My street photography still has a way to go, but here are a few shots that illustrate the pride and flair with which many Parisians dress. Much if it may not be conventionally stylish, but there is a self-confidence and self-expression (see the man in the duffel coat) that, this side of the Channel, is so often lost in the rush to wear sportswear - the downfall of many a man over forty seeking style. Parisians aren't afraid of colour; bright trousers, hats, scarves and socks are common, giving an interesting edge to a look.
I had a week in Paris in October and was struck by how well dressed everyone was but especially older people. I naturally noticed the gents {not quite true I did notice the women} and they were not afraid to accessorize with scarves, gloves and bags.
ReplyDeleteI had to work hard to tear my attention from the very attractive and stylish Parisian women to carry out my duties as a men's style blogger. Even the younger women worked hard on matching gloves, bags etc - just as they used to in the good old days!
ReplyDeleteGF.
Sadly, many in the United States, of all ages and both genders, have "frumpy" down to a science. The same might also be true in the U.K., but that's only based on what I see online. Certainly Germany and Scandinavia lean toward the frumpy end of the spectrum. . . I've seen it first-hand. Still, as in Paris and Italy, there are those occasional sartorial beacons of light in all places, though Paris does seem to have more than its fair share.
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Heinz-Ulrich von B.
Thanks H-U - I agree and it's true also, I'm afraid, of the UK. Older women especially in Paris shine with a sexiness that comes from self-confidence which originates from the care they take with their clothes and looks. The Parisian men as well. Similar issues have been discussed in An Englishman Abroad's guest post here on the forum.
ReplyDeleteIt's not expensive or time consuming to show self-respect and, yes, respect for others, by dressing well, so why the majority doesn't bother I can't say. [Rant over]
GF.