Alors, this week the heatwave is back, and it seems like it’s here to stay, with temperatures going up to 40 degrees next week—the perfect time to pack your bags and leave Paris for somewhere closer to water, if you ask me (more on that coming next week)!

Good weather meant many opportunities for some great summer outfit watching! You already had a fun sneak peek in last week’s 15 Things (it included many colorful patterns!) and this week was equally rewarding, with the highlight being Jeanne Damas, the OG Parisian it-girl I caught riding her bike through the Marais in a sexy outfit under somewhat dangerous conditions (maybe that Parisian DNA gives her extra protection?). I was also on a mission to find the best cold white wine to sip during hot summer evenings, and I think I found the one (along with the perfect Parisian terrace where you can enjoy it).

Inside this week’s list you’ll find: Jeanne Damas and other cool French moms on their bikes, trying out different tote bags in Parisian boutiques that you can also find online (also: are the Rue de Verneuil totes worth it?), a comfy orthopedic sandal made chic by Parisian women, a trend that has become far too obvious not to mention and fun ways to style it, a very ethereal girl in Chloé head-to-toe (and her vintage Chloé bag I found on Vestiaire for a steal!), the perfect summer dress, a gorgeous Rohe duster dupe I found at a brocante (plus eBay links for similar pieces), and my favorite wine bar in Paris with the perfect evening sun placement (plus the best white wine variety to order)!

On y va!

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From a woman’s perspective, Fashion Substack does feel easier, smoother, safer; a peaceful utopia that, coincidentally or not, happens to look a lot like a digital matriarchy. From a man’s perspective, let’s say we’re still in the adjustment phase— communication seems to oscillate between complete radio silence and the classic creepy-guy “looking good. happy to connect” comment, usually going unnoticed as a small glitch in the matrix.

Whenever women post about men's fashion, it's usually brief and half-hearted, like a small act of mercy from the powerful to the weak—there have been a few exceptions where the enthusiasm is there, though: ’s Men’s Department, ’s French workwear special, dressing like a teenage boy by , Adam Sandler made chic by , plus the occasional Jacob Elordi/Harry Styles eye candy.

The recent sports fever fueled by the World Cup and the NBA Finals would, at first glance, seem entirely incompatible with this matriarchal kingdom. And yet, a few years after the NBA relaxed its restrictive dress code, tunnel walks have become a legitimate source of menswear content, giving Substack royalty the perfect excuse to start adding Knicks stars to their Notes rotation: Tyler Kolek with his Margaux bag and if-you-know-you-know Dries Van Noten archival pieces, Jalen Brunson and his discreet LV mini bag, Landry Shamet looking chic as hell carrying a Loewe tote or Goyard pouch.

I don’t know whether the chicken came before the egg or vice versa, but the trend seems to have crossed the Atlantic: the French national football team—les Bleus, as the fans like to call them—now routinely arrive at their Clairefontaine training center in outfits that would have been unimaginable a few years ago: thoughtful, personal, and surprisingly fashion-literate, with enough styling ideas to inspire wardrobes well beyond the men's section:

“It’s like years ago, when the NBA players were being more expressive with what they wear,” said Substack writer to The New York Times, already crowning the French team as the best-stressed of this World Cup. “These players hate to lose at everything they do,” added L’Etiquette editor Marc Beaugé. “They hate being the losers of the game, and they hate to be losers even in the fashion department.” Allez les Bleus!

Which brings us to the real subject of today’s piece.

The images of these French footballers in their chic outfits didn’t really surprise me. It was amusing to see it coming from the type of sportsmen more commonly associated with flashy designer labels and tacky tracksuits, but I’ve always had the impression that Parisian men have cracked the code of looking good—a particular mix of taste, confidence, and nonthreatening charm that seems to do much of the heavy lifting before a conversation has even begun:

And it’s not just about the Alain Delon-adjacent DNA that gives them that French heartthrob aura.

In the same way that women here respect the city’s reputation and rarely leave the house without dressing the part (my Paris Street Reports might have convinced you of that already), Parisian men seem to have understood that caring about clothes is not, in fact, a threat to one’s masculinity and, if done right, can only add to your allure.

To be fair, that’s not an easy feat. Menswear does come with a much narrower playground than womenswear, and putting together an outfit that feels distinctive requires a little more thought and creativity. Which is why the magic often lies in subtler strategies: playing with textures, proportions, silhouettes, and fabric quality, the kind of details that can only come through when you genuinely appreciate clothes and the general art of getting dressed.

This can all be so subtle that even after years in Paris, I still find it difficult to put my finger on what exactly makes Parisian menswear work. With Father’s Day coming up, I decided it was finally time to demystify the Parisian man, dads and non-dads alike. As you’ll see, sometimes the secret is in the clothes. But other times, a French accent and a book tucked under the arm might be enough to do the trick:

And as a fun little bonus, I asked six Parisian men from my entourage about the brands they actually wear, which can turn out to be quite helpful when looking for gift ideas with a Parisian man’s stamp of approval. I also learned the term BCBG (“Bon Chic, Bon Genre”), a French shorthand for a polished, bourgeois, preppy aesthetic (think Neuilly or the 16th arrondissement)—except that among younger, more fashion-conscious Parisians, it can come with a slight eye roll.

Send this to your dad, your boyfriend, or file it away as future style (or husband) inspo.

On y va!

Les Hauts (The Tops)

La Chemise Bleue

We’re taking inspiration from Les Bleus, and I couldn’t have started anywhere else but with la chemise bleue. Parisian men have a particular love for timeless wardrobe staples, and the blue shirt might just be the MVP of the rotation. Of course, forget about the finance bro version, tightly tucked into beige chinos that would be better suited for a LinkedIn announcement with a rocket emoji in the caption. As will be the case for many items in this report, the secret is all in the proportions: relaxed, slightly oversized, sleeves casually rolled up or left loose, paired with roomier tailored pants that make you look like you know exactly what you’re doing.

Especially in summer, the sleeves get shorter and the fabrics become lighter—but the golden rule remains unchanged: it’s all about the flowy proportions:

Le bleu de travail

An item that is distinctly French, and one that almost every French man seems to have inherited from his grandfather’s wardrobe. Literally translating to “the blue workwear”, le bleu de travail was originally a durable uniform worn by workers, mechanics, and craftsmen. But over the years, French thirty-somethings have reclaimed their grandfathers’ jackets and turned them into a menswear staple. Some French intellectuals might raise an eyebrow at the idea of bourgeois Parisians turning working-class clothing into a fashion statement, but clearly, it hasn’t stopped anyone from wearing it:

Apart from the classic blues, shirts in softer and more unexpected hues are not something Parisian men shy away from. Here’s your proof that a man can absolutely make a pink shirt work: indigo jeans, your trusted pair of boots, and a little French guy aura (the messy hair sometimes helps) and you’re good to go:

Le vintage

Without the endless variety of silhouettes and styling options that women’s wardrobes offer, men have fewer places to experiment. A vintage T-shirt picked up from a thrift shop is one of the few pieces that lets a Parisian man safely play around and add a bit more personality to the conversation. Whether it’s an old concert tee, a faded cartoon logo, or his neighborhood’s name (go Belleville!), the right vintage T-shirt can add a dose of character to a man’s outfit and reveal some very niche interests you may or may not have wanted to know about.

Patterned vintage shirts are clearly another favorite, especially in summer, often worn over plain tanks or T-shirts to bring a little more color and movement to an outfit:

If I’m noticing one thing throughout this report, it’s that French menswear is all about the right fit. Change the drape, adjust the proportions, play with the volume and the entire outfit will feel different. Having fewer pieces to work with is definitely not an excuse to be boring, and the smallest styling choices become the ones that make the difference. A double collar, a slightly oversized silhouette, an unexpected tuck—sometimes it’s the tiniest adjustment that changes everything:

Le sleeveless tank top

A piece I would normally prefer to see tucked away in a gym bag, but with the right proportions and just the right amount of French-guy nonchalance, I might accept it. It’s usually accompanied by a well-built arm, a silver chain and a curated collection of cool-guy tattoos:

What Parisian men actually wear: tops

• Jacques, 30 years old: “With very few exceptions, all my T-shirts are plain Muji ones, slightly thick and in solid colors. My shirts all come from thrift stores or from my grandparents.”

• François-Xavier, 32 years old: “Among the brands I buy directly from, I wore Asphalte for a long time, and today I still like Bronson Mfg. It’s more or less the same style: simple, durable T-shirts. For more interesting tops or shirts, it’s either a thrift-store find or Vinted for oversized, colorful pieces. Otherwise, I’ve inherited many pieces from my grandfather.”

• Antoine, 32 years old: “For shirts and T-shirts, I mostly shop second-hand. I like oversized fits and skater-inspired shirt styles.”

• Ulysse, 32 years old: “Drapeau noir, Brut (editor’s note: a great shop in the Marais where you’ll often spot chic men carrying their bags), Percival”

• Cyrille, 36 years old: “Asphalte for everyday basics. The cuts are great, it’s French, B Corp, based on pre-orders, reasonably priced, and made to last. Simple products, but with a focus on the perfect cut and minimalist design.”

• Alain, 71 years old: “In general I go to Le Bon Marché. Like most boomers, I like English clothes but Italian ones too. I used to buy shirts at Brooks Brothers on Rue Saint-Honoré, but unfortunately most of these shops have disappeared. And when you order online, the quality is really not the same anymore. For coats and trenches it’s mostly YSL Rive Gauche and Burberry.”

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Les Pantalons

You’ll definitely see plenty of tailored trousers and jeans throughout this report. Many come from skater-culture staples: Vans, LOTS of Carhartt, Dickies, Levi’s of course, and a few other brands that you’ll find recommended by my Parisian friends at the end of this section.

But beyond this traditional menswear rotation, I’ve been noticing a lot of khaki trousers and cargo pants—again, worn in the right proportions that steer them away from the LinkedIn-poster child uniform:

I especially loved the play between these different neutrals on this next Parisian man right here, with the cigarette dangling from his lips like in a still from a Godard movie. You’d normally expect a black or white top underneath, but the navy adds that extra layer of stylistic awareness I often associate with French guys:

Another way to vamp up your khaki trousers: chunky shoes, a silver chain, and an analog camera slung over the shoulder, which feels less like a practical tool and more like a styling element that brings the whole outfit together:

After photographing enough looks, one pattern became impossible to ignore: French men love bermuda shorts. They come in every possible iteration—longer khaki versions, shorter dark denim pairs, patterned styles, classic sports shorts, and even taffeta versions (the only time I spotted this trend outside the Substack circle). The instinctive styling formula seems to be athletic high socks paired with trainers or loafers for a more classic look:

What Parisian men actually wear: pants

• Jacques: “I have two Noyoco pairs (one thick for winter, one lighter for summer), two second-hand Levi’s jeans, and two corduroy trousers (American Vintage and Carhartt). My favorite brand used to be Noyoco, but I’m starting to find it too expensive and the quality isn’t what it used to be. My style is also moving towards something less ‘clean’ and less BCBG, whereas Noyoco is very much that.”

• François-Xavier: “I buy almost everything second-hand or on Vinted. For jeans and simple, durable pieces, I like Bronson Mfg. I’ll probably keep looking there.”

• Antoine: “For trousers: lots of Levi’s jeans, otherwise skater-style trousers (Vans chinos, corduroy...)”

• Ulysse: “Mainly thrifted or bought on Vinted, vintage Levi’s (made in the US or Europe), Japanese selvedge denim brands like TCB Jeans, and various vintage finds, often in natural fabrics.”

• Cyrille: “Levi’s 501, classic, timeless, I have them in multiple shades.”

• Alain: “I used to buy my trousers at Cerruti on Rue Royale and Hilditch & Key on Rue de Rivoli, and my chinos at Brooks Brothers on Rue Saint-Honoré, but unfortunately all these shops have disappeared.”

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Les Chaussures (The Shoes)

This one was really not hard to narrow down. There was a clear MVP in this category and that is:

Le Paraboot

I don’t know if the rest of the world has gotten the memo yet, but Parisian men have a serious attachment to this specific Paraboot model. It’s made in France and the quality and craftsmanship are obviously part of the appeal, but I think the real reason it has become so popular is its versatility: it can move between completely different style worlds without ever feeling out of place: BCBG looks, casual outfits, and even skater-inspired silhouettes all find a way to incorporate the Michael Paraboot without it feeling forced or out of place:

Les bottes

Then we have the more classic boot category. If you’re looking for the French cool-boy/heartthrob archetype, it won’t be rare to spot one wearing long jeans with cowboy boots, like in the first look. Then there’s the classic Chelsea boot silhouette, the one most likely to be spotted with a copy of Proust’s In Search of Lost Time on a busy Parisian terrace:

Les mocassins

As was the case in my women’s shoe report, we can’t talk about Parisian style without mentioning loafers. You’ll often see them paired with black or white socks, with the latter bringing a little May ’68 revolutionary nostalgia back into the mix:

I’ve also been spotting loafers paired with socks in bolder colors, like that infamous pop of red—another very convincing way to spice up your khaki pants, if you ask me:

You can also go full camp; leaning into a modernized Italian mafia aesthetic with a pair of flashy Gucci loafers and just enough pattern/color clash to make the whole thing feel deliberately over-the-top:

Les sandales / Birkenstocks

Who said a French man can’t show a toe? Whether it’s a grocery run, a bike ride with your kids, or an emergency coffee stop on a sun-drenched terrace, Tevas, Birks, and double-strap sandals can definitely be part of a man’s summer shoe rotation:

We also have a few other shoe contenders worth mentioning: the Reebok Club C trend that created quite a stir (although it seems to have calmed down now), some coveted Jordan sneakers that will still have men lining up outside stores on release day, these Gardana Hemp clogs, the Lemaire derbies, and the Keen sneakers I’ve been increasingly spotting on the more alternative types.

