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Paris has a reputation for effortless style, but that ease is deceptive. The truth is, dressing well in the French capital is less about trying every trend and more about understanding what not to wear.

For travelers, the biggest fashion faux pas often come from trying too hard or not trying at all. Knowing what not to wear in Paris can be just as important as packing the right trench coat for walking shoes. Whether it’s overly casual outfits to logo-heavy looks, a few small missteps can instantly signal “tourist”.

Petit disclaimer: this guide isn’t about rigid rules or gatekeeping Parisian style. You can wear whatever you want in Paris, and very little will actually cause problems. Outside of certain churches that require covered shoulders or a handful of upscale restaurants with dress codes, there’s nothing illegal or inappropriate about any of the items discussed here.

My goal is simply to help you enjoy the city without feeling out of place. Many readers of this blog are American, and culturally, we tend to dress more casually. In Paris, dressing just a bit more polished than the athleisure-heavy norm can feel respectful, intentional, and often lead to a better experience in the City of Light.

This isn’t to say Parisians all dress the same, that you need to completely rehaul your wardrobe, or that you need to buy anything new. You’ll see every style imaginable on the streets. And while I share plenty of guides on what to wear in Paris, this article exists as the flip side: a helpful lens on how certain pieces, when styled a certain way, can make you look unmistakably like a visitor.

You can think of this list not as a warning, but a suggestion to help you feel a little more like a local while exploring Paris.

What Not to Wear in Paris

Athletic Wear

Athletic clothing itself isn’t the problem. It’s wearing it all at once.

Skin-tight leggings, baggy sweatshirts, running shorts, and oversized hoodies can instantly identify you as a tourist, especially when styled all together. In the French capital, locals generally reserve true activewear for the gym, not full days of sightseeing.

That being said, there’s nothing wrong with some athletic pieces if they’re styled thoughtfully. The goal is to make those Lululemon yoga pants or Hoka sneakers feel more intentional and elevated.

For example, if you want to wear leggings in Paris, add a long blazer or tailored coat with a button-down or sweater layered on top (and make sure it covers your backside). Your outfit now looks “sporty-chic”.

I’ve also noticed that many French women (especially in older generations) still love skinny jeans. Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether they’re wearing leggings or denim. If you want a safer, more Parisian-feeling option, a slim or skinny jean might be a better way to go. Save the leggings for your airport outfit instead.

Gym Shoes

One item that gives off “tourist” in Paris is overtly athletic footwear. Bulky running shoes, trail sneakers, and anything that looks like it belongs on a treadmill are best left chez vous.

In the U.S., it’s normal to wear gym shoes everywhere, from workouts to errands to coffee. In Paris, though, they tend to stand out, especially when you style them with full athleisure outfits.

You’ll rarely see stylish Parisiennes wearing true performance sneakers outside of actual workouts. They just aren’t part of everyday city style.

Slim, low-profile sneakers that are perfectly acceptable for Paris. Styles like the Puma Speedcat, Vans, and Adidas Tokyo are predicted to be especially popular this year. Anything from Nike and New Balance is also worth considering for stylish walking shoes.

That said, I can’t stress comfort enough. You’ll walk miles each day over cobblestones and uneven pavement, and no outfit is worth sore feet. If you truly need a supportive trainer to get through full days of sightseeing, wear it! Happy feet matter more than how you look.

Just make sure your sneakers are clean and well-kept—and you’re good to go. And if this section has you eyeing a new pair for the trip, be sure to break them in before you land in Paris.

Flashy Logos

If your objective is to blend in, it’s best to avoid wearing American flags or U.S. logos. Any clothing or accessories plastered with U.S. cities or teams will also draw attention.

It’s not about hiding where you’re from or being ashamed to say you’re American! It’s more so about avoiding anything that turns you into a walking target for scams and pickpocketing. And given today’s global climate, keeping things discreet also feels more respectful and appropriate.

