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All around the world, Parisian women (and French women in general) are well-known for their effortlessly stylish and cool look. They can somehow make even the most simple outfit look straight out of a fashion editorial and every French woman seems to look like a style icon in their own right. But, while pulling off a Parisian chic look may seem like a feat, it’s actually more simple than you might realize! With a few key basic items, creating timeless and classic French-inspired looks is a walk in the park.
No matter where you’re from, these 6 simple tips will help you master Parisian style in no time. Let’s take a look!
6 Amazingly Easy Ways to Nail Parisian Chic Style
1. Wear high waisted jeans
A great pair of jeans is one of the non-negotiables when it comes to French fashion. All French girls have at least a pair or two of classic, well-fitted jeans. Whether they’re wide-leg, straight-leg, or skinny jeans, these are often a huge part of the signature style of the Parisian woman.
For creating the perfect classic and chic look, go for a high-waisted pair in a vintage wash and steer clear of any holes, rips, or excess embellishments. Also, make sure your jeans are perfectly fitted to your body and, if not, try and find a good tailor. When going for a simple and classic look, it’s important to make sure every component of your outfit looks its best!
2. Wear a white button-down shirt
You’ll notice that a white button-down is an item that’s always on lists of wardrobe must-haves. Well, there’s a good reason for that! Parisian ladies know the beauty of this classic piece. It can be worn in countless different ways and transitioned into all seasons.
Tuck it into your high-waisted jeans, give your look a twist by tieing it at the front, or even wear it open over your swimsuit at the beach! Try to go for a cotton, silk, or (for the spring and summer) linen version of this essential for the best quality possible.
3. Add a silk scarf
We know that many French women have a signature item that perfectly represents them, whether it’s a gold pendant, red lipstick, or their favorite silk scarf. Chic silk scarves are a staple of Parisian fashion, and will instantly give you a bit of that coveted French look.
This accessory is always great for adding a pop of color to a white top and will instantly make you look that much more expensive. Another great thing about the silk scarf is its versatility. Try tying it into your hair, wrapping it around the handle of your bag, or even wearing it as a stylish bandeau top in the summer!
4. Opt for a small block heels
Many people might picture the French woman walking around in high heels at all times of the day but, in reality, this often couldn’t be farther from the truth. After all, old cobblestone streets and stiletto heels don’t exactly mix well! For walking around the streets of Paris, a small block heel is a much more comfortable and practical option.
These heels will give you that flattering height boost and timeless style, but with much more comfort. Thankfully, these are also very in fashion at the moment! A nude or black pair of these classic shoes will be more versatile, but you can always go for something a little bolder like red or leopard print for some pizazz.
Related: The Surprising Person to Get All Your French Inspo From
5. Accessorize with gold hoops
It’s often the little things that make all the difference, and one of the best ways to accessorize your French style look is with a pair of gold hoops. These look just as great with a leather jacket and t-shirt as they do with an evening dress and are a great way to add a little shine without overwhelming your look.
Slightly chunkier hoops like these, in particular, are popular at the moment, but you can also go for a dainty smaller pair for a more simple jewelry look.
6. Don’t strive for perfection
The phrase “perfectly imperfect” often comes up when discussing French girl style, and it’s absolutely the truth! While the rest of the world puts a lot of focus into looking absolutely flawless, French culture embraces those little imperfections that make you who you are; that je ne sais quoi.
What may be seen as “sloppy” in a place like New York, such as lightly messy hair or a men’s oversized sweater, only serves in making the French woman look even more fabulous. Look to French icons like Jane Birkin and Catherine Deneuve for some great examples of this “artfully undone” style.
Shop similar: top | jeans | shoes | scarf | hoops | bag
Living in the fashion capital of the world, you may have thought that la Parisienne must always on top of the latest trends. And while many of them certainly are, the most prominent feature of the Parisian chic style is getting the most out of their classic pieces and creating looks that are effortlessly chic.
They know that, unlike current trends, classic items like the trench coat, little black dress, ballet flats, and a great pair of jeans will never go out of style. And that’s one of the secrets to nailing French-girl style!
With these style tips, you’ll be on your way to perfecting that French classic style and looking très chic in no time!
Keep reading for more French fashion tips! In this next post, we’ll dissect the top French-style icons and learn all their style secrets!
Up Next: Major Styling Tips to Get From the Top French Style Icons
