I’m a fashion editor attending the Olympics – here’s what I’m wearing

Paris Olympics, here we come!

It’s not like I’ve never attended a sporting event before. Wimbledon, Formula One, Goodwood Festival of Speed… each of these fancy sporting events have their own dress codes (real or implied) and required some serious planning (word to the wise: do not wear heels to Goodwood – I learned the hard way). But there’s something about the Olympics; the sheer scale of the international sporting event that seems to require more consideration for what to wear than another competition.

First, there’s the host city. The Paris Olympics being held at the capital of fashion comes with its own set of pressures. Olympics or not, Parisians are notorious for having a certain je ne sais quois about their style — and have always been quite vocal about their disdain for how tourists dress. My husband, a proud Parisian, shudders at the thought of bum bags.

Natalie Portman (who has made Paris her home for the last decade since her marriage to Benjamin Millipied, the director of the Paris Opera Ballet) shared some sartorial rules to abide by during her recent appearance on The Tonight Show. “Parisians don’t wear flip flops. No shorts, [and] red berets are a no-go,” she said when Jimmy Fallon asked her for tips on how to avoid looking like a tourist.

Take one look at the global A-listers that descended on Paris for the LVMH-sponsored pre-party ahead of the opening ceremony and you could tell, this is no ordinary Olympics. With Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Pharrell and more in attendance, you would be forgiven for thinking it was the sequel to the Met Gala. Be prepared to rub shoulders with some big stars at the events — Ariana Grande, Jessica Chastain and more have already been seen cheering on Simone Biles at the artistic gymnastics qualifiers, for example.

Arnold Jerocki

Pascal Le Segretain

And speaking of the events, unlike past Olympics where many of the competitions are usually held at stadiums outside the host city’s perimeter, most of the Paris events are actually held in some of the iconic landmarks of the French capital. Men’s and women’s volleyball players will be competing in front of the Eiffel Tower, for example, and equestrian riders within the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. I for one will be watching the fencing in the Grand Palais, and the tennis at Roland Garros — both of which Anna Wintour has publicly said she will attend herself – no pressure.

Some venues are outdoors, some in chilly arenas, and likely all are heavily cordoned off which will require loads of walking. So if you, like me, are struggling to navigate the minefield that is dressing to attend the Olympics, here are some guidelines I’m sticking to – and the key items I’m packing that you might find helpful.

Matching separates

Cece di Paolo for By Alona

I’m a sucker for matching sets. They make getting dressed so easy, and typically allow me to look quite put-together without trying too hard. From my time living Paris, I find locals don’t tend to wear a lot of colour, so bright hues might make you stick out like a sore thumb on the metro. Opt for a classic, striped set or at least more muted florals.

Lowkey shoulder bag

With security ramped up to the nth degree, you can be certain there will be long queues for back search leading up to the areas. Do yourself a favour and keep your bag size at a minimum – something that fits your essentials (don’t forget sunscreen!) and won’t make security a hassle. If I have to guess, oversized bags might likely need to be checked in. Oh, and make sure your bag can be closed properly — you don’t need to be tempting pick-pockets in the crowds.

Chic flats

Security around Paris has been so tight during the Olympics, it has spawned news articles in the likes of the Financial Times of locals balking at the empty streets and complaining about how their commutes have become impossible. All this to say, expect to walk a lot. While trainers will likely be acceptable everywhere, I personally would like to respect the momentous event (history is being made, people!) by elevating my shoe game with some loafers or flats. And whatever you do, as per Natalie Portman: NO FLIP FLOPS.

Light blazer

Frankie Shop Aiden Blazer

Paris summer weather might be slightly less unpredictable than London’s, but that doesn’t mean it’s not victim to the occasional shower and cool evenings. For my evening at Rolland Garros, I’ll definitely be bringing a light blazer in case the match stretches close to midnight. Some of my Parisian friends who’ve attended events at the Grand Palais have already warned me of the freezing temps in the glass arena. Linen would be my fabric of choice, but a light tweed à la Chanel is always appropriate.

Hats

Because I’m prone to the dreaded forehead tan, I’ll be wearing a cap while watching the tennis match. But there are caps and there are caps. I love baseball caps that are so fashionable they almost make the outfit, whether it’s the Sporty & Rich ‘Tennis Club’ ones with contrast stitching or the more subtle Anine Bing monogrammed caps. Try to avoid tall or wide-brimmed hats as they could obstruct the view of your fellow Olympic-goer.

And lastly, don’t forget to say “Bonjour” and “Merci” whenever you greet a local — no outfit, no matter how great, beats having good manners in Paris.