I Live in Paris—5 Things I Do and Don’t Wear in the City

Based in Paris, Elisabeth Bento is a Who What Wear editor in residence who has spent over three decades working in the fashion industry across modeling, editorial, brand direction, styling, consulting, and content creation.

Summer dressing in Paris is all about balance. Summers keep getting hotter, but Parisians are very attached to style. We walk everywhere and cycle more than ever, so comfort has become just as important as elegance.

The places I love shape the way I dress. At the Musée Rodin, for instance, I always reach for something feminine like a silk dress that matches the romantic setting. Japanese tea shop Toraya is a favorite restaurant of mine. Around lunchtime, it feels like a quiet fashion show there, so I will always be wearing the shoes or bag of the moment. Then there’s Île Saint-Louis. I often cycle to Berthillon for my summer treat: scoops of stracciatella and melon ice cream. You’ll usually find me in long shorts because they’re practical on the bike but still polished enough for the city.

A Who What Wear editor recently asked me how I can tell if someone isn’t from Paris by what they’re wearing. The biggest difference is simple: Visitors are on holiday, and Parisians are living their everyday lives. We still have meetings, appointments, and dinners, so our outfits need to work all day. We also tend to stick to neutral colors, even in summer. On a hot day, a visitor might wear a tank top, shorts, and flip-flops. A Parisian is more likely to throw an oversized shirt over a tank top or finish the look with elegant flats. We don’t just dress for the weather. We dress for the day ahead. Also, I think Parisians are done with logos, but not all visitors are.

5 Things I Do and Don’t Wear in Paris Right Now

Don’t wear boat shoes

Do wear ballet pumps

Boat shoes had their big moment, and now I’m reaching for ballerinas with a tiny heel instead. Oversized shirts, long shorts, and relaxed tailoring all call for a more feminine shoe. Even a simple tank top and Bermuda shorts look more polished with ballerinas. My favorite pairs are from Repetto, Ballerette, and Chanel.

Elisabeth Bento outfits in Paris

Black Leather Ballerinas With Heel - Us5 - It35

Ballerette

Black Leather Ballerinas With Heel

Elisabeth Bento outfits in Paris

Maddi Pump

Steffi Baby Blue

STEVE Madden

Steffi Baby Blue

Don’t wear short-shorts

Do wear long shorts

Long shorts have completely replaced mini shorts for me. I love the new proportions. They feel modern, they’re comfortable, and they’re perfect for cycling around Paris. I balance their boysh shape with kitten heels or ballerinas with a tiny heel. And a baby tee. My favorite shorts are from Everlane.

Elisabeth Bento's French style in Paris

Elisabeth Bento outfits in Paris

Long Tailored Short in Stretch Linen | Black - 00

Everlane

Long Tailored Shorts in Stretch Linen

Long Tailored Short in Stretch Linen | Navy - 00

Everlane

Long Tailored Shorts in Stretch Linen

Lightweight Terry Long Shorts | Parchment - Xxs

Everlane

Lightweight Terry Long Shorts

Don’t wear tiny bags

Do wear tote bags

A tote bag is a must during the day, a small bag is ok at night. A tote makes every outfit feel effortless and fits everything I need. I always carry a beauty pouch with a tinted lip balm that I also use on my cheeks, an SPF stick, hand cream, and a hairbrush. I never leave home without one. On very hot days, I’ll even carry a parasol. My favorite tote bags are from The Row, Dragon Diffusion, and Le Tanneur.