I know. You’re right — I’ve seen it too. And still, I am agonizing over whether to bring a pair of jersey pants. They are not yoga pants, they’re just jersey. And I’m not even going to Paris. But I do like blending in as much as I can. It’s ridiculous.
Love this! I live, and have lived, in Paris on and off my entire life… while some of these “hard & fast” rules may have applied back in my college days (that would be the early 70s) they certainly didn’t stop the thousands of arty-hippy types from doing all the things… much to the great entertainment and joy of the French.
There is a reason no one eats stinky fries (or other food) on the bus: it’s not allowed and the bus driver will call out anyone breaking that rule. 😉
Eating is not permitted on public transport in Philly either, but they do it anyway! It always stinks like fries. I wish the drivers were more like the French.
Oops, somehow I accidentally deleted your great comment!! Paris also has softened its reputation during a well-run PR campaign some years ago. I agree about the impact of COVID in relaxing many old “rules.”
I beg your pardon...made-up college name? Am I to believe I dreamed my degree (not to mention my semester abroad in Hogsmeade)?
P. Fey
HAAC '84
I know. You’re right — I’ve seen it too. And still, I am agonizing over whether to bring a pair of jersey pants. They are not yoga pants, they’re just jersey. And I’m not even going to Paris. But I do like blending in as much as I can. It’s ridiculous.
Jersey pants are totally fine! Don’t get hung up on it.
I know, I know, thank you! I would just hate to be pegged as a tourist before I’ve even opened my mouth.
Yes, French people do all these things. But when Americans do any of them, they’re wrong. Welcome to the land of world class double standards!
It changed A LOT during the Covid lockdowns. I never used to see Parisians in leggings unless they were jogging, and Uggs were not a thing either.
People need to stop worrying so much.
As far as the smiling thing…I’ve just always been myself and haven’t really noticed any negativity. (From the US and have been in France for 23 years)
Love this! I live, and have lived, in Paris on and off my entire life… while some of these “hard & fast” rules may have applied back in my college days (that would be the early 70s) they certainly didn’t stop the thousands of arty-hippy types from doing all the things… much to the great entertainment and joy of the French.
There is a reason no one eats stinky fries (or other food) on the bus: it’s not allowed and the bus driver will call out anyone breaking that rule. 😉
Eating is not permitted on public transport in Philly either, but they do it anyway! It always stinks like fries. I wish the drivers were more like the French.
Sooooo true! Those nonsense influencer rules/advice drive me nuts.
Thanks for this. I will admit I did have some fun needling my wife about her big American water bottle!
Great article - totally enjoyed it. Great information because I always thought everyone wore heels and dressed up --totally not me!
Great article. Got a good laugh!
Oops, somehow I accidentally deleted your great comment!! Paris also has softened its reputation during a well-run PR campaign some years ago. I agree about the impact of COVID in relaxing many old “rules.”