Fashion

[surfsidecutie]

O.k., so one of the things I'm *very* concerned about in Paris is not looking like a fashion victim in Paris. It's the most fashionable city in the world and I certainly want to look like I fit in at least *somewhat*.

Did you hear that some spots there (restaurants, clubs) are only for the ultra fabulous? What's the dress like? Couture or are we talking cutting edge trendy like as in D Squared or Dolce & Gabbana trendy?

Any ideas???

[CuriousToronto]

cutie:

Your concerns are shared by MANY a visitor to Paris. Truth be told no matter how much you try though the Parisians will be able to spot you from a mile away. The key is just not to stand out too much. What this means, of course, depends very much on what season you're coming here in:

In terms of summer Parisians actually tend to resemble your fashionable big-city North American. The weather is hot so they can't quite pull of their normal look. Nonetheless they are big on slightly scruffy looking things. I.e.: a shirt that falls off the shoulder with a tank top underneath. Right now, the peasant look that is big everywhere else is also big here.

In terms of colder weather stuff -- the Parisians LOVE to cover up! In my experience French women (during fall and winter) don't even show arms much less cleavage. This of course makes it very obvious when a North American girl goes around in a low-cut top. The French prefer to layer and they just adore loving scarves. They own a myriad of them and manage to tie them in fantastic ways!!

In terms of foot wear. When and if they wear athletic shoes it is always in the form of Puma style shoes. Very tight fit to the foot and very trendy. Right now flats are VERY in! But as is to be expected they still love their pointy shoes, although, with decreasing frequency.

In terms of restaurants and clubs that are only for the ultra fabulous. Those places abound here in Paris!!! In fact a lot of people aren't big fans of clubs, in this city, because they're mainly about seeing and beeing seen. Not necessarily about having fun . . .

Basically any place on the Champs Elysee and a few other places (like Buddah Bar) fit the bill. And in terms of restaurants there is the place at the very top of the Centre Pompidou -- I think it's called Georges. Anywayz, it's the restaurant where some of the scenes were shot for the last Sex in the City episode. Tres chic.

In terms of what to wear. People don't tend to wear couture to clubs here. Trendy yes -- but then you also have to learn that in Paris trendy doesn't mean generic. The French are very big on making sure that they look like they have an individual sense of style. Just wear something trendy . . .

Lates,

CT