What to Wear in Paris | Parisian Style
How to Dress Parisian Chic
A guide to Parisian style and fashion, and where to buy Parisian clothes online. Learn how to dress like the chic French women of Paris.
French women have a style that is effortlessly chic. They look bold, put-together, and comfortable, all at the same time. It's a style that you can achieve too, if you know how to put the right wardrobe pieces together.
Buy French-inspired striped tops, classic trench coats, leggings, French scarves, and more.
So if you're planning a Paris vacation and want to know how to dress like a Parisian and what to pack, or if you just want to master the secrets of French women's style, here are some tips on Parisian fashion.
French women have a style that is effortlessly chic. They look bold, put-together, and comfortable, all at the same time. It's a style that you can achieve too, if you know how to put the right wardrobe pieces together.
Buy French-inspired striped tops, classic trench coats, leggings, French scarves, and more.
So if you're planning a Paris vacation and want to know how to dress like a Parisian and what to pack, or if you just want to master the secrets of French women's style, here are some tips on Parisian fashion.
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The Striped Shirt
Where Can I Buy Classic French Style Clothing?
Striped shirts are a classic French look that never goes out of style. Every woman who can get away with stripes should have at least one striped shirt in her wardrobe. Go for black and white (my favorite), or navy and white, aka, the Breton shirt.
Buy a Parisian striped shirt and wear it with jeans and a pair of red flats, and you've got instant Parisian chic.
Find the perfect Paris style black and white striped shirt and start building your Parisian wardrobe.
Shop for more striped shirts >>
Buy Paris Style Dresses
Parisian Fashion for Sale
Paris Dressses 
French women know that dresses are the ultimate in femininity. Parisian style is all about individuality. Pick casual dresses that accentuate your best assets, whatever those may be, and remember to keep the colors muted. Stay away from bright yellow, baby blue, etc.
To stand out, you want your dresses to be unique. I buy cute, casual dresses from the discount stores in Paris and save them to wear in the states (where no one knows they're discount), and I take my cute, unique dresses from the states to wear in Paris. That way, I can guarantee that no one else in town will be wearing my dress. :-)
French women know that dresses are the ultimate in femininity. Parisian style is all about individuality. Pick casual dresses that accentuate your best assets, whatever those may be, and remember to keep the colors muted. Stay away from bright yellow, baby blue, etc.
To stand out, you want your dresses to be unique. I buy cute, casual dresses from the discount stores in Paris and save them to wear in the states (where no one knows they're discount), and I take my cute, unique dresses from the states to wear in Paris. That way, I can guarantee that no one else in town will be wearing my dress. :-)
A Stylish Pair of Sandals
Sandals >>
Get recommendations for cute sandals for your summer vacation. Many of my picks can be dressed up (with the dresses above) or dressed down (with jeans or shorts), which makes them great for travel.
Buy Parisian Attire Online
Shop for French Clothes from Comptoir des Cotonniers on eBay
Get the latest fashions from the popular French brand Comptoir des Cotonniers.
The Coat to Wear in Paris
Where to Buy a Paris Trench Coat
Classic Trench Coat Find the perfect trenchcoat for those rainy days in Paris.
I'm not much of a trench coat wearer in the U.S., but in Paris, it's the outerwear of choice for chilly or rainy days -- and A LOT of days in Paris are a bit rainy. Although brightly colored trench coats have become popular in the States as of late, in Paris, one should stick to the neutrals: classic khaki or black. Make sure it's double-breasted, falls below the hip, and has a belted waist. Shape makes all the difference in Parisian fashion.
More Paris Winter Outerwear Trends
Other stylish outerwear options for Paris include a fitted leather bomber, or a cropped military style jacket. Nothing oversized.
A form-fitting leather motorcycle jacket is a Paris outerwear essential. It toughens up any outfit, and doesn't add bulk.
Another big trend for Paris coats is the Moncler jacket. This French brand of cozy down coats is coveted by French women and by celebrities, of course.
A form-fitting leather motorcycle jacket is a Paris outerwear essential. It toughens up any outfit, and doesn't add bulk.
Another big trend for Paris coats is the Moncler jacket. This French brand of cozy down coats is coveted by French women and by celebrities, of course.
Women's Moncler JacketsParisian Casual Style: Skirts
How to Dress Parisian Chic
Rebecca Taylor SkirtKnee-Length Skirt
French women opt for skirts instead of shorts, so you'll need a couple of basic skirts for the warm weather months.
Parisian women (les Parisiennes) let their clothing do the flirting for them. A flouncy skirt that shows a little leg does just the trick.
Pencil skirts are a popular option as well, and many Parisian women have the figure to pull them off.
What you won't see much in Paris are bermuda shorts, unless they're part of a whole ensemble with a smart blazer and scarf. To mimic Parisian style in Paris, pack some skirts that you can mix and match with your tops, and leave the casual shorts at home.
