Forget Emily in Paris; it’s a sitcom, not real.

No one dresses like that, first of all. Not here or anywhere. To me, she too often looks like she came from the circus.

And heels? In Paris? Short skirts? Cleavage? Body-con dresses? Full-face makeup? Nope. Only if you’re a foreigner.

Having said all that, I adore the show and the actors. It’s so much fun! And I mean, who doesn’t love Gabriel! ❤️

As I write, I’m at a café in the Department Store known as BHV in Le Marais. I’m enjoying a cherry cake (to die for!) with my coffee, having just purchased some French undergarments. (They just fit me better!)

I remember when everyone (in America) told me never to wear sneakers – like, perish the thought! Not true. They wear sneakers here, or sensible sandals/shoes. YOU. HAVE. TO. Heels are usually wedges, or a sturdy block. Otherwise sandals with sneaker-like soles are popular. And brace yourself, Birkenstocks have arrived. I also saw flip flops in stores (Not yet on feet.)

I’m looking at a woman now – she has a cane, she’s elderly, and she is wearing Birkenstocks. I saw them for sale downstairs in pink (remember Barbie wore them in the movie!).

But these are French women. They LIVE here – emphasis on LIVE.

Lots of longer, flowy skirts and dresses. Prints are the norm. They’re everywhere! Flowy loose pants, too, also with prints. Plain jeans or pants are often paired with striped tops. That is the most French thing you’ll see. Every season, never out of fashion. Sweaters or t’s or tanks – stripes are French for men, women, and children, too.

Everyone has a tote of some sort. Male/female. For stuff. And also because they’re big on recycling like serious.

I’ve seen a few men wear nice shorts – but not the women.

Makeup? Not really. Very little, very understated. Fresh face, good skin is paramount. Hair? Well, the style seems to be to look like you just had sex. Sorry, not sorry – but that is the look. (Probably because no one can control their hair with this humidity, so they all gave up. Or they just had sex.) and I didn’t invent that – I read it. lol!

It’s not humid, like in the States… there’s just a lot more water nearby and it rains a bit more than at home.

So, to summarize: if you show up in heels, tight clothes, a full face of makeup, and neat, coiffed, carefully set hair? You’re likely not French.

Mind you, they do all of this – with a flair – bien sûr!

Of course there are exceptions, but this is in general, everyday French – c’est ça!

As you know, I’ve also lived here in winter. Umbrellas and scarves are necessary year-round (in your tote), but boots of all kinds are the most popular footwear in fall/winter. Stylish and low-heeled, they’re perfect for navigating cobblestones.

They spend money here on skincare. Also, perfume. Everyone who walks by smells amazing. I know, that’s not what “people” say, but I’m sitting here getting the best wafts of perfume ever! Heavenly – male and female.

Looking at the café line: sandals, sneakers, sandals, sneakers.

And can I add that I’ve noticed the French, en general, all have a full head of lots of good hair. lol!

Final note/observation: dogs are everywhere. On the subway, restaurants, department stores, escalators, etc.

And there were more than that, you can be sure!

And then there’s Luigi…