How to dress like a Parisian
How to Dress Like a Parisian: The Unmistakable Guide to Acquire the Effortless French Style
Parisian style is more than just fashion—it’s a lifestyle and a mindset. It’s about being sophisticated, confident, and elegant without trying too hard.
If you want to channel French-girl chic, follow these key style principles:
1. Build a Timeless Capsule Wardrobe
Parisians don’t follow trends. Instead, they invest in classic, high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched. Essential wardrobe staples include:
A Tailored Blazer – A key piece for layering over jeans, dresses, or trousers.
A White Button-Down Shirt – Crisp, versatile, and always elegant, not to mention you can always borrow from his wardrobe!
Straight-Leg Jeans – Preferably in classic blue or black, with a high waist, they will match your Chanel ballerinas perfectly!
A Classic Trench Coat – The ultimate Parisian outerwear piece (think Burberry or Hermès) with a long history and presence in the cinema that adds to its iconic status.
A Cashmere Sweater – Soft, cozy, and effortlessly sophisticated is perfect for any occasion!
A Little Black Dress (LBD) – Coco Chanel’s timeless invention for instant chic – undoubtedly one of the most praised pieces of all times.
A Well-Fitted Pair of Trousers – Cigarette pants or wide-leg styles will help you create polished looks.
A Breton Striped Shirt – The iconic marinière, made famous by French icons like Brigitte Bardot.
2. Stick to Neutral Tones & Simple Color Palettes
Instead of loud prints or bright colors, Parisians focus on texture, layering, and tailoring to add depth to their look. The color palette of their wardrobe consists of the following:
Black – The ultimate king of Parisian color
White – Fresh and crisp for a polished look.
Beige & Camel – Timeless and effortlessly chic.
Navy – A sophisticated alternative to black.
Red (as an accent color) – Think a red lip, red nails, or a red handbag.
3. Less is More: Keep Accessories Minimal
When it comes to accessories, French women believe in quality over quantity. The goal? To make a statement without overdoing it.
Essential accessories staples include:
Gold or Silver Jewelry – Simple hoops, a delicate necklace, or a thin bracelet.
A Structured Leather Bag – Invest in a Chanel Flap Bag, Hermès Kelly, or Saint Laurent Sac de Jour.
Timeless Sunglasses – Think black cat-eye or aviators.
Ballet Flats or Loafers – Classic Chanel ballerinas or Gucci loafers elevate any look.
A Wool Beret (Optional) – A cliché, but undeniably stylish when worn the right way.
4. Master the Art of Effortless Hair & Makeup
Imperfection is part of the charm in the mind of a Parisian woman. They don't like looking overdone -instead they put all their effort on enhancing their natural beauty.
For Hair:
Avoid over-styling—embrace soft, tousled waves or a messy bun.
Opt for natural highlights instead of harsh dye jobs.
Parisians rarely use heavy hairspray; they prefer low-maintenance, undone styles.
For Makeup:
Skin is the foundation of French beauty (think: light foundation or tinted moisturizer).
A red lip instantly elevates even the simplest outfit.
Mascara and a slight winged eyeliner add just the right amount of definition.
Heavy contouring is simply out of question.
5. French Footwear: Chic Yet Comfortable
Parisians walk a lot, so comfort is as important as style. Their shoes should be elegant but practical at the same time.
Chic Footwear Staples:
Ballet flats (Chanel, Repetto, or classic leather styles)
Loafers (Gucci, Tod’s, or minimalist leather loafers)
Block-heeled pumps (comfortable yet feminine)
Classic ankle boots (suede or leather in black or brown)
White sneakers (Veja, Saint Laurent, or Adidas Stan Smith for casual looks)
What You Will Never See Parisians Wearing:
Overly high platform heels (comfort is key!)
Chunky dad sneakers (unless styled in an ultra-minimalist way)
Super trendy or logo-heavy footwear
6. The Secret Weapon: Confidence & Attitude
The real secret to Parisian style is more than the clothes—it’s in the attitude.
Walk with confidence, as if you own every sidewalk.
Keep an effortless, “I woke up like this” attitude.
Own your individuality—Parisian women don’t blindly follow trends; they choose their clothes to match their personality.
7. How to Dress Parisian for Different Occasions
For Work:
A tailored blazer, cigarette trousers, and a silk blouse.
Ballet flats or low-heeled pumps for a polished touch.
For a Casual Day in Paris:
High-waisted jeans, a striped Breton top, and a trench coat.
White sneakers or loafers for comfort.
For a Parisian Date Night:
A little black dress with red lipstick.
Chic pumps or strappy heels.
For Travel (Looking Chic While Comfortable):
Wide-leg trousers, a fitted cashmere sweater, and a classic trench coat.
Stylish leather sneakers (Veja or Saint Laurent).
