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11. French Dressing!
Personal Appearance. 
Updated January 21 2003
I am sure you have already heard, how the French hate tennis shoes!
I seem to find this is true. I have yet to see a lot of white tennis shoes, a jogging outfit, Birkenstocks, or blue jeans.
Shoes are usually dark leather. Most women wear heels. Try as I might I see very few woman , of any age in Loafers. It is an acquired taste I guess. You will
Shoes are usually dark leather. Most women wear heels. Try as I might I see very few woman , of any age in Loafers. It is an acquired taste I guess. You will find lots of well- heeled women, lots of boots. For the men, all leather shoes. The closest thing
to a tennis shoe is a black leather shoe. By the way I have found shoes to be very expensive here. And trust me, you need a GOOD pair of shoes for all the walking you will be doing.
Now that I think of it, I have yet to actually see a
gym. I have seen one billboard down in the Metro, but I have not actually seen a real work out 
place or building in over three years.
gym. I have seen one billboard down in the Metro, but I have not actually seen a real work out place or building in over three years. I guess, with all the cobblestone streets, and the sidewalks are so crowded
you could get killed. Actually I think, as a whole the French would never give up their cigarettes to jog. I do not think the air quality is good enough for jogging. I have been told that there are a few that do have their early morning ( 3-4am) runs along the Seine, but I have never been up or out to catch this sight. Nah! 24 hours fitness clubs! 
I do not see it happening, nor do I see a market for it. So Put that idea behind you my friend.
you could get killed. Actually I think, as a whole the French would never give up their cigarettes to jog. I do not think the air quality is good enough for jogging. I have been told that there are a few that do have their early morning ( 3-4am) runs along the Seine, but I have never been up or out to catch this sight. Nah! 24 hours fitness clubs! I do not see it happening, nor do I see a market for it. So Put that idea behind you my friend.Although, the French are into walking.
They walk everywhere.
They walk everywhere. 
NO BACKPACKS! ( except on college guys)
You know the cute little purses that are worn like little backpacks that are soo popular in the States? It could be, that the streets are soo very crowded; it would be soo easy for someone to actually get into those little purses. I do not think they would be safe. I am not saying that there is a lot of “open crime” on the streets of Paris. Paris is pretty safe, but why tempt the would be, or could be. I have seen some very nice "dressy' backpacks in the department stores, but I can't say that I've seen them on the streets.
I have read only in the last five years or so have people dared go out in the streets in sweatpants and sweatshirts, even for shopping for their morning bread. But, again you just don't it.
They do not wear baggy running suits, clunky running shoes, hang big backpacks over themselves, or wear tummy belts around their waist. 
Historically, one's clothing and personal appearance have been important for the French. So, whether a peasant or a prince, a punk-rock star, or an international business executive, they takenot only their appearance seriously, but they take yours seriously too.
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Paris Chapters11. French Dressing!
