"We have been sold the concept of Parisienne style so when we visit we search for the things which support that notion".
Exactly, R&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.

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

Thanks for posting the brand of your shoes! I've seen El Naturalistas here which will make things easy. They look comfortable as well as cute.

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

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...

Skylurker I love El Naturalista footwear. I have some boots and sandals that are El Naturalista.

I enjoy reading your comments. I don't take offence to anything anyone writes. It is their point of view.

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.
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.

And, anyway, Isabelle I forgot to say I love your red shoes.

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.

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).

Brooklyn : thank you. I know I have to stop fretting about my comments or commenting will become a chore.

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.
Then, there's the Parisian Style talked about in blogs, like the post Anna linked to.
I think it's a fashion rubric, like preppy or rock n roll.
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.

Anyway, my point was that bright colours are not considered loud or bad taste per se
I'm glad I started this conversation, it clarified this Parisian fascination conundrum in my mind.

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. 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.