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Here’s the thing—Parisian girls aren’t dressing for the male gaze, the gram, or even you. They’re dressing for themselves, a strong espresso, and maybe the occasional stolen kiss by the Seine. And somehow? They make a white button-down look like haute couture. No logos, no fuss—just pure, undeniable cool.
And if you have saved enough Parisian chic style inspo and are ready to look like a damn Vogue cover, here are all the Parisian style “rules” you need in your life to take it up a notch!
so here’s everything I know about nailing parisian style for that Je ne sais quoi!
1. Always edge it up with pieces from the men’s section
Pick out any French woman, and there will be at least one edgy piece in their outfit. It’s because French women are all about blending masculine and feminine bits in their outfits.
That oversized blazer? Probably from the men’s rack. The crisp white shirt that looks effortlessly cool half-tucked into high-waisted jeans? Also men’s.
Basically, adding a slightly boxy or androgynous piece to a soft, sensual outfit instantly gives it edge. It says, “I’m sexy, but I’m not here to impress you.” It’s nonchalant and also slightly rebellious.
Some Parisian outfit formulas for you to try are:
- Tight-fitted t-shirt + black mini skirt + boxy blazer
- Short pants + men’s mocassins + loose fitted pullover (+ a blazer)
- Tight T-shirt + black straight-leg pants
- Romantic dress + sneakers or ankle boots
- Loose button-up shirt + mini skirt + trench coat
- Oversized blazer + slip dress
- Loose shirt + silk midi skirt
2. Never look like you tried too hard
The golden rule of Parisian style? Effortlessness. Nothing should look too perfect or calculated. If it looks like you spent more than 20 minutes getting ready—they’re out.
You won’t catch a Parisian wearing a dress, sky-high heels, and full glam makeup for a casual lunch date.
Instead, aim to balance dressed-up and casual pieces. Pair a lacy slip skirt with a basic tee, or wear tailored trousers with a slightly wrinkled shirt.
French women master the “undone” look: tousled hair, minimal makeup, thrown-on blazer. It’s all curated but it better look accidental. (pro tip: French women rarely, if ever, bust out the ironing board).
3. Invest in “whisper luxury” pieces
The term “old money” basically came from the French style. I mean, you can forget logos and flashy brands if you want to look Parisian.
Because the French fashion formula = fewer clothes, better quality. You’ll rarely find logos on their clothes, but their bags, accessories, scarves, belts, and sunglasses will whisper luxury quietly (not all at once, though). Also, their trench coats!
They’ll wear the same cashmere sweater for years if it feels like butter and fits like a dream.
4. Red lip is always an easy statement
You can wear the simplest outfit—say, jeans and a tee—and still turn heads by wearing a red lip. (Actually, red lips are often paired with simple, neutral outfits and makeup only.)
It’s sexy, effortless, powerful, gets attention and pulls together the outfit.
Pro tip: Your red lip should not match anything else in the outfit. It should stand out. Also, blot it down to look lived-in.
5. Never leave the house without your signature scent
You won’t believe it, but the concept of a “signature fragrance” originated with Parisian women. It’s their invisible accessory that always leaves a lasting impression.
And trust—they know how to apply it: pulse points, hair, inside coat collar. Subtle, mysterious, unforgettable.
What’s a signature scent, you ask? It’s something people should smell and know that it’s you. Whether it’s French favorite Chanel No. 5 or some other modern, niche scent, find one that feels like you. And use it every single day, everywhere.
Mine are YSL Libre Intense and Versace Crystal Noir. They’re god’s kiss!
6. minimal jewelry always
Parisian women’s approach to jewelry is best summed up in one word: restraint. You won’t see them piling on chunky necklaces or an arm full of bangles. Instead, they choose one or two dainty, timeless pieces.
Think gold hoops, a dainty bracelet, or one statement ring. These subtle touches enhance your outfit without competing with it.
7. One statement piece at a time
Red lips or statement earrings. Heels or a dramatic coat. Never all of it at once. The French style mantra? Let one thing shine. The rest? Understated, elegant, calm.