One exception might be the Yankees hats, which I see plenty of around Paris. That said, wearing a hat from your local sports team will often identify you as an American tourist. If you need sun protection, I would go for an unbranded cap or a straw hat in the summer.

The same goes for fan gear like logo-heavy T-shirts or team jackets. It’s true that NFL merch has started popping up more as American football grows in popularity here. But even I sometimes pause and wonder whether I’m seeing a new European fan or a traveler passing through.

Flip Flops

If you’re visiting Paris in the summer, leave the cheap flip-flops at home. The only place you might be able to wear them are the Paris Plages. Other than that, they’re best reserved for beach destinations in France.

Not only do they look overly casual, flip-flops simply aren’t practical. They certainly don’t provide enough support for the 20,000 steps you’ll likely clock each day and don’t hold up well on cobblestones.

The streets of Paris are also notoriously unclean so your feet will get dirty if you decide to don your favorite Havianas.

Having said that, sandals in Paris are perfectly fine as long as they look intentional and offer proper structure for your feet. A chunky leather sandal would be my first choice.

All things considered, flip-flops just aren’t worth it in Paris.

Short Shorts

When in Paris, I’d avoid very short shorts, ultra mini skirts as well as distressed denim shorts of any length. Parisians don’t wear shorts as often as Americans. Even in summer, the city style tends to lean slightly more conservative.

Many other major cities in France are like this too. I can tell you that my French boyfriend doesn’t own a single pair of shorts! In July and August, he still prefers his skinny jeans or linen pants.

There are always exceptions, however, and scorching summer days definitely change the rules. When dressing for a heatwave, locals are much more likely to break out the shorts they might normally reserve for a holiday in the South of France.

If you want to wear shorts in Paris, be mindful of the length and style. Skip athletic shorts, khaki cargoes, and anything overly casual. Something tailored and more on the modest side is a safe choice.

I’d personally prioritize breezy pants, midi skirts, or flowy dresses over shorts. These are all chic and city-appropriate, while still keeping you cool.

Paris Merch

You may want to bring home a piece of the city in the form of T-shirts, hoodies, or tote bags emblazoned with the Eiffel Tower or “I <3 Paris.” But save them for your hotel room or when you return home.

Whenever I visit Paris, I sometimes see groups of tourists decked out in matching Paris merch. And honestly, if they’re having fun, why not? But if you’d rather blend in, skip the blatantly touristy T-shirts during your sightseeing days.

Of course, locals rarely wear overtly branded city souvenirs in their everyday outfits. A plain, well-fitted T-shirt, a crisp button-down, or a classic sweater will always feel more Paris-appropriate.

For the best non-touristy Paris souvenirs, be sure to check out my complete guide on what to buy and where to find them!

Berets

Berets are worn in France, more often by elderly locals. Every time I visit the marchés here in Strasbourg, I almost always see older gentlemen in their berets with their market bags or shopping carts.

I also notice them on fashion-forward Parisians, like Emmanuelle Koffi, who style them in a preppy, feminine way that feels anything but cliché.

You can absolutely wear a beret in Paris, but it’s all about how you style it. Cheap souvenir berets from tourist shops are fun keepsakes, but wearing them around busy tourist spots instantly marks you as… well, a tourist. If you want to pull it off on the streets, I would opt for a higher-quality wool option that looks intentional rather than cheap or gimmicky.

Styling matters too. Avoid turning your outfit into a caricature by pairing the beret with every classic cliché (striped Breton shirts, red lipstick, and other “Parisian uniform” pieces). Each element is fine on its own, but together it can look like you’re trying too hard to look “Parisian”.

A final note: I’ve seen some viral videos of locals poking fun at tourists wearing berets or Paris merch. Please don’t let this discourage you from enjoying your trip. Have fun, wear that brightly colored beret and even get matching ones with your friends, if you want to!