French Ballet Flats
Paris Walking Shoes
Ballet Flats Bold, playful ballet flats are great for walking around the city of Paris (and it IS a walking city). Ballet flats or cute Mary Janes are the perfect complement to a pair of leggings or a casual skirt.
More Shoes >>
See more versatile shoes that are stylish and great for walking.
Lessons From Madame Chic
French Style and Lifestyle Tips
Lessons From Madame Chic 
A collection of lessons learned by the author, who was taken in and groomed by "Madame Chic" while an exchange student in Paris.
Traveling soon? Click here for the Best Luggage recommendations >>
A Stylish Handbag
How Do I Get French Style?
Leather Handbag A rich looking handbag completes the Parisian chic look. It doesn't have to be a super-expensive designer bag, either. Just something stylish made of quality leather that has some unique detailing, like this cute bag.
Accessorize with French Scarves
A Paris Style "Must-Have"
Assorted Colored Scarves Everyone knows about French women and their scarves, and they've become a fashion trend in America, too.
Get yourself a couple of lightweight scarves that can be worn with your outfits all year round for a touch of French style.
2013 Paris Fashion Trends
How to Get Paris Style
They say the color black looks good on everyone, and it's true. Black is foolproof -- it goes with everything, and you can't mess it up. Parisians have a reputation for wearing black as a way of life. While that's a bit of an exaggeration, it's true that they tend to wear more muted tones than we do in the States.
For a hint of Parisian style, get a slim fitting black shirt and leggings or cigarette pants, a la Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina or Funny Face.
You'll notice many of the Paris style trends I mentioned in the video below: Muted colors, black, slim fitting jackets, blazers, scarves, and rich handbags:
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Buy Parisian Style Clothes Online
How to Dress Like a French Woman
Black Leggings Slimming and playful, a pair of leggings can make an instant outfit out of anything, and they're a Paris style staple. Pair them with a slouchy shirt, or wear them under a denim miniskirt or mini shorts.
Where to Buy Parisian Style Clothing Online
Buy Naf Naf French Clothes on eBay
Parisian Chic: How to Dress Like a Parisian
Paris Style Book
Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange A handy guide with tips on getting Paris style, written by a former fashion model who had to learn how to pull off the Paris look. She says Parisian style is "between Rocker and Bourgeois," which I think is a perfect description.
"You don't need to be born in Paris to have Parisian style," she says.
More sage advice of hers that I agree with wholeheartedly: "Brilliant basics are the key to a great look." Check out a video preview of the book:
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Where to Buy French Style Clothing
Buy Morgan de Toi Clothes Online
Shop for Paris clothing by Morgan de Toi, a French brand geared toward young women.
Guide to Parisian Style and Fashion
Buying French Style Clothing Online
When people say "French style," what they really mean is "Parisian style," as Paris is known for having the best-dressed locals, who look like they leapt right off the pages of a fashion magazine.
Whether one wants to blend in to avoid being identified as a tourist, or if one just wants to emulate Paris fashion, many travelers feel the need to step up their wardrobe when they're in Paris, and dress more chic. Get the key wardrobe staples and find places to shop for French style.
PARISIAN CHIC DO's
Black
Blazers
Jeans -- well cut and in good condition (Boot cut, trouser, skinny, etc.)
Leather handbags
High Heels (for clubbing, dining out)
Colored Bensimon or Converse sneakers
Capris
PARISIAN CHIC DONT'S
Shorts (some young people wear them, though)
Flip Flops
Bright, loud colors
White sneakers (Nike, Adidas, etc.)
Athletic Apparel
Backpacks
Whether one wants to blend in to avoid being identified as a tourist, or if one just wants to emulate Paris fashion, many travelers feel the need to step up their wardrobe when they're in Paris, and dress more chic. Get the key wardrobe staples and find places to shop for French style.
PARISIAN CHIC DO's
Black
Blazers
Jeans -- well cut and in good condition (Boot cut, trouser, skinny, etc.)
Leather handbags
High Heels (for clubbing, dining out)
Colored Bensimon or Converse sneakers
Capris
PARISIAN CHIC DONT'S
Shorts (some young people wear them, though)
Flip Flops
Bright, loud colors
White sneakers (Nike, Adidas, etc.)
Athletic Apparel
Backpacks
- The Striped Shirt
- Buy Paris Style Dresses
- A Stylish Pair of Sandals
- Buy Parisian Attire Online
- The Coat to Wear in Paris
- More Paris Winter Outerwear Trends
- YSL Studio Tour and Other Unique Paris Tours
- Parisian Casual Style: Skirts
- French Ballet Flats
- Lessons From Madame Chic
- A Stylish Handbag
- Accessorize with French Scarves
- 2013 Paris Fashion Trends
- Buy Parisian Style Clothes Online
- Where to Buy Parisian Style Clothing Online
- Parisian Chic: How to Dress Like a Parisian
- Where to Buy French Style Clothing