What Parisian men actually wear: shoes

• Jacques: “I have one pair of Dr. Martens, two pairs of Karhu, two pairs of second-hand Converse, two pairs of Camper, and some Birkenstocks.”

• François-Xavier: “I mostly wear Nike and Adidas. I’d also recommend Spring Court and Dr. Martens.”

• Antoine: “Adidas, Reebok, and Dr. Martens.”

• Ulysse: “Max Sauveur, Tricker’s, Bonnegueule.”

• Cyrille: “Paraboot: a French brand, nice leather, made to last a lifetime. They repair them for free.”

• Alain: “My J.M. Weston shoes that last 15 years.”

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Les sacs & accessoires

Okay, there is definitely still a type of man who will refuse with all his might to ever carry a bag, which makes him: 1. a very annoying companion to his partner, and 2. someone who seems to have no idea what to do with his hands:

Quite surprisingly, that is definitely not the rule here—Parisian men are not afraid to carry a bag and quite often, a very good-looking one:

There was a moment when my boyfriend and his friends collectively decided that the solution to all their problems was buying a Hindbag—that particular mania seems to have calmed down a little, but banana bags are definitely still around, especially the classic Uniqlo ones:

You’ll also see baggier shoulder options—and I have to salute the color blocking here:

What surprised me the most though was seeing the Sézane Gary tote, a French-girl classic, repurposed over a man’s shoulder. Worn crossbody, it really takes on a slightly more masculine edge:

The Sézane tote also seems particularly popular among French dads, who happily carry the different floral versions without a second thought:

My personal favorite has to be this Call It By Your Name tote—it has definitely made the rounds online and here on Substack (hi ), but I would have never expected it to look this good on a man. This specific brown/beige color combination looks so chic against his crisp white top, navy bottoms, and blue sneakers:

Perhaps even more surprisingly, the classic L.L.Bean / Trader Joe’s-style tote has also made its way to Paris and onto men’s shoulders and it seems to work with absolutely everything: with cargo pants, with jeans, even with a full-on suit—and I’m only now realizing that a canvas tote might actually be the perfect men’s gift idea I’ve been looking for all along.

When it comes to other accessories, Parisian men are big fans of jewelry (especially silver rings and bracelets), baseball caps (whether thrifted or picked up as merch from a favorite café/restaurant/boutique), the occasional scarf worn on the head or even tied around the pants if you spend enough time in the Marais and, of course, the classic sweatshirt draped over the shoulders.

What Parisian men actually wear: bags & accessories

• Jacques: “My jewelry mostly comes from Ombre Claire and most of my rings come from the jewelry shops in the Marais, rue de Fourcy.”

• François-Xavier: “For jewelry, Gudule all the way. I’ve been going there since high school. I also have a Mero Mero roll top backpack.”

• Antoine: “Gudule, Hindbag banana bag, Carhartt backpack.”

• Ulysse: “Max Sauveur for belts, Mackie for beanies, and Orient for watches. For jewelry itself, I don’t really have a specific brand—mostly gifts from my grandmother or old pieces found on Etsy.”

• Cyrille: “A Tuareg ring from Nigeria.”

• Alain: “A tote bag from Brooks Brothers or a Longchamp shoulder bag with a zip closure.”

Et voilà, that’s all for today! Send this to your boyfriend, brother, or dad for some rare on-the-ground style inspo—and who knows, maybe you’ll even find a last-minute Father’s Day gift idea along the way ✨

I’d really appreciate it if you liked, shared, and left a comment. It supports my work and helps the algorithm show Stylé to more people who might enjoy it!

Bisous and see you on Friday!
Frosso

In a rare act of mercy from the weather gods this week, a sunny day happened to coincide with a Sunday full of neighborhood brocantes, with the local jet set flooding the streets of the 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements (arguably the best arrondissements if you know your way around), armed with baguettes, Chanels, bouquets of roses, and enough straw bags to supply a Sézane Spring–Summer campaign.

It also confirmed something I've long suspected: once summer arrives, Parisians are going far more all-in with prints than their long-standing reputation for understated dressing would suggest. But before I show you the full sample platter, let's all take a moment to admire the undisputed queen of prints this week, spotted on Rue de Bretagne in the 3rd arrondissement—if you're deep into lore, you can immediately tell this feels like one of her aesthetic '70s-inspired/boho-chic moodboards brought to life:

I managed to catch the brand of those fabulous sunglasses and giving you the details below the paywall!

Inside this week’s list you’ll also find: cool Parisians enjoying the Sunday brocantes (plus the best website to track the ones happening every week), a fabulous basket bag I managed to score for five euros, what might be the most Parisian moment I’ve ever captured (I call it Parismaxxing), the boutique where you can find unique second-hand pieces like this for under ten euros, and plenty of ideas for wearing print and color, straight from the streets of Paris! Bonus: a very fun little activity we organized with my neighbors (and a peek at their Eiffel Tower views, ugh).

On y va!

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That was over two weeks ago, and I’ll admit that ever since I’ve been spending at least forty minutes daily juggling tabs in pursuit of a companion to my now trusted pair of black Havaianas, still intact after two very active summers hopping between secluded Greek islands you’ve probably never heard of.

My problem is that the distribution of candidates I see proposed online has gotten suspiciously predictable: a little bit of A. Emery here, some Margaux Deia here, a touch of Ancient Greek Sandals. And perhaps this is where my Greek upbringing starts getting in the way: spending more than €200 on a pair of leather sandals feels a bit obnoxious when your trusted artisan on Ifestou Street could make you the same exact models for less than €30 a pair.

But oh well, I’m living la vie en rose now, and I need to adapt. I’m also open to finding something a little more city-appropriate—perhaps with a bit more support than these completely flat artisanal sandals or bare-minimum Havaianas, and a leather configuration that doesn’t require Jacquemus Moon Shoe-level patience before I can actually enjoy wearing them.

I escalated the matter to the subscriber chat, and it turns out many of you are facing the exact same dilemma. Some of you have already done the field testing and arrived with recommendations (thank you!). Others are also caught in the “to A. Emery or not to A. Emery” dilemma, left just as confused as I am after all the mixed reviews—some calling them the most comfortable shoes they’ve ever owned, others warning they require a serious break-in period.

And if you’re panic-making your way through other subscriber threads with similar inquiries (busted!), you might start thinking: maybe we’re all asking too much from a single pair of summer shoes. And maybe, just maybe, the solution has been here all along—we’re just too lost in the sauce to see it. A reader in the comment section of my last newsletter seems to have seen through it all:

And look, I hear ya. I don’t know about everyone else, but my personal truth is that the iconic pair of Arizonas has been ruled out after more than fifteen years of loyal service—probably only being replaced once, when the suede had faded into an unexpected shade of brown you’d struggle to find on the RGB color chart. Wearing them now gives me the same level of internal conflict and self-consciousness as a pair of Uggs or Nike Air Max 97s, forcing me back into a version of myself I’d be happy to leave in the past.

When things start getting too deep, I know I have to look for reinforcement—and need I even say where from? Our dear Parisians are not exactly the first to fall for a trend (I still haven’t spotted a single pair of taffeta pants on the streets), so whatever they’re wearing tends to feel more unfiltered, field-tested, and, if a tad too pricey, there’s probably a bonne raison for it.

And one more thing before we dive deep: I find these types of reports to be a great antidote to my manic tab-opening phases. Seeing what really exists out there—on real people, in their real personal style, moving through real, non-Instagram-perfect streets—is a great reality check and the perfect palate cleanser from all the disproportionate amounts of shopping content we consume (and produce!) every day.

I stepped out into the streets, open for all possibilities—maybe even to make amends with my high-school sweetheart of a shoe.

On y va!

Les Strappy Sandals / Lace Ups

A cheeky nod to the Greek goddess era and probably my natal country’s biggest contribution to modern-day fashion. I’m still surprised to see them worn so enthusiastically more than 500 km away from the Acropolis, but perhaps the French obsession with Greek antiquity (which works largely in my favor!) has something to do with it. Then again, we should probably also give credit to Ancient Greek Sandals, who managed to take the style out of its niche Mediterranean territory and popularize it among Hollywood stylists in the 2010s, before it inevitably spread to the rest of the world.

Call me biased, but it’s one of my favorite categories at the moment. They’re sleek, they keep your feet securely attached to the shoe while protecting them from the many hazards of Parisian pavement, and the straps provide the essential dose of sexiness missing from the flat sole.

Flowy maxi dresses and skirts seem to be their natural companions, although they're perfectly acceptable at the office with a long pair of tailored trousers as well. I also love seeing them styled with mini dresses and shorts, like this really cool outfit I spotted by the Canal that I want to copy tout de suite (the pop of red really makes the whole look, doesn’t it):

Les Metallic Sandals

We also have strappy sandals in metallic leather which I’d usually think leans a little too far into a modern fantasy of what a Greek goddess might have worn, golden leaf headband and all. But spotting them in an urban Parisian setting makes them feel less Acropolis-chic and more like a dressed-up alternative to the classic leather sandal, something that, if styled appropriately, can actually work even in more formal situations when a heel is out of the question (Greek women love wearing these to weddings!).

Les Embellished Sandals

Instead of a full metallic finish, we get sandals with more subtle decorative detailing (fun fact: metal appliqués and ornamentation were a marker of wealth in Ancient Greek society, where footwear often doubled as a signal of status beyond its practical functions).

There seems to be a theme here: indigo jeans paired with bulkier sandals, and polka-dot maxi skirts with more sleek, strappy styles—the studs adding the kind of spice that’s often missing from lightweight summer formulas.

Les Double-Strap Sandals

I think this is the Greek sandal in its purest form, and exactly what you’ll find most sandal artisans selling for under €30 on Ifestou Street in Athens. This model gives me serious nostalgic vibes—from a time when 15-year-old me tried to convince a street-savvy 50-year-old merchant to knock five euros off its price (it was all part of the game). I can’t help wondering what they make of their €175 alternatives circulating today. I’m pretty sure they have thoughts (and I suspect the government is somehow to blame).

I was personally not considering them as an option at all until I saw them styled by a Parisian in a way that rewired my brain—maybe all that was missing was a crisp white t-shirt, a linen blazer and a Rouje straw bag?

If you aren’t planning a trip to Athens soon, Ancient Greek Sandals is in fact the best alternative. The sandal merchants might be furious about the prices, but I can see the craftsmanship there, and I guarantee it’s one of the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever put on. It’s definitely not a forever shoe though, and I guess that’s part of the reason these sandals are still offered at such good prices in Greece: you’re not supposed to be too precious with them—they’re meant to be worn all summer long and replaced after one or two seasons. Be careful with the tan leather versions—the color does tend to darken after exposure to sun or water, but I personally think it’s part of the charm.

Les Gladiator Sandals

And then you can take the bateau all the way through the Adriatic Sea and draw some inspiration from the Romans, with these gladiator-inspired styles. This is definitely the most sturdy of the bunch, though also the bulkiest. I have worn both of the two styles on the right during different phases of my life: the classic one you can also find on Ifestou Street, and an even bulkier Dr. Martens version that feels like something you reach for when you’re not in the mood for the sleekness of classic sandals. A suede version like the one on the left softens some of that heaviness, and I find the sleeker, one-strap variation in the second a tad more elegant (probably from Jonak).

Les Mules / Wedges

OK, I thought the thong wedge was more of a modern-day fabrication until I saw a pair from Ancient Egypt exhibited at the Met, its silhouette feeling oddly familiar after opening and closing more A. Emery tabs than I’d like to admit.

It’s currently the number one sandal haunting my subconscious, but I’m still trying to figure out whether it’s really what I need this summer or whether I just need to log out and take a breather.

Seeing it on the Parisian streets with chic pedicures doesn’t exactly help:

I would have definitely bought these if it weren’t for the shipping costs. This Margaux sandal is also everywhere and I admit it looks pretty (people say they’re super comfy and I do hope so for that price—order half a size up)! As a more affordable option, I’m very tempted by these Ancient Greek Sandals, currently 50% off (size up!). Gap also makes these ones for $70, the chocolate brown is delicious!

I also saw this white strapped-pair that lit something up in my brain:

And then another one, with a single wide strap and a slightly higher heel but still chunky enough for these Parisian streets:

Merde, I think I’m officially developing a thing for white mules now.

Then I spotted this specific single-strapped pair back to back during a brocante (which definitely deserves a place in the top 3 spots for spotting chic locals with that infamous je ne sais quoi).

Les Toe-Ring Sandals

Another option that feels very of-the-moment, something you likely wouldn’t have spotted a few seasons ago. I just know the women who wear them have done their fair amount of scrolling:

Les High-Heel Sandals

The single-strap heel is probably the Frenchest of them all—giving the foot a lifted sexy silhouette, but with a sturdy block heel that keeps things sous contrôle. I think it plays the same everyday role as the block-heel boot trusted by almost every single Parisian, just in a summer iteration. We also have its thong version, which feels more modern, but the single-strap style feels the most distinctly French to me. Wear them with your most understated pieces, like your favorite pair of denim or little black dress for maximum Frenchness.

