This is the Ultimate Guide on What to Wear in Paris
Parisienne style is easy if you follow this simple rule: banish occasion dressing. The quintessential French outfit can take you from brunch to work, school drop-off to birthday drinks, all in one effortless look. It’s a capsule wardrobe suitable for any time, place, or occasion, made up of timeless classics – a good-quality blazer, navy cashmere, smart shoes, and minimal jewelry. Never seasonal or logoed; just smart, polished, and, of course, oh-so chic. We spoke to Parisian it-girl Jeanne Demas, founder and creative director of Rouje, to get to the crux of French style.
“Paris is a rich and vibrant city, a melting pot of many different influences and backgrounds, so I think it’s more of a mixture of these styles than one unique style. It’s also the beauty of the city and its culture which adds to the myth of Parisian style,” says Jeanne. “For me, must-have wardrobe essentials are just timeless pieces you can wear all day long. Over the years, I’ve found the shapes and pieces that I feel most comfortable wearing and are also flattering for my silhouette.”
“I can’t speak for other women, but personally, the key to dressing like a Parisian is simplicity,” she adds. “I wear, more or less, the same things as a kind of uniform every day. A wrap dress is something you can wear on any occasion – it’s always good to have a multifunctional dress like this. Jeans are an important staple in my wardrobe, so high-waisted jeans are essential. A men’s style jacket, slip dresses (particularly for summer), a trench coat, and ankle boots are all essential. When I buy sweaters, I get a size bigger as I prefer how the fabric falls when you tuck it inside your trousers.”
Come evening, the key is to shift your daytime look into a chicer form effortlessly. “I don’t like to be too dressy in the evening, so I often wear a pair of high-waisted jeans with a nice top and some mules – I like how mules can upscale even a very simple outfit,” Jeanne explains. “And I love a zero makeup look, with just a big red lip, applied with the fingers for a softly blurry effect.”
What to Wear in Paris: 8 Classic Items to Pack
1. A sharp blazer
The finishing touch to any outfit is the blazer. Instantly elevating, simply throw it over any casual top, jeans, or dress and – voila! – polished perfection. It should be tailored but not tight at the waist, single-breasted, and the hem should fall to the top of your thumb. For an all-purpose number, choose classic black; consider materials like velvet, satin, or even leather.
2. Smart jeans
French women know good jeans – look for straight-leg, in classic denim blue. Pair them with smart blazers or casual knits, flats, or heels. Denim should be one color, not faded, with no fraying or ripping.
3. Slingbacks
If New York women are known for carrying trainers in their handbags, French women are known for never needing a shoe change – footwear is always appropriate and can last the whole day. Choose a classic and comfortable shoe – something that is both comfy and formal in chic tan.
4. A classic trench
Outerwear is always the giveaway – French women know how to look good at every stage of an outfit, so your coat must be seen as the finishing touch. A classic trench is suitable for any weather and always chic on the go, with classic details and neutral tones.
5. The shoulder bag
Handbags can be tricky. Top handles are too formal, totes too casual, and buckets too trendy. The classic shoulder bag is big enough for essentials without being cumbersome, and perfectly shaped to sit elegantly on the shoulder.
6. A statement accessory
Here’s a tip: opt for one simple accessory to upgrade your outfit instead of layering on jewelry. Sparkling earrings or larger-than-life necklaces add class to any look. Don’t underestimate the power of a scarf; it can add color and interest when tied around your neck or through a bag strap.
7. A reliable knit
A classic knit will never go out of style. Navy is more wearable for every day; plus, it has a touch of Riviera charm. Opt for Breton stripes for a true ode to French style, choosing boxy styles or a size larger for a casual look.
8. A day-to-night dress
Items that can be dressed up or down are essential. These dresses can be worn with trainers for a casual day outfit and then swapped for chic mules and glitzy jewelry in the evening for a slinkier look.
