Parisian chic simply wrote the book on street style. Francoise Hardy, Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot are classics for us to take inspiration from. The beauty of this particular way of dressing is it never will go out of style. So here are a few points i've taken note on...
*Does It Come in Black? / First things first: let’s talk about color (or, lack thereof). Fling open the doors to a typical Parisian closet and you’ll no doubt be presented with a subdued palette of black, navy, white and beige. It’s far from unimaginative, though. The secret to monochromatic chic is ensuring everything fits as it should. Because that’s when things get interesting: sleeves that graze the wristbone, t-shirts that encompass the perfect amount of stretch and slouch, and a subtly oversized black tux jacket that looks as though you’ve pinched it from your boyfriend’s closet.
*Staple / The French invest in more expensive pieces, like that of their wine, that get better with age. However you'd like to put it, a 'lived in' or 'loved on' piece is something they take pride in.
“Sometimes it takes me 10 years to own something. It’s like love. You want to let things grow on you.”
*The Black Flat / Whatever the occasion and your inclination, do as the Parisians do and pair this enduringly chic shoe with an evening dress or blue jeans. It’s smart and sophisticated with a side of French gamine.
*The Crisp White Shirt / It goes without saying that a white button-down is a vital building block in anyone’s closet, least of all a Parisians’. For something a little unexpected, shop in the mens’ department; opt for a linen or brushed cotton shirt in the smallest size you can find, leave the tails half-out and simply roll up the sleeves. Instant French chic – and in clothes you can move in.
"Learn to appreciate the buttery soft leather on a hand-crafted handbag; the timelessness of black high-heeled pumps; and the luxuriousness of a well-cut cashmere coat. Whilst the outlay will be considerable in the short-term, you’ll find that five years down the track they’ll still be hanging in the wardrobe, well-worn but worn with love. It’s the French way of life – and often how they approach their attitude to food. Nothing is ever done by halves and it’s abundantly clear that the French just do it better."
via vogue.au
