It is no secret that Parisians are known for great style.
Paris Fashion Week, La Rive Gauche designers (Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, etc.), and the Mary Kate and Ashley movie Passport to Paris, all demonstrate this fact. Need I say more?
How foolish I was this past weekend, expecting not to notice the sartorial savvy along the Seine as my roommates and I walked around. It is safe to say that with every block, there was another person wearing a great statement piece or overall creative, yet classic outfit.
Yes, the rumors are true: French women don’t get fat, and they have impeccable taste. Maybe that does not mean much coming from an American, but from my humble point of view, I think the most crucial aspect of Parisian style is that it is not complicated. This is not to say that it’s effortless and easy (as I write this in my plaid pajama pants), but to deconstruct it is to realize, “Hey, maybe I could wear that.”
And you can! I mean, I can’t see you right now, but, I’m sure you can pull it off. Seriously, that outfit makes you look so skinny. Did you lose weight? Yes, wear it.
Okay, but in all seriousness, studying abroad 4,000 miles away from Patagonias and Norts has led me to notice the outfits of others and put more effort into my own. (The latter is also because I didn’t pack my Uggs, so I have to wear real-people shoes and along with that, real-people clothes).
Here are some basic tips to look European chic on American soil:
When in doubt, go with black … As an out-of-stater, I’ve noticed that Southern girls tend to wear less black than other parts of the country. Maybe it seems too boring, dull or depressing,. Wearing black 24/7 can definitely fit into those categories. But it can also be classic, elegant and a great canvas for an outfit. If you have a cute leopard print scarf or bright heels you’re feeling too timid to wear, you can pair them with a black tee or jeans, (or that LBD collecting dust in the back of your closet) and let them shine. By balancing wilder accessories with an all black ensemble, you create a fun, yet timeless, look.
… But don’t shy away from color! Upon entering a room at the Louvre, I was floored. Was it because I cast my eyes on the Mona Lisa? Or the majesty of Venus de Milo? No. It was because I stumbled upon a woman in a navy blue and white striped shirt with high-waisted red pants; you’re likely picturing your great-aunt at a July 4th barbecue, but this outfit was effortlessly chic and youthful. By sticking with tried-and-true cuts (boat-neck ¾ length shirt, wide-legged slacks), she had the freedom to pair bold color with patterns. And to tie the look together, she wore a matching navy knit cap and hobo bag. (P.S. The paintings weren’t too shabby either.)
Get a handle on things … One of my favorite things about European style is the unity of fashion and function. Women on the street carried handbags that could actually hold more than a lipstick and a matchbook, but that still beautifully accentuated their outfits. It is possible to find something as helpful as your North Face backpack and as cute as your favorite sparkly clutch. When shopping for a handbag, ask yourself if it fits the FAQ criteria: Function, Accentuation, Quality. Now if only I could think of mnemonics for class.
… but remember, a happy girl is a stylish girl. Even if you don’t spend your afternoons poring through Vogue, I bet there’s a piece of clothing or outfit that makes you feel radiant, hot, powerful, pretty, insert feel-good adjective here that fits with your budget and lifestyle. In my humble opinion, the purpose of fashion is not to look like you’re stopping by the runway before your econ class, but to give you a confidence boost and make you feel positive. What you wear on the outside should make you feel even better on the inside, and that holds true no matter where you’re from.
All images were provided by Julia Woods.