A hip and fashionable style can be difficult to maintain when also worrying about the sultry weather in the summer. While spending the past few weeks studying abroad in Paris, I noticed differences between American and French summer styles: Parisians stroll along the Seine in lightweight, solid-colored clothing, but Americans select vibrant, patterned items with trendy sandals. Whether students take tips from their peers or their French counterparts, both cultures find ways to adapt to their city’s stifling heat.
Dresses
A popular summer trend in Los Angeles is floral dresses as the bright colors stand out on a sunny day. Women embrace patterned sundresses because they don’t need to worry about coordinating with potentially clashing sweaters like in the colder months.
Most Parisians, however, shy away from the bold prints, opting instead for simpler, solid colors with an edgier cut. This may include a flared or pleated skirt, for example. Dresses worn in Paris are often in black, white or muted shades with a pop of color in a belt or piece of jewelry.
Floral and other flashy designs possibly draw too much attention for the French taste, though Americans celebrate the weather with warm colors. Although the patterns are different, summer dresses are prevalent in both nations as a way to look elegant and cheery.
Sheer
I was startled to encounter thinner material in France, like sheer tops. A lot of the fabric used in Paris is lighter in texture; lace or chiffon is used for adornment and the cotton articles themselves are not as thick.
What may have started out as a way to escape the dreaded humidity in France has become a noticeable fashion choice, with women in the metro sporting thin shirts over bralettes. One woman topped off the ensemble with a light denim jacket. Typically, fewer Angelenos select sheer tops in summer, but focus on other items in their wardrobes, like tank tops or T-shirts, to avoid the heat.
Shorts
Very few Parisians wear shorts; I noticed that most shorts in the city are worn by tourists. Men in particular don’t wear pants higher than capris or rolled up jeans. Meanwhile, in the United States, the Fourth of July has become a runway for Americans modeling high-waisted, ripped jean shorts as they enjoy fireworks and barbecue. The all-American vibe has been popularized further with vintage themes at Forever 21 – including washed out ’90s-esque denim shorts.
Clearly, in Los Angeles, shorts of all fabrics and colors are ubiquitous year-round, as a middle ground between suffocating jeans and fancy skirts. While people in the United States often throw on a pair to stay cool, the French are perhaps too modest for faded short shorts.
Makeup
Most Americans love their makeup, whether they’re spending a summer day at the beach or preparing for a night out. The summer can be a time to experiment with new looks and lighter tones, but based on my observations, Parisians seemed to wear less makeup altogether.
It was rare for me to see women with heavy winged eyeliner or shadowed lids, resulting in more natural and clean-faced looks, even when accompanied by evening attire. The humidity may discourage foundation and other heavy coverage, but it seemed like a style choice for some women to appear fresh instead of dark every day.
Sandals
This season, Birkenstocks have made a huge surge in the American wardrobe because of their comfort and edginess. Birkenstocks were not only cheaper across the pond in Europe, but also less common. Los Angelenos love their Rainbow sandals, too, but in Paris, not so much. Flip-flops, a summer staple for Americans, were swapped out for flats in France. Americans may choose strappy sandals for their go-to casual shoes, but Parisians trade in their heels for simple, versatile flats with the balance of comfort and classiness.
Compiled by Lindsay Weinberg, A&E senior staff.