This week, I spent 4 nights in Lisbon, getting gum surgery and healing in the sunny, super friendly city. Arriving back home on Friday, Paris is getting crowded as American schools start summer vacation and the Olympics are upon us. While walking my daily 10k steps, I’m not really interested in what the tourists are wearing. I love to study the French and their effortless style. If I’m honest, I’m probably staring at Parisians for too long but it’s for “research” so I can share with you.
A word of caution. A lot of photos on the internet in Paris are of tourists or expats, not the French. So, I’m sharing what Parisians are actually wearing this summer in the wild - the essentials, easy to incorporate in your wardrobe or maybe you already have something similar in your closet!
Please chime in with anything I missed in the comments section. I would love to know what I forgot, overlooked, or if you have a different opinion! Tomorrow, I leave for the U.S. with my family for our annual American summer tour with stops in St. Pete, Eugene, Seattle, Austin, and Portland, Maine. Next time we chat, I’ll be on American soil!
It just got warm in Paris. June was rather chilly and grey, so the classic camel trench coat was necessary since it was always raining or about to rain. Now that it’s getting warmer, the floral dresses are coming out. Parisians love an effortless, light dress in a solid color like this white linen dress or a navy print. I just got the Sézane Dorotha dress in black for a wedding in Oregon, but I also love it in the black and white floral option too! If you’re not in the mood for a dress, you can’t beat a white on white outfit like these ivory Levi 501s with a classic white tee. I’ve been living in this exact outfit.
For handbags, you’ll see the traditional French straw bag everywhere especially at the outdoor weekend markets. It’s just so practical for trip to the grocery store, pool, beach, or just the coffee shop with your computer. For a more petite option, I’m obsessed with this A.P.C. raffia and black leather crossbody bag, plus it’s on sale right now.
Let’s talk about footwear. Most Parisians are wearing the classic suede Birkenstocks or sneakers in the summer. Last year, it was all about the Vejas and this summer is all about the Sambas. Everyone is wearing Sambas in Paris, but the Nike Cortez are the next hot shoe imo.
Well, that was fun!! I hope you enjoyed this week’s Postcards from Paris and please let me know in comments. Next time we chat, I’ll be in the U.S. on my whirlwind American world tour!
Bisous,
Allison
Wonderful to have assurance that 501s and a white tee are classics even in Paris given that this wet summer it has become my uniform! Have a fabulous trip ✈️
I would second this! My husband and I are in the process of relocating to Paris (from Portland funny enough) after spending the past few years going there for months on end. I feel like the french are much more casual, and practical, than how most articles and photos paint them. Lots of easy dresses, simple seperates and practical shoes. And they love a good accessorie or pop of color/print!