How much will I stand out in Paris if I.....?

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Rillifane

Don't worry about it. There are no fashion police in Paris.

Chances are when you meet someone in Paris wearing running shows, a UCLA sweatshirt, and blue jeans, drinking a Coke, eating a Big Mac, and smoking Marlboros, it will turn out he is French.

And, in any case, the minute you open your mouth and say something it will be immediately apparent you're an American. Again, don't worry. Contrary to popular opinion, no one really cares.

However, please don't mention "Freedom Fries" or try to explain how the Americans won World War I and II all by themselves...its getting a bit old.

Other than that just be yourself. If Frenchmen hate George Bush they don't like Jacques Chirac (or any politician) that much better.

acid tongue

where ever americans go they stand out like a sore thumb, whether you wear white running shoes or not

beckychr007

no one will give a caca.

Heidimax

wear what ever you want. There is such diversity in Paris.

Gina

No problem, you can wear what you want...
(please, no base-ball caps or somethink like that)

flake

While its true you CAN wear anything you want in Paris, its fun trying to pass as French. The person who said they will know the minute you open your mouth- is correct, but if you are by yourself, you can remain silent .... When I was in Paris several French asked me directions... and were surprised I wasn't French. Wear black. Especially black shoes (you can get comfortable black shoes- even black sneax, or mail order Land's End or LL Bean black slip-ons.) But above all- have FUN!!!!

paris

Take Rillifane's answer as the best one.

Sidsassenach

It isn't only the shoes that can give you away as an american. You also have the clothes, the way you wear them, beer tummy may also give you away as a foreigner, etc..

So do as you feel more comfortable since you're likely to be spot out as a foreigner

Now id you want my opinion Parisians don't give a damn about tourists (they're used to it), it is the pickpokets who do

We are not terrorists ÙŠØ§ Ø¹ÙŠÙ†ÙŠ

never wear running shoes in Paris without a matching Red Sox cap, bermuda shorts and T-shirt

Paul S, Bullfighter

Rillifane is correct. Take his advice.

My other suggestion would be dark hiking boots that support your ankles. I switched from running shoes to those, and my feet are much happier for it. I've worn 'em in Paris, Marsaille, Monaco, Madrid, Barcelona, Nice, Brussels - never felt out of place.

HaveUmetTed

white running shoes (when you're not actually running)=american in france .try black sneakers, All Stars from Converse are trendy you'll look less like THE american tourist

Trish

Trust me unless you have blond hair you arent going to stand out and even then its not bad. My mom and I both have blonde hair and wore tennis shoes all week long...We did notice lots of times waiting on the metro that lots of people have dark or brown hair.
Clothes wise It used to be they wore lots of dark clothes, bland style but now it appears that anything goes.
Believe me people wear anything and only few on the metro had something other than tennis shoes on. These people walk to work, walk everywhere so your attire should be fine.
Hope your trip is a good one!

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