This Stereotypical Clothing Item Will Instantly Out You As A Tourist When Visiting France

What do you think of when you picture a typical Parisian? Too many people will conjure a stereotype — especially for Paris: a striped shirt (also known as a marinière), a beret sitting on the head, and a red scarf around the neck. But is this always true? Definitely not. Wearing a beret, especially the bold red ones, is one thing you should particularly avoid if you're a traveler hoping to avoid looking like a tourist in France. Nothing says "Hello, I'm a visitor here" more than a red or flashy beret, and it's important for you to know that if you want to blend in.

Although the beret is often associated with French culture, it actually has its roots in Greece, where sailors brought it to the Basque region before being adopted by the French military in the early 20th century. Later, the beret morphed into a symbol of national identity and an everyday attire. And presently? It's now a rarity among the locals, as it has become more of a souvenir mostly targeted at visitors. The beret may sometimes be seen sported by elderly locals, probably as a nostalgic fashion statement. But modern Parisians rather prefer minimalist and classic styling like blazers and monochrome color schemes. So if you're considering wearing a beret during your stay in France, it's worth noting what message you might be unknowingly sending.

Cliché: That's what berets are. When it comes to clothing among French people, berets — for the most part — have simply become outdated and are hardly worn. Moreover, they come off as an easy telltale sign giving you away as a tourist, and this can lead to unwanted attention. What's worse, wearing a beret (just like any other overly touristy attire) can make you a quick target for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas such as Montmartre or along the Seine. The red beret, in particular, which populates most souvenir stores, is one big red flag you shouldn't even think of wearing — as it's indeed the tourist hallmark.

Interestingly, even when locals (especially the elderly or perhaps southwesterners) wear the classic French beret, it's often in neutral colors and typically for practical purposes rather than fashion. It might be worn as a winter accessory, for instance. So if you're planning a visit to Paris during the spring or summer months, you can imagine how awkwardly you'd stand out if you don a beret. To avoid getting yourself in this situation at all, just ditch the souvenir beret altogether — or buy it to wear as a fashion accessory back home.

Blending in with the locals while exploring France doesn't come from gimmicky attires. Instead, it comes from classic and practical fashion staples. Mix with the locals by wearing a neutral trench coat, well-tailored pants, a crisp button-down shirt, or a simple blouse, and you'd thank yourself for it. With lightweight scarves and minimalist hats or caps — and comfortable flats or sandals, too — you can further get into the French or Parisian style without calling for attention.

Remember that the key is to be discreetly elegant rather than making bold statements. So, it'd be wise to avoid oversized hats, flashy logos, novelty items, or just showy and garish stuff in general. Finally, should you (for any reason) want to wear a beret, then you could just opt for a subtle and solid-colored one, like a black or navy wool version; also, avoid getting it at a souvenir shop, and wear it only during winter. This way, you can satisfy your craving and love for berets, without veering into tourist-trap territory. And luckily, blending in will help you to avoid falling prey to pickpockets.