Tourist-Identifying Garment Promptly Exposes Travellers in France
In the city of love, standing out as a tourist can be a magnet for unwanted attention. To help you blend in with the locals and experience Paris like a true Parisian, here are some key points to remember.
Dress Simply and Stylishly
Parisians favor minimalist, classic clothing over flashy tourist staples. Avoid baseball caps, white socks with sneakers, large backpacks, fanny packs, and overly colorful or maximalist outfits. Opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, leather jackets, simple accessories, and earth-toned bags. A touch of red lipstick and artfully tousled hair can help achieve a Parisian look.
Adopt Local Social Etiquette
Always greet with a polite "bonjour" when entering shops or interacting with people and say "au revoir" when leaving. Avoid assuming the customer is always right; French service culture is different, and a polite, respectful demeanor is essential.
Mind Your Behavior and Voice
Speak softly and use your indoor voice, as French people tend to be quieter than many other Europeans. Avoid loud conversations or speaking loudly in public spaces.
Avoid Outdated Clichés
Don’t wear berets unless you really want to embrace a very old-fashioned image. Also, steer clear of saying "garcon" to call a waiter, as it is considered rude.
Engage Appropriately in Dining and Social Situations
Don’t eat on the go; instead, sit down to enjoy meals. When dining with others, serve others first before yourself. If visiting someone’s home, wait to be served drinks rather than helping yourself.
Understand Cultural Differences in Time and Punctuality
It's normal to be modestly late for social gatherings in France without it being seen as rude—though excessive tardiness is unacceptable.
Carry Yourself Confidently but Naturally
Locals often spot tourists by subtle cues like posture, how you carry your belongings, and your mannerisms more than just clothing or language.
Embrace Classic Fashion Staples
Mixing with locals in France can be achieved by wearing classic fashion staples such as a neutral trench coat, well-tailored pants, a crisp button-down shirt, or a simple blouse. Lightweight scarves, minimalist hats or caps, and comfortable flats or sandals can further help blend in with the French or Parisian style.
The Beret: A Souvenir, Not an Everyday Wear
The beret, once a symbol of national identity and everyday attire in France, is now more of a souvenir targeted at visitors rather than everyday wear for locals. The red beret is particularly noticeable and often associated with tourists. The beret, with its roots in Greece, was adopted by the French military and the Basque region before becoming a symbol of French culture. However, modern Parisians prefer minimalist and classic styling like blazers and monochrome color schemes.
By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to blending in with the locals in Paris and creating unforgettable memories in the city of love.
[1] The Cultured Traveler: How to Dress Like a Parisian
[2] How to Blend In: Parisian Fashion Tips for Tourists
[3] French Service Culture: What Tourists Need to Know
[4] How to Spot a Tourist in Paris
- To truly embrace the Parisian lifestyle while traveling, fashion-conscious travelers might consider adopting local fashion trends such as minimalist, classic clothing, earth-toned bags, and simple accessories, while avoiding flashy tourist staples.
- For the cultured traveler seeking a more authentic Parisian experience, it's important to understand and follow the local social etiquette, including greeting with "bonjour" and "au revoir", adopting a polite and respectful demeanor, and allowing for modest tardiness in social gatherings.
