Next month I and my husband will visit Paris. It´s a dream coming true for me. Growing up in the tropics in a particularly virgin island which serves as our country´s last frontier, access to advance fashion was limited if not impossible. But I´ve always dreamt of visiting Paris! And soon it will be happening. I´m coming to the city not as an attendee to any fashion week event though, but as a tourist. And I found myself googling, what should tourists wear in Paris in summer?
I know that Parisians are stylish, but their style isn´t over-the-top and not too casual either. My aim is to look as normal as possible, feel comfy yet look elegant, and not to be easily spotted as a tourist. Well, unless otherwise I can hide my hair and skin color. Anyway, if any of you will visit Paris for the first time this summer and you need tips on what to wear, here´s what I´ve learned from all my reading.
Play with Neutrals
Because Parisians are into elegance, they favor more neutral colors. In summer, cream-colored and beige clothing are the people´s favorite. Some will also wear dark colors like black, while some will mix neutrals and black. One tip I´ve read says that you´ll never see Parisians wear white in the streets. But white summer outfits are the current trend. That said, I believe you´ll be safe mixing white with other colors, say throw over a black lightweight cardigan or a black jacket over a white dress?
Go for Fine Florals
Parisians may raise their brows to Hawaiian florals but this shouldn´t stop you from wearing floral print trend. Opt for small print (avoid the shocking oversized floral prints) in mild colors. Then dress it up. You can take a fine floral print dress and add a crop black jacket and some boots, or pair a floral print pants with lace top and neutral colored shoes. Or add floral flats to a two-toned or monochromatic jumpsuit.
Dress Up a Denim
While denim used to be unacceptable, these days it´s embraced for Parisian casual style. However, be careful not to go too casual. The trick here is dressing up a denim. When it comes to jeans, it´s said that Parisians favor the dark-colored slim cut. But feel free to wear light-colored denim, such as a denim jacket vest to layer on a dress, or shorts. Keep in mind though that you still want to look elegant. Add a scarf to upgrade a casual look.
Have you been to Paris? What other tips would you advise to girls who are visiting Paris this summer?