Les '90s Sandals

And then, if you’ve been following last month’s post, you’ll already know that Parisian streets have succumbed to the '90s platform shoe trend—made more French with flowy pieces like drapey maxi skirts, wrinkled oversized shirts, and messy hair, bien sûr.

It also exists in a flat, platform-soled version, which to me feels very 90s Jennifer Aniston on an outing with Brad Pitt core. I used to wear these Vagabond sandals for four summers straight which were SUPER comfy and worked with pretty much everything, but I’m currently feeling more drawn to sleeker silhouettes.

Les Hermès Sandals

I think I spoiled this one during my heatwave report, but Hermès sandals are experiencing a bit of a resurgence in Paris. Right now, I’m seeing more of the chunkier version of the classic H-shaped model, which I’ll admit looks très comfy (well, I do hope so, given the price). From experience, these wider-strap leather styles tend to last for years, so if you factor in cost per wear, they might not end up being that far from the €30 Ifestou sandals.

I’m also noticing its one-strap alternatives popping up:

Les Woven / Wrapped Sandals

These sandals with woven or wrapped detailing are particularly popular among Parisians and come in many variations: one-strap styles (which I love), secure ankle-strap versions, or more preppy peep-toe flats:

I’m also really into their heeled iteration (how cool it looks in total black!):

Les Flip-Flops

I imagine you sweating your way through the whole post, wondering when and IF they’d make an appearance—and voilà! I personally never thought I’d see the day when flip-flops would dominate the streets of the Marais, but here we are! It does require a certain level of foot awareness to avoid letting them touch that pavement (l’horreur!), but I’ll take it as my hall pass to wear my Havaianas sans guilt.

These next two looks are my favorites because they encapsulate the nonchalance that summer dressing allows for: your favorite tank or T-shirt, a pair of perfectly fitted denim, a couple of bold accessories (more often than not a straw bag), and voilà—you’re ready for a stroll in Saint-Germain-des-Prés:

Les Birkenstocks

And finally, the sandals I abandoned as a rite of passage into adulthood are back, as a peace offering to anyone surprised by the shortage of Birkenstocks in my last newsletter. And you’re right: Parisians do love a Birkenstock, and no, you won’t necessarily look like a tourist if you wear them properly. A good starting point is a Rouje-like wrap dress (or any other easy summer dress really), a polished touch via your jewelry or bag and you’ll be sure to be greeted with cheerful bonjours.

If I were to return to my old habits, I’d probably go for this exact pair in a metallic finish—something that feels new and doesn’t quite short-circuit my brain the way some others do:

I’ve also been spotting single-strap Birks quite a lot lately—this blue pair on the right looks especially good with light denim:

Les Tevas

And finally, to all the women out there with demanding feet—I got you! Tevas or similar anatomical styles, like these Camper ones on the left, are very much present and thriving on Parisian streets. You can easily take them up a notch with tailored or linen trousers and a cool shirt, or with a scarf and other cute accessories that make them look stylé rather than dictated by comfort.

[Product links are affiliate, meaning if you purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. These posts take a lot of effort to put together and it’s an extra way to support my work!]

Et voilà, that’s all for today! I hope this helped you make a little more sense of the sandal landscape in the real world and perhaps place some of these styles back into the context of your own personal style. ✨

I’d really appreciate it if you liked, shared, and left a comment. It supports my work and helps the algorithm show Stylé to more people who might enjoy it!

Bisous et à bientôt,
Frosso

Motivational quotes aside, having my friends visit this weekend was a great excuse to rediscover Paris through the eyes of someone who’s never been here before. The truth is, when you live here, you naturally learn how to avoid the tourist crowds and can easily go months without really bumping into them.

But touristy things are touristy for a reason, and sometimes it’s worth going back to that one spot that still holds that distilled Parisian magic. And sometimes, if you stop blindly following that Google Maps itinerary straight to your starred location, you might get fun little glimpses of how actual locals exist in those spaces. Like this group of stylish Parisian women on Rue des Martyrs (just under Montmartre) gossiping about people’s looks with a café-clope in hand:

Inside this week’s list: my fabulous florist who creates compositions for Hermès and Cartier, the best bistros in Paris for refreshing entrées and perfectly chilled rosés, the spots Parisians go to escape the heatwave, the best budget-friendly restaurant in Montmartre, a great summery tarte recipe, and plenty of other tips to avoid tourist traps and wander around like a local.

On y va!

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If you're only visiting for a few days, or using Paris as a stopover before heading somewhere more exotic, you don’t really have the luxury of packing your entire wardrobe, which means you have to be strategic about it from the start. And here’s something nobody tells you: even the people who claim not to care about clothes will eventually regret packing a boring outfit for Paris. Not because Parisians will directly tourist-shame you (though they are certainly judging every move you make), but because there’s a low-level FOMO that kicks in when you’re surrounded by the chicest assortment of locals you’ve probably ever seen on a trip. And somewhere in that mix, dressing the part feels less like a nuisance to your travel itinerary and more like part of a more interactive Parisian experience (plus, it does look good in photos).

The tricky thing is that people who look good while traveling are rarely the ones wearing their most extravagant or expensive pieces. Sometimes people lean too hard into the fashion capital fantasy, and you can instantly tell they’re tourists without even needing something as obvious as the infamous Birks-and-socks look (Emily in Paris is the perfect cautionary tale of how the “dressing for Paris” experiment can go wrong).

If you take all of this into account, packing the perfect outfit for Paris can easily start feeling like solving a multifactorial equation, and may even add to any existing trip-planning stress: you need clothes that can survive all four seasons in a single day, long walks on slippery, treacherous cobblestone streets and endless métro tunnels (Châtelet, I’m looking at you), transitions from morning shopping and gallery visits to dimly lit Parisian bistros with unofficial dress codes, enough room in your suitcase for the treasures you’ll inevitably bring home, and, most importantly, the ability to enjoy the city without spending the entire day thinking about what you’re wearing.

But ne t’inquiète pas—finding the perfect outfit for Paris is actually a solvable equation, and that’s exactly why I’m here today. After reading a few great packing posts by Lindsay, Anna and Allison, I realized there are also many other women here who, even if they don’t live here, seem to have cracked the code of dressing for big cities that ask for comfort, adaptability, and a little bit of polish all at the same time.

So I thought: who better to show you how to solve the “tourist in Paris” equation than some of your favorite fashion writers on Substack? Many of them are Paris regulars, some are professional stylists working with clients asking the exact same questions, and others have simply found the perfect pair of sandals or ballet flats that have survived multiple 20,000-step days—and come with actual intel.

I reached out to them with a simple question: What would you wear if you were suddenly transported to Paris for 24 hours? What’s the ideal outfit that fits in a cabin bag, transitions from 15,000-step mornings around the city to chic Parisian bistro dinners, and still feels like you?

As you can imagine, it turned into a really fun exercise for everyone—myself included—and resulted in a style inspo thread that can easily serve as ongoing inspiration for future trips to other big cities with similar constraints.

Are you ready? On y va!

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Before we get into the actual visual inspo, here’s a mental checklist to keep in mind when planning your ideal Paris outfit:

1. You’ll walk—a lot: It goes without saying, but if you’re visiting Paris, expect to exceed 20,000 steps a day without even noticing. The city is super dense, and you’ll quickly find that most of your saved spots are actually within walking distance of one another. Between going up and down endless metro stairs (don’t ask about the city’s accessibility) and Paris constantly pulling you into its gorgeous hidden alleys at every turn, comfort is non-negotiable. Oh, and relying on taxis is basically the perfect recipe for missing that dimly lit bistro dinner reservation. I see so many “what shoes to wear in Paris” requests and all the women in this thread delivered PLENTY of answers.

2. The weather is VERY unpredictable: Even in summer, you never really know what you’re going to get. One day it can be 30°C, sunny and perfect for your summer dress-and-sandals combo, and the next it can turn surprisingly chilly and call for a light jacket and sneakers. Add the occasional rain shower and strong wind to the mix, and you quickly understand why Parisians never fully put their trench coats away.

3. The streets aren’t made for delicate shoes: Paris streets can be uneven, slippery when wet, and particularly unforgiving for shoes even if they’re technically “comfortable”. There’s a reason you’ll spot Parisians opting for sturdy leather boots, loafers, ballet flats, and block heels most of the time. Material matters too: ideally something not too precious and easy to clean (like patent leather), if you end up walking through rain or muddy gardens.

4. Blending in can actually improve your experience: Looking like a tourist isn’t necessarily a problem (unless you have fancy dinner reservations), but making an effort can make your experience smoother. Some galleries and bistros for example, maintain unofficial dress expectations that make tiny shorts, skirts, and chunky trainers or sandals feel out of place. And I have to admit: our lovely Parisian servers do tend to treat you a little differently when you dress the part. In this thread you’ll find plenty of easily reproducible outfits that might just get you that waiter’s attention a little faster.

5. Your outfit needs to work from day to night. You know it better than I do: when you’re visiting Paris time is precious. There’s rarely time to return to your hotel for a full outfit change, so the best pieces are the ones that transition easily from day to night activities with just a change of shoes, jewelry, or a jacket. Most of the women I asked had this in mind and delivered some really fun ideas for switching up an outfit with minimal effort.

6. Leave your suitcase a little breathing room for all the treasures you’ll bring home: If you’ve read any of my guides to second-hand shopping in Paris, you’ll know there’s a good chance you’ll leave the city with a few new acquisitions. Whether it’s a vintage blazer, the perfect leather handbag, or an unexpected flea-market find, you’ll want some extra luggage space. That’s another reason why planning an outfit strategy that’s easy to mix, match, and adapt is such a smart choice: it lets you pack lighter while leaving room for the gems you’re bound to discover along the way.

7. Most importantly, you still need to feel like yourself: It’s easy to overthink what to wear in Paris. The city has such a strong fashion reputation that many people feel pressured to dress a certain way or pack outfits that don’t quite reflect their personal style (hello Emily Cooper). My advice? Don’t. The best Paris outfits are the ones you feel comfortable and confident in. If you’re constantly adjusting your clothes, worrying about your shoes, or feeling overdressed, you’re probably not enjoying Paris as much as you could be. Pack pieces you genuinely love wearing, keep things simple, and let the city do the rest.

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Let’s move on to the actual looks—I’ve spotted a few recurring themes across all the contributions so I grouped them into categories that you can browse more easily:

A dress worn like a top…

…tucked inside a pair of pants:

…or over the pants like :

Denim, but make it adaptable…

…like , who switched up the tops to take the look from day to night:

…or with a blazer as a top and a switch of bag, like :

…and , who played with a very Parisian tonal palette of navy and grey:

…and , who lets her sunglasses and Chanel flap bag lead the look:

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A touch of fringe that changes it all

…like , with a genius day-to-night styling trick:

…or , layering her gorgeous fringed piano shawl over her morning look instead of a shirt:

…and , showing once again how a fringed shawl can transform a look (zero other changes!):

A scarf or sweater draped over your shoulders

…then switch into a romantic blouse for dinner, like :

…or , who adds the sweater for a pop of red:

Balloon pants, but make them Paris-appropriate

…like , who styled them with a matching bustier and a pair of sleek sandals:

…or with a cropped blazer, switched into a top for dinner, like :

The one-piece wonder, trousers edition

…like ’s favorite pair of The Row trousers that works for every occasion:

…or ’s favorite pair of taupe pants:

The trench coat system

…as put into practice by to survive a rainy spring in Paris:

…or a lighter-colored take from , featuring the perfect white T-shirt and denim:

The monochrome Paris uniform

…as seen on , who made a leather jacket the whole outfit:

…or , with a black windbreaker that folds very small:

The single hero piece formula

…like the gorgeous opera coat of :

…or ’s white Toteme dress:

A pair of Tabis, allegedly among the most comfortable shoes out there

…tested by , who added a fringed shawl to make everything dinner-ready:

…or , in a pair of striped bermuda shorts and chic jewelry that make the look very bistro-ready:

The white denim solution

…like with her white-on-white look and a pop of red:

…or , who would keep things comfy and simple, with a swipe of lipstick and a ribbed tank for dinner:

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A shirt + the comfiest pair of pants you own

…like , who wears her go-to pull-on pants and would switch to red sandals for dinner:

…or , who layers pearls for a chic touch and a fun pop of color in the supporting accessories:

…and , who could easily pass for a Parisian with the pattern mixing (and that bag!):

Pack a few trusted favorites to feel like yourself…

…like and her favorite Tibi dress that works from morning to night:

…or , who would bring her favorite white ballerinas and a lightweight slip skirt for perfect ease and comfort:

Or simply add a red lip…

…like , shifting into nighttime mood with only a red lip, a chic chignon, and her bag held as a clutch:

[Products are linked via affiliate links, meaning if you purchase through them, I and the featured writers may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. These posts take a lot of effort to put together and it’s a way to support everyone’s work!]

Et voilà, that’s all for today! I hope you’re heading off with plenty of versatile outfit ideas for your upcoming (or imaginary) Euro summer! ✨

I’d really appreciate it if you liked, shared, and left a comment. It supports my work and helps the algorithm show Stylé to more people who might enjoy it!

See you on Friday!

Bisous et à bientôt,
Frosso

Writing these newsletters for you has also made me realize just how different Paris becomes once summer arrives. Sweating while having an entrecôte-frites in an old French bistro suddenly loses its charm, and Parisians start developing their own coping mechanisms for the city’s aversion to air-conditioning: ice-cold grenadine and bottles of rosé taking over every table by 6pm, supermarket ice cream shelves wiped clean (these sorbet sticks from Picard are dangerously good), and, to my surprise, many of them already training their immune systems for a baignade in one of the Seine’s designated swim zones, opening in early July (sorry but I’m not that desperate yet).

