What is Parisian Style?

  Ines de la Fressange by ROGER VIVIER

What is the Parisian style? Thousands of articles and books have tried to demystify the allure of the Parisian Woman’s style. Why is it so coveted by women globally?

 

Ines de la Fressange (above) has written two fabulous books for quick and easy reference.

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Australia:

 

US:

Australia:

The best way to describe Parisian style is enduring, classic, confident, nonchalant, effortless. And that my friends, is why. Who doesn’t love something, anything, that is effortless and gives you confidence and allure all in one package. Ha, we say ‘effortless’, but there is a lot of effort that goes into looking not so effortless. Is can be tricky to use restraint or aspire to ‘the less is more’ theory. Here are a few suggestions to follow if you want to capture Parisian style. I say ‘suggestions’ because one of the key ingredients to PS, is to inject your own creativity. And the mere mention of ‘rules’ to a Parisian will have them hightail out of there as quick as you can say ‘non-conformist’.

The Best Style Rules to Follow for Parisian Style

Fling open the doors of a typical Parisian closet and you will be confronted by a subdued palette. Navy, Black, white and beige. Pops of colour injected through a dramatic red lip, leopard print pumps or a simple patterned Hermes scarf. One colour at a time though, not all at once.

You will never see logos, slogans or statements written or in full view on an item (see my post Here)

Simplicity is key. Classic pieces for example: a simple white blouse or tee paired with well cut denim jeans (no rips or tears), with ballet flats, and a navy jacket. Or a ‘little black dress’ with large, simple hoops, hair up, small black clutch and strappy mid heeled sandals.

 

via Fashiongum

Jewellery should be carefully chosen in Parisian style. If you wear large statement earrings make them exactly that – a statement, with no distractions or competition, no other pieces of jewellery

Prints are kept to a minimum preferably worn as a ‘statement’ accessory such as leopard flats, or the perennial Parisian favourite, the scarf (see below). Or if wearing a printed dress, the layering pieces (blazer, coat, accessories) will be a block colour.

When it comes to shoes, Parisian style does not favour sky high heels, it’s mid or kitten heels all the way and of course the ballet flat or mule.

 

More Style Advice – Outside of the Wardrobe

Proportion plays a big part. Know your body shape. If you are the typical apple or inverted triangle, silhouettes don’t traditionally rely on a structured waistline. Or if you have an athletic or rectangular shape, balance your broad upper half by accentuating your legs and other curves.

Wealth is never flaunted. True style looks expensive but does not necessarily mean wearing Chanel.  The Parisian style is literally all about that – style, and style transcends $$$. It is not uncommon to see a basic white tee (from Zara) worn with a well cut jean and/or tailored blazer (perhaps from Chanel). Of course the Parisian woman can spend as much as she desires, but it’s not a necessity.

Do not follow trends. Stick to the classic items in cuts and styles that enhances your body shape. The classics are always en trend.

Skincare is important. Your skin should be glowing and hydrated especially as makeup (foundation) is light in application, almost translucent and a healthy skin only enhances this. Look after your skin, have a regime with consistency being the key.

milva spina

Makeup, keep it natural, enhance your natural colour, don’t cover it, a good mascara, a gentle blush and a red lip

Hair – soft natural tasseled tresses – not glossed and brushed is de regueur.

CONFIDENCE CONFIDENCE CONFIDENCE. Parisian style oozes confidence, nonchalance, attitude and a definite aire of effortlessness. If it has taken you an hour to get ready, you don’t want it to look as though it has.

In a Nutshell

There are many elements in Parisian style, but here they are summarised best.

• Simplicity
• Prints and jewellery kept to a minimum
• Know your body shape
• 4 staple colours
• Quality over quantity
• Get creative, style does not mean $$$
• Trends are not followed
• No sky high heels
• Hair – natural and tasselled
• Makeup – minimal and natural
• Confidence, confidence, confidence

And one more thing, the Stylish Parisian ALWAYS injects a sense of fun and playfulness.

 

This post is all about Parisian Style – how to get the look.