https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:21:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours/page/2#post-1692446 Mon, 11 Jul 2016 13:34:14 +0000 Lisa 1692446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A great point, especially about the fact that the dirty streets and having to commute by public transportation or foot, means darker, more neutral clothing. &nbsp;I find the same trend in NYC, especially in winter months when the streets are slushy and dirty and the sky is dark and gloomy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours/page/2#post-1692407 Mon, 11 Jul 2016 11:10:52 +0000 skylurker 1692407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elle, Stylefan : I have only this pair of El Naturalista, I'm happy with them, cushioned soles, soft leather and good quality (it's their second Summer and they show no sign of wear - the colour has faded a little but since it's faded very evenly, it's not a problem). Cute boots, Stylefan.</p> <p>Astrid : I'm sure Europeans cities have a lot in common. I know I can't differentiate European tourists from us (Except the Italians, sometimes, the way they wear sunglasses, and gold logoed hardware on their accessories).</p> <p>Brooklyn : thank you. I know I have to stop fretting about my comments or commenting will become a chore.</p> <p>Jaime : I think we influence each other locally, and there is a local fashion, and if you come from outside with fresh observant eyes, you see it. I love your report, level headed and witty.<br /> Then, there's the Parisian Style talked about in blogs, like the post Anna linked to.<br /> I think it's a fashion rubric, like preppy or rock n roll.<br /> Now, I suppose East coasters in the US have associations of class and lifestyle with the preppy look that I don't have. For a continental European, it's simply an aesthetic. Also, if we called preppy style Bostonian Style, and tourists went to Boston expecting the locals to look like they stepped off Ralph Lauren ads, they'd propably be disappointed.</p> <p>Anyway, my point was that bright colours are not considered loud or bad taste per se :)<br /> I'm glad I started this conversation, it clarified this Parisian fascination conundrum in my mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours/page/2#post-1692379 Mon, 11 Jul 2016 09:17:48 +0000 Jaime 1692379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At the risk of having rotten tomatoes thrown at me, I want to defend the poor maligned generalization. I posted my original thread in the spirit of fun and interest since the subject of Paris style receives so much attention. Of course I don't believe every woman in Paris, and certainly not every woman in France, dresses alike. Nonetheless there are common themes that are exactly what makes one culture distinct from another. I enjoy analyzing what these might be, and am always up for a conversation about it.&nbsp;<br />Nonetheless, I also firmly believe that actual individuals are as different as different can be and indeed two individuals from different cultures can and do have as much or more in common as two neighbors from one culture.</p> <p>And, anyway, Isabelle I forgot to say I love your red shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours/page/2#post-1692376 Mon, 11 Jul 2016 09:07:34 +0000 Style Fan 1692376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Skylurker I love El Naturalista footwear.&nbsp; I have some boots and sandals that are El Naturalista.&nbsp; </p> <p>I enjoy reading your comments.&nbsp; I don't take offence to anything anyone writes.&nbsp; It is their point of view.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours/page/2#post-1692372 Mon, 11 Jul 2016 08:52:14 +0000 Astrid 1692372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I totally agree, as I said in the thread Suz posted as a follow up. And it's true for Berlin as well, of course very few people dress like the pictures I posted. I also agree that Parisian style can be seen as a fashion rubric, to sell products. I do think the dressing in neutrals has to do with the weather, because even here were it's usually all about neutrals you see a bit more color in summer, when there's a bigger chance of the sun coming out. And don't start on the public transport - I never ever felt a desire to buy myself a pair of white jeans, although they are so well loved on the forum. I would have felt so uncomfortable and would have needed to put so much energy into looking out for what I was touching and where I was sitting... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours/page/2#post-1692326 Mon, 11 Jul 2016 03:23:25 +0000 Brooklyn 1692326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't really follow the original post (so I am not offended at all!) but I admire you for posting a correction. I worry that sometimes my more nuanced comments are misunderstood and am never sure whether or how to correct them. Good for you for being so forthright. I enjoy your comments and I hope you continue to participate. And you look great </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours/page/2#post-1692231 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 20:59:29 +0000 Elle 1692231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting the brand of your shoes! &nbsp;I've seen El Naturalistas here which will make things easy. &nbsp;They look comfortable as well as cute.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours/page/2#post-1692222 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 19:46:47 +0000 skylurker 1692222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"We have been sold the concept of Parisienne style so when we visit we search for the things which support that notion".<br /> Exactly, R&amp;J, I'm afraid that's what's happening with the American tourists and that they depart very disappointed in us oh well, at least the monuments, museums and food don't disappoint usually.</p> <p>Gaylene : 90% false. Hell. You know, I think part of me wanted to believe in the Mythical Parisian - and now I've utterly depressed myself with my own thread </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692214 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 19:09:35 +0000 Gaylene 1692214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The insidious thing about generalizations is they all contain a grain of truth, but, conversely, that implies most generalizations are 90% false--maybe something we need to reflect on more often? :)</p> <p>I also think you are dead right in identifying the construct of "Parisienne style" as fashion rubric. I'm just as suspicious of "street-style" photographs for the same reason. Their agenda-driven shaping gives a constructed reality which all too easily can become the lens through which I start seeing a city or country. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692197 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 18:18:14 +0000 RoseandJoan 1692197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I understood your point Isabellle, I guess what an outsider views as Parisian style is the most marketable aspect of that city's style.