Inside this week’s list: how the French celebrate their anniversaries, a Pinterest-worthy French breakfast in the countryside, two sandal trends I’m spotting everywhere plus a great brand for raffia bags, the best spot in Paris to enjoy a breezy summer evening, and plenty of other summer scenes of Parisians having the best times of their lives.

On y va!

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Moving to Paris changed me. For one, the weather here aligns better with my short-denim readiness: summer arrives late enough that I can actually start looking forward to it, rather than having it abruptly imposed upon me. Secondly, reactions to bare legs are far less intrusive than in my beloved country of origin, where no woman’s body can exist without attracting unsolicited, mostly negative opinions.

And thirdly, I’m lucky enough to be living in the homeland of women who have made me dedicate entire Pinterest boards to their summer dressing. In fact, as I was writing this piece, I realized that some of the most iconic summertime fashion moments come from French territory: Brigitte Bardot with her signature bandeau in Le Mépris and paparazzi running after her in Saint-Tropez; Romy Schneider’s black one piece in La Piscine; Jean Seberg wandering in marinière tops in Godard’s À bout de souffle; Françoise Hardy in her mini Paco Rabanne by the French Riviera; and, of course, Jane Birkin with her vichy dresses and iconic woven basket, perhaps a more reliable companion than Serge Gainsbourg could ever be.

In Paris, there’s an extra layer of difficulty when it comes to summer dressing: balancing city-appropriate outfits in a place that still feels largely unprepared for increasingly recurrent heatwaves: avoiding direct skin contact on hot metro rides with suspiciously stained seating; looking like you’re actually enjoying lunch in the charming French bistros that still consider air-conditioning an unnecessary investment; and the ongoing challenge of putting together breezy outfits that keep you relatively sweat-free without ever looking like a tourist.

It’s no coincidence that practicality is so often associated with Parisian style, and this extends to summer dressing too. I’ve never quite managed to pinpoint what exactly it is about summertime attire that makes it feel so much more exciting here than usual, but I’m under the impression that Parisians have figured out how to survive the heat in a way that feels distinctly different from the kind of clothes you’d see in an actual beach town: lighter materials, silhouettes that are slightly more relaxed and undone, but still carrying a certain kind of poise/control that immediately distinguishes them from someone prepared to stand in line at the Louvre for more than ten minutes.

The heatwave currently sweeping across Europe has given me the perfect alibi to investigate the matter sur le terrain. As it turns out, the exercise came with a few additional challenges once temperatures climbed above 30 degrees, which meant periodically escaping into aggressively air-conditioned supermarkets for recovery breaks and emergency raspberry sorbet sticks (a true life hack).

Every desperate gasp for cold air was worth it in the end—because you, me, and the rest of humanity can now finally take notes from the French art of sweating with dignity. Without further ado, let’s dive into a VERY detailed Street Report: Heatwave Edition—on y va!

Flowy robes d’été

Despite its very obvious disadvantages, a heatwave, or canicule, can actually be quite fun to observe. Summer is in fact one of the rare moments in Paris when people begin dressing with a little less restraint, embracing florals and other playful patterns that remain mostly absent throughout the rest of the year. For Parisians, summer dresses seem to be the ultimate terrain for pattern experimentation and the moment you arrive in the Marais, you’ll spot a parade of them strutting in and out of boutiques:

• A black maxi dress like the one on the left is actually the perfect way to remain city-appropriate in the middle of a heatwave: your legs stay protected, and the dark color does a generous job of disguising sweat. It’s also versatile enough to carry you from gallery visits to window shopping in the Marais and then straight into late-evening dinners on a warm Parisian terrace.

• The quintessential Parisian summer formula to me is a dress in a pattern and flowy silhouette like the maxi dress on the right, paired with thinly strapped sandals and more structured leather accessories to balance everything out.

• Then there are the mini floral dresses with the thin straps and that look on the left absolutely deserves its place here thanks to the courageous pairing with leather boots. I tried it once during a Parisian heatwave and would absolutely not recommend it from a practical standpoint, but I love the ’70s coolness of the combination.

• The look on the right captures perfectly the relief of summer dressing: a floral dress really is the outfit and if you happen to have a chic French bob to go with it, even better. The leather black gladiator shoes add just enough structure to make the dress feel more city-appropriate.

My personal favorite contender when it comes to city summer dresses has to be monochromatic ones, offering the perfect blank canvas to play with all the fun sandals, bags, and accessories of the season.

There’s something about a simple white or black maxi dress in the city that I find especially appealing. I loved this white dress, for example: fitted on top and flowing on the bottom, with the interest coming through in the play of textures, dangling accessories, and that red nail polish:

After my run to Kanelle Vintage last week, I’ve been on the hunt for a good vintage nightdress I can actually wear outside. In black, it feels less lingerie-like than the usual pinkish hues, and this outfit gave me the perfect inspo: no accessories, just a structured leather bag with studded details and suede moccasins bringing the right amount of city balance. It also looks super cute with a ponytail.

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Skirts

This is clearly one of the biggest summer trends of the season. If you’ve been following this newsletter for a while, you probably already know about the Parisian obsession with white denim, and white skirts feel like its more heatwave-appropriate summer counterpart. Over the past few days alone, I’ve spotted them in every possible variation of length and fabric: towel-like textures like the one on the left, polka-dot prints, classic cotton or linen versions, and shorter flowy cuts in crêpe. As you can see, they’re most often styled with simple T-shirts (I love that midnight-grey one on the left) and thin tank tops, with touches of black once again acting as a grounding detail that gives the whole look a more distinct city feel.

Okay, I’m really proud of this next one: I spotted it during a Sunday sleepwalk to the boulangerie, and I’m so glad I was awake enough to have the reflex to take a picture—I have a particular obsession with white skirts at the moment and this one looked better than anything I’ve scouted online: perfectly draped, lighter and thinner than stiff poplin cotton (which can start feeling like far too much when the heat becomes unbearable), with just the right amount of sheerness. I also really loved the way she styled it with a bold black top, then softened everything back down with lighter details like that woven summer basket bag and brown leather sandals.

The skirt gods were with me that day because I got out of the metro and spotted this absolute gem of an outfit with a flowy skirt in a light blue shade we don’t see that often:

The sun was hitting the outfit directly, and I had to take a closer look to properly register the exact hues—I loved the contrast between the cerulean blue top and the lighter baby-blue skirt. And once again, we have the black bag and (gorgeous!) mules giving the outfit all the structure it needs.

As was the case for dresses, skirts are also a terrain for experimentation, with florals, polka dots and vichy patterns being the usual suspects. Both looks on the right remind me of something Zoë Kravitz could have worn on a warm day in NYC (if a Parisian claims they’re uninfluenced by trends on the other side of the ocean, they’re lying). The secret lies in the play between bold colors like blue, orange, yellow and purple and more neutral tones like black and brown:

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La chemise

You really can’t spend much time in Paris without spotting some variation of a shirt, regardless of the season. Instead of keeping strictly separate winter and summer wardrobes, Parisians tend to carry their most beloved pieces across seasons, usually reworking them through styling that makes them feel more weather-appropriate. In the case of the shirt, that can mean throwing it over a pair of flowy shorts or a skirt, pairing it with relaxed trousers, wearing it more classically with jeans for a day at the office, or leaving it open over a tank top and styling it with more playful accessories like a brightly colored bag or a straw tote.

Alongside the classic blue shirt, there are also buttery or flashier yellows, browns, and vintage patchwork prints as well as the ever-present white shirt, often left deliberately wrinkled over sleeker bases like silky tops and bottoms. Oversized sandals and standout bags (like that beautiful brown YSL bag in the last outfit on the right) add just the right touch of city polish:

I still can’t stop thinking about this outfit I spotted a few weeks ago, on one of the first days summer started giving its first hints. This wrinkled blue shirt had me convinced that a pair of leopard pants can actually be made to look cool. I also think I’m developing a thing for black mules after seeing them on so many Parisians:

I keep spotting shirts wrapped around the waist, often with long skirts and ballerinas—it feels like the perfect styling trick to carry you from walking through the summer heat straight into that long-awaited evening pastis on a breezy Parisian terrace:

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White tops

I have to admit, I find a plain white T-shirt weirdly hard to style during the summer. It’s such a big blank canvas, but when it’s really hot out, you rarely feel like putting enough effort into the rest of the outfit to actually make it interesting. Still, plenty of Parisians make it work: some lean into a restrained palette of beige and black in a very 90’s way (I love the look on the left), while others let patterned bottoms, a scarf, or, as I mentioned earlier, an oversized bag do most of the talking.

The most exciting piece to return in this category every summer is definitely the romantic white blouse—you really only get a few months to wear it properly, and it has enough presence on its own that styling the rest of the outfit becomes easier: a pair of well-loved jeans or breezy trousers, your favorite flats (mules for more of a cool-girl vibe, ballet flats for something softer and more romantic), and delicate gold or silver jewelry at the neck to bring out the blouse’s details:

Le Pantalon

Parisians don’t seem to have fully caught on to the pull-on pants craze that’s taken over our little Substack bubble yet, so I mostly spot them on lazy Sunday strolls that usually justify outfits that are a bit more décontracté. They usually come either in the bandana prints Parisians seem to be loving right now, or in softer cream tones made from airy fabrics that feel especially practical in the heat. The look is usually completed with a sturdier bag and the same reliable flats or sandals they’d wear any other day:

I’ve been seeing long trousers paired with mesh ballet flats quite a bit lately. I know they’ve been a huge trend since Alaïa first introduced them in 2023, but I wasn’t fully convinced until very recently, when I came across a particularly compelling case on the ground near Hôtel de Ville:

While going through my camera roll, I notice a strong presence of green trousers, mostly in khaki and deep forest tones. They’re usually paired with black and white, but sometimes with more interesting combinations like cobalt blue, or the occasional unexpected pop of neon—like the bubble-pink Prada mules in the look on the right, which make for a très fun pairing with that oversized Star Wars T-shirt:

Then, of course, there’s the classic denim rotation, a choice I still partly associate with my 2010s self stubbornly ignoring the 35-degree Athenian heat. In Paris, though, it feels more appropriate, especially on office days, when you can throw an oversized blazer over your shoulders in the morning (thank God for air conditioning in most workplaces) and then take it off for the mandatory after-work apéro.

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Le Short

If you’re not much of a skirt or dress person, long shorts are probably one of the best ways to survive a full day in the summer heat while also avoiding direct skin contact with those questionable métro seats. We have the more relaxed version on the left, with flip-flops and pointelle tops (one of my favorite summer formulas), and then more polished variations styled with trendier pieces or simple black tops that help you handle any unexpected sweat situations. I especially love the idea of a versatile piece like that one-shoulder top on the right, which can easily take you from morning to night—add a swipe of red lipstick, and voilà, your shorts are now French bistro–appropriate.

If you’re truly fearless, there’s also the pyjama-short situation. I do love how it looks here with a polished pair of gold ballerinas, but unfortunately I can’t imagine sitting comfortably on a Parisian café stool like without being overly conscious of the fabric on my legs:

There are still plenty of fearless Parisians out there who pull off the mini-shorts look—often softening it with more embellished accessories, like a pair of thin jeweled sandals on the left or that pearl necklace and oversized shirt combo on the right that can make even the most athletic-looking shorts feel city-appropriate:

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Total noir

We obviously couldn’t be discussing Parisian style without mentioning that crowd of people who stay loyal to black, even during a heatwave. I personally find an all-black summer outfit kind of fabulous, and although it takes a certain level of commitment, Parisians definitely know how to make it more bearable: sleeveless silhouettes, ultra-thin straps, mini cuts, flip-flops, and lightweight fabrics that disappear on the body:

This woman was fully committing to the total noir fantasy from head to toe, with only the dangling jewelry breaking it up and an inherently cool aura that feels kind of impossible to replicate:

Same goes for this outfit here—I absolutely loved the flowy drape of that T-shirt, but the real star of the look has to be that gorgeous chocolate croc bag I still can’t take my eyes off:

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Patterns

Summer is when everyone becomes a little more adventurous—the sun is out, temperatures are rising fast, and you can always blame questionable pattern mixing on a mild heatstroke. Thinner fabrics make bold prints feel less intimidating, especially when they’re balanced out with quieter elements. This season I keep spotting Parisians contrasting patterned dresses with playful bags and sweaters, vichy prints with stripes and flashy pops of color, and that popular bandana print styled against other boho patterns:

Really digging this look I spotted one early morning in the Marais—a very tomboyish outfit with oversized cargos and a men’s polo collar jumper, softened by that exaggerated scrunchie (I always forget how a tiny detail like that can completely shift the vibe). She had a pink tank top underneath that I imagine adds an extra girly touch once the jumper comes off:

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Le panier

And finally, summer styling in Paris wouldn’t really be complete without basket bags. The entire city basically turns into a showcase for these bags the moment temperatures rise: structured ones, rounded ones, smaller versions with long straps, and more delicate filet styles, all paired with just about every outfit imaginable—standing as visual proof that straw bags are far beyond reliable beachwear (I loove this Substack edit by for extra basket bag inspo).

