Shopping for Clothes in Paris

Shopping for clothes in Paris is a task that I have always tried to avoid. The crowded stores, grumpy salespeople, high prices, and unfamiliar protocols make the experience less enjoyable. I have found refuge in the well-known Japanese brand Uniqlo, where I have mastered their style, which matches my personal style, and the quality of their products is reassuring. The price range is also affordable and accessible.

In my quest for basic clothing needs, I have resorted to doing quick online searches, with the intention of avoiding physical stores as much as possible. I have also tried my luck at thrift shops and stores, mostly online, but it has been a hit-or-miss experience.

During the last day of the sale season in Winter 2023, I decided to try my luck at my previous go-to stores like Zara, H&M, Bershka, C&A, Pull & Bear, or Mango. However, I found that these brands have downgraded in both quality and style, and I seem to have outgrown them. Don’t get me wrong, every now and then I spot a jackpot but those are rare.

Since I do not want to waste time, money or energy on rarely used, low-quality, and trendy garments, I choose to have limited yet well-selected pieces of clothing where every single piece is a favorite, timeless, elegant and goes with just about anything and everything.

Today, I took the leap and ventured into a new shopping experience in the 15th district of Paris, since I am still building up my new set of wardrobe. See, my existing clothes are only set for tropical climates, my-slim-20s-version-of-my-body-fashion and “UP” style. My autumn/winter set is at a bare minimum and mostly utilitarian. But then, I realized that my style has since evolved, I would like to look good and feel good in my clothes during the colder season, and I choose not to settle for cheap(er) brands any more. Instead, I am willing to invest in a more mature/woman-in-her-30s style, even if it means paying a higher price. An analogy to this evolution could be like going to a restaurant with an endless menu, and food with mediocre quality that soothes the stomach but not the buds or the soul, vs a fine dining restaurant with limited options but with dishes that nourish the soul, of quality and an experience of a lifetime.

Haute couture and luxury brands are still off-limits for me, but I have been exploring quite upscale brands (pinned on Pinterest here, suggestions welcome) like Jonak , Paladium for shoes and Maison123, Caroll, Sézane, Sessun, and Comptoir de Cotonnier for apparel. Despite this, Uniqlo remains a strong contender for me. I miss Giordano too! I still have a strong preference for slow fashion so it is in my best interest to care for the few (brand) new purchases and use them for years or even a lifetime! Another way to go is to prefer thrift items but this one is still tricky. I have yet to explore for myself the numerous thrift stores that are popping up everywhere (though I previously did in Rouen in 2016, read more here).

Perhaps I have indeed moved on beyond my 20s; I feel that my style has evolved, and I am ready to explore new fashion horizons in Paris.