Feeling Fat in FranceHow to Avoid Parisian Fashion ShockBy Robin O’Grady
On my first trip to Paris I was armed with a credit card and ready to black belt my way through the city’s fabulous boutiques. I envisioned exquisite clothes. Stylish, one-of-a-kind wardrobe additions that would dazzle even the most seasoned fashion aficionado. Wrong. Shopping for clothes in Paris could easily lead an average American woman to a figure-related breakdown. Being a size 12 in France is like being a size 20 here. Thank god my petite mother and slim daughter were with me on the trip to lend some perspective. They couldn’t fit into anything either. Our biggest handicap? Having breasts. At barely five-foot-two, my mom tried on endless outfits, but nothing accommodated her ample bosom. Likewise, when my well-endowed teenage daughter tried to button-up a French “size-large” blouse, the gaps across her chest rivaled the Grand Canyon. As for me—a busty, broad-shouldered size 12—a few trips to the dressing room and I abruptly abandoned the new-wardrobe cause, vowing to swear-off the delicate pastries that loomed in bakery windows around every corner.
If not, buy your clothes before you jet across the Atlantic. Then immerse yourself in shopping for perfume, jewelry, scarves, hats, and purses…anything that doesn’t throw you into a mirror-induced coma. What are the women of Paris wearing? They walk the city streets looking smart, fashionable and sexy. You’ll see lots of short, tight skirts with tailored blouses. Or faded jeans topped by sheer flowing shirts, cropped tank tops, and flattering blazers. Then there are those stiletto heels. That’s right. They traverse the streets in high heels. Don’t ask me how they do it. Maybe they’re so tiny that they can’t feel their feet. If you want to broadcast that you are an American, wear tennis shoes. Parisian women wouldn’t dream of strolling around in them. Likewise with baggy sweat suits, polyester separates, logo-laden sportswear, or anything boring for that matter.
As for shoes, no American woman in her right mind is going to wear high-heels as she ambles along ancient cobblestone or drudges up and down the Metro stairs. Save the fancy footwear for an evening out, and invest in a couple pairs of attractive walking shoes (which could easily involve a day-long search) in basic black or brown leather. Maintaining your self esteem while surrounded by these urban divas is no easy task. It takes strategic planning. Rally your most fashion-savvy friends. Try on everything you own. Get their feedback. Make a list of basics you need to complete your Paris-bound wardrobe. Shop for clothes at home and save yourself from “itsy-bitsy person envy” later. You’ll be glad you did. Trust me. Robin O’Grady is a freelance writer living in Michigan. She travels the world in search of great places to shop. She loves Paris fashions…she just can’t fit into any of them! 'City of Light’ information: www.paris.org Looking Posh in ParisWhat to Pack DO PACK: DON’T PACK: |
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A word to the wise about shopping for clothes in Paris. Forget about it. Unless, of course, you could double for a super model. Well, half of one. The Parisians are incredibly petite. So, if you’re slightly taller than a Munchkin, but thinner, you’ll do fine.
The guide to buying clothes in Paris is simple. If you have arms the circumference of a cigarette, a bust that could easily double as an ironing board, and a waist that would turn Scarlet O’Hara green with envy, you’ll be fine. 
When in doubt, pack a lot of basic black. A black trench coat or jacket, black pants, black blazer, and a black skirt will work wonders. Don’t forget jeans, preferably ones that really flatter your body. Accent these wardrobe staples with stylish tops and some great accessories.