People in Paris Look Wealthier Even If They're Not—Here's Why

As an avid Real Housewives fan, I’ve gotten used to seeing women in splashy outfits. Logo mania looms large in the Bravo universe, which makes it the perfect form of escapism. My own sartorial tastes are decidedly more sedate. While I’ve never shied away from color or texture, I grew up in a household where the saying "take one accessory off before leaving” is gospel, and while I believe rules were made to broken, you have to admit that restrained dressing is becoming more and more of an art form.

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock this year, the terms "quiet luxury” and "rich mom” dressing aren’t novel to you. But the French have been doing it for ages and doing it well. They know that dressing expensively doesn’t require draining your bank account, just discerning taste, smart investing, and pairing pieces well.

Read ahead to see how French women fake it (and by "it,” I mean money in their bank accounts). 

PROPORTIONS, PROPORTIONS, PROPORTIONS

Silhouette has a huge hand in upping an outfit's luxe look, and there's something undeniably classic about pairing a cropped top with volume on bottom. In fact, it's Christian Dior's revolutionary "New Look" he debuted in Paris in 1947. A fitted jacket that hits at the waist keeps a fuller skirt and kitten heels from feeling matronly. Paired with old-school oval glasses and delicate gold hoops, the result is a look that's gamine yet cool (and if you're feeling extra daring, go big with the bow).

GOOD TAILORING, CLEAN LINES

There's something incredibly satisfying about throwing a well-tailored coat over suiting. All you're missing is a martini in hand. But even if the time of day calls for a latte instead, the overall effect is simple, sophisticated, and sexy in a buttoned-up way. Plus, you're getting three pieces to mix and match on their own. Long-haired readers, tuck your tresses into your jacket for the ultimate laissez-faire look.

CARAMEL COMFORT

Monochromatic dressing ascends to new heights when done in shades of creams, caramels, and khakis. The exact cardigan in the picture above is by French brand Sézane, and is shoppable below. Up the ante by cross-pollinating textures, be it cottons, cashmeres, or silks, to create dimension. Cinch the look together with a classic, vintage-looking belt for a Betty Catroux–in-YSL feel.

A SLICK TRENCH

Le Marais meets The Matrix. A slick trench paired with a classic pair of shades = instant mysterious glamour. You'll exude that certain je ne sais quoi, bien sur.

LOUCHE ROCKSTAR GLAMOUR

I know what you're thinking: There's nothing quiet about this look. But hear me out. Does anything feel more decadent than a fabulous statement coat thrown over jeans and a tee? It's Marianne Faithfull boarding a jet, Kate Moss looking deliciously naughty at China Tang. It's a double-kiss-mwah-mwah-I'll-see-you-in-Aspen-this-winter look (even if your winter plans are limited to a 10-block radius).