Tourist Identity Revealed Immediately in France Due to Common Article of Clothing
In the heart of Europe, Paris, the city of love, is known worldwide for its rich culture and iconic fashion. However, the traditional beret, long associated with French culture, is rarely worn by modern Parisians. Instead, they prefer minimalist and classic styling, such as blazers and monochrome color schemes.
For tourists visiting France, blending in with the locals can help avoid falling prey to pickpockets. Adopting a polished, timeless, and understated style is key. Avoid gym clothes and athleisure, opting instead for classic, tailored pieces like pinstripe sets, tailored trousers or shorts, and crisp button-down shirts.
Embrace neutral and pastel color palettes, such as light pink, sky blue, lavender, and soft earth tones that align with the French Riviera style. Accessories like a basket bag and simple sandals add a French touch without standing out as touristy. For a casual but chic look, consider bohemian-inspired pieces with loose fits and lightweight fabrics.
Overall, aim for an effortless, elegant, and understated wardrobe with high-quality, timeless staples like tailored blazers, straight-leg jeans, ballet flats, and crisp button-downs. These pieces convey a sense of relaxed sophistication that will help you blend in more effectively with the locals.
However, wearing a beret as a tourist in France can make you stand out as a visitor. If you wish to wear a beret, opt for a subtle and solid-colored one, such as a black or navy wool version, and avoid getting it from a souvenir shop. Wearing a beret during warmer months might make you stand out, so it's best to save it for winter or wear it as a fashion accessory back home.
It's important to note that the beret's association with French culture is historical, but its current usage by locals is minimal. The beret originated in Greece, where sailors brought it to the Basque region before being adopted by the French military in the early 20th century.
Locals in France, including the elderly or southwesterners, may still wear the classic French beret in neutral colors for practical purposes, such as a winter accessory. But, wearing a beret during your stay in France might unknowingly send a message that you are a tourist, so it's best to avoid it or wear it discreetly to avoid this impression.
Avoiding gimmicky attires and dressing in classic and practical fashion staples can help you blend in more effectively with the locals. By following these fashion recommendations, you can more closely mimic the style of French locals and reduce standing out as a tourist.
In addition to clothes, adopting local manners and etiquette, such as greeting shopkeepers properly, will also help you blend in better culturally. So, next time you're planning a trip to France, remember these fashion tips to help you blend in and fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and fashion of the city.
(1) Adopting a polished, timeless, and understated style, which includes neutral and pastel color palettes, classic, tailored pieces, and simple accessories, can help tourists visiting France blend in more effectively with the locals and reduce the impression of being a tourist.
(2) Instead of wearing a beret, which is historical in its association with French culture but currently seldom worn by locals, tourists could opt for a subtle and solid-colored beret, such as black or navy wool version, in warmer months or as a fashion accessory back home to avoid standing out as a visitor.
