In my book, Practising Parisienne (published by Hachette in 2021) I wrote that the key to “parisian style lies in simplicity and a wardrobe of essentials.” In fact I wrote a whole section about French fashion (if you’d like to read more), analyzing the foundations that I think make up an armoire parisienne; the key items, such as the trench and the history behind them. And whilst parisian style (what we see in the streets today) has certainly come a long way since Chanel invented the Breton top, many of these pieces have remained classics; forever ingrained in our minds of what it means to be chic and stylish when worn. They are synonymous with dressing French (even if they are now somewhat cliché), so much so that the likes of Sézane and Rouje have built their hugely successful brands on the back of many of these iconic items.
Why am I telling you this? Well, it will explain my curation; a selection of more than 30 mainly minimal, simple pieces that when worn and styled together in the right way become effortless and timeless, transcending the trends, just like the images above - the photo of Kate Moss being a case in point. That suede jacket would look just as good worn today as it did then. (I’ve added a few to this edit).
Of course a lot of time and effort goes into dressing well, but a good starting point are these great foundations. Ironically, I often look to Scandinavian and American brands for my clothing essentials - classically French style items, such as jeans, a white shirt or black blazer - as many of my favourites have created refined updates on these basics. And so with Paris Fashion week around the corner I thought I would put together an edit of pieces that I would happily wear, were I visiting Paris and in doing so, revealing my go-to brands and items that make up my ideal capsule wardrobe.
This selection includes denim, bags, knits, trenches, blazers, accessories and shoes.
Just pack an umbrella and a pair of shoes that will keep your feet dry if you’re arriving imminently (I’ve added a couple of boots in there just in case).
An update on my edits for free subscribers - you will now be able to see the first three items; paid subscribers will be able to see the full edit. A subscription works out at just €5 a month (instead of 6€) if you sign up to the yearly plan, where you will also get FULL ACCESS to my archive of wardrobe, homeware and travel edits, including my Little Black Book of Paris addresses. Plus paid subscribers can ask me anything in the comments - looking for something specific? I can help you find it!
Striped rugby top (they’ve suddenly made a come-back and would look great under a denim jacket or to dress down a more elevated blazer, with a knit thrown over the shoulders)
Oversized brown trench (a gorgeous caramel trench that is an investment, but this is a style that can be worn for years)
Cream T Shirt (another hard-working Parisian wardrobe piece that will work on its own with blazers, denim jackets, tucked into skirts or trousers. Basically a must-have)