Anyone can go online and see examples of couture designs from the latest Paris Fashion Week; however, those outfits are nothing like the clothing worn by average people in Paris. Here are photos of the best Paris street styles for real women over 40 or 50. You can adapt any look to fit your age.
What to Wear in Paris in Spring or Fall
I am an American; however, I have been to Paris many times and I have just returned from a trip that covered the last week of winter and the first week of spring 2011. I spent many hours at fabulous sidewalk cafes, drinking coffee and diligently studying Parisian women of all ages. So, if you are planning a trip to Paris or you just want to add some chic items to your wardrobe, this article will help you. Here is what I saw.
Black Clothing or Dark Denim
It is true that Parisian females wear black as their main neutral; however, they also wear dark denim, especially if they are younger Boomers or they are dressing for the weekend.
- If you are an average-sized, American Baby-Boomer chick (or you're a bit chubby), you should use black as your main neutral and you’ll look like a chic Parisian. Black is slimming and it doesn’t show dirt, so black is just as practical for you as it is for the Parisian natives who commute to work by (sometimes) grimy Metro subways.
- Older Parisian women are now wearing dark denim jeans, which are just as practical as black pants or skirts. Most of the ladies wear bootcut jeans but some wear skinny jeans with boots or flats, just like their teenage daughters.
It is easier to look chic (and to feel comfortable) in stretchy black travel outfits. And, if you wear mainly black, you can wear a skirt that’s a bit above the knee without looking out of place.
Black Clothing with Bright Accents
Black can be worn with every neutral and every color as long as the outfit is mostly black and/or neutral brown, gray, or denim blue. If you want to fit in, only add one or two non-neutral pieces. If you are an artsy ex-hippie like me, add more color and get more stares. Here are some common examples of how Parisians add color.
- Black with red shoes: I saw many older women in all black with red shoes (and sometimes a red scarf or purse), however they were more covered than the girl in this picture (with black pants or a longer dress).
- Blue with red shoes: I also saw all-black outfits with purple, blue, metallic, pumpkin, and other unusual shoe colors.
- Colored Tights: Older women wore dark purple or aubergine tights, but this kept them from looking funereal. Lace tights had the same effect when worn by Boomer women.
- Colored Skirts with Black Outfits: Somehow, a black outfit, punctuated by a colored skirt, looked very cool in Paris.
- All Black with a Bright Coat: The most memorable coats were red or cobalt blue and were worn with black.
Other ways to add color are with boots, gloves, scarves, and hats. Older women can take any Parisian style, even the styles shown on younger babes, and tweak the look to make the proportions right for their age and body shapes. I’ve seen it done in so many amazing ways.
Flat Calf-High or Knee-High Boots
I have seen older Parisian women in stiletto pumps, but it takes years to perfect walking on cobblestones in 4-inch heels. If the weather is warmer, you might like ballet flats, but when it’s cool or cold, I think boots are best for stability.
- Perfect boots for Paris: I saw boots like these, in black or brown, on women of every age.
- High heel booties: If you want height, get a thicker, stacked heel.
- Over-the-Knee Boots: This trend is tricky, but I did see older women wearing flat thigh-high boots over skinny jeans or black leggings, and somehow it looked great. It was very high-end footwear.
Huge Leather Handbags and Purses
It’s not an absolute requirement but all of the chicest women in Paris seemed to have very large handbags. See if this style works for you or wait until you get to Europe and buy something at Le Bon Marche or a cute little boutique. The most practical bags had a cross-body strap and a regular handle, but these leather handbags are expensive, so make sure you really like your purse before leaving the store.
- Large Parisian Leather Tote
- Large Black Purse: This outfit might be the ideal Parisian look for older women.
What Not to Wear in Paris
Don’t wear jogging outfits, white Nike-style jogging shoes, or anything too casual. Don’t wear too much makeup. However, if you feel out of place when you get to Paris, you can always find something to buy. Actually, you can find too much to buy in Paris. If your makeup is too harsh for minimalistic Paris, just take the Metro to the huge Sephora flagship store on the Champs-Elysees. They will sell you some great cleansers, masks, and creams that will make your skin glow without goop.
Tweaking Trendy Fashion for Women Over 40 or 50
Anything you see on a young Parisian girl in her 20s can be adapted to become perfect Baby-Boomer street style. Just, tone things down. Wear a longer skirt or top than you would if you were a kid. Pack well-fitting outfits, good boots, and a big leather bag. And, when in doubt, wear black, wear very little makeup, and walk without smiling. Then, you’ll really fit in.
More Articles:
Best Website Maps for Getting Around Paris: Metro, Bus, RER Train
Comfortable Shoes for Women: Travel Footwear for Walking Europe
What to Wear in Paris in Early Spring or Late Fall
Extra Large Leather Handbags Worn by Chic Parisian Women
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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