Parisian style embodies a timeless, classic look rooted in effortless silhouettes for the girl on the go. A wardrobe inspired by French icons like Brigitte Bardot, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Jane Birkin combine practicality and high-fashion, allowing for the chicest outfit combinations in a pinch. Pairing a simple, well fitted white T-shirt with tailored French denim accompanied by a little red bag will have you turning heads instantly. This simple yet effective look can be worn with heels and gold jewelry for a night out on the town or with sneakers and sunglasses to run your daily errands. The duality of the "French girl" aesthetic is the reason why it will never go out of style–and you won't have to worry about being off trend.
In the book Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by model Ines de la Fressange, Fressange gives tips on what pieces are necessary to build a quintessential French girl wardrobe. The pieces listed at the beginning of the guide are described as her "Top Ten ideas for an offbeat look á la Parisienne," here are some reoccurring garments in that compilation: jeans, a pencil skirt, a sequin top or sweater, a denim skirt, shorts, an evening dress, a graphic t-shirt, and a tux jacket.
Clever Alice caries a variety of French brands, including SWEEWE Paris for basics, Oraije Paris for the perfect denim, and Molly Bracken for a fun statement piece. If you have been looking to enter your Parisian Chic era, this guide can help you begin your journey to looking put together everyday with the smallest amount of effort.
1. Jeans
ORAIJE PARIS COLOMBE JEAN IN LIGHT WASH
If you are looking for a jean that will last you a lifetime look no further than Oraije Paris. This light wash style can be paired with anything from a simple tank to a colorful statement blouse. The structured yet relaxed high-wasted fit allows for you to create the most flattering, tasteful outfits quickly. If you aren't a fan of the light wash look, opt for a dark wash by Oraije Paris.
2. A Pencil Skirt
SWEEWE CORDUROY SKIRT IN GREEN , RUST OR BLACK
The pencil skirt is a necessary closet essential that has been around for ages, and it doesn't have to always be worn to the office. SWEEWEE Paris has its own rendition of the pencil skirt look made with a corduroy material available in three wearable colors for everyday use. You could wear this piece with ballet flats like Fressange suggests in her guide, or with a white sneaker for a more casual look.
3. A Sequin Top
WALTER BAKER BARRA TOP, CITY SEQUIN MINK
NYC based designer Walter Baker is known for his unique statement pieces, and this sequin mesh top is the perfect example of an elevated basic. You will have this outfit on rotation paired with your French jeans for a night out.
4. A Denim Skirt
ORAIJE PARIS JUSY SKIRT IN CHEETAH PRINT
This cheetah print denim skirt from Oraije adds a trendy twist to the classic piece. Animal prints are all the rage and are the perfect way to add a modern flare to a classic silhouette. With a tucked white blouse or a black tank this piece will surely make a statement without being too much.
5. Shorts
CLEVER ALICE PLEATED BOY SHORTS IN CREAM
These cream pleated shorts from our private label have a tailored look bound to work with most tops in your wardrobe. Style these with loafers as suggested in Parisian Chic along with a solid colored or striped shirt to embody the typical day-to-day French girl.
6. An Evening Dress
SWEEWE PARIS SUMMER DRESS IN BLUE
Be the best dressed in the room this summer with this stunning piece from SWEEWE Paris. This new in dress comes in blue with gold accents perfect to pair with a gold necklace and sandals for any occasion that calls for more done-up attire.
7. A Graphic T-Shirt
MOLLY BRACKEN BRAZIL TEE
This bright green Brazil top by French designer Molly Bracken is a great way to easily bring some come into your everyday outfit combos. Pair with light wash jeans and Fressange's suggestion of a pearl necklace to elevate this casual tee.
8. A Tux Jacket
WILD PONY SHORT BLACK SUIT BLAZER
Spanish brand Wild Pony brings basics like the traditional blazer to a whole new level. Sport this cropped black suit jacket with any cropped top under it or alone with black suit pants.
These "French girl" essentials have stood the test of time, and since Ines de la Fressange's cult Parisian fashion bible being published in 2011, her rules still apply. Check back to our website to see all our new French arrivals sure to slowly build the ideal capsule clothing collection to last a lifetime.