by: Janessa Andiorio '13
Oh la la! Without even realizing it, millions of Americans are being influenced by French fashion. From accessories to pants to shoes and shirts, Americans are dressing more and more like the French! One onlooker from the France trip, junior Lexie Di Chellis, commented, "It was like New Jersey had invaded Paris! Everywhere I looked girls were wearing scarves, boots, or over-sized purses! Sometimes all three!”Within the past five months or so scarves in America have become a must have accessory, especially in PC. Ever wonder where the trend started? Well scarves have been around since Ancient Rome, in which time they were actually used to keep clean, not warm. As time progressed society changed and so did the use of the scarf. Generally in France scarves are worn every-which way. Following the footsteps of Ancient Rome the trend to wear scarves has been a part of the French fashion since they were created. But what's not to love about scarves? They can be worn multiple ways, come in a variety of colors, and look cute; no wonder Americans copied the idea!
Another interesting fashion trend in America is wearing boots with just about everything. In saying this, let us be clear, this does not mean boots should be worn with “everything” or in the summer! Yet, whether it is a name brand or a basic boot, they are on everyone and in every store. In France it is critical to have closed footwear, especially with the ridiculous cold temperatures and snow storms that last for days on end! Boots are the perfect shoe to look stylish during the winter, so it is easy to see why the trend came into America.
An additional unique trend of France which will most likely cross the pond to the U.S is shorts with stockings and boots. It may sound crazy and weather confused but when the look is done with taste, it looks amazing! To make the look work stay away from jean shorts and leggings, instead go for business shorts and sheer, or see-through, stockings is the way to go. Add a fedora hat, a scarf for the neck, and boots that don't go above the knees; presto an edgy and killer look. The great part of fashion is it does not matter what country or ethnicity someone is from because fashion is universal. In the words of Coco Channel, “Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions.”
