Image by nicogenin via Flickr
When a lot of people think of Paris, they conjure up images in their head of chic and sophisticated individuals who are permanently clad in couture and oversized sunglasses. There are many different looks that encompass what is traditionally French. As you can see below there is no singular look which can be termed as stereotypically French.
Classic
One of the staples of a French girl’s wardrobe is classic pieces which last many seasons. Classic clothes include simple cocktail dresses (think “the little black dress”) and tailored suits. These items of clothing stick to a more traditional cut, rather than going with what is in fashion at the time. This means they will be able to be worn for many seasons. Style also encompasses the element of simplicity and effortlessness which are also prominent in the classic clothes we see on French women.
OTT
OTT as in “over the top” – but with style. Paris is the home of haute couture; it is the hub of the fashion world and designers flock to it for inspiration and networking opportunities. This makes the wild and fantastical a part of everyday fashion in Paris. However it’s not a case of taking the haute couture straight off the runway. Parisian girls have a knack for taking element of this fashion style and incorporating it into a sophisticated looking outfit. The classic style underpinning the haute couture makes for a balanced mix. The simplicity of classic allows a Parisian girl to add over the top elements of haute couture without spilling over into the absurd and outlandish.