</p> <p>We have been sold the concept of Parisienne style so when we visit we search for the things which support that notion.</p> <p>The best part of a city is the diversity and I am sure your city is no exception.</p> <p>Btw, I absolutely love how your top drapes from your frame. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692191 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 17:52:45 +0000 skylurker 1692191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene : what's fascinating is there is a grain of truth in the generalization too. So Shevia, with her outsider's point of view, could notice the common factors among people here. As soon as you lose that fresh eye, you start noticing nuances and exceptions of course.</p> <p>Also I think Parisian style is a fashion rubric, like grunge or boho. Doesn't mean we are all dressed like Catherine Deneuve in Belle de Jour, no more than people in Seattle all dress like Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love :)<br /> And there are luxe groups (LVMH, L'Oréal) with vested interests in the Paris brand, that will do what they can to perpetuate the myth and sell their (made in China) products. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692176 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 16:43:37 +0000 Gaylene 1692176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I look forward to your comments so please don't stop!</p> <p>I'm always bemused when a city or region gets summed up by concentrating on a very small sector. It's good to be reminded our observations are always limited and heavily influenced by our own lifestyle, geography, and personal preferences. </p> <p>Moving just a few blocks away from the core of any city can yield a very different impression of how most of the inhabitants dress, work, and live on a daily basis. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692163 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 16:08:41 +0000 skylurker 1692163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elle : thank you, shoes are from El Naturalista, Spanish comfort brand. They often use brightly coloured vegan leather like that (being vegan dye, it fades a little with wear). Design can skew very earthy boho. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692157 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 16:00:38 +0000 Elle 1692157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting discussion, both here and on the original thread. &nbsp;I think we understood what you meant and no one took offense. &nbsp;On a side note: &nbsp;the point about public transit really resonated with me. &nbsp;I live in a big city and wearing anything light colored on public transit is asking for trouble. &nbsp;So my wardrobe is heavily skewed toward black/navy/gray.</p> <p>Skylurker, I love love love your red shoes. I must find some. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692156 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 15:55:25 +0000 skylurker 1692156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna : a fun read...also...the same old clichés.<br /> The past romance of French movies.<br /> And ladies clad in Chanel tweed! Only in some quarters of 7th, 16th arrondissements, upper bourgeoisie, again.<br /> I think there's one true cliché : breton tops are popular, among women, men, children alike, I see plenty on the streets every Summer. I wear them too.</p> <p>Joy : no shoulder pad, it's my raised arm in the sideway light that makes my shoulder look weird. You crack me up with your jiggle-proof jeans.</p> <p>Colette, Aliona, Crazyone and Angie : thank you, I find the forum a bit overwhelming and commenting on strangers' outfits a bit unnerving, but I will learn to navigate it.</p> <p>Btw, I'll be silent next week, I will not be pouting and pondering Parisian chic, I'll be on holiday without internet access. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692144 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 15:04:12 +0000 annagybe 1692144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After reading the thread on Parisian style, I found this humorous take on it</p> <p><a href="http://thatsnotmyage.com/style/well-always-have-paris-an-authors-french-style-fail/" rel="nofollow">http://thatsnotmyage.com/style.....tyle-fail/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692141 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 14:50:15 +0000 Angie 1692141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad you feel better, Isabelle. No more worrying!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692136 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 14:40:28 +0000 crazyone 1692136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>skylurker, I was one of the ones who commented about the colors and vulgarity, but that was not meant as a knock on your comments or Parisienne style--more that I find that sometimes the people (outside of France) who uphold Parisienne style as the ideal often do it with an outright nod to the idea that neutrals are more "sophisticated" than colors, and it was to that idea rather than to your comments that I was responding. &nbsp;I very much value your astute perspective and it is always welcome!</p> <p>I also saw a NYT slideshow of fashion from attendees of the Paris fashion shows and realized what you said above: that French high couture does love the shots of bright color. &nbsp;Nearly every attendee seemed to have one on somewhere, at least in lipstick but often more than that.</p> <p>Your comments about the different classes and what they wear is interesting. &nbsp;I have another comment, about the French women in Boston (there are several at the universities and tech companies here)...surprisingly, I find that many of the French mothers here wear gear, not the Lululemon yoga pant type of gear, but a distinct type of more stylish gear (often paired with scarves) that I don't see in the US--sort of if Eileen Fisher made gear. &nbsp;More drapey than the US style.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692097 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 12:56:58 +0000 Anonymous 1692097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Skylurker, we value your comments and perspective. It seems that dark neutrals fit in well when travelling to any large city. Your outfit looks fabulous on you. Does your top have slight shoulder pads?<br /> In my area jeans and yoga pants are probably selling equally well with the most young and fit choosing the yoga pants while those carrying extra weight wear jeans to " lock and load" so there is no jiggle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692092 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 12:47:44 +0000 Anonymous 1692092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your red shoes, Skylurker (and Irina). You have inspired me to replace mine, they are perfect to summerise an outfit. You look so breezy--and looking at your photo, I can learn a lot about the perfection of pants length. As Angie might say, you nailed it. </p> <p>Colette, I too have been struggling with what might offend; most of the time I don't see it, which makes me worry about my own replies (leading me to decide to limit them, which is off topic here). Skylurker, I found your last thread most interesting. I have long enjoyed your blog comments and am so pleased you are on the forum, you add so much. </p> <p>I grew up in a dreary northern city and even our summer school unis were grey. