FRENCH KISS
Study Abroad & European Fashion
My time spent in France consists of one summer in Avignon, a week in Dunkirk, and one semester (plus a month, thanks Corona) in Paris. Even if that time doesn’t seem like a lot out of my nineteen years, it’s been enough for me to fall head over heels in love with France. I miss sunny strolls along the Seine or quick dips at the Biarritz beach. The fruit tastes fresher, the pastries are sweeter, and the wine is cheaper. But, above all else, the fashion is what has stayed in my mind as a symbol of my time in France. There is an art to French style that has been ingrained into its culture, an effortless chic. So while I sit stuck in Illinois suburbia, taking online classes in my bed instead of drinking espresso at a cute cafe in Paris, I often daydream of the Parisian sun (or rain if I’m being realistic). Naturally, while the memories of France are still fresh in my head, I want to provide my tips and tricks for packing for studying abroad, and what I have learned from Europeans about their clothing choices.
If you are traveling to Europe for a short period of time, especially for a study abroad program, you have to be smart about packing. It feels like a nightmare trying to fit four months of outfits into one suitcase (under 50 pounds) and a carry-on. Margaux Trexler, an NYU study abroad student in Paris, suggests to “bring simple clothing items that you can mix and match easily, and then a few statement jackets, coats, or pieces that you can style to make your outfits more unique. For example, you can never go wrong with a classic sweater, jeans, boots, and a sophisticated trench.” The key is in layering, so make sure you take the basics that you can always count on. But, Margaux also reminded me that you should probably stick to machine-washable clothes. It can be exhausting to try to find a dry-cleaner in Paris, and at the end of the day, it never feels worth it. Why spend your money cleaning when you could spend it drinking?
Anna’s experience in Italy. Photos property of Anna Huibregtse.
When it comes to your color scheme, black is the new black. You can literally never bring enough black. If you are staring into your suitcase contemplating if you need more color, trust me, you don’t. Parisians enjoy their neutral wardrobe, and if you are wearing bright orange in the middle of November, you will stick out like a sore thumb. The Parisian closet is full of a simple color scheme; black, navy, tan, white, maybe red if they are feeling crazy, and more black. I learned this when I bought a jacket in London. There was a sale at Jack Wills where I found a beautiful trench coat for 50 pounds when it was originally 150. There was one size left, and it fit perfectly. I claimed it was fate, and (as one obviously would) I put my debit card to work. However, what I failed to consider is that the jacket was a bright raspberry tone.
While perfect in Chicago, the jacket made me feel out of place in the sea of Parisians clad in black and gray outerwear. The trench coat is essential in France. No matter if it’s fall, winter, or spring, you will notice all of the French women wearing one with a scarf tucked in neatly. So, while I do highly suggest a trench coat, maybe choose a neutral tone. And you can’t forget a simple, black leather jacket! Dinneen Graff, a University of Minnesota study abroad student in London, claims that the art of simplicity is what she learned in Europe. She says, “everyone dresses fairly casual but also put together. Most women wore timeless pieces like leather bags and trench coats that could be put on repeat, which created that effortless look that most people think of when they think of European fashion. A lot of the women relied on layers and neutral colors for a polished and streamlined look. I found that people tended to dress down a lot less than Americans do, and rarely saw anyone in athletic clothes or leggings.” So unless you're a workout junkie, leave the leggings AT HOME and don’t haul up on sweats.
What you do need is several pairs of sturdy jeans. I wore a pair every day, and I can’t stress enough the importance of having ones that will pass the test of time. I bought a pair of Levi’s after I noticed all the young French students wearing them within my first week in Paris. Best decision I’ve possibly ever made. You will also need the perfect shoes since you will be walking a T O N. I planned my suitcase out to allow for four pairs: Doc Martens, a pair of simple black heels, sneakers (Skechers, don’t hate), and black Teva’s. Your shoes need to be comfortable, stylish, and manage to go with every outfit. In short, finding the perfect shoes is complicated.
Dinneen’s experience in London. Photos property of Dinneen Graff.
When packing accessories, one of the easiest ways to switch up any outfit is jewelry or makeup. You can always wear the same outfit twice, but by changing your lipstick and eyeshadow, it will feel new again. And if you are heading to Paris (I hate to tell you), the beret is a MYTH. I’m sorry to break it to all my daydreamers that can’t wait to whip out the iconic hat in front of the Eiffel Tower and feel like you've finally made it. But alas, it is not a true Parisian classic. Actually, I have never seen a French person wear one, except cute old ladies grabbing their baguettes from the local patisserie. But that didn’t stop me the first time, and it shouldn’t stop you if you want to. Just beware that it will make you easily identifiable as a tourist. But sometimes that’s worth it. It’s an aesthetic choice for your Instagram pics, after all. Instead, if you want to really feel French, I suggest a tote bag. It’s a must for any French closet. They are perfect when heading to class, the farmer’s market, or a museum visit. Everybody uses them, and when you start to, you will feel like you finally fit in. And luckily, tote bags are sold everywhere.
And if you want to keep up appearances? Don’t worry, there will always be a Sephora nearby. When it comes to shopping, especially on a budget, it’s difficult but manageable. Anna Huibregste, a NYU study abroad student in Florence, offers some advice: “My favorite places to shop abroad were vintage stores! Some vintage shops can be pricey, but there is always the option of negotiating a price and getting a bargain. The vintage shop in Florence that I often went to was called ‘Melrose’ and there was also ‘Vintage & Customizato’. There are also many high quality, locally made jewelry stores with beautiful pieces. Lastly, if you’re on a tight budget, Kilo Shops are super fun to shop at. They can be kind of overwhelming because they’re filled with millions of clothes, shoes, and accessories, but you can find amazing deals. They’re unique because all of your items are weighed when you check out, and you pay ‘by kilo’ (the set price per kilogram)!”
But at the end of the day, I would say to bring the basics, and then ball out on a few luxury items. Dinneen claimed that her biggest lesson was “quality over quantity!” Or, spend it on travel. Whatever it is you want to do, it’s the memories that matter. But, wait, I take that back, it’s also what you are wearing in the photographs of those memories. And if, like me, your daydreaming of Europe, throw on an all-black fit, pour yourself a glass of wine, and call yourself European. Until next time, bisous <3.
