I know many of us are trying to emulate those effortlessly chic women on the streets of Paris. They look elegant and put together but not perfectly styled. There is always an ease to their outfits. From what I’ve read and seen about Parisian style (and I’ve read A LOT), it’s that Parisian women tend to focus less on trends and more on high quality classic pieces that are timeless. For this spring capsule guide, I’m giving you a ten piece Parisian chic spring capsule wardrobe, accessories, outfit ideas, trends to consider, and stores to shop.
Spring Capsule Guide: Parisian Chic Style
Ten Piece Parisian Chic Spring Capsule Wardrobe
Cardigan Sweater // To me, there is nothing more Parisian than a fitted cardigan tucked into a pair of high waisted jeans. It’s chic and feminine, and a little bit sexy, too. Here is another classic option from Sézane. Also try this one with a v-neckline and this one for an affordable option.
White Tee // A staple for spring, no wardrobe is complete without a plain white tee. It’s ideal for layering under blazers and jackets and can be worn on it’s own as well, perhaps with a sweater around the waist or over the shoulders. This one runs small; I recommend sizing up two sizes.
Striped Button Up Shirt // Stripes are the quintessential print of Parisian women, and I love them in the form of an oversized button up shirt. This can be worn casually with jeans and ballet flats or to the office with a pair of trousers and loafers. More options here, here, and here.
Trench Coat // You can’t have a Parisian spring capsule wardrobe without a trench coat. This might be my most worn (and most versatile) spring layer. Wear it over anything. Here is my current favorite (I own the brown color) and here is an affordable alternative.
Blazer // A blazer is trés chic and another staple in a French girl’s wardrobe. For spring, I often prefer lighter colors like beige and taupe. Look for one that has a relaxed or oversized fit. A blazer can be worn with tees, button dowsn, or sweaters for spring. My favorite blazers are from Everlane and Sézane, but here is a budget-friendly option from H&M.
Collarless Jacket // This style of jacket is really chic and lady like. I like to wear it buttoned up with jeans or trousers or unbuttoned with a casual tee underneath. This is a similar option with a collar, and here is an affordable alternative.
Wide Leg Trousers // A drapey trouser is nice for work or for work from home. I even wear mine with sneakers on the weekends. This pair is actually on my spring wishlist!
Straight Leg Jeans // Straight leg cropped jeans are very typical when you think of Parisian style. Although they are probably wearing a pair of vintage Levi’s, this pair has that same vibe. Here and here and similar options.
Ballet Flats // Ballet flats are a favorite among Parisians. They are comfortable, chic, and add a little femininity to your outfits. I own this pair and can vouch that they are super comfy and easy to wear.
Loafers // I’ve been wearing my loafers all the time lately. Once I discovered the coziness of wearing them with socks, they’ve become much more wearable. You can style these with jeans or trousers or even shorts for spring. Here’s an affordable option.
Shop The Capsule
Parisian Chic Accessories For Spring
If you’re going for a chic Parisian look, you’ll definitely want to add a few accessories to your outfits. Here, I’ve selected a few Parisian inspired accessories including some bucket bags, woven bags (a must have!), silk scarves, cat eye sunglasses, belts, pendant necklaces, and hoop earrings.
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Parisian Chic Outfit Ideas
Here’s a few outfit ideas I created from the capsule wardrobe above. I purposely selected basic pieces that can be mixed and matched. These will form the foundation of your spring wardrobe. Below I’ve recommended a few possible trends to work into these basic pieces to add a little fun to your looks.
Pinterest Outfit Inspiration
Trends To Consider
Parisian style is a bit anti-trend, but you’ll still see a few trendy pieces walking around Paris.
Everything Suede // Suede was big in the fall, and it’s back again for spring. I myself have been scooping up a few suede pieces including the Sézane suede jacket above. It really adds a beautiful textural element to your basic outfits. I think all these accessories will carry well into summer, too.
Sheer Skirts // Parisians tend to embrace femininity in their wardrobes – a red lip, a pretty blouse, and mary jane ballet flats. Sheer skirts with an organza or lace material would align with this feminine style as well. You could style these up for a spring or summer wedding with some kitten heels and a silk tank or go casual and pair it with a leather jacket and minimal sandals.
Waistcoats // Another common theme in Parisian styling is tailoring like blazers and trousers. Waistcoats are the warm weather version of a blazer. I’m particularly drawn to those with a high neckline and a split at the hem to show off the waist. These would be so chic when styled with a drapey trouser or silk pant, but I also think they work really well paired with denim and even shorts.
Animal Prints // There are all manner of animal prints hitting the shops this season from the classic leopard print to cow print, zebra print, croc embossed, and snakeskin. Certain prints tend to go in and out of style all the time so I suggest just picking one that suits you and just wearing it whenever the hell you want. I prefer to style animal prints in a more subtle way which I think aligns with Parisian style as well. I love incorporating them as an accessory especially with bags or shoes. Those snakeskin ballet flats from Sézane are on their way to me as I type this.
Stores To Shop For Parisian Style
Obviously, Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world and home to many high end designer brands like Isabel Marant, Chloé, and Celine. For this post, however, I’m listing out mid-range brands that are easily shoppable here in the U.S.
Sézane // This is by far my favorite French brand, and one I’m always recommending here. Everything is so well made and thoughtfully designed with elegant details. I own many things, but my most worn items are the Max Shirt, the Conrad Tee, the Clyde Trench (a new favorite!), the Claude Bag, and the Romie Bag.
Rouje // I haven’t personally shopped here, but if your style falls more on the feminine side, definitely check out Rouje. The brand was started by Jeanne Damas (you’ll see some of her pictures in the inspiration images above), one of the first Parisian influencers. The brands most popular items are their retro floral dresses, denim, and bags.
Reformation // Reformation is an American brand, but they carry many of the staples you’ll often see on Parisian women including jeans, trousers, high quality knitwear, sexy tops, and feminine dresses.
A.P.C. // If you prefer the minimalist, cool girl, Parisian vibe, A.P.C. may be more up your alley. I’ve never shopped here, but they come highly recommended. They are definitely more on the higher end of the price range, but Parisian style is all about collecting a wardrobe of high quality staples that you’ll have for years and years.
I hope you enjoyed this Parisian Chic Spring Capsule Guide. If you missed it, check out my first two spring capsule guides here:
Sporty Chic Spring Capsule Guide
Minimal Spring Capsule Guide
For more Parisian inspired style, see these posts:
Parisian Street Style Fall Outfits
Parisian Winter Outfits
Parisian Fall Capsule Wardrobe
French Girl Winter Outfits
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