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692084 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 12:28:36 +0000 Colette 1692084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the simplicity of your outfit. The red shoes look fab!</p> <p>I'm lost because I know I read your post but I don't understand what was offensive? I find your comments on style, Pariesenne or otherwise very interesting and always thought provoking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692069 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 11:47:15 +0000 skylurker 1692069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for your reassuring comments and compliments. I'm new to the forum and I think I'm too anxious about the effect of my words. I need to relax.</p> <p>Jaime : ah yes, Bourdieu... the subtle nuances of dress as barrier entry and power tools of the upper class...all these sociologists are very depressing, fortunately I only half remember their names and theories so I can go on blithely have fun with fashion </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692022 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 10:22:35 +0000 Sally 1692022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I went to Paris I wore a petticoat with jandals...must have stood out like a sore thumb. I love your outfit....classic with a burst of color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692019 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 10:15:22 +0000 Sal 1692019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love this outfit here and find the continuing discussion interesting. I rarely take offence at anything on this forum- I like honest but thoughtful conversations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1692005 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 09:40:23 +0000 Jaime 1692005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha I was going to say Veblen but you beat me to it! Old, but not so dated at all if you ask me. <br />Knowing where it came from it is impossible to imagine you meant any offense but rather were simply explaining and describing how you understood a certain point of view. And it is an excellent insight. And also interesting how it has twisted around so that street style has become the new ruler of the rulers so to speak.&nbsp;<br />Pierre Bourdeau perhaps?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1691990 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 07:40:19 +0000 Style Fan 1691990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thread Skylurker.&nbsp; Thank you for your comments on Parisienne style.&nbsp; It makes perfect sense.&nbsp; How could there only be one style for a city&nbsp;the size of Paris?&nbsp; <br />I like your outfit.&nbsp;&nbsp; Simple and elegant.&nbsp; Great shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1691988 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 07:23:08 +0000 Jane 1691988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>HI Skylurker, I love red shoes and I think they look lovely, as do yours Irina!</p> <p>I do recognise what you are saying about the class thing / old money / new money aspect. Yes, I think of Paris and bourgeois style.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am sorry that you felt uncomfortable. I felt I had over stepped the mark too on one of my comments on the other Parisienne thread. I then wrote a pretty clumsy apology!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1691984 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 06:32:28 +0000 skylurker 1691984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Irina : ha! Hello twin sister!<br /> And I was under impression we old Europeans were holding on to our old jeans while North Americans had moved on to athleisure stuff : but it's so hard to get the big picture, individuality and globalization pull in different directions, I can't decide if people are getting more diverse or more alike! I think we'd need to see some hard data : what are people buying around the world, jeans or yoga pants?</p> <p>Joyce B : yep, back in the days I commuted on train, I'd never wear cream jeans, white dress or beige trench, for sure.</p> <p>Suz : thank you, the shoes were a compromise, I don't like peep toe in general, but I couldn't find a pair of d'orsay I liked. I've worn them a lot, I've found the vulgar red very versatile for Summer.</p> <p>Lisap : thank you for reassuring me. You always sound honest in your comments without ever being hurtful, I need to take a leaf from your book.</p> <p>Angie : I was half worried you were half vexed (you and the other fabbers who wear bright colours and reacted strongly to the comment) - I should not have used the word "vulgar" anyway, it's the kind of strong word that will get people in arms, seeing red and not listening anymore.<br /> And thank you for your feedback and compliments. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1691750 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 19:21:52 +0000 Angie 1691750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No need to apologize, sweet Isabelle, but thanks for the clarification anyway. I knew what you meant, and it makes sense. Your feelings about it here make sense too.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;I <i>was </i>half joking. I know I’m not vulgar, and I know you don’t think so either. (You like my brights). I believe that when you wear what you wear with intention, conviction, confidence - and both physical and emotional comfort - your audience will not only accept you, but appreciate your style no matter what. </p> <p>You are soooo right about YSL’s bright pops of colour - and when I last checked, I have that covered. Love your simple outfit here. Fluid tops look lush and elegant on willowy you. And you’ve got the pants lengths DOWN, girlfriend. Well done. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/flying-colours-part-2-a-note-on-parisienne-style-and-bright-colours#post-1691635 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 15:35:01 +0000 Irina 1691635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Skylurker, I absolutely agree with you! I saw similarly in how women dressed in downtown of Toronto, Paris or Dresden. Practicality of course but I also think that globalization has a hand in it as well. At the same time, personally, I think there is a difference between North American style of dressing and European, not necessarily Parisian. Europian is a bit more formal and less heavy on blue jeans for both sexes.<br /> BTW, style twins? </p>