The queen of basket bags has to be this woman I spotted from several meters away in the Marais—I couldn’t help but rush over in her direction. Firstly, because I was genuinely curious whether she was actually French or simply cosplaying the Jane Birkin fantasy, and secondly, because I urgently needed to find out what was inside that basket.

Turns out she was indeed French, which surprised me a little considering her husband’s questionable taste in T-shirts (I guess there will always be a Serge to a Jane):

I realized they were heading toward the chic Square du Temple accompanied by three cheerful children, and I couldn’t help but picture the basket packed with all the essential picnic supplies: ripe strawberries, miniature bottles of juice, high-end sunscreen, a gingham cotton towel tucked somewhere in between, and maybe a couple of croissants wrapped in butter-stained paper.

Et voilà, that’s all for today! I hope you’re heading off with plenty of summer style ideas to get you through the heatwave, and maybe a little extra inspiration to play around with your personal style a bit more—à la Parisienne! ✨

I’d really appreciate it if you liked, shared, and left a comment. It supports my work and helps the algorithm show Stylé to more people who might enjoy it!

Bisous et à bientôt,
Frosso

Oui oui, we’re gearing up for a mini summer simulation, and as a Greek person accustomed to 85% sunshine year-round, I’m more than ready to embrace it. The thing is, this past month has barely offered a glimpse of blue skies, and my summer linen pieces have been dans la misère in their sad little IKEA storage bags at the back of my closet (the second I hit send on this newsletter, I’ll be setting them free).

Many of you have been asking me when is the best time to visit Paris and my answer would be: starting now! Late May and early June are usually when the city has officially had enough of grey skies and begins reaching for the sun again. June can still surprise us with the occasional rain shower, but in my experience, the shift from spring to summer here is always noticeable.

For me, summer officially begins the moment you realize you no longer need a jacket on a weekday evening. That happened yesterday while I was walking home with my friends after a lovely photography exhibition: it was 21:30, the sun only just beginning to set against cotton-candy pink skies, the air breezy but warm, when suddenly, right in front of us, we saw the Eiffel Tower (I tried very hard not to react like a tourist, but I caved):

There’s something about the transition from spring to summer that makes Paris feel perfectly in sync with itself again. On my way home, I stumbled upon a jazz night at an old-school French bistro near my apartment, and it genuinely felt like I’d stepped onto a movie set:

Ah, j’adore Paris.

Inside this week’s list: the exact viewpoint for breathtaking Eiffel Tower views (plus a fabulous nearby garden for a stroll), the Parisian label I just discovered for beautiful linen/cotton/silk tees that feel luxurious without the luxury price tag, how Parisians dress for weddings (and the best arrondissement to spot them), a fabulous hand-monogrammed tote that’s the chicest alternative to raffia bags, a very chic Parisian mom dressed head-to-toe in Chanel and many other little bits and observations from my Parisian adventures.

Plus: a few more snippets from that magical jazz night to make you dream a little.

On y va!

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If you’re reading fashion Substacks, Paris is probably high on your bucket list and I’d bet there’s something special on your itinerary falling somewhere between that second glass of Chardonnay and a stroll through the Marais. Something your spouse is probaby blissfully unaware of and, if we’re being honest, would probably rank higher than a visit to the Louvre: the hunt for the best, Paris-approved second-hand gems.

I must admit, even for someone who lives here, Paris can get pretty overwhelming when it comes to navigating this treacherous shopping territory. It only takes opening Instagram to immediately come across another 10-second reel about some amazing Paris boutique I’ve been missing out on and “ABSOLUTELY” have to visit. The problem is that these reels never tell you why you should absolutely visit a place, which usually leaves you conducting your own private investigation, with aggressive zooming and contradicting Google reviews as your only tools.

But this is no way to organize one’s life, and if you only have five precious days here, you definitely do not want to waste them in costume-y y2k shops, dealing with snobby sales assistants, and staring longingly at archival pieces that cost more than your monthly rent.

But vous inquiétez pas—I've finally put an end to this glamorous form of capitalistic suffering and compiled the guide I wish I’d had before visiting Paris: a curated list of the best second-hand spots in the city, organized by aesthetic, budget, and all the fun things you can do around the area (also handy for keeping spouses entertained while they wait for you to finish).

I personally visited every single store, spoke with the owners, took photos, and tried on pieces, so oui, you can be sure that this list is the real deal. Even if the city’s second-hand scene extends far beyond the 15 places I rounded up here, I promise this will make it much clearer which spots are actually worth visiting and why, while also giving you something to compare in terms of prices, curation, and general offerings.

One important thing you should know before we begin—the Parisian second-hand wonderland comes in many different flavors:

• The friperies (Guerrisol, Hippy Market, Free’P’Star, Kilo Shop): The equivalent of the big thrift shops in the US. Prices can start as low as 1 euro and rarely go above €100 (mostly for leather jackets or furs). This requires lots of time and energy, and it’s very hit or miss, which is why I won’t really be focusing on them in this newsletter. It’s almost certain you’ll have one near your hotel though, and if that’s your kind of thing, you can definitely test your luck.

• The boutiques solidaires / ressourceries (Emmaüs, Bis Boutique Solidaire): These are the city’s charity shops and, like the friperies, are scattered all around the city. I think these are the best spots to find oversized men’s shirts, jackets, T-shirts and sweatshirts in good condition that cost less than 20€. The most popular ones are Emmaüs, but I personally prefer Bis Boutique Solidaire, which tends to have a better organized curation. After years of digging around, I’ve narrowed it down to two excellent locations, listed at the end of the guide.

• The consignment shops / dépôt-ventes: These are shops where locals bring their clothes and get paid once the item sells. They tend to be more selective, but also significantly more expensive. I often find them a bit chaotic, and I never quite know which ones are actually worth stepping into. While preparing this guide, I ended up discovering what might be my favorite consignment shop with great prices and curation, which of course had to make the list.

• The appointment-only places: These are for the hardcore vintage and archival enthusiasts, usually more geared toward professionals, stylists, or collectors. Thanks to my little investigation I found the best appointment-only spot in Paris that manages to combine VIP-level treatment with second-hand pieces you can actually afford—you’ll find it high up on this list.

• The curated second-hand boutiques: This is the main offering of the Paris second-hand scene, and the category I’ll be focusing on. You can find genuinely everything here: from y2k pieces that would make Carrie Bradshaw all giddy, to chic French brands like Soeur and Sézane in near-perfect condition (usually around €80–€150), to more eclectic selections of high-end labels like Céline, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermès, and Dior, typically starting from 200€.

As you can imagine, this guide was A LOT of work, and only made possible thanks to the support of my paid subscribers! As a thank you, I’m giving you exclusive access to my two absolute favorite second-hand shops in the city (which happen to be on the same street), my favorite boutiques solidaires (this is where I get my €20 Ralph Lauren shirts!), and a gorgeous store with fabulous art deco jewelry and decorative items, that isn’t even listed on the map. Plus, access to a private Google Maps list with all the shopping spots pinned on the map!

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On y va!

Preclothed, 3 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris

• Come here if you: have a Pinterest board full of '90s Margiela runways, worship everything The Row, like the idea of having your own personal guide through an archival fashion wonderland

• Brands: Hermès, Maison Margiela, The Row, Celine, Alaïa, Saint Laurent

• Price range: from €600, €1500-€2500 on average

• Other things to do in the area: pair it with a visit to Musée d'Orsay, or Officine Universelle Buly across the street for gorgeous brushes and grooming accessories

If you’re following these minimal, art-deco adjacent Instagram accounts, chances are you’ve seen this place several times already. Preclothed feels less like a vintage store and more like an art gallery for hardcore Martin Margiela devotees. Not exactly casual second-hand shopping territory unless you’re a serious fashion archivist, or Zoë Kravitz, who reportedly dropped over 10k on that silky 2002 Hermès by Margiela raincoat last time she stopped by. That said, the sales assistant is refreshingly non-snobbish (considering the sea of The Row pieces surrounding you), and very keen to share generous references for every piece you touch, topped with styling examples from his iPad. Most people seem to leave with a piece from their art-deco jewelry selection or one of the gorgeous fringed silk scarves from their stack, usually priced under the 1k mark.

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Turn Paris, 3 Rue Chabanais, 75002 Paris

• Go there if you: want to live out a VIP-level fashion fantasy inside a gorgeous Haussmann apartment (without the VIP price tag), are looking for a hand-picked curation of elevated second-hand pieces by a fabulous Parisian duo

• Brands like: Celine, Lanvin, Armani, Versace, Kenzo, Dior, etc (although it’s less about the brands and more about the individual items), plus pieces from their Made in Europe Turn Paris collection

• Price range: €90–€700, with most pieces sitting around the €200-€250 mark

• Other things to do in the area: wander through Galerie Vivienne, take a little break at the Jardin du Palais Royal, get the €13 steak-frites at Le Bistrot Victoires.

Okay guys, I genuinely debated putting this one behind the paywall because I almost want to gatekeep it forever—but I need the world to know about this ABSOLUTE hidden gem. kept raving about it, so I knew I had to give it a go, and it exceeded every expectation. Turn Paris is your antidote to both intimidating archival stores and chaotic y2k thrift shops. The concept is straight out of your fashion dreams: you book a 45-minute appointment entirely dedicated to you, and leave with a brand new head-to-toe tenue styled by the most fabulous Parisian duo imaginable, Clara and Alix. The prices are also surprisingly reasonable considering the VIP-level customer service, with most of the pieces starting around €90 and €150-€250 on average, going up to €700 for the more special items.

You can also discover their recently launched collection, made in Europe and using beautiful recycled materials sourced from all over the world: gorgeous bucket bags in multiple colorways (I really couldn’t stop staring at the bronze one), the chicest pair of pull-on trousers with tassel and pom-pom details custom made in France, the perfect tiny hot pants, and silky separates that can all be mixed and matched in so many creative ways.

The whole experience feels like stepping into a gallery where you can actually afford the exhibits, leaving you freshly inspired to play dress-up with your entire wardrobe again. If I were you, I’d ditch the museums and come here instead.

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NUOVO, 130 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris

• Go there if you: enjoy the occasional pop of color, want a grown-up y2k curation that doesn’t feel too costume-y

• Brands: Hermes, Gucci, Celine, Alaia, Saint Laurent, plus their own Nuovo pieces

• Price range: from €50, €200-€500 on average for designer pieces

• Other things to do in the area: grab wine and charcuterie at Marché des Enfants Rouges, sit outside at Café Charlot for coffee and people-watching

Lily-Rose Depp shops here, which is basically another way of saying this is where you come when your wardrobe needs a little cool-girl spice. I initially thought it might lean a bit too y2k for my taste, but the selection is actually surprisingly balanced: playful designer pieces mixed with unlabeled vintage finds that still feel genuinely wearable. They seem especially obsessed with sky blue, citron yellow, and soft apricot tones. I found a gorgeous flowy Chloé mini dress and a Celine top, both priced around the €200 mark, which felt relatively reasonable by Paris designer-vintage standards.

I also discovered that they have their own collection (made in Portugal), with a particularly good selection of tops in black and this beautiful powdery blue shade. I was thrilled to find this draped backless top—I’d been looking for the perfect going-out top for ages, and can actually already picture myself wearing it a million different ways, day or night.

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Erem Vintage, 132 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris

• Go there if you: are hunting for great designer shoes in excellent second-hand condition, are looking for beautiful basics from the most hyped French brands

• Brands: high-end labels like Hermès, Celine, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, etc mixed with more accessible French brands like Soeur, ba&sh, Maje, etc

• Price range: from €50 for unlabeled items, €200-€300 on average for designer

• Other things to do in the area: it’s right next to Nuovo so you can easily combine the two, then grab a glass of wine among cool Parisians at Place Nathalie-Lemel

The collection here is way bigger than at Nuovo, but perfectly curated so it doesn’t get too overwhelming. There’s a mix of designer pieces from Celine and Yves Saint Laurent, alongside loads of French-girl favorites like Soeur, ba&sh, Maje, plus unlabeled vintage pieces—all super satisfyingly organized by color which makes it very fun and easy to browse!

I thought the shoe selection was géniale, especially if you’re into fun statement shoes without the crazy start prices. I spotted these Hermès sandals for €285, and the fishnet Bottega Veneta sandals for €225 which actually felt pretty reasonable considering how perfect the condition was. Also: they stock a lot of size 41s, which my fellow taller girlies might appreciate.

I tried on a silk top from Soeur in this gorgeous olive color (€165) and a really beautiful 100% silk slip dress that was around €250—definitely more than I wanted to spend, but it was basically like new and felt quite luxurious on the skin. Only thing: the mirror is outside the dressing room, which always puts extra pressure on you when trying to decide whether it’s a yes or no.

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Aimé Paris Vintage, 97 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris

• Go there if you: want to finally break free from endless Vinted / eBay / Primark scrolling, are looking for an amazing selection of cute going-out tops, love a good piece of vintage jewelry

• Brands: mostly unlabeled pieces, plus 90s/y2k-era brands

• Price range: starting from €20, €80-€150 on average

• Other things to do in the area: discover the eclectic japanese cutlery at Ogata, browse the art books at Yvon Lambert

This feels like someone took your Vinted/eBay algorithm and refined it into only the best pieces. That said, I do think some items are slightly overpriced—for instance, pieces from accessible French brands like Kiabi are being sold for €50–€80, which you can find online for much less, so you’re clearly paying for the curation and the time saved. There’s a really fun selection of cute tops and dresses that you can try and can save you a lot of scrolling, so plan to spend at least half an hour here. They also offer a great curation of silver jewelry that you don’t easily find in other second-hand shops. It fits nicely into a Marais stroll between shops, so definitely worth a visit!

