#1: Sneakers
I am so, so thankful for all your helpful travel comments because for every article I read that says fashionable sneakers are having a moment in Paris there's another one claiming sneakers will instantly brand you a tourist. (Now, I get that not all sneakers are created equal but still.) I went and tried on a bunch of different styles and decided on this pair:
#2 Ballet Flats
Marianne just talked me down from buying overpriced flats by reminding me that I already freaking own flats. Now, there is no such thing as a truly comfortable all-day flat but I do want to have a cute shoe to wear for dinners out. Mostly I am planning on wearing jeans/pants and tops, but I would like to bring one nice outfit. So I am NOT buying new flats, no matter how wicked cute they are. I am not. Instead I am going to bring my Madewell blue suede skimmers or my Sam Edelman gold flats. 100% bad for walking all day, but easy to pack and perfect for an evening out.
#3 Chelsea Boots
I wanted a walkable non-sneaker option and y'all know I love my boots, so I'm bringing my Cole Haan Landsman boots as well. They'll be especially great if it rains and I always feel like myself in boots. I wish I could bring my favorite Madewell boots but they have too much heel for all-day walking.
Anyway! That is settled, more or less, and now I'm going to move on to overthinking outerwear. Madewell olive jacket with a hood? Probably. Lightweight camel classic trench coat? Maybe. Awesome leather motorcycle jacket? Probably not but it would be fun...
Yay! I'm so stoked for your trip.
ReplyDeleteLike you said, there are sneakers and then there are *sneakers*. These black ones are perfect. You know the Mark-You-As-A-Tourist ones -- those giant white NB bricks. These Nikes are just right with white swoosh; the all-black ones might seem like you're trying too hard to Not Wear Tourist Sneakers. (OK, who's overthinking NOW? :) )
I like what you said about feeling like yourself. Your style's on point and pretty global -- you'll be fine! Have fun
I always think about the big white sneakers that Steve Carrell's character wears in Crazy, Stupid Love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5zJoaJXbiE
DeleteI agree with Katie...I like the Nikes you have. The all black ones are nice but kind of remind me of the non-slip shoes that servers wear. I think your shoe choices are perfect!
ReplyDeleteHa, they do, kind of, don't they? I will stick with what I have. Thanks for the imput!
DeleteAll the French lady tourists I used to see in Brooklyn wore Converse or Keds and were easy to pick out of the crowd as a result. Be proud to be an American in your comfy Nikes!
ReplyDeleteFair enough! I just don't want to be the obvious tourist, even though I am totally a tourist.
DeleteI wore my regular Alegrias with their awesome arch support - and got a lot of compliments from folks because I brought my cutest ones. I recommend any shoe that is really comfortable and supports your arches.
ReplyDeleteCool! Glad they worked for you. Can't wait to hear about your trip!
Deleteok, so I was in Paris in the spring, with many of the same concerns you have. Those types of sneakers are everywhere. I think the French girls were more into NB, but I definitely saw some Nikes. The main styling difference to me was the rest of the outfit. The women were more dressed up in general, almost exclusively wearing dark colors. A very popular look was black sneakers with black tights and a dress. Seriously, and they were not commuting to work, these were like hip 20s/30s women wearing this all day, including the shop girls. The Spanish women gave a twist with denim shorts over the black tights. You are fine, but don't worry if you want to wear your sneakers with a dressy outfit during the day.
ReplyDeleteOh, cool! Thanks for the great intel. I know it'll all be fine but you understand - there's this thing where I just want to strike the right note in how I dress. Like, I don't necessarily want to look French, I just want to be a good example of a well-dressed American.
DeleteOkay, first, you are a tourist, and no one is looking at you anyway! But I understand you want to feel comfortable in your surroundings. So let me throw in from Amsterdam: white sneakers are having a moment here. Stan Smiths are always popular, but I have seen several gorgeous Dutch girls in white Reeboks. They love sneakers in this city, and it's admittedly got a much different vibe than Paris. Lots of girls even wear them with sundresses. All this to say: sneakers may mark you as a tourist, but not necessarily an American tourist! :)
ReplyDeleteRight on! I just don't want to stick out in the wrong way.
DeleteI think there's a difference between style and fashion. I think you're worrying about fashion but you have style so I think should pack clothes that *you* feel good in and you'll be just fine. Don't overthink!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteDo you still have those Everlane street ankle boots? I think those would be great!
ReplyDeleteI'll be honest - they ain't walking shoes.
DeleteI'll go out on a limb and say that you don't need ballet flats - style your evening outfits with the boots, and wear sneakers during the day. The smaller and lighter your bag, the easier it will be to maneuver all over Paris (there's always more stairs than you expect. always.). I went to Japan for 2 weeks with 2 pairs of shoes (Nike Roche and flat boots) and was very happy- I went for "cute but comfortable" - you'll always look like a tourist, but you want to feel comfortable and happy, which means not looking frumpy- its definitely a delicate balance. But definitely pack a foldable nylon bag for shopping and just check it on the way back! Get some French beauty products!
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