Paris, the City of Light, has always been known for its grandeur and style. Given the city’s reputation for chic fashion, it’s understandable that many travelers can feel a little intimidated when considering what to wear to dinner in Paris. Fortunately, by following a few simple guidelines, you can dress to impress and blend in with the locals. In this post, we’ll cover what to wear to dinner in Paris, including some of the top fashion trends, as well as some dos and don’ts.
The Basics
One of the most important things to keep in mind when dressing for dinner in Paris is that you can never go wrong by dressing up. French style is all about looking polished and put together, and dinner is no exception. With that in mind, here are some of the basics that can help you create an elegant and stylish look:
Dress
A classic little black dress is always a safe bet when it comes to dinner in Paris. Choose a timeless style that flatters your figure and pair it with elegant accessories. If you prefer to wear something with color, go for more muted colors such as navy or burgundy. Dresses with a midi or knee-length hem are popular, but you can also opt for a maxi length dress if it suits your style.
Shoes
In Paris, it’s essential to wear comfortable walking shoes for the rest of the day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear heels during dinner. Low block heels are a perfect option for both style and comfort. If heels are not your thing, you can opt for a stylish pair of flats.
Jewelry
Minimalistic jewelry such as stud earrings or a simple pendant necklace can complete any look. Make sure to keep it simple and avoid over-accessorizing.
Latest Fashion Trends
While it can be challenging to keep up with the latest Parisian fashion trends, a few standout looks that you can incorporate into your dinner attire include:
The Statement Blazer
A statement blazer is a perfect way to add some personality to your outfit. A brightly colored blazer or one with unique detailing such as ruffles or shoulder pads can take your little black dress or simple outfit to the next level.
Monochrome Outfits
A monochromatic outfit is another French fashion trend that can look great for dinners. Monochrome outfits in shades of gray, beige, black, or navy create a chic and polished look. Plus, all-black outfits are typically seen as sleek and sophisticated, so don’t be afraid to go for it.
Belted Dresses
A belted dress is another trend that can work great for dinner in Paris. A belted dress can create a feminine figure and elongate your legs while still being comfortable to wear.
What Not to Wear
Now that we’ve covered some of the basics and latest trends to keep in mind when dressing for dinner in Paris, let’s talk about what you should avoid. Here are some tips on what not to wear:
Athletic Wear
If you’re thinking about wearing running shoes or sneakers to dinner, don’t. Athletic wear of any kind has no place in Paris, especially not for dinner.
Shorts and Tank Tops
While these types of clothes might be great for a day out at the beach, they are not appropriate attire for dinner in Paris. Save your shorts and tank tops for a day of sightseeing or other casual daytime activities.
Outrageous Prints or Colors
While some French fashion trends may be bold and bright, flashy prints are generally not acceptable for dinner. Pick clothing with small prints and don’t wear sequins, velvet, or glitter for dinner.
Conclusion
When it comes to what to wear to dinner in Paris, remember that French fashion is all about simplicity and elegance. Choose a classic dress, comfortable shoes, and add a pop of personality with a statement blazer or piece of jewelry. Keeping these basic guidelines in mind, you can enjoy a fashionable and unforgettable dining experience in one of the world’s most stylish cities.
FAQ
What is the dress code for French fine dining?
French fine dining is renowned for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and elegant atmosphere. When dining in these restaurants, it is important to adhere to a certain dress code to maintain the ambiance and show respect to the establishment.
The dress code for French fine dining can vary depending on the restaurant’s standing. For Michelin-starred or expensive establishments, a more formal dress code is usually expected. This can include a suit and tie for men and a formal cocktail dress or gown for women. For semi-formal restaurants, a smart casual dress code is usually acceptable. This can include slacks and a collared shirt for men and a dress, skirt, or dressy pants for women.
It is important to note that skirts or dresses should be knee-length or longer, and clothing should be clean and well-maintained. Avoid wearing anything too revealing, such as short shorts or low-cut tops, as this is considered disrespectful in such formal settings.
When it comes to footwear, dress shoes are appropriate for men, while women should wear closed-toe pumps or dressy sandals. Avoid wearing athletic shoes or sneakers as they are not suitable for formal dining settings.
