Parisian Style Guide: How to Dress Parisian (2023)

FAQs

What is Parisian style attire? ›

How do you define Parisian style? “Casual Chic. Mixing classic timeless pieces with trendy accessories but always looking like the clothes fit comfortably. That's the secret to never over dressing!”

Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather shoes.

Parisian style is very discreet. That's why Parisians do not take any risks and don't wear too many colors at the same time in an outfit and too bright colors. Instead, they stick with neutral tones such as black, cognac, burgundy, white, navy blue, grey, brown, or beige.

You'll see a red dress or yellow top, but not plaid on plaid or a full pink look. During the day, you can't go wrong with stylish jeans, nice sun dresses and classic jackets. French women love a blazer day or night. Same with a button down shirt, pretty and simple blouses and cozy, chic sweaters.

So, if you wish to dress like a Parisian, always remember to keep your look simple and minimal. You won't find any Parisian women overdone or overdressed. They believe in wearing just one statement piece like a scarf, a hat, or a great pair of shoes, minimal accessories and simple jewelry.

French women tend to shy away from skinny jeans, and prefer a high waist dark denim pair. Scroll below to see the French style of dressing jeans. From oversized, floaty blouses to striped sweaters, find inspo on how to style jeans like Parisian women.

French women know good jeans – look for straight-leg, in classic denim blue. To be paired with smart blazers or casual knits, flats or heels. Denim should be one colour, not faded, and with no fraying or rips.

What is the French girl look? The “French girl look” is a popular style trend that is often characterized by effortless, natural beauty. French girls are known for their classic style and simple elegance. They tend to dress in neutral colors and seem to always look put-together, even when they're not trying too hard.

Most Parisians do wear sort of business casual clothing when going to work, and more casual, relaxed clothes on the weekends. However they don't sacrifice style to comfort. It's not typical to wear yoga pants or running style leggings to walk in Paris.

Do tourists wear shorts in Paris? ›

Consider Location and Weather

Unless you're at the beach, a standard pair of jean or khaki shorts won't fit in with Paris fashion. Even when it's warmer out, you may instead want to wear a skirt or pair of capris instead of shorts. One reader adds, “shorts are the first major giveaway that you're a tourist.

A recent survey found out that blue is the favorite color of French people.

Bleu de France (Blue of France) is a colour traditionally used to represent France. Blue has been used in the heraldry of the French monarchy since at least the 12th century, with the golden fleurs-de-lis of the kings always set on a blue (heraldic "azure") background.

It had its origins in the union, at the time of the French Revolution, of the colours of the King (white) and the City of Paris (blue and red).

Parisians have a very specific style that can be difficult to emulate if you're not familiar with it. However, one of the easiest ways to blend in is to simply dress like the locals do. Avoid wearing brightly colored clothes or anything that screams “tourist!” and instead opt for muted colors and simple designs.

White jeans are one of the ultimate French wardrobe staples stylish Parisians mainly wear in the spring/summer and fall seasons. It's the French must-have piece in the mid-season wardrobe that can elevate any classic staples like striped blouses, white button-down shirts, or basic tees.

U.S. dollars are not accepted in most establishments, though some hotels, shops, and restaurants may accept U.S. dollars at an agreed upon exchange rate. Coins: 2€/1€/50 cents/20c/10c/5c/2c/1c The Euro is divided into 100 cents, or centimes.

Classic and basic

You can style and re-style a classic piece with a trendy accessory for that up-to-date look. A Parisian woman will always have basic denim pants, crispy shirts, structured blazers, Breton tops, leather jacket, trenchcoat, tweed jacket, strappy sandals, and ankle boots.

Do you wear sneakers in Paris? ›

Indeed, since Paris is a city where the locals walk everywhere, sneakers are probably the most stylish and comfortable shoes to wear every day. It's impossible to not see several pairs of white sneakers topping off chic outfits in the street of Paris.

Along with short shorts, leggings are equally banished to the back of a French closet. There is a reason that Lululemons are not big in France. Leggings are and should only be worn at the gym. And I mean at the gym, not on the way to the gym!

So, the good news is you can wear your jeans in Paris, but make sure you uphold the Paris Insiders Ideal by only wearing jeans that are stylish and well-fitted.

“French-girl hair” has become an idea in and of itself, describing an artfully rumpled head of hair that appears to have magically air-dried to a soft, wavy mass—no texture spray required.

