Thursday, September 25, 2008
During my four weeks in France, I have encountered a number of natives who attempted to pull off a rather stateside look when they went out on the town. And let’s just say I was a bit disappointed. But for the vast majority of French youth, bland button-downs and cleavage-bearing blouses don’t make the cut if you want to look à la mode at night.
The beauty of an authentic French going-out outfit is that, for the most part, the ensemble is androgynous. That’s not to say that each sex should borrow one another’s clothes. Rather, the basics for each piece work equally well for both guys and girls. To add a little European flair to your next bar crawl, gather up the following essential items.
Flashy T-shirt: Make sure it’s the right size, bright-colored and has a crew-neck. Focus on something unconventional. Instead of going for navy and solid, perhaps choose purple and striped.
Patterned long-sleeve: You should wear a shirt with a low-cut neck to show a little of the T-shirt, so search for a cardigan, button-up blouse or V-neck. This is your chance to get a little wild, so look for a piece that has an ornate design or a rockin’ color.
Accessories: There is a plethora of accessory options for going out, but two of them are definite necessities for this look. Try to find a light-weight scarf or a funky hat to top off the look, and make sure whatever you choose stays within your color palette.
Straight-leg jean: A pair of straight-leg jeans is fashion-forward and a definite way to slim up most any body type.
High-top shoes: Get a pair of old-style, high-top Converse or some flashy 80s-retro Nikes and scrunch the bottom of your jeans in the tops. This might sound silly, but this trend will hit the States soon, so go ahead and get a jump on it.
If France’s soirée style doesn’t mesh with your own image, achieving a similar ensemble with a more American look is quite simple. Consider a light-colored polo topped off with a structured collared shirt in a traditional pattern such as plaid or basic stripes. As for bottoms, guys should sport khakis and a neutral pair of boat shoes, while girls can dress in dark denim and rock out a pair of ankle boots. For added flair, complete the look with a skinny tie (guys) or vintage jewelry (girls).
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Comments
Transatlantic trends: Soirée style
"This might sound silly, but this trend will hit the States soon, so go ahead and get a jump on it"
funny
Transatlantic trends: Soirée style
should we start dancing like this also?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1mFNzM1tXc&feature=related
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