Lighten up Frenchy
- Jamie Banks
- Jul 6, 2016
- 4 min read
I had the privilege of traveling to Paris a few weeks ago in route to the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans (an endurance car race) with my husband. I hadn’t been to Paris since high school and all I remember from the trip is copious amounts of champagne. My strategy this time around was quite different and simple. Do the obligatory sightseeing (Eiffel Tower - check. Did you know you can see all the other attractions from there? Super efficient) then onto shopping.
I consciously skipped the high fashion areas (sorry Chanel, next time) and concentrated on smaller, less touristy neighborhoods. We settled in Le Marais which is filled with shops, cafes and galleries. Not only did I want to shop, but I also wanted to observe the style of women in one of the most fashionable cities in the world. In between cappuccinos and pain au chocolate, this is what I observed:
THEY ARE NOT A FAN OF SWEATS
On any given street in the US you can film an active wear commercial – Lululemon and Nike as far as the eye can see. Yes, some people go overboard, but I support this trend and enjoy mixing my athletic clothes with streetwear. Not in Paris. I did not see one woman sporting their leggings at lunch or dinner or even while casually shopping. The only exercise clothes I saw were on people who were actually exercising (what the what?). Athleisure may be the largest growth sector in fashion but the growth is not coming from France. I'd like to see Parisian women relax their self-imposed ban on sweats. Embracing athleisure does not mean you are a gluttonous slob. Take a cue from cool brands (see PE Nation, Norma Kamali), out there where you can find pieces that look badass and can easily integrate into your everyday attire.
NEUTRALS RULE
Parisians LOVE a neutral. At first glance, black, navy and camel seemed to dominate the landscape. I solidified this theory by stalking, I mean researching, Parisian women more carefully. I sat at several cafe's, eating, drinking (see above) and taking pictures of local women on the street (is that creepy?). My first instincts were correct - colors were indeed neutral and silhouettes are classic.
I always talk to my clients about color and encourage them to add some to the sea of neutrals we have in our closets - do you really need another black top? Color becomes even more important as we get older (sigh) and our skin tone changes. More color near our faces instead of all-black get ups evens out our skin tone and brightens our appearance - who doesn't want that? Apparently Parisians.
Parisians are the masters of sophistication and uncomplicated chic. Yes, they look great, but I contend a little more color (or pattern) mixed into the neutrals would express more individual style and would ultimately be more interesting.
What would I add to these outfits to make them more compelling? So glad you asked.
If you are color averse like the Parisians, start slow and add color in small ways such as accessories and shoes.
For lovely lady #1 - I would add these Matt Bernson leopard print booties to her otherwise plain outfit. I agree with the great Jenna Lyons, "leopard is a neutral" therefore right up the Parisian's alley.
For lovely lady #2 - I would jazz up her ensemble with this Cynthia Rowley t-shirt that adds color, but isn't garish. She could drape her black sweater over her shoulders for some added flair.
For lovely ladies 3 & 4 - First and foremost they get kudos because they stopped to play with the puppies. On the clothes front they live in Paris - where are their scarves? This one from Alexander McQueen would look good on either lady tied loosely around the neck. It's fun and the skull print adds some edge to the subdued color palette.
THE UNIFORM
As you can see from the photos if you want to channel the French, you just need to adhere to their everyday uniform:
Black pants or jeans
A t-shirt or blouse
Blazer or coat
Booties or sneakers
Scarf
These are all staples which create a solid wardrobe foundation. A good lesson to learn from the French - invest in key pieces and throw in a couple of trendy things (with color of course) each season.
Want to try your own Parisian look here in the USA? It's a simple recipe: Start with black pants or jeans like these these super skinnies from Levis - the epitome of cool and reasonably priced. I have been sprinkling Levi's pieces into my wardrobe for a couple of seasons now and I love them.
Next, add a never-go-out-of-style leather jacket like this one from Topshop.
Then, add booties with fun details - I bought this pair in Paris from The Kooples, a Parisian brand you can find in US department stores but it's so much more fun to buy them in their homeland!
Finally, add color... scarves are a big deal in Europe for both men and women. My husband was even so moved to buy (and wear) one (see below). I love the idea of throwing on a scarf to complete an outfit, but struggle in exactly how to wear one without looking like I'm trying too hard. I'm going to spend some time learning from the pros at Hermes (or just ask my husband).
My trip to Paris was everything I wanted it to be and more. Although they are known for their style, I thought the Frenchies could lighten up a little when it comes to dressing. Nothing is all that serious, especially clothes.
To make our French experience even better we came home with a win from the 24 Hours of LeMans - the first time Chip Ganassi Racing has participated and 50 years since Ford won at LeMans. Thank you France - I'll never forget you!
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