Avoid looking like a tourist in France with Fashion tips to look effortlessly chic and without overpacking.
Putting together an effortlessly chic wardrobe in a minimal carry-on for maximum efficiency takes, well, a little bit of effort. But as a traveller mindful of cultural sensitivities, dressing appropriately is a way to show your respect for local customs. Besides, you’re travelling to the land of fashion and haute cuisine, so why not take the time to polish your look for the trip? Dressing smartly will also let you go from sightseeing at the Louvre to fine-dining at Paul Bocuse.
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But first, what should you avoid wearing in France to avoid looking like a tourist?
Avoid wearing striped shirts and berets in France. No one likes to be portrayed by stereotypes and this outdated outfit combination will not endear you to the French. But what do I mean by avoid looking like a tourist? Don’t wear athleisure or home clothes when you’re out and about; leave behind the sweat pants and baggy hoodies; skip the crop-tops or beach wear. You can wear those if you’re actually at the beach. Rethink the flip flops and dingy sneakers and opt for something more practical and proper. The main point is you want to avoid being a beacon of prey for scammers looking to prey on tourists.
How to look stylish in France without overpacking
Part of the trick of travelling while looking chic is to mix and match versatile tops with sturdy bottoms. And make sure to bring a good coat or light jacket in case the weather turns cold or rainy.
Get some puffers and travel friendly trench coats
Invest in good outerwear such as waterproof and windproof windbreakers and breathable fall trench coats. A well-built puffer from Patagonia that fits well and keeps the cold out is a great choice if you’re heading to France in colder months. Since the puffers are packable (they can literally be folded up into a tiny ball) it’s great for carry-on only travelling. I love a nice waterproof trench-style coat from Calvin Klein. It’s got pockets, a hood, and a stylish belt to give the coat that extra touch of effortless elegance.
Bring some fancy and practical bottoms
Get some flexible but refined pants with a nice texture that’ll go from museum to dinner in a day. The Gap or Roots sell comfy, stretchable pants that are chic and dressy at the same time. 1 or 2 of these pants at most will last you well into a 10-day trip that you could mix and match with some tasteful tops.
Mix and match stylish tops
I find sleek cashmere tunics that are cozy, but chic, perfect for autumn in Paris. They come in a variety of fall colours and are easy to fold flat for travelling. I find that packing 5 tops means you can mix and match them with a pair of sturdy pants.
Wear practical shoes for sightseeing and for going to dinner
Bring one pair of good walking shoes with a good cushioned sole. I adore shoes made by Mephistos and Naturalizers. Their shoes marry comfort, form, and function and one good pair is all you need. It’s actually a bit easier to dress for colder months because wearing one good pair of practical, elegant shoes will do the trick for sightseeing and for going to dinner.
I can hear you going But wait! What if I need an extra this or that? Or what if the shoes break? Yes, anything can happen which is why I always say to bring M and M (money and medicine) for all trips. Besides, as long as you have money you can buy whatever you need in Paris. And it’s Paris, so why wouldn’t you want a nice excuse to shop for something Parisian? In all honesty, there’s no foolproof solution, so I always recommend investing in quality shoes (especially shoes!) and in durable outfits. The point of travelling with only a carry-on is to avoid overpacking, so trust in the high-quality purchases you’ve made and that they’ll last on your trips.
Are jeans and sneakers acceptable?
Jeans and sneakers aren’t necessarily unacceptable. But maybe opt for a pair of jeans that have a bit of finesse to them (i.e. avoid ripped or torn jeans). Most businesses won’t mind you wearing jeans or sneakers, but how properly you dress does show your respect for the place and people. And dressing a little bit finer could mean you’re served more attentively. As I said above, you’re travelling to the land of high cuisine and high fashion. So why not take a break from routine and try out some chic outfits you might not get a chance to wear back home?
What purses should I bring?
A reliable travel purse is non-negotiable in my view. You’ll be out and about exploring the wonders of what the city has to offer for the day. The last thing you want to do is worry about whether you have all your daily essentials with you. A good travel purse should have secure compartments to hold passports and wallet. It should also have easy-to-reach pouches for high-traffic items like lip balm, sunglasses, hair ties, or hand sanitizers. My favourite bags are by Annick Levesque because they come designed with a light installed that turns on automatically when you unzip your purse. They’re also made of genuine leather and are highly durable.
Is there a dress code for churches and museums?
You’ll see dress codes on signs in front of the churches usually telling visitors to avoid exposing shoulders, knees, or midriffs. I find carrying a light scarf, even during summer months, is a practical way to cover up your shoulders if you’re visiting places of worship. Use your common sense when dressing for hot summer months if you’re planning to visit churches. You might risk rejection if certain body parts are exposed too much. All in all, simply respect the rules of certain historic sites if you plan to visit them.
Paris offers plenty of opportunities to dress casually but elegantly. Pick a few nice tops and a good pair of pants. Wear a good pair of sturdy but stylish walking shoes. And bring a good travel purse. Don’t overthink it and you won’t overpack it.
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