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Iconic Vintage, 20 Rue du Pont aux Choux, 75003 Paris

• Go there if you are looking for: unique basics, a beautiful selection of summer dresses, or a good trench or leather coat

• Brands: mostly French brands and unlabeled 90s pieces

• Price range: starting from €50, around €100-€150 on average

• Other things to do in the area: combine with Aimé vintage, then continue along rue des Turennes and discover the wonderful Perrotin gallery, featuring contemporary art by French and Asian artists

Iconic is similar in spirit to Aimé: a curated take on classic second-hand pieces, but with a softer, more romantic interpretation of vintage dressing that still feels quire modern. J’adore their selection of maxi 90s summer dresses, mostly sitting around €150, with pieces from more well-known brands like Cacharel priced slightly higher. There’s also a small menswear section where you can come across a few great items—I tried on a beautiful 100% silk pankou closure shirt priced at €70, but ultimately thought it was a bit too oversized for my small shoulders. Their leather jackets are also a highlight—often in near-perfect condition and in beautiful spring colours, like this pistachio green one I spotted:

Chez Snow Bunny, 12 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003 Paris

• Go there if you: want to dive headfirst into a y2k Carrie Bradshaw fantasy, hunt for iconic printed Jean Paul Gaultier pieces, or simply browse a really fun & frivolous selection of dresses, sexy tops, and tiny sandals

• Brands: Roberto Cavalli, Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace, Prada, etc

• Price range: €15-€80 for unlabeled items, from €250 for designer pieces

• Other things to do in the area: head to The Broken Arm for coffee and fashion magazine browsing, and maybe your chance to get up close with models and influencers during fashion week

If early-2000s Carrie Bradshaw were suddenly dropped into Paris, I’m convinced she would spend her entire Vogue columnist salary in a single visit here. You’ll find iconic y2k statement pieces like the printed sets by Jean Paul Gaultier and Roberto Cavalli, authentic “J’adore Dior” tops, Prada dresses and many sexy designer sandals in excellent condition. Don’t be fooled by the chaotic racks—the price tags absolutely reflect the cult status of many of these items, so be prepared to spend well over €400 for a set. That said, there are still plenty of unlabeled halter tops, capri pants, and mini skirts in the €15–€50 range that deliver the y2k fantasy without costing a month’s rent. Half the fun is the atmosphere itself: everyone browsing seems genuinely excited as they move through the racks, gasping over finds and hyping each other up in the mirrors—it makes the whole visit feels like an experience in its own right.

Gaijin Paris, 33 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris

• Go there if you: self-identify as a minimalist, have Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy all over your Pinterest board, consider Yohji Yamamoto your fashion god

• Brands: Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons, etc.

• Price range: around €200–€250 for designer pieces, up to €800 for rarer archival items

• Other things to do in the area: grab a chou at Popelini, then people-watch with a glass of wine at Le Progrès

A minimalist’s dream. This is where you come to try on a pair of Pleats Please trousers (around €200-€250), touch vintage Issey Miyake jackets, gasp at rare Comme des Garçons pieces, and generally browse cult Japanese designers at considerably fair prices. You’ll end up spending far more time here than expected—almost every piece has an interesting cut, drape, or subtle construction detail that’s worth noticing and probably worth trying on. Which is slightly unfortunate, because the fitting room situation is… not ideal. The rooms are tiny, and you still have to do the classic dressing-room walk of shame down a narrow corridor just to check yourself in the communal mirror.

I spotted this dreamy crepe Yohji Yamamoto coat that I could instantly picture thrown over a strapless black maxi dress with strappy sandals for a full Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy moment:

Kanelle Vintage, 48 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris

• Go there if you’re looking for the vintage slip dress of your dreams

• Brands: reconditioned lingerie brands spanning all the way back to the 1920s

• Price range: €50-€400

• Other things to do in the area: take a break at the beautiful Place des Vosges or enjoy a romantic tea at Le Loir dans la Théière

It feels like stepping back into the Roaring Twenties, where I imagine women drifting around nonchalantly in their silky slip dresses and pom-pom heels. I had read reviews saying everything was around €300, which had actually put me off going until this week. It turns out prices start from €50, with many silky dresses around €70, and a much more accessible selection overall. They also have the most beautiful selection of embroidered purses, silky pouches, and embellished clutches that I imagine looking really cool against simpler everyday looks. The owner will let you browse at your own pace, so you can simply come here to admire the curation and take in the beautiful Parisian light that falls inside the boutique.

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I have to say, I try to be mindful of not overwhelming you with too much content in here. First, because we’re all already pretty overwhelmed with content as it is. Second, because one of the great human tragedies is becoming overexposed to beautiful things, something that once brought excitement and tears to your eyes turning into just another part of everyday life that you barely notice anymore. After five years of living in Paris, I’m still far from being used to its beauty… but I do think a little scarcity is always a good thing!

So this week, I let you savor this really fun interview I did with my internet girl crush on how to bring more of that Parisian je ne sais quoi into your style—something that has far less to do with consumption and much more to do with cultivating yourself and your references. We also talked about my personal journey that made me take a chance and start this newsletter three months ago—a path that was far, far from linear, including the decision to quit my high-paying tech job, much to the surprise of people around me (it had only been a few months since I was telling them how badly I wanted it!).

This week’s list of things that inspired me is très Parisian and includes, among other things: the best rooftop for cocktails with 360° views over the city, how to crash a Parisian soirée according to a Tabi-wearing American woman, the best €12 steak-frites in town if you don’t want to wait two hours in line (hint: it’s neither Bouillon nor Relais de l’Entrecôte), and a glorious block of salted butter served with a charcuterie board in a hidden Parisian food market. Only for paid subscribers this week (THANK YOU <3!)

Before we jump into it: I wanted to share with everyone this fabulous Parisian I spotted riding her bicycle in the 11th arrondissement, wearing an outfit that could easily be the poster child for that Chanel quilted shopping tote:

This bag might actually be one of the most beautiful models I’ve ever seen:

I must admit, this look is making me completely reconsider my embargo on skinny bermuda shorts. I think I’m too used to seeing them in that “rich guy on summer vacation” aesthetic, styled with espadrilles (please no), but worn with that very Margot Robbie-at-the-airport-coded top and sleek loafers they’ve managed to earn back my respect.

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Looking a little closer at the history of this celebration, though, I started getting that specific kind of nausea you often feel after engaging with capitalism just a bit too much.

And that’s because it all traces back to Anna Jarvis, an important American activist who had something very different in mind when she was campaigning for the recognition of Mother’s Day in the early 1900s—something far removed from $200 candles, and a lot closer to, well… literal world peace.

With close ties to the suffragist movement, Jarvis invented Mother’s Day as a moment when mothers (whose sons and husbands were being sent off to war) could actually have a voice in peace-making—a day to remind people that international disputes can always be settled through dialogue instead of violence (radical, I know).

To no one’s surprise, it didn’t take long for the whole thing to get aggressively commercialized by the American market, much to Jarvis’s horror.

She spent literally the rest of her life lobbying against any corporations that were capitalizing on the day, with greeting card companies first and foremost, urging people to stop being lazy and write handwritten letters instead. At 84, she was even arrested for disturbing the peace (!) while protesting. Near the end of her life, she allegedly wished she had never started the day at all, as it had become so out of control (sad!).1

All of which is to say: if you’ve managed to resist the gift guides, congratulations—Jarvis would be proud. If you haven’t, I’m sure your mom will love whatever you picked out, but I also hope you’ll leave a little room for something more meaningful and not entirely tied to your credit card. Something that actually creates a moment between you and your mom, something you might, you know, cherish together forever?

As for me? I figured that for once, instead of doing a gift guide targeted at their daughters (because let’s be honest, they’re the ones buying all the gifts!), I’d actually zoom in on the moms themselves. My own kind of gift to all the moms in here who might have been wondering how the f you’re supposed to look like yourself while keeping a tiny human alive.

I realized that there is no better place to run this little investigation than Paris: if there’s one mystical creature who (at least from the outside) looks like she somehow manages to keep her s- together, that’s definitely the Parisian mom2.

On the surface, you see it immediately just walking down the street: stylish moms, sexy moms, moms in red lipstick, moms in fabulous dresses, moms who look unfazed even if their kids are in a full-on spiral, and who still manage to carry this light, unapologetic kind of aura. My observations go deeper than that, of course (for example, it probably helps that there’s a public system that starts taking care of your kids from age two), but I’ll keep those for the Friday newsletter.

And for the rest of us non-moms? Maybe it’s just a moment of appreciation for all these Parisian women who look so annoyingly cool while pushing a baby stroller (which can also look pretty fabulous!). And perhaps, more selfishly, a way to make the whole idea of motherhood feel more approachable and a tiny bit less intimidating? (Note to self.)

Oh and in the end, I also included some looks of chic mother-daughter duos I’ve spotted this month in Paris—something you could maybe send to your own mom as inspiration for a little outfit coordination moment? Now that’s a fun Mother’s Day idea!

Are you ready? On y va!

Paris Street Report: A Mother’s Day Special

I figured that the best place to spot all these mystical Parisian mom creatures would be (you guessed it!) the park. This is where parents usually go with their baby strollers, either early in the morning with their café au lait, or after the midday nap.

Paris has been painfully grey these past days, but I managed to find a small window of afternoon sun—and I’m telling you: the moms were out in full force. Most of these outfits were spotted in the span of just one hour, which made me realize that this must be a glimpse of a much wider palette of Parisian-mom-style inspo.

OK, before jumping into the actual mom style, I wanted to share with everyone a very cool outfit of a mom-to-be I spotted in the 6th arrondissement. This white silk vest is such a smart and comfy choice to hide that pregnant belly (probably vintage). The relaxed black pants (the LESET Arielle pants are excellent!), the straw bag, the Chuck Taylors. This whole outfit is chef’s kiss for moms and non-moms alike.

And another mom-to-be who was really cleverly hiding that belly in those yoga pants and cropped printed jacket. (Remember her great ring stack?)

The ultimate Parisian mom accessory

Now, moving on to one unexpected item I kept spotting on those moms.

It’s not the baby stroller—although those can be very dramatic as previously documented here (notice the black lace veil):

Neither the €450 teddy bears or €490 meal boxes proposed by Dior. It’s something much more affordable, something that has already made Miranda Priestly roll her eyes if you’ve watched The Devil Wears Prada 2, but also something that makes perfect sense when you think about how much Parisians value comfort. And that is:

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I’m writing to you from Blois, a little French countryside gem that somehow still flies under the radar for many Parisians (I had to literally spell it out for them: “oui, oui, B-L-O-I-S”). A good friend of mine from Greece came here for work, so I tagged along to see her and maybe take advantage of her 4-star hotel amenities (never saying no to a complimentary hammam session!).

The train here is super quick (under 2 hours), and the old town turned out to be incredibly charming, with an impressive royal château we’ll be visiting in the next few days.

The cobblestone alleys are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen in France (really!), and you’ll see almost no tourists—which means you basically have all this beauty to yourself. Last night was one of those soft spring evenings where a tank top and a light jacket are enough (the dream!), so we decided to have an apéro on a lovely little street terrace with some local natural wine—and it was PERFECT.

It was the Bovin Blanc by Hervé Villemade, a blend of Chenin, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Romorantin. It had a very fruity, flowery taste with notes of green apples and a hint of honey. It pairs sooo well with a classic fromage et charcuterie board.

Also: people are so nice here and actually… chic? Who would have thought!

The rest of the week I spent in a sunny and warm Paris with flowers in full bloom (not ideal if you’re allergic, though!), which made for some moments too beautiful not to share with you. On y va!

1. One of my favorite (and most affordable!) spots to enjoy a glass of wine against the most breathtaking Parisian backdrops. This week I went to Shakespeare & Company to browse what Parisians are actually reading, and on my way back I came across what might be one of the most beautiful terraces in the city. Right next to Hôtel de Ville and towards Pont Marie, you’ll find these tables facing the Seine, with the beautiful Haussmannian buildings as a backdrop (it’s actually some of the most expensive real estate in Paris!).

   

   I don’t think you can get better views than that.

   

2. The picture-perfect book stalls along the Seine. This is a true Parisian institution—the bouquinistes have been here for centuries, dating way back to the 1500s. Their green boxes are actually protected by the city and the whole set-up is considered part of Paris’s cultural heritage.

   

   It’s one of those magical experiences you can enjoy in Paris completely for free. Just walk along the river from Pont des Arts to Pont Marie (on the side of the Right Bank), and that dreamy, movie-like Parisian feeling will instantly hit you. It also happens to be the perfect place for affordable gifts (old posters, vintage books, even old editions of Vogue), a great alternative to the kitschy Eiffel Tower souvenirs (although sometimes those can be fun too!).

   

3. A street full of old Parisian papeteries and calligraphy shops: on Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, you’ll find beautiful little boutiques offering writing supplies, and high-quality papers in Japanese cotton, silk and other natural fibers sourced from all over the world.

