As a fashion stylist immersed in the Parisian fashion scene, I’m completely enamored by the city’s magical sense of style and allure.
There’s just something about the effortless chicness and understated sophistication of Parisian fashion that feels so distinct and covetable compared to other style capitals around the world.
I personally find Paris to have an old world romanticism and avant garde spirit that translates beautifully into the local aesthetic.
As a stylist, I’m endlessly inspired by the Parisian knack for mixing masculine and feminine pieces, quality investment buys, and adding little styling tweaks that take an outfit to the next level.
In this Parisian style guide, I’ll pull back the curtain on how to capture that je ne sais quoi Parisian insouciance and build a wardrobe with all the French chic essentials.
From beauty tips to fail-safe outfit formulas, consider this your ultimate resource for dressing like a true Parisienne.
What is Parisian Style?
At its core, Parisian style is all about that contrast between dressy and casual pieces for a relaxed yet undeniably pulled together effect. The French call this “chic décontracté” – or casual chic.
You’ll see Parisian women pairing things like white button-ups and jeans with blazers and heels for a perfectly balanced high-low look. It’s also about mixing cool menswear-inspired staples like leather jackets with ultra-feminine silk camisoles or pencil skirts.
While of-the-moment trends certainly make their way onto the Parisian fashion scene each season, local style icons focus more on cultivating a signature look with timeless, investment pieces versus chasing every runway fad. It’s why you’ll spot more Parisiennes in a perfect vintage leather jacket than the latest It bag.
Above all, Parisian dressing is about an almost effortless insouciance – looking fashionable without appearing like you tried too hard. There’s an art to pulling off messy chic hair with red lipstick and heels.
Ultimately Parisian style comes down to:
- Mastering that casual chic aesthetic
- Investing in quality over quantity
- Mixing feminine and masculine shapes
- Cultivating a signature look that transcends trends
- Keeping things simple and minimalistic
- Focusing on flattering silhouettes and proportions
Principles of Parisian Style
Before we get into specific outfits and pieces, let’s explore the core principles that define Parisian fashion sense:
Simplicity
Parisian style follows a “less is more” minimalistic approach. While looking incredibly chic, Parisiennes manage to skip embellishments, loud patterns, or over-accessorizing. It’s about keeping things simple and not appearing overdone.
I love how French girl fashion is more about perfecting the foundations like fit, fabric and color pairing than piling on trends.
Comfort First
While Parisian women always look impeccably styled, they refuse to sacrifice comfort to follow fleeting trends. The ability to walk around a city all day while looking chic is essential.
Parisian fashion favorites like ballet flats, soft cashmere sweaters, and stretchy jeans reflect this priority for wearability over everything else.
Quality Investment Pieces
Parisians strongly believe in buying fewer, higher quality items meant to last a lifetime over disposable fast fashion. It’s why you’ll find French women investing in timeless luxury pieces like the perfect leather tote, silk blouse or tailored wool coat.
They see these classics as the building blocks of an effortlessly chic wardrobe that can be remixed every season. This leads to a much more curated, personalized look compared to blindly following trends.
Cultivating a Signature Look
Between their investment pieces and minimalist approach, Parisian women organically develop a consistent style identity tied to their personal tastes versus whatever happens to be trendy that season.
It’s this devotion to cultivating a signature aesthetic that makes Parisian style so recognizable and coveted globally. These women stay true to themselves above all else.
Balancing Fancy & Casual
The Parisian skill for contrasting dressy and casual pieces is unmatched. They’ll effortlessly style formal trousers with sneakers or a silk camisole with boyfriend jeans.
Everything from adding masculine details to feminine shapes to pairing budget basics with investment accessories reflects the Parisian knack for high-low dressing.
Flattering Proportions
While comfort is key, Parisians always ensure their relaxed looks remain flattering. Pieces skim the body without clinging too tightly.
I love how French women pay attention to proportions to create a streamlined effect even in loose silhouettes. It’s about understanding fit versus choosing a smaller size.
How to Get Parisian Style
Now that we’ve covered the guiding style principles, let’s get into the specifics of channeling that cool Parisian vibe:
1. The “No Makeup” Makeup Look
Truly embodied by French icons like Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot, the Parisian beauty aesthetic is all about that natural, “no makeup” look.
