Ever wondered why people are so obsessed with Parisian style? Social media is littered with content featuring French models and wannabe Parisiennes (myself included). The tag "Parisian style" already has over 1.3 billion views on TikTok, while "Paris style" has over 152 million views—all depicting women in and out of France emulating the idyllic French girl lifestyle. So, what is it that makes French fashion a sought-after style?
What Is the Parisian Style?
Paris is known as the fashion capital of the world; the birthplace of haute couture. It’s where fashion giants such as Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, and many other well-known luxury brands established their very first stores. While one might expect Paris street style to be full of bold, extravagant, and flashy designer logos, it's actually quite the opposite.
Now I’m not French, but from what I’ve seen on the many Pariesenne accounts I follow (including but not limited to the founder of Rouje, Jeanne Damas, model Leia Sfez, and Creative Director of Musier Paris, Anne Laure Mais, all of whom you should also give a follow, BTW), if you want to nail Parisian dressing, you have to understand what it means to be "chic décontracté," or in English, "casual chic."
Parisians always look put together but never appear to be trying too hard. They exude a certain "je ne sais quoi," an understated elegance that may sound challenging to achieve. But don't let all these French words intimidate you because, in reality, anyone can dress this way. It all boils down to choosing the right pieces.
How to Achieve the Parisian Style
1. Timeless Over Trendy
While reviewing trends can help you add your own unique twist to your outfits, you shouldn’t base your entire outfit on what’s trending. Trends come and go, and when they go, you don’t want to end up with a wardrobe full of clothes you no longer want to wear just because they’re out of style.
Build yourself a capsule wardrobe full of essentials (t-shirts, tank tops, button-downs, jeans, and skirts), then learn to invest in classic pieces like designer bags, fine jewelry, outerwear, and quality shoes instead. That way, even when you’re wearing a basic white tee and some denim jeans, you still look elevated. They last way longer too.
2. Be Mindful of the Fit
Never underestimate the power of a well-tailored blazer or a pair of properly hemmed jeans. Nothing should be too loose, too tight, too short, or too long. Everything should fit perfectly, and if they don’t, it’s never too late to get some pieces tailored to your size.
3. Stick to Neutrals and Classic Tones
Neutrals and classic shades such as black, white, beige, gray, blue, red, and so on, are not only timeless, they’re easy to mix and match. You won't have to worry about things looking out of place or clashing because they just work together seamlessly.
Not sure where you can get pieces like this? Luckily, we know just the French fashion brands that can help you effortlessly ace the Parisian style.
Here Are Some of the Best Brands for Parisian Style Dressing
1. Rouje
Curated by French It-girl Jeanne Damas, Rouje epitomizes Parisian chic with its collection of delicate blouses, flirty sundresses, and high-waisted denim.
Palmyra Shirt Upcycled in Pois Prune, $180 (approx. P9991), ROUJE, rouje.com. Concorde Jeans in Original Indigo, $185 (approx. P10,268), ROUJE, rouje.com. Gabin Dress in Mastic, $265 (approx. P14,709), ROUJE, rouje.com.
2. The Frankie Shop
The Frankie Shop is your one-stop shop for all things Parisian. Known for their curated tailoring, separates, and dresses all in easy-to-match neutral tones.
Bea Blazer, $345 (approx. P19,150), THE FRANKIE SHOP, thefrankieshop.com. Lilian Vest, $165 (approx. P9158), THE FRANKIE SHOP, thefrankieshop.com. Bea Suit Pants, $229 (approx. P12,710), THE FRANKIE SHOP, thefrankieshop.com.
3. APC
APC, which recently launched its first store in Metro Manila, is a minimalist haven that’s been around since the '80s. They offer utilitarian basics that are the foundation for elegant French style.
Elisabeth Jeans, $285 (approx. P15,819), A.P.C., apc-us.com. Genève Bag, $745 (approx. P41,352), A.P.C., apc-us.com. Poppy T-Shirt, $115 (approx. P6383), A.P.C., apc-us.com.
4. Sézane
Launched in 2013 by Morgane Sézalory, Sézane is a trailblazer in exceptional casual wear. They’re known for their boho tops and knitwear, especially the timeless striped cardi and la marinière that the French are often associated with.
Gaspard Cardigan in Ecru and Gold, $120 (approx. P6660), SÉZANE, sezane.com. Linéa Marinière in Ecru and Bright Red, $105 (approx. P5828), SÉZANE, sezane.com.
5. Carel
Established in 1952, Carel is known for its wide collection of Mary Janes, but it also has other classic shoe designs such as slingbacks, boots, ballet flats, loafers, and sandals that are all staple footwear in Parisian dressing.
Kina in Red Patent Leather, P32,800, CAREL, carel.fr. Peche in White Patent Leather, P31,800, CAREL, carel.fr. Ariana in Burgundy Patent Leather, P31,800, CAREL, carel.fr.
6. Marie Marot
Parisian model-turned-designer Marie Marot focuses on timeless shirts and button-downs, a must-have for those seeking effortless elegance.
Elizabeth, $155 (approx. P8603), MARIE MAROT, mariemarot.com. Mary $115 (approx. P6383), MARIE MAROT, mariemarot.com.
7. Sandro
Sandro offers mid-priced staples and is a go-to for those looking for daily wear with some extra oomph.
Long Trench-Style Coat, $880 (approx. P48,845), SANDRO, sandro-paris.com. Cropped Cardigan, $325 (approx. P18,039), SANDRO, sandro-paris.com.Pleated Tweed Skirt, $295 (approx. P16,374), SANDRO, sandro-paris.com.
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