Discover the Essentials of Parisienne Style—From Luxe Sweaters to Chic Coats and Boots—For a Lifetime of Elegance
For today’s blog we are going to take a glorious little journey. So, if you will, please close your eyes and envision yourself in Paris.
It is a chilly late fall day, and you are strolling down the Champs-Élysées toward Avenue Montaigne and then further still to Saint Honoré for shopping and lunch. Walking along, you can’t help but note all the stunningly dressed French women in fabulous, rich, neutral tones. They are wearing cozy high-neck sweaters, gorgeous jackets and coats, pointed-toe booties, and croc-effect or suede loafers. Some are wearing jeans, donning all the chicest silhouettes from straight and cropped or cuffed to flare-leg or wide-leg with that fabulous puddling look—or they might have on chic, drapey trousers.
You see beautiful crossbody bags—some that are top handles, satchels, or even smaller totes. You also see shoulder bags and shopper totes, and you savor all the magnificence you see before you. You feel fabulous and confidently chic in your own attire as you continue on your journey. Your chic is as glorious as theirs.
French women are known worldwide for their understated elegance. They tend toward neutrals, including black, greys, camels, taupes, and winter whites. They love monochromatic looks and tone-on-tone combinations, knowing that various shades of one color create a depth and richness of chic that is almost heart-stopping in its magnificence. French women were doing “quiet luxury” long before it became the buzzword it’s become. They understand the value of the pointed toe and how it lengthens and slenderizes one’s silhouette, bringing tremendous sex appeal to any look. And at the same time, they are always on trend with what is current, so this season, you will also see a wide range of loafers in the shoe category.
French women understand the importance of investing in coats and jackets that they intend to own for a lifetime. They value quality because they only buy a few select pieces that they mix and match to create endless chic looks. In fact, their capsule wardrobes ensure that chic and make it so easy to achieve. They love what they wear—and it shows in their confidence—because the drape and quality of each piece are show-stoppingly gorgeous! From shoes to bags to apparel, the quintessential French woman’s wardrobe can be defined as simple, understated luxury.
As you peruse and shop today’s ever-so-French luxury, keep the vision of the Champs-Élysées and these stunning French women in the back of your mind. Here, you will see “wow” worthy treasures to mix, match, and extend your quiet luxury wardrobe, and leave you feeling confident as you know how chic you look. Remember, simplicity is key.
That said, let’s stroll Saint Honoré together and select delicious treasures we will have for a lifetime. These gems, because of their chic and neutral styling, will add value and ease of dressing to your wardrobe.
TROUSERS
I suggest pairing easy, cozy, high-neck sweaters with your trousers that you can tuck in a bit in the front and let drape in the back. You can also go with a fitted crispy white shirt to tuck in that you might wear under a thin crewneck sweater. Both pointed-toe boots and loafers are perfect with this look, and your choice of boot or shoe will change your look entirely. The pants have a fabulous drape, and as we build your look, you will see it all come to life.
JEANS
An alternative to the trouser look is the more casual jeans option. When it comes to this look, and if you’re in the market for jeans, you’ll want to consult our Double the Denim blog, where you’ll find the perfect options for the looks you want to create. You will note we feature both mid-rise and high-rise denim silhouettes, and you will see all the styles you need to channel your French chic style in both of these categories. Regardless of your preferred style—straight leg cropped or cuffed, the ever-so-flattering bootcut or flare-leg, or the wide-leg drapey jean—each look is a winner.
Wear a mid-calf pointed-toe boot to accommodate a cropped or cuffed jean, or wear them with one of the stunning loafers I’ve shopped for you. I recommend pointed-toe boots to accompany flare, bootcut, or wide-leg jeans, and I also love loafers and smoking slippers with the wide-leg options. They all change your look entirely. This is capsule wardrobe mixing and matching magic!
SWEATERS
The addition of sweaters will elevate your Parisienne look, and this season, you’ll want to note the high necks. Rather than folding the neck over turtleneck style, wear them tall for an extra chic look.
These yummy sweaters can be shorter and primarily worn out rather than tucked in. I’ve included some tunic sweaters, which are endlessly flattering with your bootcut flare pants and jeans and straight-leg jeans. These gorgeous sweaters exemplify luxe dressing!
TOPS
This category includes the fitted crispy white shirts mentioned earlier, paired with lighter-weight crewneck sweaters to create a more fitted fabulous look with trousers and wide-leg jeans.
COATS & JACKETS
As we continue to build your spectacular Parisienne wardrobe, we’re going to add yet another fabulous level of chic with coats and jackets.
The “wow” factor here is off the charts, so channel your inner French chic and think investment. You will be so glad you did!
I’m including wrap coats and jackets, princess style (so elegant and very Audrey Hepburn), and simple, plain styles that are just plain fabulous!
BAGS
Each bag featured here—from crossbody to top handles to totes—will speak to your style-loving soul. How could they not?
SHOES & BOOTS
I have found heart-stopping pointed-toe booties and so many fabulous loafers for you! I’ve even found some of my favorite shoes—smoking slippers—for you. I have loved this style of loafer since first laying eyes on them years ago when I worked for Ralph Lauren. What these shoes will do for your trouser and wide-leg jean looks is just plain extraordinary! So, as you shop through, please take the time to imagine how they will look with both the style pants and jeans I just mentioned. Wow!
IN SUMMARY
Continue to imagine yourself in Paris as you build your ever-so-French, quiet luxury capsule wardrobe. Remember the value of investing in timeless, understated pieces that give off richness and luxury, and know that each piece you add will bring you miles and miles of French chic that will not only build your confidence and leave you loving your wardrobe.
Here’s to your chic and luxurious French journey!
