10 Ways to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist in Paris

 By Kristy Alpert 

Start by leaving the beret at home.

Packing for a trip to the fashion capital of the world can feel overwhelming, especially as pop culture continues to depict the city as a real-life runway, riddled with over-the-top outfits and avant-garde looks. But the truth is that French style is all about effortlessness, where a single outfit can be appropriate to wear to both a work event or a brunch with friends. Minimalism and capsule wardrobes are the two main rules Parisians dress by, where less is more and timeless classics win out over fad dressing every season of every year.

The rules of what not to wear are a bit more open-ended, as the city is a tourist capital, with tons of visitors from all over the world bringing their own styles and fashions to the city streets. In essence, you can wear anything you want in Paris, but if you want to dress the part and not get marked as a tourist—yes, a Parisian can spot a tourist in just one look—there are some unspoken rules for blending in.

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Berets Are for Tourists 

Although most people associate berets with Paris, the headwear actually originated in Greece and was brought to the Basque region by sailors. It became part of the French military uniform during World War I and was a symbol of La Résistance in the early 1940s. There was a time when it was a popular accessory post-WWII, but nowadays it has become a cultural cliché—and a clear marker of a tourist. It takes a healthy mix of irony and natural panache to pull off a beret in a non-touristy way, which is why very few Parisians would ever be willing to wear one in public.

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No Athleisure (Unless You’re in a Gym) 

It may be fashionable in America to wear branded workout clothes or matching athleisure sets, but in Paris, it’s considered somewhat unseemly to wear clothes you sweat in out in public spaces. Parisians tend to prioritize appearance over comfort, but that doesn’t mean dressing the part has to be uncomfortable. There are great pairs of stretchy trousers and lightweight denim that can offer the same level of comfort with a more fashionable spin. Athleisure is totally fine for those times you’re actually working out, though, bring a change of clothes to slip into before heading to a restaurant, museum, etc.

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Canvas Totes Are a Statement 

It’s always a good idea to bring a small canvas tote bag with you to Paris, if even just because some stores charge extra for using a disposable bag. Canvas totes are also a statement piece, and the metros are filled with Parisians toting these sacs around like prized accessories. You’ll often see people wearing a crossbody or carrying a shoulder bag on one arm while also toting around one of these printed canvas bags on the other. They’re great for holding non-valuables like farmers’ market finds, an umbrella, a book, and a bottle of wine for a picnic. Find one that supports a local boutique or café to really look the part

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Leave the Water Bottle Behind 

The U.S.’s craze for hydration has not trickled into France, and neither have the giant water bottles or accessorized tumblers that Americans love so dearly. Parisians drink water before they leave their homes, with meals, and when they get home … and for other times, you can buy a bottle anywhere or order un carafe d’eau to get free tap water in cafés and restaurants. It’s a clear mark of a tourist to see someone toting a massive metal canister around the city, and, honestly, somewhat of a pain to have to lug around with you through museums and shops.

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Sneakers Are Fine So Long as They’re Chic 

Tennis shoes and sneakers have been a trend in Paris now for a while, but don’t think that you can whip out your well-worn cross-trainers and fit right in. Parisians opt for more stylish shoes, such as all-white sneakers, retro-style sneakers, or color-blocked sneakers, with a clear preference for light-colored options. Wear them with skirts, pants, or even dress slacks, but make sure they’re clean and not too thick a heel.

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Less Is More When It Comes to Jewelry 

The general rule when it comes to accessorizing in Paris is to keep it simple and scale back to just the basics. A single pair of gold mini hoops, paired with an outfit or a ring to complement a business suit, is more than enough to nail the style. Parisian jewelry doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does need to exude a subtle elegance, such as a delicate chain necklace or a simple medallion pendant, to add a touch of sophistication to an outfit.

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Leave the Heels at Home 

Unless you’re in town to attend shows during Paris Fashion Week, there’s never really a need to wear heels while in Paris. Even Parisians prefer comfortable flats to pointy stilettos for dinners out, and they for sure stick to flats, boots, or sneakers for daytime looks. Living in (and visiting) Paris requires a lot of walking, and a chic ballerina or sneaker will get you much farther than any uncomfortable pair of heels ever could.

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Scent Counts as an Accessory 

Wearing a signature scent is an essential element of Parisian style, and a quick spritz before leaving the house is almost ritualistic for most French people. Consider your scent the final piece of your outfit, and you’re well on your way to dressing Parisian. The city is home to some of the world’s top perfume houses (i.e., Guerlain, Diptyque, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, etc.), and many of the brands even customize scents for customers to create an even more personalized fragrance.

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Wear Neutral Shades With a Pop of Color 

There are obvious exceptions, but, in general, Parisians tend to stick to neutral colors like white, beige, and black for everyday wear (re: capsule wardrobes), and add a pop of color to personalize their look. The pop of color can come from anywhere, but most often appears in the form of accessories, such as scarves, purses, hats, or a simple red lip. It’s the chance to show a bit of individuality, without going over the top

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Blazers Go With Everything 

Outerwear changes throughout the seasons, running the gamut from long woolen coats and puffy blanket jackets in the winter to chic camel trench coats and rainproof layers in spring, but the style that never changes throughout the year is a simple blazer. It’s the perfect light layer for dinners, the office, museums, or cafés, and French people wear them with jeans or trousers, over dresses (often worn draped over the shoulders), and even with skirts.