Monochrome

Ok so I was just looking at these pics http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7316345.stm of the new Mme Sarkozy and it struck me how they are sooo representative of an aspect of France which I've noticed since day one but don't think I've commented on: the grey/black monotony of women's fashion. It's terrible! From like aged 14 they're all dressed in their black and grey, and I don't really understand because often the shops are full of cute little coloured skirts/blouses etc but nope, it's all about the monochrome AND they don't 'do' skirts. Chic? Maybe. Boring? Yes.