All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Parisienne style is easy if you follow this simple rule: banish occasion dressing. The quintessential French outfit can take you from brunch to work, school drop-off to birthday drinks, all in one effortless look.
Never seasonal or logoed, just smart, polished and, of course, oh-so chic. We spoke to Parisian it-girl Jeanne Demas, founder and creative director of Rouje, to get to the crux of French style. Jeans are an important staple in my wardrobe, so high-waisted jeans are essential. When I buy sweaters, I get a size bigger as I prefer how the fabric falls when you tuck it inside your trousers.
Come evening, the key is to shift your daytime look into a chicer form effortlessly. Below, we list some of the most important items every traveller should have in their luggage for a trip to Paris. The finishing touch to any outfit is the blazer. Instantly elevating, simply throw it over any casual top, jeans or dress and β voila! A few rules: it should be tailored but not tight at the waist, single-breasted, and the hem should fall to the top of your thumb. For an all-purpose number, choose classic black; in terms of material, velvet or satin or even leather is not out of the question.
French women know good jeans β look for straight-leg, in classic denim blue. To be paired with smart blazers or casual knits, flats or heels. Denim should be one colour, not faded, with no fraying or ripping. If New York women are known for carrying trainers in their handbags, French women are known for never needing a shoe change β footwear is always appropriate and can last the whole day.
Choose a classic and comfortable shoe β something comfy yet formal in forever-chic tan. Outerwear is always the giveaway β French women know how to look good at every stage of an outfit, so your coat must be seen as the finishing touch, never an afterthought. Lookout for classic details and neutral tones whether you opt for a fitted style or an oversized look. Handbags can be tricky. Top handles are too formal, totes too casual, and buckets too trendy. For an extra touch of unexpected luxury, look for sleek fabrics such as suede, or try tying a scarf around the handle.
