those above the knees, Parisians would look at you like you were walking around in your underwear. Now it’s as common as wearing a scarf. Wearing running shoes—especially bright white ones—used to practically scream tourist. But now, well-designed walking/athletic shoes, even white ones, depending on the style are totally acceptable.

How to Dress to Not Stand Out in Paris (or at least not look like Emily in Paris)

In my opinion, Parisians dress with intentional simplicity. If you’ve watched “Emily in Paris,” let me reassure you: NO human in Paris walks around dressed like a box of macarons dusted in glitter.
Maybe during Fashion Week. Maybe at 3am in Pigalle. But in daily life? No.

In Paris, dressing wildly is considered trying too hard. And trying too hard is the fastest way to look, well… American.

Example of neutral colors

Neutral Tones Are Holy. Classic Parisian colors: black, white, gray. Add navy, beige, cream, or olive if you’re feeling adventurous. Parisians love quiet colors. Anything neon will get you stared at like you’re a lost club kid who took a wrong turn at Ibiza Airport. In France, wearing big logos (Louis Vuitton monogram explosion, I’m looking at you) screams, “I want you to THINK I’m rich!” Truly wealthy Parisians prefer things so subtle you need an anthropology degree to identify the brand. For example, Bottega Veneta? No logo. Birkin or Kelly? No logo. “If you know, you know. If you don’t know… you probably shouldn’t know.”

General Tips

Think: clean lines, quality basics, and “I woke up like this” vibes — even if you spent 45 minutes choosing socks and getting the right, “wake-up” hair.

1. Stick to a Neutral Palette

As I mentioned, black, navy, beige, cream, gray, olive are the classic colors.

If you see someone in sequins on the metro at noon… they are absolutely not Parisian. They’re either:
a) from out of town,
b) going through some trauma where they’re screaming, look at me, look at me, don't I look "fashionable?".
or c) auditioning for Eurovision or Rue Paul's drag race

2. Choose Well-Fitting Basics

* Dark trousers

* Shorts (yes, now they’re allowed — the revolution!). I suggest not wearing them for a formal dinner, it's considered disrespectful.

* DO NOT wear sweats. You’ll only see the Parisian YOUTH wear them, and they’re more structured like, “I’m lounging but still chic” sweats

* Jeans (no rips — that boat has sailed)

* Button-downs, chic tees

* Cashmere or fine-knit sweaters

* Blazer for spring/summer

* Wool coat for winter

Aim for smart-casual, not “I’m backpacking through Europe on $20 a day. 

Go-To Outfits

Men:
Nice jeans, crisp shirt, refined T-shirt or slim sweater, casual blazer.
Printed shirts are fine — just no neon flamingos.
Shoes: loafers or sleek sneakers.

Avoid wearing Loud Hawaiian printed shirts with themes or loud colors. It screams tacky.

Women:
Same formula, plus a silk scarf or chic bag.

Winter? Trench coat + scarf = Paris starter pack.

You can get away with white walking shoes with the right ensemble 

3. Shoes Matter More Than Rent

Parisians judge harshly by footwear. They could forgive you for butchering French, but not for wearing running shoes to dinner. It used to be a rule that women must suffer in heels — that era is OVER. Everyone wears sneakers now (tasteful ones).

YES:
✔ Leather sneakers
✔ Chelsea boots
✔ Neutral loafers

NO:
✘ Chunky athletic sneakers
✘ Flip-flops — unless you're on the Riviera living your best coastal-grandma fantasy, or they're stylish leather slippers that pass as sandals as in the photo below.

4. Outerwear Should Be Sleek

A good coat instantly makes you look French — like magic
* A cotton light trench coat or linen blazer for summer

* Wool coat in camel/black/navy

* Simple dark puffer

* Trench coat (the Parisian baptismal garment)

* Blazer layered over a thin puffer — very 2020s chic

Scarves are basically French emotional support animals. Everyone has one. Everyone wears one. Even their dogs have scarves.

5. Accessories: Small & Chic

* Small crossbody or sleek backpack

* Minimal jewelry

* Classic watch

Warning:
Don’t wear expensive jewelry on the metro.
Necklaces get snatched faster than baguettes at 6pm.
I once had a bracelet ripped off — very not chic.

6. Grooming & Attitude

Parisians look effortlessly polished. Emphasis on effortless… even though it absolutely takes effort.

* Subtle perfume

* Light makeup — no heavy red lipstick, acceptable for evening, Otherwise, unless you want to give “Moulin Rouge understudy” or “red district” lights vibe.

* No giant logos, you’re not impressing anyone.

* Walk calmly, move gracefully, judge silently

* Don’t smile excessively — they’ll think you’re unstable

* Speak softly — Americans are LOUD. Lower your volume by 20%

* Always say “bonjour” before speaking to anyone working anywhere

* Don’t carry enormous water bottles (you’re not climbing Everest)

* Don’t eat while walking (Paris is not a theme park)

It takes effort to get these hairstyles right


7.  Hairstyles.
Parisian hairstyles are all about that easy, effortless vibe. Women often look like they simply ran their fingers through their hair and—voilà—perfectly free-flowing chic. Men, on the other hand, give off that “I just rolled out of bed” (bed hair) look… but trust me, there is effort behind that artful bedhead.

Overall, it’s the signature Parisian magic: looking flawlessly undone with absolutely no effort—except, of course, there always is.


SUMMARY 

Personally I dress for myself. It makes me feel good. You use to never catch me wearing casual shoes, most casual I'd wear would be loafers. But I've developed my own style, by wearing color in accessorizing, e.g., eyewear.

Dressing like a Parisian isn’t about chasing fashion trends — it’s about embracing effortless elegance. Parisians focus on well-fitted basics, quality over quantity, and a neutral palette that always looks polished. Accessories are subtle, grooming is understated, and confidence is the finishing touch. How you dress says a lot about you, and in Paris, it’s understood that showing care in your appearance shows care for the moment you’re in. That’s why dressing well for a nice dinner isn’t just style — it’s a sign of respect for the chef, the craft, and the staff who make the experience special. When in doubt, simplify: choose timeless pieces, wear them with ease, and let your natural chic speak for itself.

Paris has two major sales periods each year—January and July. Many Parisians prefer to save up for a few high-quality pieces rather than buy in bulk. And honestly, with our famously small apartments, it’s partly a matter of style…and partly a matter of storage. And, there's so many ways to accessories a basic ensemble.

This video by "Alice in Paris" explains it well for women. Click on this link, "Alice in Paris"

"Inspire for Style" explains how to dress like a Parisian man. Click on this link, Parisian men's style

“Never dress to satisfy someone else’s gaze. Wear what reflects your spirit, not the dictates of a passing trend. True style begins the moment you refuse to be a servant to fashion and choose instead to honor your own identity.”