What Not to Wear in Paris and How To Not Act Like a Tourist
It’s one of the most romantic cities in the world, full of chic locals living their best lives. While France is one of the most-visited countries in Europe, this doesn’t mean you want to stick out like a sore (foreign) thumb! Full confession, I really dislike Americans in Paris. We have a bad reputation there and, well, we deserve it! We need to do better, especially when we travel abroad. I’ll tell you one story down below, but for now…here are a few ways you can combat the tacky tourist labels North Americans are often labeled with. At the very least, you’ll learn what NOT to wear in Paris.
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What Not To Wear In Paris- For Men
Sorry guys, you seem to be the worst offenders. Again, I don’t blame you, the cultures are so different, but if you want to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb amongst the crowds here are my suggestions.
First, please don’t wear sweats or cargo pants/shorts! Especially if you are on a romantic getaway with your significant other. Think of Paris as a nice fine restaurant, you’ll want to take photos with your partner dressed in nicer clothes, not like you just rolled out of bed.
Pack and bring plain T-shirts and well-tailored pants. You also want to shoot for a nice pair of shoes over sneakers or sandals. Now before you start complaining. There is a reason for this. Your sports jerseys and Hawaiian shirts make you a target. These should be left at home.
Unfortunately, when you are traveling in Paris (or anywhere for that matter) the big tourist attractions bring pickpockets and other nefarious crowds. You make yourself the target for these groups by announcing to the world that you are from New York.
Finally, you’ll also notice that when you are in Paris, the only people wearing baseball caps are Americans. That makes sense (it’s the American past-time), so I’d avoid wearing the baseball cap altogether.
What Not To Wear in Paris: For Women
It’s no secret that Parisians are stylish, and the city itself is a hub for fashion and creatives alike. Before you go out and buy a whole new wardrobe fit for Paris Fashion Week, take stock of your closet. You probably already have an attire that would blend in on the streets of Paris.
First, skip the athleisure. Listen, I’m literally going to wear comfy leggings for the rest of my life, but when in Paris, you will stand out, and not in a good way. You’ll also want to steer clear of the sweats. Jeans are perfectly fine, or I like palazzo pants because you can dress them up or down.
When visiting Paris, it’s best to leave the shorts at home. While shorts are common and perfectly acceptable in many American cities, they can stand out in Paris for all the wrong reasons. Parisians tend to favor a more polished and chic look, and wearing shorts can sometimes signal that you’re a tourist.
Additionally, the weather in Paris can be quite unpredictable, often cooler than many might expect, even in the summer. Try stylish alternatives like tailored pants, skirts, or dresses to blend in more seamlessly with the local fashion. Not only will you feel more comfortable and confident, but just think of all the photos you will have that will blow up your Instagram feed!
Watch Out For Vocals!
No one likes a loud talker, especially in Paris. French people tend to be even quieter than the rest of Europeans. American voices have a habit of carrying and standing out, so use your inside voice (even outside).
So here is the story. On one of my adventures in Paris, I was having a lovely drink at a cafe enjoying the sights and sounds…and smells (the bread…ummm), and all of a sudden a group of college-aged students walked by. They were walking down the street as if they were in their dorm room completely oblivious to their surroundings. The entire cafe, the people walking near them, even the shop owners stopped talking and just stared. It was borderline disrespectful and they looked offended.
I want you to imagine someone barging into your office space or even your home. You are trying to relax and enjoy quiet company and these people have little to no regard for your space. You wouldn’t like that, right? It’s flat-out rude. Like someone arguing over a cell phone next to your face rude.
What Not To Do: Assume Everyone Speaks English
Take some time on the plane to brush up on some basic French. Learning some basic French phrases goes a long way, and is a sign of respect. Speaking of respect, say “bonjour” when you enter a store, “au revoir” when you leave, and “non merci” if someone is offering you something that you don’t want.
If you are willing speak softly, and make an effort to communicate in French. Then you’ll notice that more people will be willing to help you to communicate with you. Understand that the people of Paris are very culturally minded, so when you visit, you want to be respectful of the customs of the people you are visiting.
Dining In Paris
From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy neighborhood cafes, it’s hard to beat the dining scene in Paris. For the French, dining is an experience, and one not to be rushed. Don’t gulp your meal, and certainly don’t expect the quick food and service that you may experience in North America. Expect for your meal to take some time, and enjoy the slower pace that allows you to appreciate every sip and morsel.
If you happen to not finish your meal, do not ask for a to-go container (aka a doggy bag). And while it’s customary in the United States to tip up to 20%, in France the gratuities are included – listed as “service compris” on your bill and is usually about 18%.
I will always recommend trying restaurants off the beaten path, further away from the tourist attractions. But just keep in mind that requesting modifications to your meal at a restaurant, can be considered rude (unless for medical or dietary restrictions). This is the culinary capital of the world, embrace it!
What Not To Do In Paris: Day-to-Day Life
Paris is not only a charming and romantic destination but also a major metropolitan city. With that in mind, you need to keep your wits about you and be conscientious of pickpocketers who prey on travelers. Avoid hanging your handbag on the back of your chair in restaurants and cafes, and don’t carry an excessive amount of cash on you. Utilize the safe (if there is one) in your hotel to store valuables, and keep your bag or valuables in front of you when using the metro or visiting crowded tourist attractions.
Forget your checklist of attractions to see, and instead consider flaneur (strolling, or meandering) with no real end game. The best times while traveling are often not visiting attractions or following your itinerary to a ‘T’, rather they’re the genuine, authentic moments in between. It’s the buttery pain-au-chocolat you eat on a park bench or the fromagerie you discover as you meander down cobbled side streets, or even the pride you feel when you successfully complete a basic exchange in another language. That’s what you’ll remember when your suitcase is unpacked, the souvenirs given out, and the photos are printed. And that’s what you’ll be looking forward to experiencing again.
What You Should Do in Paris….Go!
Soak it all in, people watch, and leave room in your travels for free time. You’ll never be able to see everything at once so know that you will be back. I promise it is worth it and it will be everything you want it to be.
If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Paris, let’s talk! You can reach me here. Oh, and one more thing…NEVER wear a beret, that’s not a thing!
