This Stylish Clothing Item Is Better Left At Home When Packing For A Trip To Paris

Paris is one of the world's most stylish cities. London, New York, Paris, and Milan are considered the "Big Four" fashion cities, but only Paris has been nicknamed the Fashion Capital Of The World. If there's one destination worth dressing up for — it's Paris. In Europe, and especially Paris, the locals tend to wear clothing that looks more polished than you may be used to if you're traveling from the US. If you hope to blend in like a local on your trip to Paris, you should definitely pack a few chic outfits. 

If you've ever visited the City of Lights, you've likely noticed that special "je ne sais quoi" that makes the French look effortlessly cool. The "French chic" aesthetic is advertised in the pages of fashion magazines around the world and lovers of style attempt to mimic the look across the globe. From elegant restaurants, to world-famous art museums, there are plenty of excuses to get dressed up during your visit. 

Paris is the perfect place to let your personal style shine, especially if you want to avoid looking like a tourist. That being said, there's one fashion-forward wardrobe staple that you should probably leave at home. High heels just aren't practical for exploring the City of Lights. 

High heeled shoes are beloved by fashionistas. They can dress up any outfit and elevate an otherwise simple look. Many people favor heels because they add a few inches of height or improve one's physical appearance by elongating the legs. Some say that high heels encourage better posture and a more upright stance. One might assume that Paris is the perfect opportunity to wear heels — considering it's such a fashion-forward destination. Unfortunately, they're not ideal for walking on Parisian streets, and it's best to avoid them when packing for Europe. 

Paris is a city that's full of incredible history. It's been around for more than 2,000 years! Throughout, the old is blended with the new and gorgeous historical architecture remains remarkably well preserved in many neighborhoods. Even some of the streets are historical marvels. The streets of Paris were first paved with stone in the 12th Century by King Phillip II. Some of them are covered with asphalt now, but in many parts of the city you'll still find cobblestones instead of blacktop.

I've made the mistake of wearing heels in Europe more than once, and those cobblestone streets are dangerous. Nothing ruins a magical night out or a day of sightseeing faster than a sprained ankle. If you do try to wear heels, they'll slow you down. It's hard to achieve the confident supermodel strut when teetering along at a snail's pace on uneven streets. If you've ever witnessed a child trying on their parents' stilettos, that's about how I looked stumbling through Paris in my five-inch Jeffrey Campbell pumps on my first trip. After my second twisted ankle, I decided to switch to flats.

When it comes to curating the perfect travel wardrobe, the secret is striking a balance between comfort and style. Even though it may be a bummer to leave behind your favorite pair of heels, you'll be better off opting for more comfortable shoes. As you wander through the city, you'll notice that locals hardly ever wear heels. Paris is a walkable city and has a great public transportation system, so most locals are ready to hoof it everywhere. Driving a personal vehicle is far less common. Unless you're attending a black tie event or visiting Paris during the annual Fashion Week, you might not see any high heels at all on the streets of Paris.

You don't have to rethink your entire packing list or sacrifice your desired aesthetic, as there are plenty of comfortable and cute options available. Chelsea boots are an excellent choice and can work for all seasons. Paris is rainy, and if you opt for a pair crafted from water resistant leather that can double as your rain boots. They look nice with jeans or with a skirt or dress. If you're looking for a little more height there are options available with a slight platform and a block heel that can lend you an inch or two without feeling like you're wearing heels.

Parisians practically invented the ballet flat, and they're still a popular choice for many Parisian women. For a trendy option, consider a two-toned black and beige flat. Mary Janes, loafers, and an understated leather tennis shoe are also popular choices. If you absolutely can't bear the thought of visiting Paris without a pair of heels, opt for something with a thick block heel.