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Things I Miss About the U.S. As an American Living in Paris
Exploring the Heart of Paris: An Expat’s Tale of Fashion, Enthusiasm, and Cultural Dichotomies
Even though I’ve been living in Paris for years, I’m always amazed. Each morning, I wake up, grab my coffee, open my windows, and am greeted by the Parisian rooftops that I’d dreamt about for years. Living here has changed me in more ways than one. Still, though I love it here, as an expat, there are always little things you end up missing about your home country.
Wearing whatever I like without worrying about it
Paris is the fashion capital of the world. It doesn’t matter where you are in the city: the grocery store, the cinema, or a cafe… the people here are dressed to the nines! As a creative who adores using fashion to express myself, I loved this when I first came here!
I wanted to take pictures of all the ornate Parisian architecture, but even more so, I wanted to take photos of the Parisians who so perfectly matched the elaborate outfits they created on the daily to the backdrop of the city. Parisians' fashion habits make going out to do even simple things a real treat.
Fashion faux pas are more easily forgiven in the U.S.
Nevertheless, “dressing up” like you have somewhere important to be when you’re just going out to the local convenience store or to pick up a package can, sometimes, be a bit tedious. On days when I’m feeling homesick, I long to go to a grocery store in the U.S. where I’m free to go as I please in a T-shirt, Mickey Mouse sweatpants, mismatching knee-high socks, and rain boots! Anything goes! I can go anywhere and also be content with the fact that probably no one will bat an eye at my ridiculous outfit.
