It is known that Parisians, especially Parisian women, dress well. They look effortlessly chic in whatever they are wearing, turning heads wherever they go. If you want to dress like a Parisian, here’s your chance. There are 12 (give or take) fashion and beauty items that make you look the part.
How to dress like a Parisian? Of course, you need to remember that looking good starts on the inside. If you feel confident, you’ll feel and look great on the outside. And remember, Parisian women always look effortless because they don’t take their fashion too seriously! Dress like a Parisian and you’ll look fashionable, whether you’re going to Paris or to the corner store. If you need some inspiration, check out these French fashion blogs.
1How to Dress Like a Parisian?
Buy a long trench
If you want to dress like a Parisian, a trench is a must-have. A long trench is both practical and chic. It protects you from the colder weather and rain but still looks good with fitted pants or jeans. You can opt for a classic cream, camel or soft beige coloured one or, if you prefer a bold pattern or texture, go for a black leather trench or a lace one.
Have at least one Breton striped shirt
There is nothing more French than a Breton striped shirt. However, you don’t want to look like you’re trying to hard or like a cliché when wearing it so don’t pair it with a beret and a neck scarf. Match it with a pair of fitted jeans, flats and your trench.
Don’t forget low heels
Parisian women do not wear 12-inch heels. They don’t even wear 6-inch heels. They are the queens of rocking low heels and sneakers. Kitten heels, low block heels and flats are the French girl’s shoe of choice. If you’re going to wear sneakers though, it can’t be the same shoes you wear to go on your morning jog. Opt for Adidas Stan Smith, Nike Air Force 1, Reebok Classics, etc.
Buy one (or more) black blazer
A black blazer is a classic piece you’ll wear all the time and have for the rest of your life. However, you can’t just buy any old blazer and wear as is. You need to bring it to a tailor and get it perfectly tailored. The French love to wear it in the day with a simple white t-shirt, jeans and sneakers and at night with a black silk camisole underneath with heels. You’ll always look put together whether you go out to go get your groceries or if you’re on a date.
Thrift a neck scarf
How to dress like a Parisian in the spring? Use a neck scarf, it’s so romantic! It elevates a whole outfit especially if it is a bit more plain like a white or black t-shirt and some jeans or black pants. A scarf full of colour and patterns will draw attention to your face and your neck and make you look like a sophisticated woman.
Go for a leather jacket
Every human on earth should own a leather jacket. If you don’t want to buy one because you are against buying animal products, there are many brands that make excellent jackets with synthetic materials that look like leather. A leather jacket elevates any look and makes everyone look more put together. Whether you wear it over a summer dress with sandals or with a band tee and frayed jeans, the jacket will be the pièce de résistance.
Adopt neutrals
If you want to dress like a Parisian, learn to love nude colours. French women do not wear a lot of bright colours. They can have a bright lipstick, a playful neck scarf or a colourful accessory but usually, most of their outfit is in neutral tones like beiges, blacks, greys, and whites. This colour palette keeps their look polished, sophisticated, chic and becomes a kind of uniform that is easy to update.
Trust Chanel
Chanel is the ultimate French girl brand. A classic Chanel bag or tweed jacket is the epitome of French fashion. Of course, this brand is extremely expensive so we don’t expect you to go out and buy a Chanel bag. Fortunately for you, many brands emulate the Chanel essence and make great copies of some of the house’s most famous pieces. If you’re lucky, you can also scavenger in vintage stores and maybe find some beautiful Chanel pieces.
Buy menswear-inspired pieces
French women love to borrow from the boys. Women will borrow their boyfriend’s button-down shirts and slouchy jeans. It’s no surprise boyfriend jeans exist! All you have to remember is that you need to keep things balanced. If you borrow your boyfriend’s flowy shirt, wear a nice form-fitting pencil skirt with it and if you wear his jeans, pair them with a bodysuit with an open back and heels.
Try the bedhead hair trend
If you are the kind of girl that spends one hour in the morning washing, blow drying and styling her hair then you need to stop. Parisians do not spend more than 5 seconds on their hair. They love their natural hair and keep it natural to express their personality. You might be surprised (or shocked) to know that most French women don’t wash their hair more than 2 times a week! They love to use dry shampoo to add volume but the natural oils in their hair create a gorgeous texture that is sexy and effortless.
Go for minimal makeup
Same goes for makeup. French women don’t spend more than 2 minutes on their day makeup in the morning. They will spend time on their skincare (step inside a French pharmacy and you’ll understand why) but not on makeup. They don’t want to cover their blemishes, freckles, or dark under eyes. A flick of mascara and a little bit of lip balm is the perfect mix of I woke up like this.
2Bold red lip
A bold red lip is a French woman’s secret weapon. When she goes out after work with friends or at night during the weekend for a date, she will wear her gorgeous red lipstick and keep the rest of her makeup minimal. The red lip draws all the attention to her lips and completely elevate her look. Paired with a blazer, silk camisole and heels or a mini skirt, combat boots and a boyfriend shirt, the red lip is a French woman staple.
If you want to learn more about French skincare or French beauty trends, go check our article !
What is your go-to outfit when you want to dress like a Parisian?