The dress code for French fine dining is to dress in a manner that is appropriate and respectful to the restaurant’s atmosphere. It is always better to err on the side of overdressing than underdressing as it reflects one’s respect for the establishment and the dining experience one has come for.
How do tourists dress in Paris?
Paris is a fashion capital of the world, and locals take great pride in the way they dress. So, tourists should be mindful of their attire when visiting Paris. To avoid standing out as a tourist on the Parisian streets, it is important to adhere to the city’s fashion standards. Parisians love neutral colors and tend to avoid wearing flashy clothes. They believe that “less is more,” which is why they adhere to the “No more than 3 colors” rule.
For instance, tourists should avoid items like original UGG boots, clunky tennis shoes, flip flops, and sweatpants. These items scream “tourist,” and they might make you feel uncomfortable amidst sharply-dressed locals. Instead, it is best to pack comfortable yet stylish footwear, such as ankle boots or loafers, which can be matched with various outfits.
Moreover, Parisians love to wear timeless and versatile pieces, such as black jeans or trousers, tailored blazers, trench coats, and leather jackets. As a tourist, you don’t have to buy expensive designer clothes, but it is advisable to invest in high-quality basics that can be mixed and matched with different pieces. Accessories such as a scarf, a beret hat, or a statement bag can also elevate your look and embrace the French fashion culture.
Lastly, tourists should also be mindful of the weather when dressing up in Paris. The city experiences all four seasons, so it is important to pack accordingly. For instance, in the summers, it can get quite hot so packing comfortable clothes that can breathe is a must. In the winters, it can be very cold, so bringing winter jackets and boots are necessary.
Dressing up as a tourist in Paris can be daunting. However, by following simple guidelines such as neutral colors, versatile pieces, comfortable yet stylish footwear, and weather-appropriate wear, visitors can effortlessly blend in with the locals and embrace the French fashion culture.
What is Paris dressed as at the party?
In Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet”, Paris is not specifically stated to be dressed in any particular costume at the Capulet’s ball. However, in the 1996 film adaptation directed by Baz Luhrmann, the ball is turned into a costume party, and Paris is presented in a unique and somewhat unusual costume.
In the film, Paris is shown wearing an astronaut suit, complete with a helmet and jetpack. The choice of the astronaut costume for Paris is interesting, as it contrasts sharply with the knight in shining armor costume worn by Romeo. While Romeo’s costume suggests a romantic and chivalrous character, Paris’ costume is more futuristic and otherworldly, perhaps suggesting a character who is more concerned with progress, science, and exploration.
Additionally, the fact that Paris is dressed as an astronaut may be interpreted as an intentional choice by the filmmakers to highlight the differences between him and Romeo. While Romeo is portrayed as a lover and a dreamer, Paris is shown as a practical and ambitious individual who may be more interested in social climbing and career advancement than in matters of the heart.
While Paris’ astronaut costume in the 1996 film may seem like a random or comical choice, it actually speaks volumes about his character and his role in the story.
Is it OK to wear jeans in Paris?
In short, yes, it is absolutely acceptable to wear jeans when you visit Paris. Parisians wear jeans on a regular basis, and over the years, jeans have become more of a classic French wardrobe staple. Jeans are versatile, easy to wear, and practical. They can easily be worn year-round and dressed up or down in that chic French way.
However, there are some things to consider when choosing your denim while packing for Paris. Firstly, it is always wise to pack jeans that fit properly and are comfortable to wear all day. Consider packing dark wash jeans as these are more versatile and less casual than lighter washes such as stone-washed or ripped jeans.
Another factor to consider is the season you are visiting. Paris is known for its temperamental weather, so when choosing jeans, you need to consider the time of year. In spring and summer, you may opt for lighter weight cotton denim while in fall and winter months, stick to heavier weight denim options.
Paris is known as the fashion capital of the world, and so you may want to choose a pair of jeans that are on-trend or pair them with a fashionable top or blazer. Adding some unique accessories such as a scarf, hat, or statement earrings can also elevate your denim outfit and help you to blend in, in this stylish city.
Wearing jeans in Paris is not only acceptable but very much in style. When packing for your trip, consider the fit, color, and weight of your jeans, and pair them with appropriate tops and accessories to achieve that effortless Parisian style.
