I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City

I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City

      Elisabeth Bento, who is based in Paris, serves as an editor in residence for Who What Wear and has dedicated over thirty years to the fashion industry in various roles including modeling, editorial work, brand direction, styling, consulting, and content creation.

      In Paris, summer dressing is about achieving balance. As temperatures rise, Parisians remain committed to their sense of style. With walking and cycling becoming more common, comfort is now just as crucial as elegance. The locations I frequent influence my fashion choices. For instance, at the Musée Rodin, I tend to choose feminine attire like a silk dress that complements the romantic environment. Toraya, a Japanese tea shop I love, feels like a serene fashion showcase during lunch, so I ensure I’m adorned with trendy shoes or bags. Then there’s Île Saint-Louis, where I often cycle to Berthillon for my summer indulgence of stracciatella and melon ice cream. You can typically spot me in long shorts, as they are practical for biking yet still stylish enough for the city.

      A Who What Wear editor once inquired how I can identify non-Parisians based on their clothing. The main distinction is straightforward: Tourists are on vacation while Parisians lead their everyday lives. We still attend meetings, appointments, and dinners, which means our outfits must be functional throughout the day. Additionally, we usually prefer neutral colors, even in summer. On a hot day, a visitor might opt for a tank top, shorts, and flip-flops, whereas a Parisian would likely throw on an oversized shirt over a tank top and finish the look with elegant flats. We don’t simply dress for the weather; we dress in anticipation of the day ahead. I also believe that Parisians have moved away from logos, whereas many visitors still embrace them.

      Avoid boat shoes, and instead, embrace ballet pumps. Boat shoes had their moment, but now I lean towards ballerinas with a slight heel. Oversized shirts, long shorts, and relaxed tailoring pair better with more feminine footwear. Even a basic tank top with Bermuda shorts looks more polished when complemented with ballerinas. My favorite brands for these are Repetto, Ballerette, and Chanel.

      When it comes to bags, opt for tote bags instead of tiny bags. A tote bag is essential for daytime; a smaller bag is acceptable for evenings. Tote bags lend an effortless feel to any outfit and hold everything I need. I always carry a beauty pouch with tinted lip balm for my lips and cheeks, an SPF stick, hand cream, and a hairbrush—I never go out without it. On especially hot days, I even take along a parasol. My favored tote bags come from The Row, Dragon Diffusion, and Le Tanneur.

      In the realm of bottoms, it's best to steer clear of full-length leggings and choose capri pants instead. I’ve been a fan of capri pants for several summers, and this season seems perfect for them. I love the length that falls just below the knee; it feels both modern and chic. I style them with kitten-heel flip-flops or ballerinas, paired with a tank top and an oversized shirt. I still wear leggings, but solely for dance or workout sessions. My preferred capri pants are from Mango.

      When it comes to footwear, skip the stiletto heels and go for kitten-heel flip-flops. I’ve been wearing kitten-heel flip-flops for over four years—long before they became a trend this summer. They exude a sense of ease, and the tiny heel provides femininity without compromising comfort. My favored pairs are from Toteme for everyday wear and casual evenings, while I choose Alaïa velvet ones for more sophisticated evenings. Nowadays, I reserve stilettos for special occasions like weddings or cocktail parties, which is quite rare.

I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City

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I Reside in Paris—5 Items I Choose to Wear and Avoid in the City

Elisabeth Bento revela qué evitar vestir en París.