How to Dress Like a Parisian When You’re in Paris

Parisian women always look amazing and at the same time like they made no effort at all. While I’m not going to even try to unpack exactly how they do this, I did study some of my favorite French women before I even packed for my trip to Paris and I found a few commonalities between them. Firstly, they always go for that effortlessly chic look to avoid looking like they tried, they seem to have a “uniform” for everyday life, they don’t follow trends and they don’t let their clothes wear them. They wear their clothes. This guidance was really helpful when picking out my Parisian wardrobe and now I want to pass on this advice to you. Here are five tips for how to dress like a Parisian when you’re in Paris.

Stripes & Polka Dots are Always In

As I said, trends are not really a thing in Paris despite it being the fashion capital of the world and bold patterns are rarely seen on the streets. Stripes and polka dots are classic so when in doubt, include one or the other (definitely not both) in one piece of your outfit.

Stick to Neutrals

This is a fashion rule I follow when I’m on the road because it makes it so much easier to match different pieces and create the ultimate capsule wardrobe to maximize outfit options when you’re short on space. And I noticed many of my French muses seem to adopt a similar approach with their daily “uniform.” Everything piece of clothing that I brought with me was either black or white. But you can also pack pieces in nudes, off-white, greys, and beiges and I promise you that you’ll have so many choices when it comes to putting everything together!

Add a Pop of Color

I know I just said to stick to neutrals but if there is one thing my Nunny taught me is to always include a pop of color, preferably near your face, for pictures. When you’re on vacation you’re more likely to appear in those trip photos and you do not want to look washed out! I added pops of color with my accessories, specifically pink and red silk vintage designer scarves that I’ve collected over the years. Beautiful scarves add an air of elegance to any outfit. But you can also do this with your jewelry or purse. And since your travel wardrobe is already made up of neutral shades, everything will go together seamlessly!

Show a Little Skin

The French know how to add a little sex appeal to their look without looking desperate or cheap. I picked up this black, sheer polka dot blouse from Forever 21 for under $20 and wore a black lace bra beneath along with a pair of black cigarette pants. The look was sexy yet completely appropriate for anywhere we ended up.

Combine Haute Couture with High Street

This is the main tenet of Fashionably Kate & Co., pairing high-end pieces with affordable finds. It’s been my fashion mantra since I was in high school and it’s always worked for my wallet and my closet.

I had seen this black dress on Pretty Little Liars a few months before our trip and I knew that I had to find it for our special anniversary dinner atop the Eiffel Tower. I did a little digging and discovered it at Nordstrom for less than $150. While that’s usually on the more expensive side, when you take into account that I was wearing it on one of the most romantic nights of my life … I think I scored a deal. During our trip, I finally adopted (I can’t say bought, it doesn’t sound right) my dream Chanel flap bag and it complemented my Nordstrom dress perfectly.

You can also do this by wearing Louboutins with jeans, a Saint Laurent dress with an H&M clutch, the options are endless!

A Few Final Things …

Since you’re traveling, make sure you have comfortable, yet chic, flats.

Always bring a pair of versatile heels.

Avoid backpacks, not only are they not considered chic, they are easier for pickpockets to access.

Stay away from clashing colors, patterns, and any kind of graphic tee that says “J’Adore Paris,” and adopt a few of these tips and you will have no problem dressing like a Parisian when you’re in Paris!