A la mode – fashion observations from France

At this point, you know that I am very thoughtful about my wardrobe, oui? When I go to Europe I plan my outfits carefully, both for appearances and packing. If all I have is a carry on piece of luggage, I need to make good choices – especially if I’ll be traveling for 3+ weeks, as if often the case.

When I was mentally putting together my French packing list, I was imagining sunny, spring days and uncountable shades of blue. However, as the trip grew closer, the forecast became less benign with clouds and rainy afternoons threatened. I shifted a bit, swapping out a more substantial coat for one that was more versatile with a zip out lining which could be worn separately. A dark blue Gap anorak, originally purchased for my last trip to Paris, layered really well and the quilted, bolero shaped lining was cute solo, as well.

Because of my skilled packing, it turned out that I had enough room indulge myself by laying my pinkish beige moto jacket into my bag and I was so happy to have it with me because…

Moto jackets were everywhere, from what I observed (and then forced N. to take note of, as well). They are, undoubtedly, having a moment. Black remains the dominant color in this style of jacket, but there were so many cool colors – green, brown, white and blue included. Not gonna lie, though. Mine was definitely top of the heap and left me feeling like a chic Madame. 😊

The garments I packed additionally:

• 4 dresses, 3 midcalf, 1 just to the knee
• A crocheted cardigan in cream cotton
• A lightweight, navy blue merino wool crewneck pullover from Banana Republic. The sleeves have teeny slits the length of the arm, which makes it a little different, whether it’s skin or a layer underneath peeking out.
• A pair of white eyelet pants which I loved but could have been more comfortable.
• 2 long sleeved T-shirts, one white, one navy
• A pair of Athleta joggers in navy blue, perfect for morning pastry runs.
• 2 tank tops, white and navy & white stripes.
• A bathing suit (you never know!)
• Blue Chucks, white Stan Smith’s, my blue wingtips and my red Fluevog heels.
• Socks, undies, bras.
• Opaque tights in cream and blue.
• A pashmina and a pretty silk scarf in shades of blue.

That scarf was one of the tiniest items I packed, but it was such a clutch piece. Tied around my neck it was jaunty, wrapped around the tight bun on the top of my head, it was saucy, on the handle of my bag, it was eye catching. Women and men in France (in Europe in general, I’d say) wear scarves far more often than Americans. In spring, a sizable one that could double as a wrap (or sarong, had I worn my swimsuit) is usually in my personal item bag on the flight. A smaller, silkier square can do a lot for a look, which reminds me that…

Women wearing scarves “party helmet” or pirate style were pretty popular on the streets and I loved the look. Take your square scarf, fold it once into a triangle and tie it over your hair. Trust me, I’m bringing that trend to Albany starting today.

I switched my personal item on this most recent trip from my usual Herschel backpack to a flat bottomed, flower printed, canvas bag with large enough handles that they could loop over the extended handle of my luggage for easy transport. My iPad, necessary toilet items, a small Coach crossbody handbag with my passports and wallet, that pashmina I mentioned before, a paperback book and a small water thermos all fit inside and I was easily able to shove the entire bag under the seat, as necessary. When we weren’t actively traveling, it was the perfect tote for the market (or boulangerie) or to hold my water and Nikon. It was a good call.

The third trend I’ll share is with regard to pants. People in Europe seem much more inclined to wear actual pants, or even jeans, than their American counterparts. It just isn’t a LuLu leggings world, savez vous? So, what they’re wearing instead are trousers and denim, nearly always in wide legged versions. The pants all looked soft and comfortable and I felt quite on point with the jeans I brought along, these Hudson’s. Very few pairs of skinny jeans were seen.

The last thing, sartorially, that I took note of was the increased appearance of stockings* on women who were wearing skirts or shorter dresses. I seriously don’t know the last time I saw anyone wearing sheer leg wear around here, folks. I get it – they’re kind of a pain and can quickly become unwearable, but there is something about a leg dressed in sheer nylon that demonstrates attention to detail. It just sort of finishes a look.

Feel free to share any trends or fashionista chat with a comment.

*in reality, they were more likely pantyhose, but doesn’t “stockings” sound so much more fetching?