The Paris Olympics are finally starting!
It’s not that I haven’t attended sporting events before: Wimbledon, Formula 1, Goodwood Festival of Speed… Each of these extravagant sporting events has its own dress code (real or implied) that requires serious planning (sage advice: don’t go to Goodwood in heels. I learned that the hard way). But there’s something special about the Olympics. The sheer scale of an international sporting event seems to require more thoughtfulness about your attire than other competitions.
First, there’s the issue of the host city. Hosting the Olympics in Paris is a kind of pressure in the fashion capital. Olympics or not, Parisians are famously particular about style and have been vocal about their disdain for the way tourists dress. My husband, a proud Parisian, shudders at the thought of a fanny pack.
Natalie Portman (who has been based in Paris for the last decade since marrying Paris Opera Ballet director Benjamin Millipier) offered some dress code rules to follow during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show: “Parisians don’t wear flip flops. They don’t wear shorts. [and] “No red berets,” she told Jimmy Fallon when he asked her tips for not looking like a tourist.
One look at the global stars who gathered at the LVMH pre-party in Paris ahead of the Opening Ceremony will tell you this is no ordinary Olympics. With the likes of Zendaya, Charlize Theron and Pharrell in attendance, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a Met Gala sequel. Be prepared to rub shoulders with some of the biggest stars at the event, with Ariana Grande and Jessica Chastain already seen cheering on Simone Biles in the gymnastics heats.
Arnold Gerocki
Pascal Le Segretin
And speaking of the sports, while past Olympics have typically seen many events take place in stadiums outside the host city’s borders, most of the Paris action will take place in iconic landmarks of the French capital. For example, the men’s and women’s volleyball players will compete in front of the Eiffel Tower, and the equestrians will compete on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. I’ll be watching fencing at the Grand Palais and tennis at Roland Garros. Anna Wintour has publicly stated that she will attend both, and isn’t feeling any pressure.
Some of the venues will be outdoors, some in cold arenas, and probably all under heavy lockdown, so you’ll be doing a lot of walking. So if you’re like me and struggling to navigate the minefield of Olympic attire, here are some guidelines I follow, and some items to pack that might help.
Matching separates
By Alona
I love matching outfits. They make dressing up so much easier and usually make you look good without trying too hard. Having lived in Paris, I’ve noticed that locals tend not to wear a lot of color, so if you wear bright colors you might stand out on the subway. Opt for a classic striped set or at least something with a muted floral print.
Understated shoulder bag
With security being tightened to the max, you’re sure to encounter long lines for bag searches before you even get to the area. Do yourself a favor and keep your bag size to a minimum – something that will fit your essentials (and don’t forget sunscreen!) and won’t cause any hassle going through security. If I had to guess, any oversized bag will probably need to be checked in. Oh, and make sure your bag closes properly – you don’t want to be a target for pickpockets in a crowded place.
Chic flats
Security will be tight around Paris during the Olympics, with articles like the Financial Times reporting that residents are surprised by empty streets and complaining about difficult commutes. This means you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Sneakers will be acceptable everywhere, but personally, I’ll be elevating my footwear sense with loafers or flats in honor of this monumental event (history being made!). And, as Natalie Portman would say, whatever you do, no flip-flops.
Light Blazer
Frankie Shop Aiden Blazer
Summer weather in Paris may not be as unpredictable as London’s, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get rainy and chilly at night from time to time. For evenings at Roland Garros, I always bring a light blazer in case the matches last until close to midnight. Some of my Parisian friends who’ve attended events at the Grand Palais warn that temperatures can drop below freezing in the glass-walled arena. Linen is my fabric of choice, but a lightweight Chanel-esque tweed is always appropriate, too.
hat
I plan to wear a cap to watch the tennis matches, as I tend to sunburn on my forehead. However, there are many different types of caps. I love baseball caps, whether it’s a “Tennis Club” cap from Sporty & Rich with contrast stitching or a more subtle monogrammed cap from Anine Bing, which are very fashionable and almost become part of the outfit. Avoid tall or wide-brimmed hats, as they may block the view of your fellow Olympic spectators.
And finally, always say “bonjour” and “merci” when greeting locals: no matter how nicely you dress, politeness is key in Paris.
