Paris Street Style: Quartier Champs-Élysées

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With the “most beautiful avenue in the world” to the north, Place de la Concorde to the east, la Seine to the south, the Triangle d’Or within, and the prettiest bridges like the Pont Alexandre III, the Champs-Élysées district is definitely one of the chicest neighborhoods in the city. Counting less than 3000 residents, it is however visited by at least 300,000 people daily for its grand monuments, luxurious stores, and major festive events.

For your next stroll in the mesmerizing Quartier Champs-Élysées and its surroundings, we’ll help you give the impression that you’re one of the lucky few who lives next door.

The Formula

Like a 5-star restaurant dish, you are encouraged to look refined and exquisite. Nothing should be undone, but keep it natural (unless it’s a red-carpet event). Invest in high quality items that could last you ages. Keep this phrase in mind: classy but simple. 

Ditch What’s Street

Au contraire, it’s anything but street. If you wear ripped, tattered, faded, or baggy jeans, despite whatever the trend says, you’ll most likely get the quelle horreur look. Making an effort in being presentable and well-groomed is paramount. 

Color Theory

The chic Parisian color palette consists of white, gray, black, beige, navy blue, and dark green. No matter the season or your age, you can trust clothes in said colors to be timeless and reliable. However, do not forget the Parisian color palette rule: everything you wear should be color coordinated and that 3 colors may already be way too much.

Less is More

You may be able to afford the whole Louis Vuitton store in one go but don’t wear it from top to tail – you are not a billboard! Opt for brands with discrete logos like YSL.

The go-to everyday Parisian look from this quartier is quite uncomplicated: A blazer or jacket over a plain shirt paired with blue denim jeans, white sneakers or ballet flats, then accessorized with a luxury watch or handbag. It is the small things that actually count the most – the devil’s in the details. 

Balancing it Out

If your jeans are fitted, wear a loose chemise. If your shirt is too tight, pair it with a cashmere sweater. If you’re wearing a mini skirt, don’t crop your top. Exposed bra straps and thongs are hors de question.

For les Parisiennes, wearing sheer lace is sexier than exposing skin. Pack an extra pair of tights in your bag in case they rip.  

Like the Aristocrats 

Every admirable Parisian will tell you that “beauty is effortless, made with a lot of effort.” One smart thing you can do, to stay classy but easy, is to change outfits. Wear a trench coat and sneakers for the rainy outdoors then change into strappy heels and a dress when you get indoors. A simple change of shoes already makes a drastic difference in style and comfort.

On Fast Fashion

We’d like to think that the affluent hates fast fashion brands like Zara or H&M but, actually, they don’t. En fait, they buy the most basic staples from there like a classic white button-down shirt – it’s just not noticeable once layered with a fancy jacket or blazer. Otherwise, they stick to Parisian favorites like Ba&sh, Maje, Sandro, and Zadig&Voltaire for everyday outfits.

Avoid the Tourist Trap

Lastly, no berets! You are a not a tourist, you are royalty.

Related Links

• Check out another Paris Street Style: Le Marais!
• Stay at one of our favorite boutique hotels in Paris.
• Stock up on all our favorite French things at the HiP Paris Marketplace!

Written by Maikka Piquemal for HIP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.