Most days, Parisian women opt for a fresh-faced makeup look focused on enhancing natural features versus dramatic transformations:
- Sheer coverage base products like tinted moisturizer
- Cream blush and bronzer to warm the complexion
- A few coats of mascara
- Neutral or clear lip balm
The overall effect is pretty, polished and most importantly – totally effortless.
For hair, unfussy textures like beach waves or a sleek low bun epitomize Parisian nonchalance. The vibe is relaxed elegance.
Above all, French women believe in emphasizing skincare for that lit-from-within glow over caking on cosmetics.
2. Casual Chic Outfits
If I had to sum up Parisian style in one outfit formula, it would be: crisp collared shirt + loose bottoms + chic shoes.
Some go-to casual chic combinations include:
The Parisian Uniform
- White button-up shirt tucked into jeans or trousers
- Neutral ankle boots or ballet flats
- Belted trench coat
Feminine With an Edge
- Breton striped tee or silky camisole paired with a leather moto jacket
- Black skinny jeans
- Pointy flats
The New Suit
- Oversized blazer worn with a tee and cropped flares
- Loafers
The key is contrasting more formal pieces like blazers, button-ups and coats with relaxed bottoms. The vibe is cool and carefree.
I also recommend keeping silhouettes loose and opting for straight leg or wide leg shapes versus skintight. It creates such an effortless effect.
3. The Masculine Feminine Contrast
Yves Saint Laurent’s “Le Smoking” forever changed fashion by introducing the idea of women wearing menswear-inspired pieces. Today, you’ll spot Parisian women in tuxedo-style blazers, crisp button downs, and loose trousers paired with ultra feminine accents.
Some examples of the masculine/feminine contrast include:
- An oversized white shirt dress cinched with a skinny belt over leggings
- A gray suit jacket styled with a lacy camisole and mini skirt
- Boyfriend jeans paired with delicate jewelry and strappy heels
I love this play on contrasting loose, strong shapes with body-skimming feminine pieces. A touch of lace, a slim belt, or flirty heels balances the look beautifully.
4. Invest in Timeless Luxury Items
Parisian women know the value of investing in a few high-quality, timeless designer pieces that will last for years. They splurge on items like:
- A classic wool coat from a heritage brand
- A leather handbag in a timeless shape
- Fine jewelry like Cartier bracelets
- Printed silk scarves from Hermès
- A chic designer watch
They view these luxury staples as long-term investments that will hold their value over time. The key is choosing streamlined, unfussy designs that won’t look dated next season.
Parisian ladies then mix these designer splurges with affordable basics from places like Zara or Mango. This keeps their look polished yet casual. One great coat or handbag can instantly elevate a whole outfit of inexpensive pieces – it’s the French-girl way!
The focus is on quality over quantity and pieces that provide years of wear versus disposable fast-fashion finds. Investing in timeless luxury items is key to that coveted Parisian chic.
5. Wear Neutral Tones
Take a quick glance around the Paris streets and you’ll notice locals stick to a mostly muted, neutral color palette of:
- Black
- Gray
- Navy
- Camel
- Cream
- White
- Beige and tan
- Olive green
Outfits tend to comprise one or two neutral tones. Pops of brightness come more from accessories like a red lip, printed scarf or colorful bag.
I love how this toned-down approach prevents clashing. It helps streamline silhouettes and keeps the focus on impeccable tailoring versus loud colors.
6. Pay Attention to Details
While influenced by menswear, Parisian style remains undeniably feminine thanks to all those special styling details that elevate basics to new heights.
From a perfectly placed belt to an artfully rolled pant cuff, French women put thought into those subtle moments that really polish off an outfit.
Some quintessentially Parisian finishing touches include:
- Silk scarf tied in the hair
- Chunky sweater cuffs peeking out of a blazer
- Delicate jewelry that captures the light
- Heel height that lengthens the leg just so
- A cropped jacket cut to hit at the waist
- The perfect shade of red lipstick
It’s these considerations that take Parisian fashion from simple to magnifique.
