Are jeans acceptable in France?
French men will occasionally wear shorts, but jeans are pretty much the go-to for most French people. Also, this packing list could be used for spring and fall too depending on the weather!
Jeans are definitely one of the staples of the French wardrobe. It's that kind of basic that flatters most body types, can be worn all year long, pared down or dressed up, and can be worn for every occasion while offering maximum comfort.
Jeans are fine! Try to make sure they're in very good condition and not super loose, and don't wear them to a nice restaurant. Even better, try some actual grown-up pants that are made of something other than denim and leave the jeans at home.
French women tend to stick to jeans that do not have busy designs, bedazzling, or lots of rips. They also prefer jeans that have straight-leg silhouettes and a high waist.
Jeans are not only acceptable to wear in Europe, but very popular. Jeans are part of the dress code in most Cities across Europe and are always a huge part of European fashion!
We know that Paris takes its fashion pretty seriously, but is it really true that a law banning women from wearing trousers was only finally abolished in 2013? Myth: Although naturally plenty of women wear trousers in France it remained technically illegal right up until 2013 because of an old law.
For Paris clothing styles, think dressy top (or the type of top you'd wear to work) plus nice jeans (dark colors are always a good choice). In general, ankle-length slim or skinny jeans are the preferred denim option for your Paris attire.
French women tend to shy away from skinny jeans, and prefer a high waist dark denim pair. Scroll below to see the French style of dressing jeans. From oversized, floaty blouses to striped sweaters, find inspo on how to style jeans like Parisian women.
Skinny jeans are not in style in France but the exception to this rule is a simple solid black pair of black skinny jeans which are exclusively worn under knee-high boots (the cut must be skinny so they don't bunch up around the knee).
Along with short shorts, leggings are equally banished to the back of a French closet. There is a reason that Lululemons are not big in France. Leggings are and should only be worn at the gym. And I mean at the gym, not on the way to the gym!
What kind of jeans do they wear in Paris?
French women know good jeans – look for straight-leg, in classic denim blue. To be paired with smart blazers or casual knits, flats or heels.
But don't shy away from sneakers for any not-so-formal occasion. Wear them in the street with no shame. You will blend in without any problem if you wear jeans and a pair of sneakers. Nike is an American brand, and it is very popular in France.
Skinny Jeans
Jeans are a staple of any European wardrobe.
Wear a Striped Top With Straight Leg Jeans
You'll look like an everyday Parisian in a purposefully unpolished outfit of a must-have striped, cotton t-shirt and well-fitting, cropped straight leg jeans.
Go Neutral
Jeans, especially skinny jeans, are worn by many Europeans, but they don't make for great travel pants, as they take very long to dry. What is this? Build a European Fashion capsule wardrobe for your trip with pieces that you can layer and mix and match and wear with each other. Wear colors that locals wear.
Don't go too casual
Lately, American-style baseball hats, brands that are more visible, and sneakers are pretty popular all around Europe. If you're someone who loves jeans and a t-shirt no matter where you travel, wear a nice cardigan over your outfit (not in summer).
Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather shoes. Top it off with a scarf and you will look tres French.
Instead, in Paris, it's far more common to see women wearing comfortable flat shoes such as ballet flats, loafers, and sneakers. Indeed, since Paris is a city where the locals walk everywhere, sneakers are probably the most stylish and comfortable shoes to wear every day.
Lingerie is an integral part of a French woman's fashion wardrobe. Yes, a great bra also plays a practical role in her life - French women covet comfort and support in their bras like everyone else.
Most Parisians do wear sort of business casual clothing when going to work, and more casual, relaxed clothes on the weekends. However they don't sacrifice style to comfort. It's not typical to wear yoga pants or running style leggings to walk in Paris.
Should 60 year olds wear skinny jeans?
It's not about age; it's all about the fit when it comes to wearing skinny jeans. You just need to adjust the style to your changing body shape. To get the correct fit, look at the waist rise, the upper leg, and the lower leg. Use this combination and you will get the perfect pair of jeans every time.
stilettos (High Heels)
Unless you just want to wear them when taking Instagram photos in Paris, but if your plan is to wear them as your everyday shoes, you may want to think twice! Firstly, you need to know that Paris is best discovered on foot and the city's streets are covered in cobblestones!
Visiting. French people tend not to visit unannounced or uninvited. To do so is considered rude. When invited to a dinner, it is common for guests to ask their hosts if they are required to bring something on the day.
Entry into France or the mere possession of counterfeit products is prohibited. This is a offense and then you risk a fine and jail time. Counterfeiting concerns all areas. Examples: toys, textiles, medicines, domestic appliances, spare parts, cigarettes, perfumes, cosmetics, software, digital products.
The French approach to beauty often involves optimizing a person's natural features in an effortless manner. The way the French seem to work the natural, understated look makes you wonder what Americans can learn from their, usually quite simple, beauty routines.
France is a free country, you can wear shorts in Paris anytime and anywhere, except perhaps in high-end restaurants with dress codes, or possibly religious institutions that prohibit bare legs (or shoulders).
Espadrilles
Espadrilles are the French go-to summer shoe your closet needs! They are literally on the feet of nearly every French woman during the spring and summer season.
Don't: Flip Flops
Flip-flops in France are reserved for beaches or for wearing around the house; everywhere else is a faux pas for sure.
It's fine, though it will make you more even more readily identifiable as a non-local than you already are so just make sure you have your wits about you while walking about. As much as I love yoga pants, I like to at least somewhat look the part of a local so I usually wear jeans and flats.
Japanese denim has a reputation among denim enthusiasts as being the best in the world, and for a good reason. While it doesn't have as long of a history as American jeans like the Levi's 501, Japanese selvedge denim is known for its premium construction and the skilled, artisanal craft required in the making process.
Are jeans appropriate in Italy?
Are jeans appropriate to wear in Italy? While Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, you still can wear jeans in Italy. However, avoid acid wash and extremely distressed denim and opt for medium-dark blues and blacks. Black skinny jeans always look chic in Europe!
As we noticed on French women, as well as ladies from all over the world visiting the "City of Light" during fashion week, it seems the reworked denim jacket (featuring unique details and non-traditional silhouettes) is the must-have for chic Parisian dressing.
So, if you wish to dress like a Parisian, always remember to keep your look simple and minimal. You won't find any Parisian women overdone or overdressed. They believe in wearing just one statement piece like a scarf, a hat, or a great pair of shoes, minimal accessories and simple jewelry.
Entry into France or the mere possession of counterfeit products is prohibited. This is a offense and then you risk a fine and jail time. Counterfeiting concerns all areas. Examples: toys, textiles, medicines, domestic appliances, spare parts, cigarettes, perfumes, cosmetics, software, digital products.
Europeans lean more toward mid-toned jeans than we do, but in general any color is fair game. Right now, brightly colored skinny jeans are very popular in Europe and these style-color combinations are also easy enough to find in the US. Skinny jeans are often paired with looser, longer tops and boots or flats.
French people tend not to visit unannounced or uninvited. To do so is considered rude. When invited to a dinner, it is common for guests to ask their hosts if they are required to bring something on the day.
Avoid asking personal questions relating to one's age, sexual orientation, family or children unless you have a well-established friendship. The French highly value their privacy and the privacy of others. Inquiring about one's salary and finances is taboo.
Don't kiss in a French train station
The SNCF (French railways) got tired of the delays caused by couples kissing their farewells on platforms. Thus was born this weird French law that prohibits making out once the train has pulled up to the station.