Above left: Merci Paris by alexandrine_ar / Above right: Serpent à Plume
With the rise of popular shows like Emily in Paris thrust upon us, and in direct contrast to the notoriously sophisticated yet simple style the French are celebrated for, you may be wondering how to dress like a true-born Parisien.ne without appearing overbearing. In this series, we will do our very best to show you how to look like a local, and we begin with one of our most favorite Parisian quartiers, Le Marais.
Le Marais is hands down the trendiest neighborhood in Paris. From being an aristocratic district, to hosting Paris’ main Jewish communities in the 19th century, to the current center of LGBT culture, hip art galleries, and fashion houses… There is nothing not to love about this lively rive droite district. Here are our tips for blending in on the streets of this hip hub.
The Formula
To look the part, your outfit should consist of three key components: a statement piece to set the bar, a branded staple to vamp it up, and a street-styled ensemble to play it all down. Everyone loves luxury items but it is a bad idea to embellish yourself with it (Gucci from head to toe? C’est un non!). Keep these two keywords in mind: casual chic.
Ditch What’s Mainstream
At all costs, avoid what everyone else is wearing. Remember – you are the trendsetter. Choose a cashmere turtleneck, or a lustrous silk scarf. Go for some sleek cigarette pants in place of tight-fit denim jeans. And do not wear a beret!
Opt for Leather
Nothing is more stylish than a leather blazer. Choose a high-quality one that can complement your skin tone. A nice fit is always a classic, but going oversize can work too.
Rebel Against Parisian Fashion Rules
While Parisians love their neutrals and their trademark two-toned palette of matching colors, you are encouraged to be avant-garde and play with color. However, there’s a thin line between being stylish and being exuberant—soften it by staying simple.
Vintage
This may not be for everybody, but residents of Le Marais are never shy about adding a vintage item to their look. A worn-out shirt from the 80s pairs well with straight-cut Levi’s 501 jeans (and don’t forget the right attitude and confidence).
Support Local
In Le Marais, the streets are lined with haut de gamme brands along with small creative shops. They all co-exist in perfect harmony. It is indeed easy to be attracted to these high-fashion lines, but do invest more in original designer brands instead. You’ll be delighted with their selection of products you won’t find anywhere else.
Related Links
- More on Fashion: NYC Fashion Versus La Mode Parisienne
- 15 Ways to Wear White Jeans Like a French Girl
- Learn the tricks on how to Zero-Waste Fashion the French Way!
Written by Maikka Piquemal for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long-term or buy in France or Italy? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates.
