Decoding Fashion French/ Parisian Fashion

Before we dive into the world of French fashion, how about we indulge in a little Parisian fantasy? Imagine yourself walking through the city streets, your heels clacking on the historic cobblestones. Historic structures and landmarks can be found everywhere you look. Perhaps you're hailing a taxi to take you to the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Alternatively, you could be strolling to a café for an afternoon apéritif. The warm, inviting aromas of fresh bread and rich cuisine wafting your way are difficult to resist. Oh là là.

What Exactly Is French Style?

Women's French style is an effortlessly elegant way of dressing in terms of fashion. It is distinguished by neutral colors, clean lines, and timeless essentials. When you think of French girl style, imagine fashion and comfort merging into one. There will be no suffocating clothing or sky-high heels here. Instead, Parisian fashionistas favor simple silhouettes with straight or slightly tailored lines. Their color scheme is dominated by black, tan, white, and muted blues. They collect high-quality, easy-to-mix-and-match pieces with timeless appeal.

A polished tweed jacket and the perfect little black dress, for example, are always staples in the closets of French women. "Mode comes and goes, but style endures," Coco Chanel once said. Chanel is a pivotal figure in Parisian fashion and is widely regarded as its creator. But did you know that France has long been regarded as an influential tastemaker? It's time for a brief history lesson.

A Look Back at French Fashion History

The popularity of French fashion dates back to the 17th century. During this period, King Louis XIV prioritized and invested in the use of luxury fabrics in clothing. In the following century, Marie Antoinette raised the bar for extravagant clothing even higher, and the country's textile manufacturing boomed.

Throughout the 1800s, France continued to produce eye-catching, eccentric outfits after the monarchy fell. Coco Chanel turned the fashion industry on its head in 1925 with menswear-inspired women's clothing and understated designs. Since then, classic pieces with subtle nods to current trends have defined French girl style. Now that you're acquainted with Parisian fashion and its origins, let's take a look at the various manifestations of this aesthetic.

French Chic Fashion: Elegant Simplicity

The majority of what we call Parisian design falls under the category of chic style. This should come as no surprise given the term's connotation of smart elegance and sophistication. This sartorial genre adheres to French style rules and avoids the world of fads. Say goodbye to loud patterns and fussy details and hello to solid colors and minimalist design. Women's French chic style has everything you need to create a capsule wardrobe. All you need are a few solid fundamentals.

Look for button-down tops made of natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk. Classic crew neck or v-neck sweaters are also welcome for a cozy yet urban vibe. Choose pencil skirts or trousers as your bottoms. Do you prefer a more relaxed approach? Dark-wash jeans in straight and slim silhouettes are ideal for a bistro lunch or a bookshop read by Baudelaire. Though French chic style appreciates a good menswear moment, don't be afraid to mix in some dresses. French staples include feminine wrap dresses and shirt dresses. Last but not least, let us discuss footwear. Finish your look with flats or low heels. Leather ballet flats, ankle boots, and heels are popular in French fashion.Slip on the pair of your choice and you’re ready for a stroll by the Seine. Très chic.

Elegance on the Move: French Street Style

Looking for a more à la carte version of women's French style? Then French street style is ideal for you. This fashion trend continues to emphasize neutrals, straight silhouettes, and classic pieces while making more room for trendy touches. Consider an outfit you'd wear to the Louvre or while attending Paris Fashion Week. Don't be concerned if an ensemble does not immediately spring to mind. This is where we step in. Replace your favorite slim denim silhouette with high-waisted wide-leg jeans in a dark wash. Extend this look by wearing a denim miniskirt with a beige button-front cashmere cardigan.Alternatively, wear a shacket with a window-pane print instead of an old-school blazer for the ultimate French style look.

Romantic Parisian Fashion: Stunning Looks

There's romantic French fashion for the fan of French girl style who can't get enough dreaminess. This is ideal for sunny days and warm weather. Although we adore Paris in the spring, we have a different location in mind for this trend. These French style looks are more appropriate for the Côte d'Azur than for the Eiffel Tower. Yes, we're heading south to the breathtaking French Riviera. You can even use boho-inspired elements like painterly florals and crochet trims. Balance and sophistication are still important in French fashion, as they are in other categories.