   

   They also have a great selection of precious little notebooks, greeting cards, stamps, and lots of hidden treasures. It was actually my boyfriend’s birthday, and I was looking for a special cloth-bound album to print some of our photos (I hate just scrolling through my iPhone camera roll). I found the perfect one:

   

   The shop is called Melodies Graphiques and it’s worth visiting just for the vibes alone:

   

4. Learning how to cut each type of fromage the French way. Did you know you can’t just cut French cheese however you like? I know—it’s been five years since I’ve been living here, and I still struggle with all the unwritten rules around cutting all the different types of cheese. Apparently, you should almost always cut them vertically, in small wedges, following the natural shape of the piece—except for harder cheeses like Comté, which you’re allowed to cut horizontally. Here, my boyfriend’s parents were giving me a full little tutorial on French cheese savoir-faire, but I’ll admit… I completely blacked out after a few minutes of instructions (it was a lot!). I think I’ll just keep cutting it my own non-French way (désolée!).

   

   We also had this amazing white wine from the small village of Chablis in Burgundy that I made sure to take a picture of so I wouldn’t forget it. It’s perfect both as an apéro with small nibbles or alongside cheese at the end of the meal. It has a very fresh, fruity aroma that just makes you want to refill your glass again and again.

   

5. The œufs mimosa prepared by my boyfriend’s father. It’s apparently his grandmother’s traditional recipe: hard-boiled eggs where the whites are filled with a mayonnaise-based mixture and minced tuna, then topped with finely crumbled egg yolk and finished with fresh green lettuce, creating those little golden “mimosa” flowers. How beautiful is that?

   

6. Moving on to some fun street style sightings all around Paris: it’s all about navy. Since that great post by focused on all the ways you can wear navy this spring, I’ve started becoming much more aware of it on the streets. Parisians often pair it with different shades and textures of brown, and I think it works beautifully with a good pair of blue jeans for a chic everyday look.

   

   Navy is one of those colors that is so underrated, but I’m now realizing it’s one of the perfect alternatives to black, especially during this time of year. I see it mostly in knits, sweaters, and scarves, and the brown usually shows up in the bag.

   

7. A very cool couple on their way to the park Buttes-Chaumont: both carrying their tote bags, perfect for holding all the park-game essentials like pétanque, ping-pong, or mölkky (apparently huge in Paris right now).

   

   Also, the Trader Joe’s tote bag trend has officially reached the French capital… and I’m still wondering where people are getting them (loved this Guardian article about it).

   

8. Zoë Kravitz’s Yvon Lambert baseball cap: people are talking about her engagement ring, but I’m more focused on that cap. Looking closer I realized it’s from one of my favorite bookstores in the Marais: Yvon Lambert Gallery (also one of the best spots for people-watching). I might need to stop by soon… for the art books, obviously.

   

9. A very stylish outfit spotted outside Sézane in the Marais: I can spot a cool woman who is almost certainly reading Substack when I see one. The tassel necklace, lace top, balloon pants, the square-toe flats (they look like the ones by Jil Sander)—I see you!

   

10. This woman with her sparkly disco bag taking her dog out. I love how unexpected the accessories Parisians choose for their outfits are sometimes, and a Paco Rabanne–inspired tote bag is the perfect example. Denim on denim, a pair of navy Birkenstocks (love them in this color), a sparkly bag for a few essentials and you’re ready to let that dog out.

    

11. This stylish man against the Parisian skyline. Parisians say that Buttes-Chaumont is their own Central Park, and I kind of see it. I loved this man right here holding his cool messenger bag while admiring the beautiful Parisian sunset.

    

12. This super cool trench and cowboy boots combo I spotted in the park. Another gorgeous outfit that deserves its spot among all the other fabulous looks I’ve seen in the Parisian gardens. The pink bag is such a nice, fun touch, and the idea of wearing a trench coat without visible pants underneath (almost like a dress), paired with a good old pair of cowboy boots is genius.

    

13. This grandmother–granddaughter duo smelling the white lilacs in full bloom. The little one was marveling at how lovely they smelled (“it smells like honey,” she said to her grandma), which really made me smile to myself.

    

14. This lady and her vanilla ice cream, admiring the beautiful postcards outside my favorite bookstore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Protect her at all costs!

    

15. This couple moving their hands to the rhythm of a jazz street band on Île Saint-Louis. I’ll leave you with a little video excerpt to try and transport you into that magical Parisian spring vibe.

Et voilà, that’s all for today! If even one of these things made you smile or dream a bit, let me know in the comments. Your thoughts always make my day!

And please don’t forget to like this if you enjoyed it.

See you next week with something very special.

Bon weekend!
Frosso

[All products links here are affiliate, meaning if you purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you]

Behind the paywall, you’ll find my favorite bookstore in Paris that is open until midnight, along with great recommendations from my bibliophile Parisian friends. It also features one of the coolest Parisian women I’ve spotted on the streets, along with a very interesting selection of books she had just picked up.

This week’s 15 Parisian Things will be open to everyone, so stay tuned!✨

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37 Rue de la Bûcherie, Paris. Thanks to an email confirming my order of the new Lena Dunham memoir, I bypass the long tourist lines and water bottle vendors and slip straight into the bookstore.

Big “NO PHOTO” signs accompany me deeper into the store, as I resist the primitive urge to pull out my iPhone for the benefit of my 856 Instagram followers. I’ve tried breaking the rules before, only to be gently put in my place by one of the librarians who caught me in the act. She was disarmingly polite about the whole thing, even taking the time to explain that it’s a policy enforced to protect both the employees and the store’s precious heritage.

Shakespeare and Company is supposed to be a refuge for all bookworms left on this planet, a sanctuary for anyone nostalgic for a time when the word “carousel” referred primarily to a child’s amusement ride, rather than a sequence of aesthetic images designed to trap you inside a tech bro’s algorithm. Since this humbling incident years ago, many things have changed; Shakespeare & Co has become my go-to place in Paris for English books (it’s one of their specialties), and I now feel oddly eager to judge any tourist who shows even the slightest sign of disobedience.

I walk up the creaking wooden steps and arrive on the first floor of the shop, enchanted by the sound of a live piano session. I witness a timid-looking girl playing a joyful classical piece and, across the room, two Scandi-looking women who are taking in the moment, seated on a bench dressed in a cotton cloth that seemed suspiciously worn-in. The whole setup made me slightly emotional, almost nostalgic for a time I’ll never get to witness.

The walls are filled with photographs of literary geniuses who found refuge in the bookstore’s original location, 12 Rue de l’Odéon: James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald—all gathered here thanks to Sylvia Beach, an American bookseller and one-time publisher (that one book being James Joyce’s Ulysses), who founded and kept this literary utopia running for two decades, until she was forced to close it in 1941 under you-know-who’s occupation.

A decade later and one block away, right next to Notre-Dame, avid American traveler and self-proclaimed “communist, utopian, and humanist” George Whitman opened a bookstore in a similar ethos. This time, he took the concept even further: you could stay here for free, sleeping on makeshift benches that doubled as beds, under three conditions: read a book a day, help out in the shop for a couple of hours, and write a single-page autobiography for his archives. “Tumbleweed,” is how he’d call you, and you’d become part of what is today a 30,000-strong collection of “autobiographies and stories of romances played out beneath the beams”, as described on their website.

I was surprised to discover that the Tumbleweed program is still very much alive and thriving, thanks to Whitman’s daughter Sylvie, who inherited the bookstore and kept her father’s tradition going.

As you go further into the room, you step into what can only be described as a time capsule, surrounded by old editions and a central wooden table holding an antique typewriter overlooking the Seine. For some reason, it’s always populated by interesting-looking characters lost in their books, who may or may not be actual Tumbleweeds. In this setting, taking your 21st-century phone out does feel like a criminal act.

Ok, but what are people actually doing here?

As with everything that feels a bit too picture-perfect in this city, I took this as my cue to slightly ruin the moment and ask visitors some very practical questions: What are you doing here, people?! Are you really here for the books, or is it just for the nice tote bags? (Which, to be fair, do make for a very good souvenir.)

The answer is a mix of different reasons. Of course, there are the usual tourists chasing a good souvenir or postcard moment. But there are also plenty of book lovers, mostly English-speaking (it is an English-language bookstore after all), who come here both for the big classics—The Little Prince, A Moveable Feast, Madame Bovary, Notre-Dame de Paris—and the newest releases. Lena Dunham’s Famesick, The Lover by Lily King, and Virginia Evans’s The Correspondent, are apparently among the books making waves in Paris this week.

A girl from Argentina I spoke with was raving about a beautiful edition of Dostoevsky’s White Nights she had just found (it’s her favorite book), carrying the iconic Shakespeare and Company stamp as a little extra touch:

Of course, she left with some nice souvenirs: the Shakespeare and Company tote bag in blue, and the scripts of Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, two very French-coded films that made every young woman dream of one day walking along the Seine with a what-could-have-been lover.

In a full-circle moment, I decided to amend my karma with the Shakespeare and Company ghosts and asked the very librarian who had put me in my place a few years ago for her book recommendations. I had a feeling she knew her way around (I made sure to avoid mentioning the incident, of course).

Unsurprisingly, she had two really cool book recommendations to share, along with a very inspiring personal story, proof of the kind of magic this place can still have on people: After years working in administrative jobs, she went through a major burnout. She started coming here more and more often, browsing and picking up her books, until something eventually clicked: this was where she wanted to be. She simply applied for a job as a librarian, and she’s been working here for three years now, making sure phone-addicted people like me don’t ruin the place. She raved about:

• The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton, an 848-page novel set in New Zealand during the gold rush, and 2013 Booker Prize winner. It’s built around a well-researched astrological structure, with 12 characters each linked to a zodiac sign, and a murder mystery that unfolds slowly as the different storylines intersect and gradually reveal how everything is interconnected.

• We Are Green and Trembling by Gabriela Cabezón Cámara, a newly-translated “queer, baroque and surreal satire” based on the real story of Antonio de Erauso, a 17th-century figure from the Spanish Empire who was born a woman but lived as a man.

After doing my part to restore my moral standing, I stayed a bit longer outside the store, waiting for any book-reading-looking characters that might come out. One girl walked out carrying one of those Shakespeare and Company totes, in a gorgeous vintage silk dress that made her look like a modern-day Jane Austen heroine.

She hadn’t bought anything that day, but she’s obsessed with both Marie Antoinette and Shakespeare (interesting crossover). She is currently reading Wuthering Heights to compensate for how much she hated the movie (she really made sure to emphasize that). The book that changed her life is The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, and she loves Oscar Wilde.

As I was leaving, a very French-looking girl caught my eye, sitting in the café that shares the same name right next to the bookstore—a place I always end up in when I feel a bit sad (it has this strange ability to soothe mid-20s existential crises). She was just sitting there, in the middle of all the tourist chaos, looking completely at peace with an iced coffee and a book.

I just had to know what she was reading.

Her name is Maureen—she’s indeed French, from Bordeaux—and she was waiting at the café, hoping the lines would get a bit shorter. She studied set design and directing, and now works as a photographer in the performing arts. She’s also currently very obsessed with all things Shakespeare, hence the visit to the store.

What she was reading was quite unexpected, and surprisingly fitting for the theme of this newsletter:

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A small note before we get into it: I’ve been genuinely overwhelmed with love and support from all of you here, including many of you who are supporting me financially (MERCI!). This newsletter is still very new, so please bear with me while I figure out the best posting rhythm. I’ll generally aim for at least two newsletters per week, with one exclusively for paid subscribers. And as a big thank you to everyone who has already upgraded their subscription (you’re more than 100, mon dieu!), this week’s 15 Parisian things is just for you—and believe me, it’s good. ✨

Your paid subscriptions also support my very extensive (and very athletic) Paris Street Reports, where I run around Paris to bring you the freshest style inspiration directly from Parisians on the streets, a format that’s open to everyone.

Upgrading your subscription would mean a lot and truly support this work—but if you can’t, don’t worry! There will still be plenty of free Parisian inspo every week. In the meantime, you can enjoy all the fabulous looks I spotted in the Parisian Gardens or last week’s 15 Parisian things that inspired me. 🇫🇷

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Before we begin, I’m leaving you all with a little inspiration from the cool Parisian women I spotted on their bikes this week…

… wearing their cherished block-heeled boots

… with their patchwork totes from the brand Call It By Your Name that I’m spotting everywhere this season (did you know you can custom-make them? thanks to for letting me know!)

…shopping for flowers and groceries in cool spring outfits, often with their kids in the back seat (very impressive!)

…or simply carrying a precious load of baguettes safely home.

And now, let’s get to the best part:

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This mental image from 18th-century Paris feels like something that could have slipped straight onto Jonathan Anderson’s mood board as he designed his last RTW collection for Dior. Cropped Bar jackets, cheeky mille-feuille skirts and beautifully draped dresses, all packed into a highly aspirational vision of what a 21st-century stroll through the Parisian gardens might look like. As he described it: “This collection is about the constant flow of ideas that is so typical of Parisian life, and the spectacle of the everyday”. The reviews were, of course, glowing.

Beyond the undeniable craftsmanship of the Dior atelier, I believe these images also awakened a deeper, collective fantasy of what living in Paris is meant to feel like, distilled and intensified through the lens of its mythical gardens. Painters from Fragonard to Claude Monet and writers from Zola to Victor Hugo have long fed our imagination, and Jonathan Anderson carried the lineage forward with his extravagant couture twist.

I’ll be honest: before the Dior collection, I’d never really paid attention to what Parisians actually wear in the gardens today. Are they really dressing up the way Monsieur Anderson imagined it? Or have they reduced the gardens to running tracks filled with leggings and sneakers, leaving another fashion fantasy strictly on the runway? My initial intuition was that there wouldn’t be many mille-feuille dresses parading around, but—you know me—I had to investigate.

