DON’T be a Target…

Why should you care about how you look and worry about not looking like a tourist?

Blending in will help you not only feel more comfortable in your new environment, but it will also help you avoid being a target to popular tourist scams. After all, if you are not recognized as an a tourist, then you will not be targeted by pickpockets or scam artists (see my previous article “10 tips to keep you safe in Paris“).

Since Parisians dress less casually than Americans, you may feel uncomfortable when going out to dinner or to a show. No one, after all, likes to stand out like a sore thumb and be stared at with disapproving glare (the French are experts at this).

What to wear as a Tourist in Paris

For the men, go for a Metro type of look (obviously not Metro Lumberjack ) as a place to start. Stay away from loose and baggy clothes. Gravitate towards button up shirts with a blazer not only for evening wear but also during the day with your jeans (preferably dark-colored).

For the women, dress just a little bit better than you would back at home. You are looking to create ensembles that look effortless and simple chic. If you can, choose black as the basis for your travel wardrobe, add a few accessories, some scarves, and stylish but comfortable shoes (somehow French women navigate the cobblestone roads in high heels with grace, but I advise against it from personal experience).

Check out these links for more packing and wardrobe tips:

BONUS TIP : For both men and women in any weather, add a scarf for instant “Frenchiness”.

Do they look like tourists to you ???They do, and they also do to thieves and scam artists…

Avoid wearing in Paris:

Attitude : Lost and dazed expression, loud excited attitude
Style & Color: Relaxed/casual, oversized, loud bright colors, big splashy patterns
Bags : Backpack, fanny pack, hand-held purse, selfie stick
Tops : Tshirt/sweatshirt printed with home city/state/sports team or “I Love Paris” and avoid anything too low cut
Bottoms : shorts, sweatpants, leisure wear, athletic wear, cargo pants
Jackets : Plastic souvenir poncho from street vendor, sweatshirt, hoodie
Shoes: Tennis/running, hiking, flip-flops, Tevas, Crocs, sandals, white socks
Camera : Camera around neck, Canon or Nikon camera bag logo
City Guides : Paris Guide book, metro map
Accessories & Misc : Expensive or sentimental jewelry, too much makeup, baseball hat/visor, water bottles, store bags like “Chanel” or “Prada”.

“What NOT to wear” in Paris, examples straight off the streets…

Guidelines : “What TO wear” in Paris

All of these are items you probably already have in your closet, it’s about what you choose to pack rather than an invitation to go shopping (although I wholeheartedly embrace that as well!).

Style & Color : Neutral solids, particularly black or grey, fitted silhouette
Bags : Zippered leather purse slung across chest, money belt, PacSafe or Travelon’s Anti-Theft Crossbody purses
Tops : Designer tshirt, polo shirt, buttoned up shirt or blouse
Bottoms : fitted dark or colored jeans, slacks, skirts/dresses.
Jackets : Blazer, Chanel style jacket, tasteful rainwear, ScottEvest, peacoats or similar
Shoes : Ballerina flats, nice sandals, Converse/Vans, loafers, fashion boots
Camera : Non descriptive camera bag, or hidden in regular bag
City Guides : French newspaper, Pariscope (available at newsstand Wed’s)
Accessories & Misc : Costume jewelry, scarves, big sunglasses, fabric tote to carry purchases
Attitude: Relaxed assured expression, calm

The idea is to keep you safe and avoid being a target, and one of the ways you can do that is by not looking like a tourist. Attitude goes a long way as well. It’s what I do when regularly I travel solo, and it works.