7. Seasonal Trend Accents
While mostly sticking to their core closet staples, Parisian women do incorporate a touch of of-the-moment excitement into their wardrobes each season.
They may invest in statement shoes, a new bag silhouette, or even just a trendy hair accessory like a printed scarf. These fun seasonal pieces instantly refresh their signature style.
By keeping up with a few trends a season, Parisians strike that ideal balance between consistent personal style and fashion relevance.
Must-Have Parisian Pieces
Ready to start channeling French girl chic? Here are the essential Parisian staples for your wardrobe:
Tops
- The basic white T-shirt – The quintessential closet staple, perfectly fitted but not too tight. An easy canvas for layering.
- The button-down shirt – Crisp cotton, tailored yet relaxed. Tuck into everything from pencil skirts to boyfriend jeans.
- The silk lavalière shirt – Feminine and luxe with a pussy-bow necktie detail. Ideal under blazers or cardigans.
- La Marinère – Everyone needs the classic Breton stripe tee. Instantly channels Francophile style.
- The turtleneck – Slim and lightweight, perfect for adding warmth and a touch of retro chicness.
- The cashmere sweater – The ultimate luxury layering piece. Opt for crewneck, v-neck or cardigan versions.
Bottoms & Dresses
- The little black dress – An eternally chic wardrobe hero. Look for a flattering silhouette hitting just above the knee.
- Straight-leg jeans – Dark rinse denim elongates the legs for a streamlined silhouette. Timeless and versatile.
- Wide-leg trousers – In plaid, tweed or wool – wide-legs feel modern with a 70’s vibe.
Outerwear
- The timeless trench coat – Feminine and functional. Choose one hitting mid-thigh in tan, black or navy.
- The coatigan – Half coat, half cardigan. Perfect for transitional weather over dresses and skirts.
- The navy blue blazer – A style staple that instantly elevates any outfit with polish.
- The black tuxedo jacket – Menswear-inspired but undeniably chic over cocktail dresses or skinny pants.
- The wool coat – Warm yet refined. Look for a mid-length style in neutral camel, gray or black.
Shoes
- Ballet flats – Buttery leather and ultra walkable. Elevates jeans in a snap.
- Mary Janes – Sweet yet modern with a block heel. Pair with skirts and stockings.
- Loafers – Menswear-inspired but still feminine, especially in patent leather.
- Ankle boots – The quintessential Parisian transitional shoe, ideal with tights and skirts.
- White sneakers – Crisp and minimalistic. Perfect for off-duty looks.
Bags & Accessories
- Cross-body leather bag – Compact and hands-free. Choose a neutral color like black, tan or burgundy.
- The classic tote bag – Roomy enough for daily essentials yet still polished. Make sure to have one in black or brown leather.
- Silk scarf – Adds a pop of color and instant French flair, whether in hair or around the neck.
- Timeless timepieces – From delicate watch bracelets to vintage inspired styles.
What to Avoid
While Parisian fashion sense may seem easy breezy, there are a few faux pas to steer clear of if you really want to channel French girl je ne sais quoi:
Athleisure Outside the Gym
Parisians view tracksuits and sneakers as strictly gym wear. You’ll rarely spot them lounging or running errands in sportswear.
Ripped & Distressed Denim
While French women love their skinny jeans, excessive distressing and holes is seen as too décontracté.
Logos & Slogans
Parisian style avoids overly branded pieces. If any logos appear, they’ll be tiny and discreet.
Neon Brights
Parisian color schemes are all about muted, neutral and earth tones. Leave bright neons to accessories.
Trying Too Hard
Looking like you put in too much effort contradicts that Parisian insouciance. Keep hair, makeup and styling relaxed.
Stick to these guidelines and you’ll be channeling stylish Parisian nonchalance in no time.
So there you have it – everything you need to start dressing with French girl flair, from beauty tips and outfit formulas to essentials and seasonal splurges.
What I love about Parisian style is how values like timelessness, comfort and personal expression shine through over fleeting trends. I hope this guide helps you discover your own signature Parisian-inspired aesthetic.
Now go forth and embrace that effortless je ne sais quoi attitude, mon chéri!