With the 2024 Olympics on the horizon, Paris is gearing up for an influx of 15 million visitors this summer. French Girl Style ambassador Jeanne Damas, designer and founder of Rouje, is offering her expertise to help tourists avoid standing out in the crowd. While certain landmarks like the Eiffel Tower may give away a visitor’s non-local status, Damas points out that staying away from tourist-heavy neighborhoods and avoiding certain clothing items like baseball caps can help blend in.
For those hoping to achieve a more Parisian look, Damas suggests opting for staple pieces that embody the city’s minimalist fashion sense. Color block looks, simple flat shoes such as ballerinas, and avoiding bold prints can help achieve that effortless French style. Damas believes that the key to blending in lies in embracing simplicity and understated elegance, rather than trying to make a statement with loud or flashy outfits.
In her role as designer Paloma Picasso in Hulu’s Becoming Karl Lagerfeld, Damas explores the fashion philosophy of the iconic daughter of Pablo Picasso. Paloma’s unique style, which involved mixing vintage pieces from the ’40s with contemporary trends in the ’70s, inspired designers like Yves Saint Laurent and challenged the traditional norms of fashion at the time. Damas admires Paloma’s fearless approach to style, which stood out in a sea of conformity and simplicity that often characterizes French fashion.
Despite her deep knowledge of French style, Damas finds inspiration in the irreverent and eclectic fashion of New York City. She notes that French fashion can sometimes be seen as boring and predictable, with many people adhering to a uniform of jeans, trench coats, and blazers. In contrast, she appreciates the freedom and creativity in the way New Yorkers dress, embracing transparency and bold designs without fear of judgement. Damas sees the vibrant and diverse style in New York as a refreshing change from the more conservative fashion culture in France.
As Paris prepares to host the Olympics for the first time in a century, Damas’ advice is both practical and stylish for those looking to blend in seamlessly with the locals. By embracing the simplicity and elegance of French fashion, while also admiring the creativity and individuality of other fashion capitals like New York, visitors can navigate the style scene of Paris with confidence and flair. Whether exploring the city’s historic landmarks or trying to make a fashion statement, Damas’ tips offer a fresh perspective on how to enjoy and appreciate the sartorial delights of the City of Light.
