What to Wear in Paris, According to French Fashion Designer Jeanne Damas
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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. It’s a capsule wardrobe suitable for any time, place, or occasion, made up of timeless classics—a good-quality blazer, navy cashmere, smart shoes, and minimal jewelry. Never seasonal or logo-ed, 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.
“Paris is a rich and vibrant city, a melting pot of many different influences and backgrounds, so I think it’s more of a mixture of these styles than one unique style. It’s also the beauty of the city and its culture which adds to the myth of Parisian style,” says Jeanne. “For me, must-have wardrobe essentials are just timeless pieces you can wear all day long. Over the years, I’ve found the shapes and pieces that I feel most comfortable wearing and are also flattering for my silhouette.”
“I can’t speak for other women, but personally, the key to dressing like a Parisian is simplicity,” she adds. “I wear, more or less, the same things as a kind of uniform every day. A wrap dress, like our iconic Gabin dress, is something you can wear on any occasion—it’s always good to have a multifunctional dress like this. Jeans are an important staple in my wardrobe, so high-waisted jeans are essential. A men’s style jacket (like the Jacques by Rouje), slip dresses (particularly for summer), a trench coat (I have a beautiful Burberry vintage one), and ankle boots are all 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. “I don’t like to be too dressy in the evening, so I often wear a pair of high-waisted jeans with a nice top and some mules—I like how mules can upscale even a very simple outfit,” Jeanne explains. “And I love a zero make-up look, with just a big red lip, applied with the fingers for a softly blurry effect.”
Below, we list some of the most important items every traveler should have in their suitcase for a trip to Paris.
What to wear in Paris:
- Smart jeans
- Slingback heels
- A classic trench
- A shoulder bag
- A statement accessory
- A reliable knit
- A day-to-night dress
- A sharp blazer
Smart jeans
French women know good jeans—look for straight-leg, in classic denim blue. Pair them with smart blazers or casual knits, flats, or heels. Denim should be one color, not faded, with no fraying or ripping.
Slingback heels
If New York women are known for carrying sneakers in their handbags, French women are known for never needing a shoe change—footwear is always appropriate and can last the whole day. Choose a classic and comfortable shoe—something comfy yet formal in forever-chic black or tan.
A classic trench
Outerwear is always the giveaway—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. You can’t go wrong with a classic trench, suitable for any weather conditions and always chic on the go. Lookout for classic details and neutral tones whether you opt for a fitted style or an oversized look.
A shoulder bag
Handbags can be tricky. Top handles are too formal, totes too casual, and buckets too trendy. The classic shoulder bag is big enough for the essentials without being too cumbersome and perfectly shaped to sit in the basket of a Vélib’ for zipping around the city. For an extra touch of unexpected luxury, look for sleek fabrics such as suede, or try tying a scarf around the handle.
A statement accessory
Here’s a trick: Opt for one simple accessory to upgrade your outfit instead of layering on jewelry. Sparkling earrings, larger-than-life necklaces, or even a statement brooch adds a touch of class to any look. Don’t underestimate the power of the scarf, slung around your neck, tied in a loose ponytail, or threaded through a bag strap. This is the chic way to add color and interest to any look.
A reliable knit
A classic knit will never go out of style. Navy has a softer look than harsh black, making it more wearable for every day; plus, it has a touch of Riviera charm—opt for Breton stripes for a true ode to French style. Look for boxy Dad styles or a size larger for a casual look, then tuck it into your high-waist jeans for the ultimate French-girl style.
A day-to-night dress
Items that can be dressed up or dressed down are key. These dresses can be paired with white sneakers or sandals during the day for a casual outfit, and swapped for some chic mules and glitzy jewelry come evening for a slinkier look.
A sharp blazer
The finishing touch to any outfit is the blazer. Instantly elevating, simply throw it over any casual top and jeans, and voilà. 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.
This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
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