Leggings, Bangs & Other Paris Trends

PARIS — What are they wearing in Paris? On the streets during fashion week, a few trends were clear. Some were not necessarily new, but their staying power makes them all the more interesting.

MID-FOOT LEGWEAR

Some runway trends never make it past backstage, let alone into the editorial pages of magazines— and those that do aren't necessarily adopted on the street. But in an example of a look that moved directly from catwalk to sidewalk, Prada's mid-foot legwear has started something big. Whereas stirrup tights from the 1980s had an equal arch on the front and the back of the ankle, the latest incarnation exposes the foot from the middle of the arch to the toes.

NO PANTS

Wearing leggings with a sweater or tunic is one trend with proven staying power. Popular among (and quite useful for) the stylish gals who cruise the city on scooters, the look is adorably Parisian: tall boots, leggings or tights, miniskirt, top, and jacket, plus scarf and messy hair.

BETTIE PAGE-STYLE BANGS

There is an exception to the unkempt, loose locks that Parisian women throw around so casually: the Bettie Page bangs. Straight bangs that hang about halfway down the forehead are sported by women of various ages and styles. The style came to my attention because I was doing double takes all over town; a New York friend of mine has the cut, and from afar, I thought I was seeing her. After the third or fourth sighting, I e-mailed to tell her she's on target.

GRAY

No, gray is not the new black. Black is the old black, the new black, and the ever-shall-be black. But gray is out in full force on tights, shoes, leather jackets, and handbags.

SENSORY PERCEPTION

Parisians like to see and hear everything around them. The populace is not universally addicted to sunglasses. Only on a directly sunny day did the shades come out in full force. And iPods don't seem to be attached to the heads of the entire community.