By Juliette Vidrine
Photo by Juliette Vidrine
A Parisian wardrobe is “a capsule wardrobe suitable for any time, place, or occasion, made up of timeless classics,” French fashion designer Jeanne Damas said in an interview with Condé Nast. “The key to dressing like a Parisian is simplicity.”
“The first clothing item that comes to mind when I think of Paris is a beret,” Willow junior Caroline Brown said.
French teacher and native Emmanuel Lambert debunks this common misconception.
“Le béret n’est pas si commun,” he said, translating to, “Berets are not common.” This is one of the first no’s when it comes to blending in.
“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,” Jeanne Damas adds, and these articles work hand in hand with the famously luscious, cool weather of Paris. Unlike the unbearable heat of New Orleans, Parisian highs tend to stay in the low 70s in summer.
“La marque Sezane est selon moi la plus célèbre en fashion à Paris,” Mr. Lambert says as well, translating to, “In my opinion, Sezane is the most famous fashion brand in Paris.” This is the Parisian equivalent to Brandy Melville, with updated catalogues but better crafted clothes.
Basics are key. Nothing with big, flashy logos. Well-made clothes that will last forever, that can be recycled, and passed down for generations. Think soft, straight-leg, dark wash jeans, or barrel jeans with no logo on the back, never sweatpants or athletic wear (unless you’re working out of course).
And due to the much cooler Parisian weather and more reserved Parisian style, no cut-off jean shorts, or small shorts in general. Jorts are relatively common–maybe not a staple, but they could blend in if paired correctly. Black sunglasses and scarves tied around the waist are especially stylish as well.
Lacoste and Aelfric Eden are very prominent brand-wise, and black and white mary jane Adidas sambas are especially common. Ballet flats are chic, and camel toe shoes are in (such as the Nike x Skims shoes).
“There were definitely a lot of people in linen,” junior Elle Everett, a member of the trip to Paris this past summer, said. Linen is very common in Parisian style, especially light brown linen pants, along with asymmetrical lace tank tops, thin, silk maxi skirts, and anything with stripes or polka dots.
Dresses are especially popular, especially long, floral pieces. Black lace bras and bralettes frequently peek through white articles of clothing, but straps are never seen. This means no spaghetti strap tank tops, and more of a lean towards thicker straps.
Men are dressed basic, but stylish. Think Armani suits, linen, baggy jeans, Polo’s, and navy and white striped sailor shirts. Dress shoes and tennis shoes, never Nike tech.
“And I love a zero make-up look with just a big red lip, applied with the fingers for a softly blurry effect,” Damas adds, bringing up the stark contrast between American makeup and Parisian. Simplicity with makeup to Parisians is equivalent to the simplicity with clothing, high-value makeup items but still simple and minimalistic. Women do not take hours to do makeup looks in Paris. While, of course, there is nothing wrong with doing this, it’s just not the culture in Paris.
Embrace the simple additions of a rouge lip and rarely any mascara or foundation if you’re aiming to really live the Parisian lifestyle, but don’t lose the integrity of you.
All in all, enjoy your vacation!
