Ever wondered what to wear in Paris? Well, I’m here to tell you! First and foremost you need to ask yourself if you’re trying to blend in with Parisians or if you don’t mind being a tourist in the City of Lights. Some people will tell you absolutely not to dress like a tourist in Paris, but honestly? It’s a tourist city (and with good reason!). Dressing chic like a Paris woman sounds elegant and wonderful, but if you’re jam packing your day with walking and sightseeing it might not be the best option for you.

However, if you’re wanting to dress like a Parisian, chic and elegant, here’s how! Combine this style guide with my suggestions on what to wear for your Paris anniversary experience and you’ll be photo ready in Paris! Also, you might be surprised that you can even ‘dress down’ and dress like a Parisienne for those busy sight seeing days.

How to dress like a Parisian

What to wear in Paris? The short answer is go for timeless pieces that exude elegance. I’ve outlined each piece of clothing and styling below, and just how the Paris woman would wear it.

Her just right blouse

I’ve often wondered how Paris women get the perfect fit in seemingly all of their blouses. It’s tailored and fitted just enough, but never tight and always has a flow about it. Their tops are absolutely never too tight or unable to breathe. In Paris these concepts aren’t only adapted with finer silk or linen blouses, but even a casual cotton shirt.

Her over the blouse statement

The French always seem to have the perfect jacket, blazer, or shall. I call it their ‘over the blouse statement’. Paris women always wear it with such elegance even in hot weather. Although I don’t fully understand having a light jacket when it’s 90 degrees out, I can say it is a beautiful statement.

You’ll see the Paris woman wearing the perfectly tailored jacket or blazer. The one that is just right for her blouse. It could be a true coat, blazer, trench or other rain jacket, or oversized scarf. Although there are many options the Parisians know which is most appropriate for the weather and outfit.

Her bottoms

You’ll rarely find the Paris woman wearing shorts, but you’ll often see black pants and beautiful skirts. Their black pants are a staple in their closets and worn frequently as a go to foundation for their attire. If you’re feeling a little more dressy and channeling dressing like a Parisian you can find the perfectly fitted, appropriate length skirt. What you don’t see a lot of in Paris? Jeans and as I mentioned, shorts. If you do see jeans they are very nice and never tattered.

Her Dress

Oh, her dresses. She has the most elegant dresses and while some are floor length evening gowns, her day dresses are just as classic. Whether floral, solid, or another simple pattern the cut of the dress is flattering and never too tight or too slouchy.

The material of her dress is always intentional of the day she is having. A more simple cotton dress for the market then a chiffon number for a traditional dinner with her man.

Her Shoes

Whether heels or flats they are always sophisticated. I never see the Paris women wearing over the top or statement shoes. They are always classic shapes, materials, and colors. You won’t see leopard print heels in the City of Lights. And though sophistication is key, just like with the rest of her attire, her shoes are appropriate for the day and task.

How to Dress like a Parisian: Style Guide

Her Make Up

Paris women always strive for a natural, elegant look rather than the bold makeup look we are so accustomed to in America. Women rarely wear liquid foundation or pencil in dramatic eyebrows for their every day look. More likely their every day make up consists of powder, blush, and a natural lip. Now don’t get me wrong- Paris ladies can certainly sport a red lip with ease and wear a bolder look beautifully. It’s simply not their go to look.

Her Jewelry

Less is more with jewelry. Paris women would rather have very few heirloom high quality pieces than a jewelry box full of costume or trendy jewels. Classic is in among the Paris women and it’s something I adore about their style!

Single diamond pendant necklace for an elegant dinner and no necklace but beautiful earring studs for every day wear. A small understated watch is also a must. Nothing oversized, her watch is to tell time and not worn as statement accessory.

Her Accessories

I couldn’t write a guide on how to dress like a Parisienne without discussing her accessories! We’ve all heard of the french manicure. Well, after asking around and noticing lots of beautiful nails in Paris- Parisian women don’t accessorize with the french manicure. In fact, they aren’t sure why it’s named after them.

Paris women much prefer a solid color simple manicured look- if any polish at all. More often than not they simply keep their nails looking clean and shaped.

The scarf is also a staple among women in Paris. No matter the season the scarf remains although the material and style switches between seasons. In the Summer a light silk scarf, the fall an oversized silk or linen shall, and the winter a wool short or long addition for warmth.

No matter the accessory the rule to dress like a Parisian remains the same- simplicity wins. If it seems over the top or a little too trendy, it probably is for the Paris woman.

The Men’s Guide of What to Wear in Paris

All this talk about how to dress like a Parisian woman, but what about the men? The men of Paris dress equally as simplistic and seem to always be wearing a suit. Although, when dressed more casual you can still count on them to have well tailored clothes that follow very similar ‘rules’ to the women. Rules like, less is more and classic elegance in mind.