Parisian Fashion: French Women Remain Timeless, Chic and Elegant

February 28, 2011  by Kasia Dietz

Chic and Elegant Paris fashion – Paris in Pink

What is it about Parisian women that always leaves me staring as they ever so briskly pass by, thinking, how do they always manage to look so (for lack of a better word), chic? They appear to be dressed with a casual confidence, never looking out of place and drawing just enough attention. Each detail and accessory is carefully chosen, creating a color palette of distinctive greys, blacks and neutrals, with just a touch of color. Timeless. Elegant. And always classy. This ‘dress-code’ is most creatively displayed in the ‘bobo’ parts of Paris where ‘bourgeois’ meets ‘boheme’. The result is a never-ending fashion show on the streets of the Marais, Saint Germain, and often in between.

Longing for Paris summer fashion – Paris in Pink

What’s their secret? I have a few theories.

Timeless. Parisians are avid shoppers but not necessarily considered consumers. They choose quality over quantity and when the Soldes hit Paris, they spend the time necessary to find that one signature piece to add to their collection, which will naturally work with all the other pieces. Shopping becomes a curatorial experience. Thus, there is no end to the possibilities and no need to follow the latest trends. Rather than mimic a mannequin, a Parisian woman will simply use this model for inspiration. Continue Reading »

Posted in Parisian Living, Shopping | 20 Comments »

What to Wear in France in the Summer

August 26, 2009  by Haven in Paris

August might be drawing to a close, but don’t pack up your summer wardrobe just yet! The warm weather extends well into the Fall in Paris. Below, expert Julie Blakley helps to demystify the “rules” of Parisian street fashion.

By Julie Blakley, Why Go Paris

Style and fashion are important in France. My cousin, Jean-Marc, recently told me that he had no luck with the ladies until he “bought his first pair of Italian shoes.” However, even with a good percentage of French blood pumping through my own veins, every time I find myself in France I look longingly at the always impeccably dressed and stylish French ladies and wonder why they’ve got it going on so much more than I do. Suffice it to say, I will never be as sleek, stylish or thin as most of these French women, but that doesn’t mean I want to walk around Paris sporting a fanny pack and socks with sandals. And, while I may never look quite so effortlessly perfect as the French women always seem to, I have spent enough time living and traveling in France that I think I can do a pretty good job of looking like a local in France. Continue Reading »

Posted in Parisian Living, Shopping | 19 Comments »