How Not to Look Like an American Tourist

        Any guess where this tourist family is from? You are correct: the United States. Now, while it's fairly obvious to those who have been over in Europe for a while who is an American tourist and who is a native, most Americans fresh off the plane to Paris have no idea that they look so blatantly touristy. Maybe it's the bright colors; maybe it's the tennis shoes and jeans; maybe it's the volume of our speaking voices. Any of these, and many more options, could be the cause of this. However, luckily for you, I am here to tell you how to seamlessly blend in with the very fashionable Parisians.

     Parisian fashion can be described in two words: Effortless and Stylish. Hair styles and make-up are minimal, generally highlighting one particular feature. Handbags are usually large and carried haughtily on the elbow, runway style. Shoes are always heels. It's rare to find a woman walking down the street without heels on. You have to admire their dedication, especially on those cobblestone streets. As the home to numerous famous luxury fashion houses, such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Christian Dior, it should seem fairly obvious that the Parisians, and French, take their fashion very seriously. Considered THE fashion capital of the world, this love of all things fashionable started long ago. Even Anne Boleyn was famous for mimicking the French in her dress, though her use of hoods and low cut dresses (scandalous). 

Chanel Fashion Show; Paris Fashion Week 2011

     Paris became known as an international fashion center during the 18th century, when Rose Bertin was named the Minister for Fashion, which carried over to the Napoleonic Era. In the 19th century, an Englishman living in Paris named Charles Worth, the father of "haute couture", was the first to put his name on clothing that he had made. The trend took off, and from then on, if you wanted to make a name for yourself in the fashion industry, you came to Paris. The Parisian fashion status took a hit during the German occupation of Paris in World War II, but they gained their status back at the top after Dior and YSL took over. The most important and influential fashion houses are based here, the biggest fashion shows are here, and grandest fashion magazines are headquartered here. Paris is the place to be when you want to talk fashion. 

       A few tips: well-tailored coats are always an excellent option. Make sure it's a neutral. The Parisians love their neutrals. Leather boots and superrrrrr skinny jeans are a current trend popular with the people. Ballerina flats, tights, and short skirts are popular with the younger generations. Also, no one here really wears sunglasses. Maybe I'm just missing those that do, but from what I've seen, women generally don't wear sunnies. Clothing colors are very neutral; it's not uncommon to see someone completely dressed in black. Knit sweaters are also very stylish, as are scarves. But a warning: scarves have to be tied very creatively. None of that just looping it around the neck nonsense.  

      I hope that this gave you a small insight into what the fashion is like here. While I still know I dress like a tourist in my NorthFace and Sperry's on occasion, I at least know that there are greater opportunities out there. And besides, what better place to come than Paris to decide you need to buy a whole new wardrobe? (:

-Samantha Tosh