{Parisian style is one of the most coveted in the world. If you think that it’s hard to dress up with a French flair, fret not! The fashionable peeps behind the successful brand ZALORA Singapore have come up with 8 simple rules to follow when dressing up to be equally chic. Read ahead to find out more.}
Ever wondered why those French girls always look so effortlessly chic and put together? Ever found yourself staring at the photos of Parisian It girls like Marion Cotillard and Clémence Poésy, trying to steal their style?
Parisian ladies don’t seem to dress outlandishly, and they never look tacky. Black is the dominant colour of their wardrobe and they steer clear of short, skimpy dresses. They go pretty much everywhere in flats – and they look unfailingly classy in their perfectly tailored clothes. That’s pretty much Parisian dressing in a nutshell.
Read on for more secrets of those stylish mademoiselles:
1. Remember: Simplicity is Key
While each neighborhood in France boasts its own unique style, there are a few sartorial rules that all French women follow. One such rule is to keep it simple and make it seem like you didn’t spend more than five minutes getting ready in the morning.
Focus on interesting shapes and textures for your clothes, preferably in muted colours. Avoid over-embellishing and hemlines that are too short – basically anything that can seem tacky. For Parisian women, it is all about the timeless and tailored look – snug pants, little black dresses, tailored blazers, cashmere sweaters, and the classic trench coat. A pair of nicely fitting pants and blouse like Miranda Kerr’s are comfortable, stylish, and functional enough for daily activities. Streamline the rest of your look with a sleek ponytail, a structured handbag and flats.
2. Go Back to Black
Black might seem like a boring colour to wear, but French women practically live in them. Along with gray and sometimes white, black is a staple go-to colour in a Parisian woman’s wardrobe. Instead of experimenting with colour, they go for bold textures, shapes and silhouettes that can transition easily from day to nightwear. Case in point: Marion Cotillard’s unique black A-line dress that features a scoop neckline and cape style collar. And as a bonus, her cool suede indigo ankle boots!
3. Wear Minimal Accessories
The legendary designer Coco Chanel once said that a lady should look in the mirror and remove one accessory before leaving the house. In other words, do not over-accessorise, or flaunt too much cleavage or leg. French women are after the feminine look without being overtly sexy or flamboyant; They place the focus on one fabulous piece. So, accessorise thoughtfully with dainty bracelets or necklaces that go with the laid-back Parisian look.
4. Embrace Red Lipstick
French women love their red lipstick. Bold red lips can also help your outfit transition from day to evening by dialling up the glamour. Look how French actress Laetitia Casta did it in a sleek white coat, black stockings and matching pumps, finishing off with sultry wine-red lips.
5. Go Flat
A lot of women think that they need to wear high heels to look as stylish as Parisians, but the truth is that very few French women actually wear heels for everyday occasions. In fact, flats are a Parisian woman’s best friend. Case in point: Clémence Poésy’s cool buckled loafers that add an effortless touch of swag to her rolled up jeans, black tank top and white coat, while matching her black purse.
Flat boots, classic ballet flats, sneakers or stylish brogues are the preferred footwear options. Paris is a walking city, after all.
6. Prioritise Comfort
French women pay close attention to cut. You’ll be hard-pressed to find them in dowdy jackets, ill-fitting dresses or too-tight pants. They dress for their body type and ensure that their clothes fit right in all areas, tailoring even the slightest details for a perfect measure head-to-toe.
7. Go for Neutrals
French women prefer neutral shades, such as white, navy and cream – because they are easy to wear and match well with other neutrals. For instance, well-tailored cropped pants and an array of simple navy and white blouses are simple and versatile. With changes in accessories such as jewellery, bags and sunglasses, this fail-proof look is functional, stylish, and almost always appropriate for any occasion.
One model who nails the Parisian look in neutrals is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Here, she teams up a white t-shirt and jeans ensemble with a bright red handbag, floppy tan hat that matches her ankle boots, and an over-sized beige cardigan.
8. Skip Trends
This rule applies not just to French women, but all stylish women. Great style is about dressing for yourself and wearing what you’re most comfortable in. French women love couture but are not a slave to fads. Instead, they develop their own signature look, and stick to it. They might update their wardrobe with a few trendy pieces, but they always stick to classic pieces that hardly ever go out of style.
Are you a fan of Parisian dressing? What are some other tenets of Parisian style? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Image credits:W Magazine, Daily Mail, Elle, Pinterest & Pop Sugar