Skinny jeans are not in style in France but the exception to this rule is a simple solid black pair of black skinny jeans which are exclusively worn under knee-high boots (the cut must be skinny so they don't bunch up around the knee). The Anine Bing Jagger jean is perfect for this.

French women dress with a casual chic style day to day, with looks centered around jeans, a simple t-shirt or blouse, oversized sunglasses and a well cut jacket. She may add a beautiful scarf or a hat.

Lingerie is an integral part of a French woman's fashion wardrobe. Yes, a great bra also plays a practical role in her life - French women covet comfort and support in their bras like everyone else.

Remember that Parisians tend to dress conservatively, even in the summer. What is this? Avoid anything too short – knee-length is best, although midi and maxi dresses are also trendy these days – or low cut.

Do people wear flip flops in Paris? ›

You might think that sandals are acceptable since heels are not but, you're dead wrong! Most Parisians do not wear sandals on the streets! Instead, you'll see most of them wearing sneakers or boots. So depending, on the weather, carry either a pair of sneakers or boots for roaming around the city.

The no-bra movement has been predominant among French women, who seem to be more conscious about freedom from traditional clothing norms. In 2020, 18% of French women aged between 18 and 24 years said they never or seldom wore bras.

Men must not wear extremely short shorts, chunky sports shoes, sweatpants, graphic tees, and clothes with bright and bold words on them when in Paris. Women should avoid wearing stilettos, brightly colored dresses, clunky accessories, and beachwear when in Paris.

Jeans are definitely one of the staples of the French wardrobe. It's that kind of basic that flatters most body types, can be worn all year long, pared down or dressed up, and can be worn for every occasion while offering maximum comfort.

They are not a huge part of European fashion and are normally only used for exercise or going to the gym. So If you want to wear leggings during your trip, I would say it totally depends. If you are planning to walk or do something active, they are perfectly acceptable.

A typical Parisian-style apartment would have white walls, floor-to-ceiling wall paneling, old herringbone parquet floor, tall windows, sometimes double windows with iron balcony, moldings, and marble mantels both in the living room and the bedrooms.

Meaning of Parisian in English

from, belonging to, or relating to the city of Paris in France: She has Parisian chic.

Restaurants. For most restaurants and bars, the dress code is dressed-up casual. So, if you do decide to go with a cocktail dress, the norm is for it to be accompanied by tights and a sweater/light jacket. This isn't because Parisians are against showing skin; it's just not typical for this type of setting.

You want to wear breathable fabrics and linen is perfect for the season. Linen shorts worn with an oversized button-down is a very très chic look. Add sandals and a small straw bag for a timeless summer look. If you don't love shorts, then look for linen pants or even skirts.

How can I look more Parisian? ›

So, if you wish to dress like a Parisian, always remember to keep your look simple and minimal. You won't find any Parisian women overdone or overdressed. They believe in wearing just one statement piece like a scarf, a hat, or a great pair of shoes, minimal accessories and simple jewelry.

There are always exceptions, but Parisians generally don't decorate with bold colors. You're much more likely to find a room dressed in cream, gold, ivory, and gray. Bring in the colors you love but in softer, subdued tones, such as dusty lavender, powder blue, buttery yellow, and blush pink.

The Parisian decor style is minimalist, modern, contemporary but warm. The overall palette is neutral, and white is an all-time favorite color of Parisians. The decor and furniture are polished, sleek but kept simple.

So bougie, boujee, bourgie all stem from bourgeoisie, a French word that simply means "of middle class status."

You've probably heard of Paris being referred to as the City of Light (Ville Lumière), but another popular nickname for the French capital is Paname.

Region: Paris

Parisian French is different from other types of French in that speakers tend to absorb English words as part of their dialogue (e.g. le deadline – translates to 'the deadline') and also tends to be spoken a bit faster than French in other parts of the world.

Sorry, we are full tonight." But generally speaking, no restaurant will refuse to seat you because you wear sneakers. The right question is therefore not, "Will they allow me in?" but, "Will I feel comfortable entering a dressy place in sneakers?" I daresay probably not.

Parisians do wear jeans and t-shirts, but only in appropriate situations, and you'll notice their jeans and t-shirts are a lot more design-y and cut a lot slimmer. When you're going out to eat in a restaurant, think of how you'd dress for that same level of restaurant back home, and then dress nicer than that.