Expensive Jewelry

Paris is famous for its heritage brands and luxury shopping, but when it comes to wearing your own high-end pieces while sightseeing, less is usually more. Anything flashy, oversized, or extremely valuable can make you stand out in the wrong way. And, let’s be honest, it can also make you a target for theft in crowded tourist areas.

To stay safe, consider traveling with costume jewelry or really anything you don’t mind losing. If you seek a little sparkle, I would suggest wearing one piece at a time, and leave your swankiest accessories at home or in your hotel safe.

I personally love an oversized statement earring for nights out in Paris, but other than that, I tend to stick to my everyday capsule jewelry which includes simple, elegant pieces that elevate my outfits without drawing unwanted attention.

Bulky Backpacks

Backpacks aren’t off-limits in Paris, but oversized hiking packs definitely fall into the “what not to wear” category. Not only do they look out of place, but wearing one on your back can make you an easy target for pickpockets.

Instead, choose a smaller backpack that you can keep in front of you, especially on public transportation and in other crowded areas. I’m personally much more of a fan of a crossbody bag or a zip-up tote. They’re hands-free, stylish, and just easier to manage while touring the city.

Fanny Packs

S'il vous plaît, skip the fanny packs and belt bags in Paris. The sporty, nylon versions are such a cliché tourist accessory, especially when worn over ultra casual outfits while sightseeing. I know, they’re practical, but Parisian style manages to be practical and put together at the same time.

If you’re truly set on a belt or sling bag, I’d choose a leather option that feels much more intentional. Still, a chic crossbody bag is usually a safer, more stylish choice. It keeps your belongings safe, frees your hands for croissants and camera shots, all while protecting you from potential thieves.

Revealing Clothes

Parisian style tends to lean toward the modest side. While you will occasionally see crop tops and mini skirts (especially in the summer), excessively revealing outfits often feel out of place in most everyday settings.

The goal isn’t to dress conservatively per se. It’s more about not being too risqué with your fashion choices. I would recommend leaving behind any low-cut tops, ultra-short hemlines, and see-through fabrics.

One more practical note: certain churches and religious sites require covered knees and shoulders. Typically, that means knees and shoulders can’t be showing. I always recommend carrying a large scarf in your bag to drape over your shoulders or arms when needed.

When packing for Europe, and Paris in particular, a good rule of thumb is to err on the side of coverage.

Stiletto Heels

You can wear stiletto heels in Paris, but I generally don’t recommend them for sightseeing. Between long days on your feet and uneven cobblestone streets, stilettos quickly become impractical.

Many Parisian women wear heels, but they aren’t usually walking thousands of steps between museums, cafés, and landmarks. For travelers, stilettos are best saved for evenings out or special occasions where you won’t be covering much ground.

When I wear heels for a night out or dinner in Paris, I almost always plan to take an Uber or go for block heels instead.They’re far more comfortable and less likely to get snagged on the sidewalk.

Heavy Makeup

Your beauty routine can also make a difference. I can often spot tourists just by heavy makeup and overly styled hair.

Parisian beauty is often understated, effortless, and chic. While you’ll see women with bold lips or perfectly lined eyes, it rarely feels overdone. Heavy layers of foundation, thick contouring, or overly dramatic eye makeup can make you stand out. Personally, I love a no-makeup makeup routine for this reason: it’s easy for everyday wear and means you can pack less makeup for your trip.

Overly styled hair can also be a giveaway. I swear by my blowout routine, but super-perfect curls, extensions, or dyed hair aren’t the norm on Parisian streets.

It’s totally up to you though! I know that I can easily switch up my style, but it’s really hard to give up my day-to-day beauty habits.

Shop Paris Style Essentials

What you wear can seriously shape your experience when visiting Paris. I’ve found that dressing well often leads to better service and just friendlier interactions in general. It can even help you avoid being singled out as an obvious vacationer by pickpockets or scammers.

If you’re wondering what to leave out of your suitcase, this list alone will dramatically change how you’re perceived in the French capital.

What Not to Wear in Paris in 2026