Style Notes From Paris (Part 1)
Late Spring Style In Paris
I’ve been keeping my eyes open, and making mental notes of the styles I’m seeing repeatedly here in Paris.
We’re usually in Paris earlier in the season when it isn’t as warm, and women are still wearing darker neutrals. I’m seeing much more color and pattern on this visit, and some softer silhouettes. Yes there are always those women in slim pants and a tailored blazer, but that look is no longer as ubiquitous as it once was. Styles seem to be less structured and formal this time of year.
Silky Printed Pants
In either floral or abstract prints, I’ve seen quite a few women in soft printed pants like these when the weather warms up. Worn with a tee shirt, blouse, or even an oversized button-front shirt.
Vince Camuto | Aqua | Frame | J.Crew | Vince Camuto | Bobeau | Evans (Plus) | Hinge | Anthropologie
Lightweight Dusters
I’ve spotted many versions of what look like simplified, silky trenches. I’ve also noticed some somewhat gauzy linen or rayon-like long toppers worn with pants. Solids and stripes mostly, but occasionally a print or some embroidery.
Splendid | Trouvé | B.P. | Eileen Fisher | Chloé | Lafayette 148 |
Allsaints | Rachel Rachel Roy (Plus) | Anthropologie
Gauzy Scarves
While I haven’t noticed many women wearing scarves during the heat of day, you do still see them worn in the in the cooler mornings and evenings. This time of year, they’re usually light and gauzy. One thing I’ve noticed is that French women often match (or closely match) the color of their scarf to their outfit, as opposed to using it as a contrast or accent piece. Light blue top, light blue scarf. Lilac top, lilac scarf.
I’ve seen the occasional silk scarf, usually a smaller one.
Tory Burch | Love Quotes | Eileen Fisher | Off 5th | Scotch & Soda | Eileen Fisher | Caslon
Turban Headbands
I’m not kidding. I’ve seen several women of all ages wearing these, but oddly enough haven’t spotted any in shop windows yet. They’re worn either on top of the hair as shown above, or like a traditional headband to keep hair out of face.
Jennifer Behr | Donni Charm | Mango | Gucci | Cost Plus | Anthropologie
I’ll have more Paris style trends later this week. We’re off to do a guided shopping tour today…should be fun and I look forward to sharing with you!
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Wonderful! Loving your Paris posts!
This is fun to read. Maybe because in the south we have a different definition of “hot,” I haven’t yet seen many examples of the billowy pants. OTOH, young women are wearing dressy pinstripe trousers with T-shirts. And the trench dusters. On more adult women I see lots of dresses, especially with prints, and the clingy DVF-style wrap.
I always love a good trend-spotting post! The turban headbands kind of intrigue me… And, as much as I like a scarf as an accent piece, the matching ones sound chic.
Absolutely loving your posts from Paris! <3 Keep them coming!
really enjoying this trip and the fashion news. Thank you
Always love your posts, but following this one avidly as we are going to Paris next week! And Lyon in September!
For some reason, I thought French women didn’t wear florals, but I saw floral dresses everywhere. The print on your silk shirt yesterday was spot on — dark background with floral sprigs.
Love your info! This Spring I saw TONS Of chiffon-type pleated skirts in Paris, mostly in pastels, worn with either a fitted tank or scoop neck T, usually black on top/pastel on bottom. That seemed to work on all ages, as long as you are thin. I tried one on, and it was an instant “no” for me, as I can’t wear anything that adds volume on the bottom. I saw a few heavier ladies pulling it off, but not for me.
I am reading all your posts with extra interest this time….I will be in Paris for. Week in Sept/October. Could you provide the name of the guide who is giving your vintage shopping tour? My friend and I would love to do something like that this time. Thank you…. in advance…. and enjoy!
Yes to the scarf! So interesting that it is not an accent statement and blends in with the blouse! Keep posting, all of your updates are fascinating! Not sure I am brave enough for a printed pant look.
I was in Paris a few week ago and a lot of the women wore dresses – is that style still hot. I think it is really taking off in the States.
Love seeing what is going on in Paris. Even though we are becoming more global – Paris always seems to be in the lead.
now to translate to West Texas! I use the scarf trick often! And found tunics in my closet i didn’t know i had! Love when magiic happens! Enjoy!
I have tried many different patterned pants over the years as they’ve gone in and out of style (especially during the summer). For me, a pinstripe or small plaid trouser in fall/winter can work. Spring/summer just doesn’t. I can’t bring myself to do it. Especially florals. Ah well, as you say, style is individual, not chasing trends. This will be a pass for me. But, thanks for the duster recommendations, I’ve been searching for a nice flowing lightweight trench for 3 seasons and haven’t found the right one!
For those looking for a duster trench, J Crew has a nice one. It’s available in camel and I pretty pale lavender.
Great Paris insights, but disappointed to see the trends there are more toward AMERICAN inspired sportswear. “The Same Everywhere”. Not very imaginative, but most likely, better quality than here. Thanks for the nice updates.
We were in Barcelona 4 years ago, and I saw many young women ( never older) wearing these silky drawstring pants. They looked so cool and comfortable! Until I get rid of my hips, these will have to wait. But, I love the look. Will probably be all the rage next year in the US.
I must admit to being wary of a printed pants trend as, historically, it doesn’t normally go beyond a season. Having spent many hours in the last couple of years purging my wardrobe, I’m reluctant to start adding ‘on trend’ items again. They are also difficult to resell and end up in the donation pile instead. If the only way around the debacle is to purchase the economy version, have some fun for a season and then donate, it’s now nagging my conscience about global waste.
Any suggestions on finding a balance?
Those pants in the window are nice.
I see a lot of black/white patterned pants around. They’re a summer neutral and quite common for those of us heading out to fairly casual offices. A black or summer bright jacket/sweater and you’ve got an outfit.
As a curvy girl I go with sturdy fabric for pants, anything too silky exposes jiggle and then I feel like I need to wear a shaper under them. It’s more comfortable to go with a little spandx in the pants fabric than a whole layer underneath.
The first (and only) piece that grabbed my attention was the red utility jacket in the first photo. That’s something I would buy and know that it would be enjoyed for a very long time!
Love your new bag – great color too.
We in England and Italy, where we have a place, have been wearing same colour scarfs either different shade or main colour with one or two other muted colours for a couple of years .
These are some of my favorite posts…I like it when you show us what the trends are!
so interesting. that will be a true delight to observe the styles in Paris. I’m your basic black or navy or olive for pants and add pattern in tops/scarves but not too much. Dresses–I am exploring more prints this summer, for casual wear. Stripes too. Definitely the summer of the dress.
Thanks for offering shopping examples of the trenches in different styles and price points. Good show.
Re Parisian styles changing, haven’t they always changed? It started probably long before Chanel who outraged those who had it already figured out. Then Dior and the New Look inspired and different audiaudiences. Then the glamour girls of the 60s and 70s in their bikinis and tuxedos and boho garb. Eventually black jeans sns blazers and stilettos. Rinse and repeat. Amen. 🙂
I wore a pair of printed chiffon drawstring pants on my cruise last week and it looked great with the T-shirt and a long over blouse. more versatile than I thought.
I saw a woman at a flea market this week with very short hair like mine wearing a turban headband you feature. I think I’m going to have to get that one a try as well !