It is no secret that the French have a certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to fashion. In fact, the French are often considered the arbiters of style, setting trends that the rest of the world follows.
So, it should come as no surprise that there are certain fashion faux pas that one should avoid while in France. Here are a few examples:
1. Wearing sneakers with anything other than jeans or athletic wear. In France, sneakers are considered casual footwear and are generally only worn for sport or when running errands. If you want to dress up your look, opt for a pair of stylish flats or heels.
2. Wearing shorts. Unless you are at the beach or engaging in a sport, shorts are generally not worn in France. If the weather is hot and you want to stay cool, try a pair of light linen trousers or a sundress instead.
3. Wearing sweatpants. Much like shorts, sweatpants are also considered casual wear and are rarely seen outside of the gym or at home. If you want to dress comfortably, try a pair of yoga pants or leggings instead.
4. Wearing anything that is too revealing. In France, it is considered tasteless to show too much skin. If you are wearing a dress or skirt, make sure it is not too short. And, if you are wearing a top, make sure it is not too low-cut or cropped.
5. Wearing logo-emblazoned clothing. In France, it is considered gauche to wear clothing with large logos or branding. If you want to wear a branded item, opt for something more subtle, like a small logo on a shirt pocket.
6. Wearing clothes that are too casual. In France, it is important to dress appropriately for the occasion. That means no flip-flops, tank tops, or shorts unless you are at the beach or pool. When in doubt, err on the side of dressing up rather than dressing down.
7. Wearing excessive makeup. In France, it is considered tacky to wear too much makeup. A natural look is always best. Stick to a light foundation, a touch of mascara, and a nude lip.
8. Wearing excessively high heels. In France, it is considered chic to be able to walk in your heels, not totter. If you cannot walk in your heels, opt for a lower, more comfortable heel.
9. Wearing black all the time. In France, black is considered to be chic, but that doesn’t mean you should wear it all the time. Try adding a pop of color to your wardrobe with a brightly colored scarf or handbag.
10. Wearing the wrong size. In France, it is important to make sure your clothes fit well. That means no baggy clothes or clothes that are
Other related questions:
Q: What shouldn’t you wear in France?
A: You should avoid wearing anything that is too revealing, as France is generally a more conservative country when it comes to dress. You also want to avoid anything that is too casual, as this can come across as disrespectful.
Q: Is there a dress code in France?
A: There is no specific dress code in France, but it is generally considered polite to dress in a way that is respectful of others. In general, this means avoiding clothing that is too revealing, or that might be considered offensive.
Q: Can you wear jeans in France?
A: Yes, you can wear jeans in France.
Q: How should I dress in France?
A: In France, it is generally recommended that you dress in clothing that is comfortable and not too flashy. Many French people prefer to dress in a more understated way, so it is best to avoid wearing anything that would be considered too loud or gaudy. It is also important to remember that in France, it is considered rude to show too much skin in public, so it is best to avoid wearing shorts or skirts that are too short.
Bibliography
- What Not To Wear in Paris (8 Items to Leave Home)
- What to wear in France | You Could Travel
- Tourists Beware – What NOT to Wear in Paris – Girl Gone Gallic
- What to Wear in Paris (Plus What NOT to Wear in Paris)
- What to wear (and what NOT to wear) during your stay in Paris
- How Can I Dress to Not Look Like a Tourist in France?