I Live in Paris—5 Things I Do and Don't Wear in the City
Our take
The enduring allure of Parisian style rests on a foundation of quiet confidence and deliberate choices, a sensibility that transcends fleeting trends. Elisabeth Bento’s recent piece for Who What Wear, “I Live in Paris—5 Things I Do and Don't Wear in the City,” provides a compelling glimpse into this ethos, delivered by a seasoned industry veteran. Bento’s perspective, honed over three decades in fashion, carries considerable weight, and her observations resonate with a truthfulness that cuts through the noise of the current fashion landscape. Her distillation of Parisian dressing isn't about rigid rules, but rather a refined understanding of what elevates, and what diminishes, a polished aesthetic. It's a perspective that aligns perfectly with our own curation of timeless style, as exemplified by our recent exploration of [Elegant Over-50s Are Swapping Dresses and Sandals for This Trouser-and-Shoe Combo Ahead of Autumn] and the essential pieces to include in a [Trés Chic! 7 Capsule Wardrobe Pieces to Pack For a Parisian City Break].
Bento’s assessment of current footwear trends is particularly insightful. Declaring the embellished sandal “past its prime” is a bold statement, but a correct one. The maximalist footwear that dominated recent seasons feels increasingly discordant with the understated elegance that defines Parisian style. The shift towards cleaner, more streamlined silhouettes—a focus on quality materials and impeccable construction—is a natural evolution. Her enthusiasm for the return of the classic ballet flat, however, is entirely justified. The ballet flat, a cornerstone of Parisian wardrobes for decades, represents effortless chic and enduring appeal. It’s a shoe that can be styled in countless ways, seamlessly transitioning from day to evening, and embodying a quiet sophistication that resonates with the modern woman. This resonates with a broader shift we're seeing towards versatile, foundational pieces – a concept we highlighted in our recent article on denim trends, [Don't Buy More Blue Jeans Until You See the Denim Color Trend That It Girls Are Wearing With Loafers], where quality and longevity are prioritized over fleeting novelty.
What makes Bento’s piece so compelling is its focus on intention. Parisian style isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about cultivating a personal aesthetic through considered choices. The emphasis on tailoring, quality fabrics, and classic silhouettes underscores the importance of investing in pieces that will endure beyond a single season. It’s a rejection of the disposable nature of fast fashion and an embrace of enduring style. This isn’t about restricting oneself, but rather about creating a wardrobe that reflects a refined sensibility and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. The subtle nods to the power of details – the importance of a well-cut blazer, the impact of a perfectly chosen accessory – highlight the thoughtfulness that goes into creating a truly polished look.
Ultimately, Bento’s perspective reinforces a timeless truth: true style is about more than just what you wear; it’s about how you wear it. It’s about embodying a sense of confidence and ease, and letting your personal style shine through. The Parisian approach to fashion is a masterclass in understated elegance, a lesson in prioritizing quality, and a reminder that the most enduring style is often the most effortless. The question moving forward is not how to *look* Parisian, but how to integrate these principles of intentionality and timelessness into our own individual wardrobes, creating a style that is both aspirational and authentically our own.
Based in Paris, Elisabeth Bento is a Who What Wear editor in residence who has spent over three decades working in the fashion industry across modeling, editorial, brand direction, styling, consulting, and content creation.
Summer dressing in Paris is all about balance. Summers keep getting hotter, but Parisians are very attached to style. We walk everywhere and cycle more than ever, so comfort has become just as important as elegance.
The places I love shape the way I dress. At the Musée Rodin, for instance, I always reach for something feminine like a silk dress that matches the romantic setting. Japanese tea shop Toraya is a favorite restaurant of mine. Around lunchtime, it feels like a quiet fashion show there, so I will always be wearing the shoes or bag of the moment. Then there’s Île Saint-Louis. I often cycle to Berthillon for my summer treat: scoops of stracciatella and melon ice cream. You’ll usually find me in long shorts because they’re practical on the bike but still polished enough for the city.
A Who What Wear editor recently asked me how I can tell if someone isn't from Paris by what they're wearing. The biggest difference is simple: Visitors are on holiday, and Parisians are living their everyday lives. We still have meetings, appointments, and dinners, so our outfits need to work all day. We also tend to stick to neutral colors, even in summer. On a hot day, a visitor might wear a tank top, shorts, and flip-flops. A Parisian is more likely to throw an oversized shirt over a tank top or finish the look with elegant flats. We don’t just dress for the weather. We dress for the day ahead. Also, I think Parisians are done with logos, but not all visitors are.
5 Things I Do and Don't Wear in Paris Right Now
Don't wear boat shoes
Do wear ballet pumps
Boat shoes had their big moment, and now I’m reaching for ballerinas with a tiny heel instead. Oversized shirts, long shorts, and relaxed tailoring all call for a more feminine shoe. Even a simple tank top and Bermuda shorts look more polished with ballerinas. My favorite pairs are from Repetto, Ballerette, and Chanel.
Don't wear short-shorts
Do wear long shorts
Long shorts have completely replaced mini shorts for me. I love the new proportions. They feel modern, they’re comfortable, and they’re perfect for cycling around Paris. I balance their boysh shape with kitten heels or ballerinas with a tiny heel. And a baby tee. My favorite shorts are from Everlane.
Don't wear tiny bags
Do wear tote bags
A tote bag is a must during the day, a small bag is ok at night. A tote makes every outfit feel effortless and fits everything I need. I always carry a beauty pouch with a tinted lip balm that I also use on my cheeks, an SPF stick, hand cream, and a hairbrush. I never leave home without one. On very hot days, I’ll even carry a parasol. My favorite tote bags are from The Row, Dragon Diffusion, and Le Tanneur.
Don't wear full-length leggings
Do wear capri pants
I’ve been wearing capri pants for a few summers, and this is more than ever their season. I love the length just below the knee. It feels modern and glamorous. I wear them with kitten-heel flip-flops or ballerinas, a tank top, and an oversized shirt. I still wear leggings, but only for dance or workout classes. My favorite capri pants are from Mango.
Don't wear stiletto heels
Do wear kitten-heel flip flops
I’ve worn kitten-heel flip-flops for more than four years, long before they became this summer’s huge trend. They feel effortless and the tiny heel adds femininity without sacrificing comfort. My favorite pairs are from Toteme for everyday and casual evenings, and Alaïa velvet ones for chic evenings. These days, I only wear stilettos for special occasions like weddings or cocktail parties—which means almost never.
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