Paris is considered the fashion capital of the world. All the best and most well-known designers debut their collections there.

It’s also considered the fashion capital because Parisians marchent dans le rue ? la mode, or walk the streets in style.

But, I’ve noticed it isn’t just the Parisians who gush with style.

When the French get dressed, they get dressed.

They’re chic and stylish, from their hats to their shoes and to their bags.

French university students would never wear sweatpants or baggy T-shirts to class.

It’s unheard of.

The students are the best dressed people in Dijon.

Sweats and T-shirts get boring, so the French give me something interesting to look at and try on.

The popular style for women is skinny jeans, flats or leather boots or a neutral-colored dress or skirt. Opaque tights in any color complete the look.

U.S. fashion magazines say skinny jeans are out of style and unflattering.

But I choose to believe the Paris Vogue because it’s written in the fashion capital of the world. French women prove that they can be flattering if they fit right and are paired with the right shoes.

I have yet to see a French woman in boots with fur, like the ones everyone wears in the States. Apparently, those boots were in a few years ago here.

I bought some gray, slouchy p-leather boots a few weeks ago (they were a steal at about $45) and I’m in love with them. They go with everything.

But they still come in second to my UGG boots. They’re comfortable and can be dressed down or up. I don’t think I’d give them up, no matter if they did go out of style in the United States.

French fashion is less trendy than American fashion. It isn’t cool to wear a trend in the States after it goes out of style. But the French wear what they like.

I haven’t been here long, but I get the feeling it will never be taboo to wear skinny jeans.

I’m loving that aspect of French fashion. My goal is to try as many different outfits as I can here that I can’t pull off in the States.

For example, you can’t wear white after Labor Day, right?

Nope. I’ve seen several women here wearing white pants. But they look good. I’d never be brave enough to try that at home, but I bought some from H&M this weekend for about $24 and I can’t wait to wear them. With black patent-leather pumps and a neutral top they look very chic.

French women also wear shorts in the middle of winter. They pair dressy, tweed shorts with tights and ankle or knee length boots. It’s cute, but they have to be freezing.

The aspect of French fashion I’m not sure about is matching. I usually try to match everything I wear with something else I’m wearing by either color or fabric.

It’s the American way.

But, you’ll never see a French woman with a bag that matches her shoes and jewelry.

They even wear black with brown. I’m hesitant since I’m usually against mixing neutrals.

But when in France, do as the French do.

En fran?ais, s’il vous pla?t is an occasional column about one student’s study abroad experience in Dijon, France. Reach Christina Howerton at diversions@chherald.com.