What Is Parisian Style?
09 May 2024
What is Parisian style? It is a style associated with simple but effective images of French women. Lightness, elegant carelessness, and the ability to combine the incongruous but still look elegant and fresh are qualities that are not born (even the natives of Montmartre!) but can be learned. Parisian style is simple and extremely romantic in this case. It tells us that the everyday life of plain water can also feel romantic. Wearing can make us feel physically and mentally, so learning to wear is a thing that is good for ourselves and worthy of our heartfelt feelings! If you WANT to wear romantic and leisurely clothes, hurry up and take a closer look at Parisian style.
Although French style seems intuitively familiar, it can be tricky to set a framework for it - whether we're talking berets with baguettes or a basic closet with ironic nuances in the spirit. However, French women of different epochs have one thing in common: the ability to turn quiet outings into dressy ones and soft carelessness - what we used to call Parisian style. And it does not require a vast closet. Parisians have long been considered a model of taste. What makes French fashion different? What makes it special? Probably, it's all about the combination of convenience and elegance. Calm colors, low heels, and closeness to the classics - are the characteristic features of this style. French girls look very natural, a little careless, and, at the same time, feminine. Let's reveal the secrets of French style and learn how to make fashionable outfits, following the advice of street style trendsetters.
Although French style seems intuitively familiar, it can be tricky to set a framework for it - whether we're talking berets with baguettes or a basic closet with ironic nuances in the spirit. However, French women of different epochs have one thing in common: the ability to turn quiet outings into dressy ones and soft carelessness - what we used to call Parisian style. And it does not require a vast closet. Parisians have long been considered a model of taste. What makes French fashion different? What makes it special? Probably, it's all about the combination of convenience and elegance. Calm colors, low heels, and closeness to the classics - are the characteristic features of this style. French girls look very natural, a little careless, and, at the same time, feminine. Let's reveal the secrets of French style and learn how to make fashionable outfits, following the advice of street style trendsetters.
Definition of Parisian Style
This explanation of the Parisian style is given in the book. Parisian style is an attitude to life, a state of mind, a mixture of rocker rebellion and bourgeois love of luxury. Parisians easily maneuver between trends and seasonal trends, choosing what suits them and dismissing everything else with disdain. Their secret? They live in a city imbued with the beauty of bygone eras; they breathe its air and absorb its philosophy - fashion should be a pleasure, not a prison. There are rules that Parisian women choose to follow, but they are so fond of breaking them - that is Parisian style.
However, the "Parisian style" does exist as a phenomenon, and it is very different from London's "fusion," Berlin's "crazy" creativity, Moscow's femininity, and New York's aggressive chic. Parisians are fashion purists, and I have never seen a more snobbish approach to closet design anywhere: they love simple cuts, natural colors, and expensive fabrics; they spend a lot of money on basic items and expensive accessories while quietly denying themselves variation.
However, the "Parisian style" does exist as a phenomenon, and it is very different from London's "fusion," Berlin's "crazy" creativity, Moscow's femininity, and New York's aggressive chic. Parisians are fashion purists, and I have never seen a more snobbish approach to closet design anywhere: they love simple cuts, natural colors, and expensive fabrics; they spend a lot of money on basic items and expensive accessories while quietly denying themselves variation.
How to Achieve Parisian Style？
A win-win base
There is a misconception about Parisians: many think they only wear exquisite creations of famous designers, and their everyday looks can be used for the carpet. French women love basic things, and this is one of the basic rules of the Parisian style. The closet should include a basic white t-shirt, classic jeans, a jacket from a man's shoulder, a trench coat, a sweater, and a dress, not always small and black. With basic closet items, you can make combinations that will look winning. And this is worth learning.
Comfort is important
Comfort is an important element in the Parisian style. French women and Parisians in particular, even though they are considered the most stylish in Europe and the world, value comfort over relevance in clothing. Girls and women look as if they put on the first thing that came to hand and went to the office on a date or a celebration. Contrary to the stereotype of femininity, French women rarely wear heels - only for important events, and for every day, they prefer flat-soled shoes. Their closet is based on skinny jeans, simple tops (including the invariable stripes), cardigans, pants, and ballet flats.
Dress simply
Another important characteristic of the Parisian style in clothing for women is simplicity. One should realize that the typical image of a French woman in a puffy skirt, beret, gloves, and red lipstick remained in the 20th century and has nothing to do with modern France.
The devil is in the details
A basic outfit needs accents in Parisian style; Parisian women know this very well. We warn you: forget the stereotypical red or black beret associated with Parisian beauty. You can decorate the image with minimalistic jewelry, a scarf, a belt, or a stylish bag - each has its zest. But by no means overdo it - there should not be too many details.
