Style & Culture

How to Dress like a French Woman

The next time you're in Paris, leave your miniskirts and heels at home. Pack simple and chic basics, and you'll fit in with the stylish Parisian locals in no time.
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    © Carin Olsson

    After living in Paris for a while, my views on appropriate dressing have drastically changed. Black is now the dominant color in my wardrobe, short and skimpy dresses are long gone, and 90 percent of my shoes are flat—and that pretty much sums up Parisian dressing in a nutshell. While each neighborhood has its own unique style (just like in any other city), there are a few ground rules all French women follow when it comes to dressing for everyday life. Keep it simple and chic, and make it look as though you didn’t spend more than five minutes in front of the mirror getting ready that morning (even though you technically did).

  • © Carin Olsson

    Less is more

    No saying could be truer when it comes to Parisian dressing. Focus on interesting shapes and textures (preferably in muted colors) and you’ll be fine—a stop at COS and & Other Stories is a must if you want to pick up a few tips about young and cool Parisian dressing. Stay away from too many embellishments and short dresses—basically anything that can be perceived as tacky.

  • © Carin Olsson

    Black

    It might seem boring, but French women do wear a lot of black. And gray. And maybe a little bit of white. If you’re more comfortable in patterns and bright colors, you should definitely stick with that; but to look truly Parisian, something black should probably find its way into your suitcase. If not, you’ll have no problem finding something new in the French shops during your visit.

    With that in mind, here's what you should pack to blend in with stylish Parisiennes during your French holiday.

  • Pants

    It seems like tourists in Paris can be spotted from miles away. Why? Because they often trot around in their finest high heels and sparkly dresses, or they take the opposite route and wander around in their tracksuits and gym shoes—something a Parisian would never do. Leave that sparkly dress at home (unless you’re planning to visit during New Year’s Eve) and save the tracksuit for the gym or lounging at your hotel. Instead, go with a pair of nicely fitting pants. They are comfortable, stylish, and function very well with all the activities you’ll want to do while out and about.

    1. Dannie Pant (J.Crew, $89.50).

    2. Point Sur Hightower Skinny Jean (J.Crew, $198).

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  • Flats

    Many people might think that you need to be wearing high heels to resemble stylish Parisians, but the truth is that few women wear them for everyday occasions (fancy dinners, clubbing, special events, and workplaces excluded, of course). Flat shoes are a Parisienne’s best friend. Opt for in-style boots, trendy sneakers, a classic ballet flat, or stylish brogues. Not only will you blend in harmoniously with French women, but you’ll also last a lot longer after walking around for a whole day—after all, Paris is a walking city.

    1. Jensen suede black boots (Acne Studios, $550).

    2. Flat buckle boot (Proenza Schouler, $1,295).

    3. Black Lisbon flats (Josefinas, $193).

    4. Leather flats (& Other Stories, $123).

  • Jacket and scarf

    On colder days, a jacket is an absolute must. When it comes to Parisian weather, you never know if the sun will be shining, a hailstorm is coming on, or if it’ll be raining the entire day. That’s why layering is key, as is having an umbrella close by. Parisian women have embraced the leather jacket wholeheartedly; denim jackets have also made a huge comeback; and the trench coat will always be a safe classic. And as everyone knows by now, you can’t pass for a Parisian without a scarf wrapped around your neck. This also helps protect against the cold winds during autumn and spring, when the weather is unpredictable.

    1. Burberry Brit midnight-blue twill trench coat (net-a-porter.com, $1,095).

    2. Helmut Lang leather-sleeved cotton and wool-blend jacket (net-a-porter.com, $875).

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  • Beauty products

    Parisian beauty rituals seem to be quite simple as well—although how French women have such impeccable skin without wearing too much make-up will forever be an unsolvable mystery to me. Simplicity rules here, too; a clean face will make you look more Parisian. Add a red lip if you want something more fun, but don’t stuff your luggage with too many beauty products. You’ll need to save some room after a visit to the French pharmacy, where you’ll find brands like Avène, Darphin, La Roche-Posay, and many more.

    1. Lipikar Syndet Cleansing Body Cream Gel (La Roche-Posay, $23.50).

    2. Organic Niaouli Aromatic Care (Darphin, $70).

    3. Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Fluid Extreme (La Roche-Posay, $27.95).

  • Feel free to accessorize, but in a very thoughtful way (as Tim Gunn would say). Dainty chains, bracelets, and necklaces are extremely popular at the moment, and they go perfectly with the laid back Parisian look.

    1. Horseshoe bracelet in yellow gold (Claire Aristides, $157,92).
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  • Jewelry

    Feel free to accessorize, but in a very thoughtful way (as Tim Gunn would say). Dainty chains, bracelets, and necklaces are extremely popular at the moment, and they go perfectly with the laid-back Parisian look.

    1. Horseshoe bracelet in yellow gold (Claire Aristides, $157,92).
TopicsFashion