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How to Dress Like a Parisian
Stressing about what to wear in France? Please don't! First and foremost, you should dress for comfort when visiting Paris. Most visitors typically walk 10+ miles a day exploring Paris' charming cobblestoned streets, alleyways, parks and gardens, and you should plan your outfits accordingly. You do not need to don formal-wear to fit in in Paris!
Most of the myths you've heard about Parisian fashion are NOT true: Parisians do NOT all wear black. Parisian women do NOT only wear high heels (in fact, the white sneaker is very "in" right now in Paris and can be paired with everything from jeans - which French people DO wear - to dresses.) Shorts ARE allowed (although Parisian women tend to favor chic, wide-leg shorts over tiny denim booty shorts).
That being said, here are a few key fashion tips to keep in mind if you'd prefer to blend in with the Parisians:
- Bring a capsule wardrobe. French women tend to have a few timeless, well-made pieces that can be mixed and matched for classic looks. Examples of such pieces: Black cigarette pants, solid-print blouses/sweaters/cardigans, jeans without holes or distressing, etc.
- Choose solid colors over prints. While French women do NOT wear all black, they largely steer clear of loud logos or designs, instead opting for more sophisticated, muted looks - even when color-blocking. Cream, beige, brown, light pink, navy, and (yes) black should form the foundation of your fall/winter wardrobe, while brighter colors can be integrated in during the spring and summer.
- Bring a little black dress. Wear it with flats, boots, or white sneakers!
- Add a chic scarf to any outfit to immediately up your French factor.
How to Live Like a Parisian
Worried about where to stay during your trip? Worry no more!
While it can be stressful to choose from 20 possible arrondissements when booking your accommodations, stick to these quick tips and you'll find your perfect Parisian living quarters in no time:
For close proximity to the main tourist sites: stick to the river. I typically recommend that first time visitors to Paris book their accommodations in either the 4th, 5th, or 6th arrondissements. These are all typically Parisian neighborhoods with close proximity to the main tourist attractions - and the closer to the river you are, the closer you'll be to iconic landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Tuileries Gardens, and more.
For loads of shops and a bustling nightlife: Choose the Marais in the 4th. While it can get crowded, this is the place to be if you want to find the chicest boutiques, fun shops, and lively cafés and bars right outside your door.
For a more stately, fancier feel: Choose Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This is where the famous Les Deux Magots and Café Flore restaurants can be found, and you can walk in the footsteps of Simone de Beauvoir and Ernest Hemingway, frequent visitors to the area.
For a combination of the two, with a bit more of a local feel: Choose the middle or back of the 6th arrondissement near the Luxembourg gardens for a more chill vibe, or opt for the 5th anywhere from nearby the majestic Panthéon to the quintessential market street of Rue Mouffetard. With just as many cafes as the Marais and Saint-Germain, the back half of the 6th has a more relaxed vibe and neighborhoody feel, and the 5th is more student-centric, with its close proximity to the famous Sorbonne.
For the true Parisian experience: Choose Montparnasse. Although set a bit farther back from the main tourist destinations, with its sprawling boulevards, charming cafes, authentic Bretonne crepes, and picturesque market squares, Montparnasse is a great neighborhood for truly soaking up the Parisian experience. Get to know the locals, sit at a café for hours and people-watch, and practice your French far away from the tourists. And it's still a hop, skip and a jump to the main sites via the metro!
Still have questions? Contact me to set up a consultation or get help planning your itinerary - with hotel and neighborhood recommendations included!
You can also purchase my comprehensive arrondissement guide (coming soon!)
How to Dine Like a Parisian
Worried about the proper etiquette for dining in Paris? Fret not! Below, you'll find my simple tips and tricks for meeting all your dining needs in the city of culinary delights:
Reservations: While reservations are often required for the higher-end restaurants (and can be made by calling the restaurant directly, through the Fork app, or by walking into the restaurant and requesting a reservation for the following day), most cafes and bistros do not require reservations. Don't be afraid to simply stop by a café that catches your fancy, and see if there's availability - more likely than not, there will be!
But what to do once you've spotted your restaurant of choice? Never simply seat yourself, even if there are lots of open seats outdoors. Instead, walk into the café, say Bonjour/Bonsoir to the host or server, and ask if they have a seat available. Some useful phrases:
"Est-ce que vous avez une table pour un, deux, trois....etc." = Do you have a table for one, two three...etc.?
"A l'intérieur " = Indoors
"En terrasse" = Outdoors
What about once you're successfully seated? A few more useful phrases:
"Une carafe d'eau, si'l vous plaît" = A bottle of tap water for the table, please.
Note: If the server asks you if you'd like "still or sparkling/plate ou pétillante"water, they're likely going to bring you fancy bottled water you need to pay for. Only the carafe d'eau is free.
"L'addition, si'l vous plaît" = Check, please.
Enjoy your meal!
Have more questions?
Schedule a consult with me!
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