Freedom and simplicity
French women's closets may include tight silhouettes, but the basis of the Parisian style is freedom and comfort. Reject the intricate cut in favor of simplicity and replace fitted jackets with oversized ones. The color palette of Parisian clothes is also worth noting: there are rarely shouting shades, but restrained pastel or classic colors occupy the leading positions.
There is a misconception about Parisians: many think they only wear exquisite creations of famous designers, and their everyday looks can be used for the carpet. French women love basic things, and this is one of the basic rules of the Parisian style. The closet should include a basic white t-shirt, classic jeans, a jacket from a man's shoulder, a trench coat, a sweater, and a dress, not always small and black. With basic closet items, you can make combinations that will look winning. And this is worth learning.
Comfort is important
Comfort is an important element in the Parisian style. French women and Parisians in particular, even though they are considered the most stylish in Europe and the world, value comfort over relevance in clothing. Girls and women look as if they put on the first thing that came to hand and went to the office on a date or a celebration. Contrary to the stereotype of femininity, French women rarely wear heels - only for important events, and for every day, they prefer flat-soled shoes. Their closet is based on skinny jeans, simple tops (including the invariable stripes), cardigans, pants, and ballet flats.
Dress simply
Another important characteristic of the Parisian style in clothing for women is simplicity. One should realize that the typical image of a French woman in a puffy skirt, beret, gloves, and red lipstick remained in the 20th century and has nothing to do with modern France.
The devil is in the details
A basic outfit needs accents in Parisian style; Parisian women know this very well. We warn you: forget the stereotypical red or black beret associated with Parisian beauty. You can decorate the image with minimalistic jewelry, a scarf, a belt, or a stylish bag - each has its zest. But by no means overdo it - there should not be too many details.
Freedom and simplicity
French women's closets may include tight silhouettes, but the basis of the Parisian style is freedom and comfort. Reject the intricate cut in favor of simplicity and replace fitted jackets with oversized ones. The color palette of Parisian clothes is also worth noting: there are rarely shouting shades, but restrained pastel or classic colors occupy the leading positions.
Must-Have Parisian Style Pieces
Outerwear
Dresses and skirts are an important part of the closet, but no less attention is deserved by outerwear. Besides comfort, the main criterion by which the choice is made, is a good fit. Parisian style actively uses jackets, trench coats, and coats, which should perfectly fit the figure of a woman, emphasizing its advantages. A slight voluminosity is sometimes acceptable, but you should never abuse it. Above all, it is necessary to preserve femininity. A favorite trick of Parisian women is to hem things at the tailor. Then, every detail of the closet will repeat the girl's silhouette. Popular styles of outerwear - trenchcoat and blazer. They are universal and perfectly combined with almost every article of clothing. Trench goes well with a feminine dress, as well as with ordinary jeans. A dark blue blazer is an integral part of the Parisian style. It harmonizes best with pants and jeans. It is important to observe the proportions - the trench coat should not be much shorter than the skirt; do not combine it with floor-length dresses.
Dresses
The favorite clothes of Frenchwomen are, of course, all kinds of dresses and skirts. Yes, it's a stereotype. But it is true: the little black dress is like the "spine" of the Parisian closet. It is the basis for many images and sets - work, evening, casual, etc. It is not for nothing that the first association that this Parisian style evokes is femininity. And the options can be very diverse, as seen in the photo. These are both classic case dresses and original layered dresses. Their main feature is that these models will never be ultra mini or maxi. French length - up to the knee, a little above or below it. However, such dresses are comfortable; it is easy to move around, and there is no need to ensure the hem does not rise too high. This is one of the secrets of Parisian women, which allows them to feel confident in any situation. The silhouette can be straight or fitted, with sleeves of any length. The same applies to the collar, although a lapel collar with rounded edges is particularly in style. Overly frank necklines will be inappropriate. But you can emphasize the waist with a belt - this will add expressiveness to the figure. But then other accessories may be extra. Except, of course, the bag - without it, it is difficult to imagine a complete image. By the way, French women are quite practical, so they prefer moderately voluminous bags.
White shirt
Without it, there is nowhere; the basic element forms the Parisian style. Silk, cotton, straight, fitted - it depends on your figure and possibilities, but without it, the image of a Parisienne is not formed, no matter how hard you try. Like any simple thing, a white shirt is not so simple, and you need to learn how to choose, wear, and combine it correctly.
Shoes and accessories
Real Parisian style can not be recreated without the right shoes. It should be not only elegant but also comfortable. Parisians prefer low-top shoes such as sandals or ballet flats. They also like classic shoes with a pointed or round toe, but only on a small heel. But the platform should be abandoned. By the way, ballet flats are French women's favorite footwear. It is also worth mentioning that they rarely dress according to the weather conditions: it is not uncommon to see girls wearing a fur coat and ballet flats or shoes on bare (!) feet on the street in winter.
