Both New York and Paris are fashion capitals, and are home to some of the world’s finest couture houses. With one city opening fashion month and the other closing it, what is the difference between NYC fashion versus La Mode Parisienne?
If a New Yorker moves to Paris, she will find that not everything inside her Samsonite will suit the French capital. Sure, those Bottega Veneta boots will always be magic, but to belong in La Ville Lumière, she has to leave some of The Big Apple behind.
COLOR
While the New York City Subway looks like a chic funeral with most people wearing black from head to toe, Parisian women love a little subtle color. The rules: they should be in the same palette. Two is preferable, three may be too much.
In the summer, New Yorkers like to color block while Parisians keep it neutral.
HANDBAGS
A NYC woman works hard, and for that, she adores the handbag that she hooks onto her forearm, and places carefully on the table. The bigger the Hermès, the better.
A parisienne holds her sac in her hand or wears it across her torso. Like a bona fide part of herself, it will never be far away. It is sized right to carry the essentials, just like the Paris state of mind.
SHOES
It may have been a French man named Christian Dior who revolutionized the stiletto, but it’s the women of New York who bring them to life. Parisians opt for comfort with block heels, and they regularly ride their bikes in them!
SKIN
Contoured, well-baked make-up with lavish eyeshadows and neutral lips is all the buzz in the city that never sleeps. Meanwhile in Paris, women spend as much time on their faces as their American counterparts, but it’s all about the skincare. Au naturel is key.
HAIR
It’s a wonder that the New Yorker is able to manage full time work, maintaining an interesting circle of friends, and completing a postgraduate degree all while sporting well-kept and flawless hair.
Au contraire, a Parisian would prefer an undone hairstyle. It’s an unspoken rule for the French to leave one thing undone. Since it would not be skin nor clothes, then it’s their manes.
EXPOSURE
It’s only in Jean Paul Gaultier ads that a parisienne is a walking femme fatale. Parisian women like their legs covered in tights and their neck with a scarf. New York ladies exude their sexuality through tight-fit or bare back dresses.
Et voilà! No more fashion faux pas in fabulous Paris! When you’re in town, keep a watchful eye at the supermarché, at the boulangerie, or even on the métro to check out the trends for yourself. Bon courage!
Related Links
- Curious about another New Yorker’s life in Paris? Have a look at My Perfect Day in Paris with Kasia Dietz.
- Check out An Alternative Montmartre Guide – By a Local!
- Do you know How to Host a French Apéritif at Home?
Written by Maikka Piquemal for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long-term or buy in France or Italy? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates.