Which means: yes, it’s time for another Paris Street Report, Jardin Edition!

Spoiler alert: the experience was especially pleasant this time, even making me gasp at moments (it involves a pony and a yellow balloon skirt). The thing is, as I wandered deeper into the gardens, the looks just kept getting more and more fabulous. There were even some looks whose pannier-style versions I can absolutely imagine in a royal garden back in the good old days.

Without further ado, let’s get into it—on y va!

Getting to the gardens

For today’s report, I chose my absolute favorite garden in Paris:

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Paris has always had this strong effect on me, even before I moved here. We’re in the mid-2000s to early 2010s, peak Blogspot era, and I’d spend hours on my pink Sony Vaio laptop (vibes!) consuming anything Paris-related I could find: The Cherry Blossom Girl, Le Blog de Betty, The Sartorialist, (who is now back on Substack, yay!), if you know, you know.

This is why it hit a very specific kind of chord when was kind enough to draw the parallels between my Paris Street Reports and that era. Believe it or not, it was in that exact moment that I realized how all these early influences might have made me take a more on-the-ground approach with this newsletter. The same way I used to see all my favorite bloggers doing it, before the tech bros came and ruined the romantic feel of it all.

I’ve found that you can always find a certain comfort in Paris, simply in its mere existence. After moving here, and during the hardest of times, I would put on my coat and wander along the Seine, listening to cheesy French songs, writing in my journal, trying to find relief in all the beauty unfolding around me. And somehow, it worked.

All that to say, I thought it would be très fun to dedicate an update to all the Parisian things that inspired me or tickled my brain this week. Something like the 15 things I consumed this week format by the one and only , but sent by your fashion-obsessed best friend living in Paris. A little less text-heavy, and not necessarily related to fashion like my Street Reports (although that’s inevitable, I’m afraid). And filled, of course, with snaps from my camera roll: from cool Parisians that are annoyingly stylish in the most unexpected settings, to local addresses where you’ll be sure to eat like a local, beautiful Haussmannian doors, gorgeous under-the-radar exhibitions, and generally anything Parisian that catches my attention each week.

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In the hope that you can take something with you and feel inspired too—even if you are on the other side of the planet.

1. A very Mary-Kate Olsen–Ashley Olsen-inspired duo in Belleville. I’m telling you, sometimes I don’t even have to leave my neighborhood to get my creative/fashion juices flowing. Stylish people don’t just go to the Marais, they’re everywhere. This very MKO-coded duo was walking right in front of me on my way to my occasional matcha latte fix (it’s called Candle Kids, and oui, they have one of the best matchas in Paris, and oui, it’s a great spot for cool-people-watching). The Olsen tuck, the wavy Mary-Kate hair, the oversized coats, the fur cuffs—we’re checking every box:

   

2. Parisians being Parisian in coffee shops. Did you know that Paris is an absolute nightmare when it comes to working remotely in cafés? Most coffee spots don’t allow it, and if they do, there are very specific terms and conditions. This is why I love going to NOA, a very friendly spot in my neighborhood founded by a young Parisian in her 20s with excellent coffee (and matcha too!). I come here often to get inspired and write this newsletter:

   

   The no-laptop policy sometimes has its benefits. I’d say Parisians have kind of embraced it. You’ll see them doing all sorts of things except working: reading, drawing, even knitting, which I think is très mignon (very cute).

   

   

3. People working with the Eiffel Tower as a view. Sometimes, and if the weather allows it, Parisians take things to the next level and bring their laptops to the most carte-postale settings—which I think is such a life hack. It really does hit different when you receive an email from your boss with the Iron Lady in the background. This was right at the top of Parc de Belleville, one of the most under-the-radar, less touristy spots in the city. You can get beautiful Eiffel Tower views while sitting on one of the most beautiful Parisian terraces.

   

   And then we have a scene more beautiful than your own dreams workspace at the Jardin des Tuileries. I added it as a video so you can get the full vibe:

4. The ring stack of a Parisian sitting next to me: I was writing this newsletter at NOA café when a very stylish Parisian girl sat next to me with her laptop, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her ring stack. I caved and asked her where she got it: it’s by a young French jewelry artist Laura Essayie, all handmade and at super affordable prices (around 100-150 euros per piece). She said they went to school together and that she’d be very happy to be featured (bonjour Laura if you’re reading!). This is the ring she’s wearing, and I need it now.

   

5. A genius way to stay cool in your yoga pants. Many subscribers ask me how to reconcile French chicness with the desire to stay in yoga pants all day, and I think this same woman is a great example. She wore a very fun Coperni bag* (which I also love in black, currently 50% off!*) with a red cardigan, toned down with a pair of black yoga pants and cool Nike sneakers*. An excellent formula when you want to stay comfy but still look Parisian-level cool.

   

6. Taking your dog out in the park the Parisian way: yoga pants, Birkenstocks (yes, Parisians do love them here), Celine sunglasses*, and a big straw bag (similar by Loewe* or Poche Paris*). Such a fabulous outfit and another proof that you really don’t need to sacrifice comfort to look chic and put together.

   

7. A peak Parisian scene: a very typical thing here in Paris is that everyone gets their roast chicken (poulet rôti) ready to go from their butcher, which means you end up seeing all kinds of stylish people holding their chicken bags.

   

   Also: this trench-and-bag combo in the exact same tone is everything:

   

8. A girl reading her music notes under the sun, with a croissant and coffee for breakfast. It made me want to pick up my piano lessons again. And yes, Parisians do wear their Birks when they’re in full work-and-comfort mode.

   

9. Or this couturier getting her vitamin D at work. Who said working in a tailor’s shop and people-watching are incompatible?

   

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   If you enjoy my on-the-ground Parisian adventures, I hope you’ll consider becoming a paid subscriber 🤍 . That’s just about $1.50 a week, and it helps me keep bringing you fresh, real-time Parisian inspiration ✨

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10. Girl swapping into heels after getting out of the Parisian métro: I was not lying here when I said that Parisians won’t sacrifice their chicness for the sake of comfort. This sometimes involves spotting them in heels on their Vélib’ bikes (Paris’ bike-share system), or doing an outfit change after the métro to avoid the infamous Parisian stairs (and unfortunately, stares).

    

11. I can’t get over the dramatic styling of this baby stroller. I keep spotting Parisian moms in very cool outfits which I find really impressive (how do they even find the time?). Sometimes it even extends to coordinating their look with the baby stroller:

    

    Needless to say, everyone was staring at the stroller!

    

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    If that feels a bit too bold, you can also go for a very on-trend leopard variation:

    

12. The Parisian Instagram boyfriend award goes to this man right here at the Jardin du Luxembourg. I must say, the mom was totally worth abandoning the baby stroller to take that shot (mom reveal is coming in the next newsletter, stay tuned!).

    

13. I just discovered the most gorgeous restaurant in the 20ème arrondissement. It’s called La Colline, and you’ll see virtually no tourists there. They have a 40-euro dinner menu for entrée, plat, and dessert, with a very fun and refreshing combination of flavors. I had the crudo de dorade (sea bream crudo), a cod fillet, and the best crème caramel topped with amarena sorbet I’ve ever had in my life.

    

    Extra points for the service and gorgeous interiors which preserve many of the original architectural elements, creating a modern ambience that still feels very much like a Parisian bistro.

    

14. Parisians meeting for catch-ups during the week is very typical here. They often meet after work, hanging out on stools and having a glass of Chardonnay in those annoyingly gorgeous outfits that look like they didn’t even try:

    

    I’m 90% sure that the girl on the right is a Parisian girl who is everywhere on Pinterest, shot by the mysterious and now unfortunately inactive Parisians in Paris Instagram account. Which is kind of a crazy coincidence. I realized it when I looked closer at the picture and noticed the uncanny similarity between that beautiful fringe and mule combo. You see it too, right?

    

15. Paris after 9pm is a special kind of magic that can’t always be described in words. We were walking home when we found a bar hosting an impromptu jazz set and had to stop for a glass of Chardonnay. And in that moment, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world.

    

    I’ll leave you with a video from the set:

Et voilà, that’s all for today! This week I published my first paid-subscriber post with a very extensive cheat sheet for the French pharmacy (and a peek into the pharmacy bags of Parisians). It is now officially approved by the French in the comments, which is a big feat! See you next Tuesday for a new (extra fabulous!) Paris Street Report.

Bisous et à bientôt,
Frosso

[All products marked with * are affiliate links, meaning if you purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you]

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If you’ve ever spent a Friday evening spiraling through Reddit threads in search of the perfect SPF—one that moisturizes just enough without clogging, leaves a silky yet matte finish, has a clean formula and an affordable price tag—all while diligently taking screenshots of strangers’ testimonials as evidence for or against your next purchase, then congratulations: you’re officially part of the club. That is, the club of people who research things just a little too long before committing to a new beauty routine that can make or break their precious skin barrier.

And honestly, there’s no shame in that—if anything, it’s good news. Being a bit of a nerd always makes things a little more interesting, often leading to unexpected discoveries and fun adventures that the average person might be missing out on. And in the world of beauty nerds, that curiosity inevitably leads to one wondrous place: the French pharmacy.

My naive guess was that it all started thanks to that one enthusiastic Redditor who visited Paris and discovered a mysterious €5 over-the-counter cream available only in France. Nobody really knows how to use it correctly—is it an anti-burn cream, a retinol, a moisturizer?—but the packaging looks clinical enough, and user QuantumBanana42 said it literally changed their life. And just like that, you’re convinced you need to try it too. (A word of caution: trusting everything you see online comes with risks, so be careful. And please don’t put Homéoplasmine on your lips!)

Where it all started

When digging deeper, I discovered that history actually takes us way before the glorious doomscrolling era, to the medieval town of La Roche-Posay (ding ding!). Its potent thermal spring waters, long prescribed for eczema and burns, inspired French pharmacist Dr. René Levayer to establish a dermatological research laboratory under the same name, with the goal of improving the original artisanal formula.

The idea was, of course, genius. Other pharmacists in regions with mineral-rich waters quickly followed suit (Vichy, Avène, etc.), giving rise to an entirely new category of science-backed skincare, trusted enough by doctors to earn their place behind the pharmacy counter.

Why trust French skincare today?

When I first moved to Paris five years ago, I was so swept up in the French pharmacy craze that it was one of the first places I visited, even before the museums. Since then, I’ve deleted TikTok and come back to my senses. No French person is actually aware of products like A313 as some budget retinoid, and while it did work for me for a while, no magical tube can truly replace a trip to the dermatologist.

That said, the fascination with French pharmacies isn’t just TikTok hype. French laboratories are genuinely among the best when it comes to dermatological-grade cosmetics: their formulas are minimal yet effective, typically fragrance-free and rarely irritating, and developed according to rigorous scientific standards—all at a relatively accessible price point. It also helps that EU cosmetic regulations are exceptionally strict, banning or restricting more than 2,500 ingredients. Compare that to the US, where the FDA explicitly bans only around a dozen (!), and you’ll start looking at ingredient lists a little more closely.

Time to get into action!

Let’s say you’re convinced to explore the French pharmacy wonderland. Now come the hard questions: Which pharmacy should I go to? What should I buy, and why? And how do you deal with the notoriously nonchalant French pharmacists? Please help!

Surprisingly, there isn’t a truly comprehensive guide here (unless I’ve somehow missed it), so I decided to put an end to the collective overwhelm by condensing everything into one cheat sheet—something you can take on your next trip to cut through the pharmacy chaos: the best moisturizers, sunscreens, and lotions for face and body; value-for-money serums; good repair creams and retinol dupes; cute lip balms (including one I can’t stop using!); reliable supplements; and plenty of other French pharmacy favorites.

And because Redditors love to debate what’s good and what isn’t, I also went straight to the source to find out what Parisians are actually buying. This turned into a full-blown pharmacy spree, topped off with a very humbling experience of stopping chic Parisians in the street to ask what’s in their pharmacy bags. And, you know me, I did take pictures as proof:

Which French pharmacy is worth visiting?

Ok, before showing you the things I got and the actual French pharmacy cheat sheet, let’s start with the million-dollar question: which pharmacy should you go to? My opinion here is strong and clear. I’ve tested everything from big pharmacies to smaller local ones, and I’ve gathered actual arguments to back it up. In my view (and that of many of Parisians I asked), the best pharmacy to visit is:

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So where’s the risk, you might very reasonably ask?

Thankfully, we’re no longer in the 1990s, when dog poop was such a hazard for pedestrians that the city had to invent special poop exterminators (also called “motocrottes”) to deal with the more than 16 tons of the stuff abandoned each year. The project didn’t last long—unsurprisingly, no one really wanted the job (appreciate the pun though). The situation has improved since then, but if you’re used to pristine sidewalks, let’s just say you might be surprised.

Parisian dog poop aside, the true enemy here—if you’re aiming to hit that 10k step milestone—is the beauty of the city itself: those tiny cobblestones are undeniably charming, but under the wrong circumstances they can become your biggest nightmare. I can’t decide what’s worse: the frequent uneven surfaces radiating pain straight to your lower back if your shoes are too flat, or the occasional slippery patches that make you stumble when you least expect it (I had to give up a gorgeous pair of boots that, as it turned out, were surprisingly slippery on Parisian streets).

Well, while actively hunting for my next shoe acquisition, and after stumbling upon a great Substack read by and on the sneakers of the season, I took it as a sign: it’s finally time to investigate how Parisians survive—thrive, even—on this treacherous urban terrain.

On y va!

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