The simple answer is yes. Super simple and completely minimal describes Parisian style best. Wondering the streets or travelling on the metro during the day to socialising in the terrace bars at night, expect to see mom jeans or skinnies, with a classic duster coat, paired with casual and comfy, but always polished trainers. In the winter, add a chunky knit scarf and a beanie/fedora and voila you are dressed in true Parisian form. The transition from daywear to evening attire is also rather minimal. Perhaps a heavier coat is traded for a leather jacket, trainers for understated ankle boots, and a leather tote bag for an elegant clutch. But the foundations of an outfit remains the same. It is basic and unfussy, some may even go as far as saying boring.
Yet still there is no denying Parisian fashion conforms to its renowned stereotype as being uber chic. But what is it about teaming a pair of jeans and a plain tee shirt, that makes French girls look so put together?
I have come to realise we are not looking at what the French girl is wearing and wondering where she got that shirt from, instead we are drawn to her personal style and beauty in general. And as most in Paris wear casual like a uniform, it cannot be what she is wearing specifically that catches the eye, but it is the other efforts she has tried or tried not to make. She has effortlessly left her face naked of makeup except for a bold, statement lip, painted deep purple or red. She might not have had time to put a brush through her hair every morning, but she still wears the understated, tousled, bed head look so well, or maybe she styled it that way deliberately?
Resembling the French culture and lifestyle, your typical 20 something year old Parisian is casual and relaxed, yet her immaculate manicure or tasteful choice of jewellery still shows she is attentive to detail. She is well groomed, yet it appears she has gone to minimal effort. Could the Parisian chic, au natural image be an illusion after all, more is less instead of less is more? Vrai or Faux, it really doesn’t matter because she still defines chic.
Maybe she was born with an eye for the perfect accessories. Or most probably she is just well accustomed to the Parisian culture and lifestyle she lives in. Therefore chances are, you only have to be French, with a simplistic sense of style, in order to be deemed Parisian chic! No matter what the code may be, it is needless to say- Parisian chic is the art of minimalism.
4 Parisian Bloggers to know:
Camille Charriere – Featured in Vogue and Elle and she’s collaborated with Acne, Charriere lives in London but grew up in Paris. She’s adapted her minimalistic, luxurious taste to London’s climate perfectly. Get inspired: www.camilleovertherainbow.com
Kenza Sadoun-el Glaoui – This French native has been blogging about all things fashion, beauty and travel since 2008. Check out her refined and classic Parisian style here: www.larevuedekenza.fr
Betty Autier – This French beauty relies on her eclectic taste which has given her style an international appeal. She’s mastered the art of making high street items look extremely expensive which you can find here: www.leblogdebetty.com
Louise Ebel – Ebel is a reporter for Marie Claire Japan whose quintessential Parisian style meets a quirky grunge edge. Have a look at some of her looks here: www.misspandora.fr
Alex Jones
Images: www.camilleovertherainbow.com, www.larevuedekenza.fr, www.leblogdebetty.com, www.misspandora.fr