You should know better than to overdo it if you’re here to nail Parisian style.
8. effortless hair > perfect hair
Messy bun, undone waves, curtain bangs that fall just so—they don’t blow-dry their hair into submission. A little frizz? Even better. It gives character. Like, “I had a cigarette on the balcony and forgot my brush” vibes.
If you’re feeling fancy, throw on a hair scarf or tuck your hair into your coat collar for an extra dose of Parisian chic.
9. Create your uniform outfits
Here’s a little secret about why Parisian women always look so pulled together: they stick to a signature “uniform.” Whether it’s –
- A fitted tee + wide-leg pants
- Or a sweater with a silk skirt
- Or even a mini skirt paired with a loose shirt and a trench coat/blazer
They just know what’s working on their bodies and replicate it in different colors and silhouettes.
This not only saves you time but actually helps with the getting-ready-in-under-15-minutes rule that we talked about above so that you never look like you tried too hard, but you also do not need to reinvent the wheel daily and still manage to look effortlessly chic.
10. Scarves and hats always work
French women love basics—but they never let them feel basic. Enter: scarves and hats. These accessories are what pull everything together.
The scarf situation:
It could be a silk carré (Hermès style), a long knit wrap, or even a bandana. They tie it:
- Around the neck (classic)
- In their hair (boho-chic)
- On their bag strap (sophisticated touch)
- On their wrist (yes, really)
Hats?
Think:
- Berets (iconic and cliché in the best way)
- Straw hats in the summer
- Felt wide-brims in autumn
- Even bucket hats, done right
They elevate the look without making it feel try-hard. A scarf or hat can take a white tee and jeans from “running errands” to “editorial shoot on the cobblestones of Paris.”
11. Never wear more than one printed piece at a time
This rule is sacred. Print overload = visual chaos. French women stick to one standout print, and let the rest of the outfit support it.
How, you may ask? Think like –
- Striped tee + straight jeans + loafers
- Leopard skirt + black turtleneck + sleek hair
- Floral dress + trench coat + neutral bag
They treat prints like the main character. Everything else is the supporting cast. It’s refined, intentional, and super chic.
Their go-to prints? Breton stripes, florals (but never too bright), polka dots, and animal prints in neutral tones.
12. Always add a belt to your denim looks
This one feels simple, but it’s so French. Belts aren’t just functional—they’re styling tools.
Adding a belt does two things:
- Defines your waist = instant silhouette
- Makes an outfit look “finished” even if it’s just denim and a tee
And no, they’re not using logo belts. French women prefer understated, vintage-looking leather belts—usually brown, black, or tan with minimal hardware. Très chic.
13. Pair feminine outfits with sneakers or boots
I think you now know, French women love soft, flirty silhouettes—flowy skirts, silk dresses, puff-sleeve blouses—but they never let the look get too precious. Enter—sneakers and ankle boots!
It creates that signature tension between “dainty” and “tough,” “girly” and “grounded.” Instead of leaning. Some Parisian outfit formulas can be:
- A floral midi dress with high-top Converse
- A silk slip skirt with rugged ankle boots
- A baby tee + mini skirt combo with old-school sneakers
- Flowy trousers + heeled Chelsea boots
14. black and navy is an unbeatable color combo
You’ve probably heard somewhere that black and navy clash—but French women would very much like you to ignore that. Because to them? Black + navy = elite, elevated, effortlessly refined.
The combo is subtle, luxurious, and quietly sophisticated. How can you style it?
- Navy coat over an all-black outfit
- Black cashmere sweater + dark navy trousers
- Navy turtleneck + black leather pants
- Navy dress + black belt and heels
Pro tip: Mix textures when doing this—like pairing a wool navy blazer with a silky black blouse, or matte pants with glossy boots. Texture mixing makes the colors play even better together.
15. The bag is never overstuffed
You will never catch a French girl with a bag that’s bursting at the seams. No rogue receipts, no gum wrappers, no overflowing hand sanitizer bottles or five lotions.
It’s about curation—even in your purse. So, try carrying small bags with just the essentials: It’s about curation—even in your purse.
