When embarking on that “Maymester” to the Continent of Europe, you might want to think twice before packing the miniskirt and heels. Stilettos on cobblestone? That’s going to wind you up in the German hospital with a rolled ankle while all of your classmates are out eating soft pretzels.

Take my advice: after years of living in Europe, I know how to spot a tourist in a crowd.There’s a way to blend in but still be stylish and pack light – it’s called “Parisian fashion”. The French philosophy on fashion is absolute minimalism. Less is more. A French woman, instead of having 8 dresses from Forever21, will buy 1 Chanel dress and wear it frequently. It’s about having a higher quality of clothing and less of it, an attitude that follows suit in many other areas of French life. Mediate on the eternal class of Audrey Hepburn, the grace of Audrey Tautou and the poise of Jacqueline Kennedy. These three knew and know what it meant to dress Parisian.

This style is additionally evident throughout the entire European Union and not just limitedto that city of blinding lights. However if you are going to the heart of the fashion world itself, Paris,you won’t want to be a target to those conniving street peddlers with adorable children who take your money. So board that plane, bring the oversized camera if you have to, but for the love of Robespierre, dress like a French woman.

If you go on the pre-Europe shopping trip like you know I do, don’t focus on loud Aztec prints or neon colors. Look for interesting shapes made by clothing. Texture and craft should play key roles in your purchases. Anything that can be perceived as tacky or trendy should be left at home. Examples include bandage skirts (kill me now), and excessively cropped crop tops (unless worn with a high-waisted short or pant). Muted colors are your friend- Whites, grays, blacks, and navies are the colors of Europe. I maybe brought two items with me to Paris the last time I frequented
that were not a shade of these colors and they were an red accent scarf and a gold clutch. Trust me when I say that you will not want to be the tourist with the flashing sign above their head when you arrive at Charles de Gaulle.

Let’s talk pattern: Europeans won’t shun you for wearing something busy if you are keen enough (and I know you are) to select the right item of clothing. A good-looking stripe is a must have. The pattern has been around for over 150 years, so it’s a staple in Parisian opinion. A tasteful polka dot can also be pulled off. A muted plaid won’t have you standing out on a European side street, but other than these three, there is not much room for deviation.

Europeans have a different relationship with pants than we do. If you’re hopping about the town at night and want a dressed-up look, wear a pear of nice black pants or a pair of jeans. Dainty and tastefully placed jewelry is very “in” right now, not surprising considering France’s eternal motto of minimalism. Many people think that heels and European fashion go hand in hand, but it’s actually the opposite, for which I am thankful because I walk like a toddler in heels. Flats are the word when it comes to Eu- ropean footwear. Everything from the classic ballet flat to ankle booties are fair game. Your feet will thank me at the end of the day. ThThe weather shouldn’t be too chilly this summer, but Europe is known for being fifickle in temperature. On cool days, try a denim jacket or a canvass trench coat. And one cliché that still rings true- you’re not French unless you’re wearing a scarf wrapped around your neck.

Let’s talk about the “faux pas” of European fashion, or in other terms, reasons why the Italians might try to cut your visa short and export you back to America. If you wear a tracksuit, athletic shoes, or Nike shorts out onto the European streets (my heart is breaking at the thought) it has been said that French authorities in particular will confiscate your oversized camera and eject you from the country. So don’t fall into the tourist trap- sure you can buy an “I Heart Paris” shirt for your mom but don’t put it on whilst in the trendy sixth arrondissement of Paris. Put on a black dress and a scarf and go champagne tasting at Le Dokhan’s. Dressing like a Parisian will give your trip of a lifetime that “je ne sais quoi.”