10 things NOT to wear in Paris to avoid looking like a tourist!
Are you traveling to Paris soon?
Great, because you probably don’t want to stand out as a tourist.
Parisians are very fashion-forward people, and there are things that you, as a tourist, can wear that will single you out, saying, “This person is definitely a tourist.”
That is why, in this list, I have put together 10 fashion faux pas to avoid that will make you look like a tourist, and I’ve also included what to wear instead.
Avoid: Bright, Flashy Colors
I’m going to be honest, Parisians don’t really wear bright, flashy colors. I’m a Lowlander myself. People from the Lowlands, especially from the Netherlands, love bright colors.
French people in Paris, not so much.
Flashy and bright colors attract unnecessary attention in Paris and are rarely seen on the streets. Parisians actually prefer a more understated and elegant look.
What to wear instead to avoid looking like a tourist:
Instead, go for neutral and more subdued tones such as black, navy, grey, and beige. You can actually combine these colors with a statement piece that can be bright but not too flashy.
One of the reasons people in Paris often opt for neutral colors is because these colors are very versatile and can easily be mixed and matched to create a very chic and sophisticated look.
This also allows the statement piece to take up the attention, like a nice necklace, blazer, pair of shoes, handbag, or even a beautiful Hermès shawl.
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Avoid: Graphic T-Shirts and Logos
Another dead giveaway that you are a tourist is wearing t-shirts with large logos or graphics. They will literally know you are a tourist before you even say bonjour.
They can appear very casual and out of place in Paris. I would also avoid t-shirts with large logos of haute couture or expensive luxury brands. If you’re really investing in a piece from those brands, chances are you won’t see a logo if it’s truly expensive.
So, in a fashion capital like Paris, stay away from anything with the logo of a luxury brand plastered on it or you will look like a tourist in France.
What to wear in Paris instead:
Instead, go for simple, solid-colored tops or very subtle patterns. For instance, a classic white blouse or a Breton striped t-shirt, as these are timeless and elegant choices.
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Avoid: Athletic Wear
I mean, I get it. Most of the time I’m sitting here in yoga pants and a t-shirt, but if you are going to Paris, I would really warn against wearing gym clothes like leggings, sweatpants, or even running shoes outside of a workout context.
These things really scream “tourist.”
Even I, as a European, can notice American tourists especially by their shorts and white tennis shoes. American men of a certain age tend to dress in a T-shirt, shorts and a pair of white tennis shoes.
Parisians and many big-city Europeans actually reserve athletic wear for the gym only unless they are just lounging at home and running to the supermarket to get something.
What to wear instead:
I would recommend wearing trousers or jeans. If you’re a man, wear some chinos, and then you can pair these with stylish flats, ankle boots, or smart casual sneakers. These pieces can be incredibly comfortable without compromising on style.
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Avoid: Fanny Packs and Large Backpacks
For the love of all that is holy, please do not wear any fanny packs in Paris. Fanny packs and large backpacks are often associated with tourists, especially those who might not be very well-traveled.
They often use these to protect their money or to carry around maps, cameras, and other travel essentials. They will literally make you stand out like a sore thumb.
What to wear instead to avoid looking like a tourist in Paris:
Instead, I would recommend going for a crossbody bag, a messenger bag, or a small, elegant backpack. These options are both practical and stylish.
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Avoid: Baseball Caps
I’m going to be honest here, we Europeans do not wear a lot of baseball caps. They are rarely seen on the streets in Europe, especially in Paris, so wearing a baseball cap can really make you stand out as a tourist.
If you do wear a baseball cap, please make sure to take it off when you walk inside. It is considered incredibly rude to wear a cap indoors.
And no – wearing a beret won’t make you more Parisian. On the contrary. You will become the target of every pickpocket in the area!
How not to dress like a tourist:
Instead, I would recommend wearing a Panama hat or perhaps a wide-brimmed sun hat. These hats provide sun protection while also adding a touch of Parisian flair to your outfit.
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Avoid: White Sneakers
White sneakers have become quite trendy, but I would say that in Paris and in Europe in general, they are often still associated with tourists, especially if the sneakers are incredibly sporty, like tennis shoes.
This will help you avoid looking like a tourist:
Instead, I would recommend wearing stylish, smart casual sneakers or loafers. If you’re a woman, you can choose ballet flats or ankle boots. These options are incredibly comfortable for walking and blend seamlessly with Parisian style.
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Avoid: Heavy Makeup and Bold Accessories
I would also avoid wearing heavy makeup and very bold accessories. Heavy makeup can look really out of place, especially because Parisian style and elegance are very understated.
Bold accessories can be combined with a neutral look as a statement piece, but I would not combine them with anything else that is bold.
Aim for a minimal look with the bold accessory as the statement piece.
What to wear if you don’t want to look like a tourist:
Keep your makeup light and very natural. I would go for brown or pink eyeshadow, and then a nice pink or slightly reddish lip. Choose subtle accessories, like a delicate necklace or a classic watch, if you are wearing anything a bit bolder. You can also add a scarf as a very chic addition to your outfit.
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Avoid: Flip-Flops
I love flip-flops as much as the next person, especially since I lived in Asia for four years, but flip-flops are strictly beachwear in France and are considered very inappropriate in Paris.
I also wouldn’t recommend wearing them when walking around because they offer very little to no support, so by the evening, your feet will hurt a lot.
What to wear instead on a trip to Paris:
Go for a comfortable yet stylish sandal. Go for Espadrilles or loafers.
I’m not sure whether Birkenstocks would be okay.
I think it would depend on the style. In most other European capitals, Birkenstocks would totally be fine, but maybe don’t wear them in Paris if you want to blend in.
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Avoid: Rain ponchos
Rain is never nice, but please avoid wearing bulky parkas, weird windbreakers, or those plasticky poncho things to protect you against the rain.
They’re not sophisticated, and honestly, only tourists wear them, so stay away from them as much as you can.
What to wear instead in Paris:
Instead, go for a trench coat, a blazer, a stylish little raincoat, or even an umbrella. These pieces are perfect to keep the weather away, while you still look very nice and sophisticated for the streets of Paris.
Avoid: Cargo Shorts
Cargo shorts are super comfortable, and I am the first to admit this because I have quite a few of these mom cargo shorts and love them. However, I wouldn’t wear them in Paris.
They’re often associated with tourists because they’re incredibly practical, but they also look very bulky and not very sophisticated. Parisians commonly do not wear cargo shorts or cargo trousers, so please stay away from them.
What to wear instead:
Especially for men, because it’s mostly men who wear cargo shorts and cargo trousers, I would recommend choosing really nice chinos or linen trousers if it’s summer.
These options are incredibly comfortable and provide a more refined look that aligns more with French culture and the style you would see on the streets in Paris.
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