Parts of Paris I'm Bringing Home with Me

Before coming to Paris, I expected to be overwhelmed with the culture shock and complete change of everyday pace. Although I’ve been here for two months, I am experiencing almost a reverse culture shock: I want to bring aspects of the French way of life back to the United States. I’m going to proceed to name a few of my favorites.

Dress Put Together

As is well-known across Europe, leggings are not a norm here and people will look at you funny if you’re dressed in anything deemed “house clothes” when you’re walking outside. There is an expectation here that does not exist in the United States: just change out of your sweatpants if you’re going to run a quick errand. As much as I do still feel tempted to go out in my sweatshirt and comfy clothes if I’m going across the street to grab bread, I have successfully resisted the urge every time. Honestly, I like the idea of being put together all the time. I feel productive, powerful, and just more confident. So, there will be no more sloppy grocery runs for me. Well, I’m at least going to try my very best.

…But you don’t need makeup

One of my favorite things about the French is their aversion to makeup during the day. Some people of course wear it, but the “no makeup-makeup look” is something refreshing for me here in Paris. It’s the difference between people saying “you look so tired, are you okay?” when I don’t wear makeup in the US and the lack of any comment when I put on my moisturizer and call it a day here in Paris. There is more investment in skincare than makeup here and I will definitely get behind that. It is refreshing to come into a culture that appreciates each person’s natural beauty. Regardless of the comments I may start to hear again, I’m definitely implementing this one once I get home.

All black doesn’t mean you’re boring

Parisians have been associated with all-black chicness since the beginning of time. Honestly, I have become obsessed. I am constantly planning how to come up with a new and exciting all-black look. It looks effortlessly chic, and timeless and like I need a glass of wine in my hand as an accessory. I will forever get behind that aesthetic.

Put enough perfume on

One thing I have come to notice in Paris is the perfume culture. More importantly, the way that I can smell the perfumes of women who walk past me. I don’t know if I just wasn’t keen to notice it in the United States, but it is incredibly prevalent here. I want to walk into the room and be defined by the perfume that I chose to wear that day. It’s an accessory and a tribute to the vibes that I want to disperse that day. I absolutely love it. And, I find myself walking into every Le Labo, Byredo, and Diptyque. So, I might as well make use of those purchases!

Xoxo, layne