OMG! I can't believe you wore that around Paris! I can believe the reactions that you received. LOL First, you do look super cute in that outfit. I like the blazer over the outfit. Second, this was a fun article to read. Third, I'm one of those people who is sick of seeing people dressed in athleasure. I live in the US and it's just so overdone. Personally, I don't feel at my best or at my most confident when I'm in leggings or gym clothes which is why I choose not to wear them outside of the gym/studio. But that's me. As you pointed out, it will be interesting to see if the Olympics bring any changes to fashion in Paris.
Funny story, I'm at a café in Paris and a French woman at the table next to me says to her non-French friend "those women are students from the UK because no self-respecting French woman would dress like that". I was dying! As an American living outside Paris, I tried to fit in and not to call attention to myself as an outsider. Plus, I love the way French women dress! I was obsessed with learning and observing the whole picture - the attitude, the confidence, the style, the hair and makeup, the accessories, how they put it all together, mixing high and low and new and old. I loved all of it.
une fois au Luxembourg… returning home from a long morning run in shorts, sneaks, and bra- I coincidentally encounter my French boyfriend, in his suit, walking to work at credit suisse. He pretends not to know me. The end.
I had a very similar yet opposite experience as a Parisian moving to Sydney- aka the active wear Mecca. At first, it was quite a culture shock!
On one hand, the French ‘parti pris’ to reserve gym clothes solely for workouts seems a bit outdated, yet on the other, I appreciate the distinction it creates between athletic and social garments, keeping a certain elegance in the socialite sphere… It’s a split decision for me!
OMG! I can't believe you wore that around Paris! I can believe the reactions that you received. LOL First, you do look super cute in that outfit. I like the blazer over the outfit. Second, this was a fun article to read. Third, I'm one of those people who is sick of seeing people dressed in athleasure. I live in the US and it's just so overdone. Personally, I don't feel at my best or at my most confident when I'm in leggings or gym clothes which is why I choose not to wear them outside of the gym/studio. But that's me. As you pointed out, it will be interesting to see if the Olympics bring any changes to fashion in Paris.
Funny story, I'm at a café in Paris and a French woman at the table next to me says to her non-French friend "those women are students from the UK because no self-respecting French woman would dress like that". I was dying! As an American living outside Paris, I tried to fit in and not to call attention to myself as an outsider. Plus, I love the way French women dress! I was obsessed with learning and observing the whole picture - the attitude, the confidence, the style, the hair and makeup, the accessories, how they put it all together, mixing high and low and new and old. I loved all of it.
Epic look
une fois au Luxembourg… returning home from a long morning run in shorts, sneaks, and bra- I coincidentally encounter my French boyfriend, in his suit, walking to work at credit suisse. He pretends not to know me. The end.
Before you go all in on this trend, spend a little time walking the streets of America and see how wrong it can go.
Oh trust me, I’m from Toronto, I know.
Your piece really resonated with me :)
I had a very similar yet opposite experience as a Parisian moving to Sydney- aka the active wear Mecca. At first, it was quite a culture shock!
On one hand, the French ‘parti pris’ to reserve gym clothes solely for workouts seems a bit outdated, yet on the other, I appreciate the distinction it creates between athletic and social garments, keeping a certain elegance in the socialite sphere… It’s a split decision for me!
Chic!
Trés cool!
Hi Monica, where can I watch your documentary? (I’m in the US). I heard about it a few years ago and have always wanted to see it.
Aw thanks for your interest. Honestly, I’m not sure, it was five years ago now… but let me ask if there’s a link I can share.
Thank you so much! And thank you for all the great podcasts and posts. So many happy hours of listening and reading.