I recently took a lovely holiday to Paris. When I got back, my friends and family asked me about my favourite part of the trip. I naturally rattled off all of the delicious food I ate and the museums I visited. But I also noted my adoration for simply sitting at a cafe and watching the street style. As a lover of French style (that effortless je ne sais quoi is just so covetable), I adored seeing how Parisians dress in their day-to-day.
While the types of looks I saw ran the gamut, many of the ensembles featured effortless basics that Parisians are known for wearing to look chic. There were actually five specific styles I spotted the most on the streets of Paris. Below you’ll uncover the list, along with visual inspiration. I also shopped out each of the basics in question if you’re interested in adding a fresh style to your wardrobe.
1. Double-Breasted Blazers
Style Notes: The temperature was in the 10s for most of my time in Paris, so layering pieces were key. I saw double-breasted blazers everywhere—especially with simple tops and jeans. A blazer brings instant polish to any look.
Shop the Look:
Grey is just as versatile as black.
& Other Stories knows all about epic blazers.
A classic black blazer with a nipped in waist.
White blazers always feel fresh.
For an authentic touch, look to French brands like Sézane.
2. Simple Skirts
Style Notes: Skirts were incredibly popular teamed with sneakers, flats and boots. The style sort of ranged—either simple knit styles or in satin.
Shop the Look:
I'm very into this whole co-ord.
A maxi slip skirt is high on my wish list.
Style with knee-high boots this spring.
So chic.
3. Relaxed Button-Up Shirts
Style Notes: The button-up shirt (particularly in relaxed cuts) reigned supreme in every neighborhood I visited. I noticed a plethora of classic white styles and also blue-striped silhouettes.
Shop the Look:
This COS number is a real stand out.
This brand is dedicated to great shirts.
A forever shirt.
A classic white shirt features in so many of my outfits.
Simple, yet so effective.
4. Denim Jackets
Style Notes: Given the slightly cooler temperatures when I visited Paris (especially in the morning and at night), denim jackets seemed to be a go-to choice (in addition to blazers). I noticed many looks where the jacket was buttoned all the way up—almost like an alt to a top.
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The perfect wash.
The cropped design adds a directional feel.
I love the western feel.
A classic denim jacket never dates.
I love the tie waist detailing on this.
5. Baggy Jeans/Trousers
Style Notes: I saw baggy trousers and denim everywhere—styled most often with flats or sneakers.
Shop the Look:
We've heard great things about Agolde denim.
Another stand-out style from COS.
The relaxed style is pure perfection.
It's all about the silhouette of this pair.
This pair looks great with heeled ankle boots.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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