It’s no small secret that the French are renowned for their sense of style. Parisian fashion specifically is a style that girls all over the world are obsessed with—but with great renown can come great intimidation. In other words, you’re not alone if you’ve ever felt scared off from trying to emulate Parisian fashion (including recreating your favorite Emily in Paris outfits).
As an outsider looking in, it might seem too expensive or too elusive. As someone writing this from a small town in Central New York, I get it—I really, really do. But there’s a best kept secret to French fashion; an avenue that allows all of us mere mortals to dip our toe into dressing more French: Parisian street style.
A much more obtainable (and comfortable) subset of French fashion, channeling the styles worn on the streets of Paris can be a fun and effective way to open the door to dressing more intentionally and chic (without having to shop at Saint Laurent-level prices). Here’s how to capture Parisian street style in your OOTDs.
What is Paris Street Style?
Before diving into the “how,” let’s break Parisian street style down to its most basic elements. First, let’s start with the term “street style.” If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what, exactly, “street style” means, its purpose is to describe fashion that emerges from (you guessed it), the streets. In other words, street style is driven by individuals, not studios or designers. Therefore, Parisian street style describes the looks being worn by city-dwelling French women in everyday life—not the looks being presented at Paris fashion week.
If you’ll humor my hyperbole for a minute, I truly believe Parisian street style outfits are their own kind of fashion magic—they can make you look elegantly chic while also staying casual and comfortable. While there’s definitely plenty of room to get creative when channeling the general vibe of Parisian street style, a good rule of thumb is to default to high-quality wardrobe basics. Similar to the ideology of a capsule wardrobe, Parisian style is about falling back on pieces that are timeless in nature and well-made enough to be worn over and over again as they’re styled in countless ways.
Some wardrobe pieces that you’ll frequently see in casual Parisian outfits include trousers, sundresses, lace and knit blouses, and button-down shirts. Common accessories include vintage-style sunglasses and basket bags, and ballet flats and boots are popular footwear choices. When it comes to color, neutrals are always a safe bet (easier to mix and match, and less likely to go out of style), however—paradoxically—bold prints and patterns are also innately French.
Parisian Street Style Outfit Inspiration
Of course, the best way to start channeling any kind of aesthetic is to see it IRL. Here are eight outfit ideas to get you started.
An Embroidered Sweater + Mini Skirt
For a totally approachable fall look, pair a puff-sleeve sweater with a mini skirt. Embroidered details add a sense of refined whimsy and lug-sole boots are both trendy and practical. Grab a leather shoulder or crossbody bag to complete the look, perfect for autumnal leaf-peeping walks or coffee dates.
A Peasant Top + Bermuda Shorts
A white peasant blouse nods to the romanticism of the French countryside, especially when paired with a basket bag. A pair of linen Bermuda shorts add structure to the look through the cinched waist, and a pair of ballet flats up the Parisian ante.
A Sweater Dress + Teddy Coat
For a cozy Paris-inspired winter outfit, layer a teddy coat over a sweater dress. Invest in a pair of quality boots that will add extra warmth and never go out of style. Make the look even more Parisian by going with a monochromatic color pallet. Subtly accessorize the outfit with a dainty watch and a crossbody bag.
A Pleated Skirt + Blazer
Pleated skirts are one of those wardrobe pieces that can instantly take a look to the next level—they’re just so chic and fun. In cooler temperatures, pair your prize-winning skirt with a knit top and a pair of tall boots. Embrace your inner French girl with a classic beret.
A Lace Blouse + Maxi Skirt
If you’re looking to take French girl fashion to the office, style a lace blouse with a black maxi skirt. Pointed, cap-toe flats are effortlessly chic and comfortable enough to take you through the workday.
A Sundress + Flat Sandals
For the easiest warm-weather Parisian-approved look, throw on a classic white sundress, a pair of flat sandals, and a leather handbag. This outfit combination is well suited for any and all weekend excursions (wine tasting, errand-running, or a much-needed manicure) and is bound to serve you well for years to come.
A Knit Set + Ugg Boots
For a chic, cozy look made for the chilliest of days, pair a knit set with a trendy pair of mini platform Ugg boots. An oversized scarf and a cute pair of earmuffs add warmth should you need to escape the cozy oasis of your home. Croissant and chocolat chaud optional.
A Trench Coat + Jeans + Boots
Trench coats are (please forgive me for what I’m about to say) fully entrenched in Parisian street style. They are borderline non-negotiable. While jeans and boots are a classic pairing most of us are familiar with, vintage-inspired denim and leather boots make the look especially Parisian.
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Sézane but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