Dresses and skirts are an important part of the closet, but no less attention is deserved by outerwear. Besides comfort, the main criterion by which the choice is made, is a good fit. Parisian style actively uses jackets, trench coats, and coats, which should perfectly fit the figure of a woman, emphasizing its advantages. A slight voluminosity is sometimes acceptable, but you should never abuse it. Above all, it is necessary to preserve femininity. A favorite trick of Parisian women is to hem things at the tailor. Then, every detail of the closet will repeat the girl's silhouette. Popular styles of outerwear - trenchcoat and blazer. They are universal and perfectly combined with almost every article of clothing. Trench goes well with a feminine dress, as well as with ordinary jeans. A dark blue blazer is an integral part of the Parisian style. It harmonizes best with pants and jeans. It is important to observe the proportions - the trench coat should not be much shorter than the skirt; do not combine it with floor-length dresses.
Dresses
The favorite clothes of Frenchwomen are, of course, all kinds of dresses and skirts. Yes, it's a stereotype. But it is true: the little black dress is like the "spine" of the Parisian closet. It is the basis for many images and sets - work, evening, casual, etc. It is not for nothing that the first association that this Parisian style evokes is femininity. And the options can be very diverse, as seen in the photo. These are both classic case dresses and original layered dresses. Their main feature is that these models will never be ultra mini or maxi. French length - up to the knee, a little above or below it. However, such dresses are comfortable; it is easy to move around, and there is no need to ensure the hem does not rise too high. This is one of the secrets of Parisian women, which allows them to feel confident in any situation. The silhouette can be straight or fitted, with sleeves of any length. The same applies to the collar, although a lapel collar with rounded edges is particularly in style. Overly frank necklines will be inappropriate. But you can emphasize the waist with a belt - this will add expressiveness to the figure. But then other accessories may be extra. Except, of course, the bag - without it, it is difficult to imagine a complete image. By the way, French women are quite practical, so they prefer moderately voluminous bags.
White shirt
Without it, there is nowhere; the basic element forms the Parisian style. Silk, cotton, straight, fitted - it depends on your figure and possibilities, but without it, the image of a Parisienne is not formed, no matter how hard you try. Like any simple thing, a white shirt is not so simple, and you need to learn how to choose, wear, and combine it correctly.
Shoes and accessories
Real Parisian style can not be recreated without the right shoes. It should be not only elegant but also comfortable. Parisians prefer low-top shoes such as sandals or ballet flats. They also like classic shoes with a pointed or round toe, but only on a small heel. But the platform should be abandoned. By the way, ballet flats are French women's favorite footwear. It is also worth mentioning that they rarely dress according to the weather conditions: it is not uncommon to see girls wearing a fur coat and ballet flats or shoes on bare (!) feet on the street in winter.
Parisian Outfit Inspiration
Shirt dress + leather flip-flops
The shirt-dress is not directly associated with Paris, but believe me: this closet item is in every resident of the French capital, as well as beyond its borders. Shirt dress meets all the basic rules of a truly "French closet" - simplicity, elegance, versatility. You can wear it with ballet flats, mules on wedges, and even sneakers, but in especially hot weather, we recommend combining it with a pair of leather flip-flops.
Jeans + vintage-inspired blouse
French women do not chase the latest trends, you will not see them wearing massive sneakers or oversized hoodies. But things in Parisian style are just their element. Romantic blouses with voluminous sleeves will go equally well with your favorite blue jeans and flying skirts with a flare. By the way, if you know a good vintage store or have access to your stylish grandmother's closet, we recommend looking for a top.
Lightweight strappy dress
Another thing that can be found in every Paris woman's closet is a light strapless dress. Parisian style can't be without a strapless dress. It can be monochrome or with a print (more often floral), white or bright, short or long. Such a dress will save you from the summer heat and allow you to create a simple but elegant image. Add to it a woven bag and a pair of simple ballet flats.
The shirt-dress is not directly associated with Paris, but believe me: this closet item is in every resident of the French capital, as well as beyond its borders. Shirt dress meets all the basic rules of a truly "French closet" - simplicity, elegance, versatility. You can wear it with ballet flats, mules on wedges, and even sneakers, but in especially hot weather, we recommend combining it with a pair of leather flip-flops.
Jeans + vintage-inspired blouse
French women do not chase the latest trends, you will not see them wearing massive sneakers or oversized hoodies. But things in Parisian style are just their element. Romantic blouses with voluminous sleeves will go equally well with your favorite blue jeans and flying skirts with a flare. By the way, if you know a good vintage store or have access to your stylish grandmother's closet, we recommend looking for a top.
Lightweight strappy dress
Another thing that can be found in every Paris woman's closet is a light strapless dress. Parisian style can't be without a strapless dress. It can be monochrome or with a print (more often floral), white or bright, short or long. Such a dress will save you from the summer heat and allow you to create a simple but elegant image. Add to it a woven bag and a pair of simple ballet flats.
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