How to Achieve Effortless Parisian Chic

Have you ever had the feeling of trying too hard? Feeling overdressed or even like you’re in costume just because the outfit you’ve chosen doesn’t feel like you? The last time that happened to me was last spring at a friend’s wedding. The dress I had chosen was lovely on its own: a little navy blue dress with white polka dots and a bow at the back of the neck. I paired it with charming flat raffia ankle-tie shoes (the wedding was in Spain), a beige cashmere cardigan with gold buttons, and a stylish camel bag. The outfit was chic and appropriate, but I felt uncomfortable all evening because I’m not really used to wearing dresses, except perhaps when I’m on vacation. I wanted to try something different for the occasion, but I realized I would have felt much more like myself in a suit :).

I’ve experienced this same feeling of overdoing it on several occasions: at parties, in restaurants, or even sometimes at work. I first truly realized the notion of effortless chic when I moved to Paris for work nearly ten years ago. Now living in Bordeaux, I find that in Paris—and increasingly throughout France—women have a real sense of style; they never overdo it—or at least they don’t seem to. It’s that delicate and difficult balance between chic and understated style that I constantly seek when creating an outfit. So, how can we achieve that perfect balance?

Having written fashion editorials (and much more!) for over six years now on this blog, I’m going to share with you everything I’ve learned along the way. I’ll provide practical advice that you can apply using pieces from your own wardrobe, allowing you to emulate the much-coveted effortless chic of French and Parisian women. I hope you find these tips helpful :)!

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1. One Statement Piece at a Time

My first piece of advice is to wear only one statement piece at a time—or at most two for dressier evening events. But what exactly is a statement piece, you might ask? It’s an item that immediately stands out due to its color, print, cut, or simply its originality. It’s something with flair that adds character to your outfit. This could be a blazer, a tweed jacket, leather pants or a leather jacket, a stunning oversized long coat (like the one shown in the photo above), a beautiful pair of shoes, or a blouse with a pussy bow collar.

For a typical Parisian effortless-chic look, the best—and simplest—way to wear a statement piece is, of course, to pair it with basics. Think of classic white T-shirts, crisp white or light blue shirts, jeans, sneakers, cozy knit sweaters, and plain knit dresses—essentially all the wardrobe staples that are free of extra details and come in simple, classic colors.

2. Mix and Match Unexpectedly

This is what I love most about fashion: crafting simple, relaxed, yet chic looks by combining unexpected pieces from very different styles—pairings you might not initially dare to try. For example, wearing a cozy knit sweater layered over an evening dress, pairing a midi skirt with riding boots, adding pretty white tights under a burgundy knit dress, layering a leather jacket over a silk blouse with a pussy-bow collar or ruffles, draping a parka over a suit, or pairing loafers with a somewhat overly modest 60s-inspired short dress. I enjoy creating and wearing “chic-décontractés” French looks (casual chic) that are perfect for everyday wear and (almost) any occasion. I love discovering these diverse and varied combinations on the runways and in the streets of Paris and Bordeaux as they evolve with each season and trend.

3. Less is More When it Comes to Jewelry

While a beautiful piece of jewelry can add a special touch to an outfit, in my experience, it often ends up being one touch too many. Personally, I stopped wearing jewelry quite some time ago. Not accessorizing with jewelry has made my daily dressing much simpler :). The only pieces I might consider are a pretty pair of earrings, a bracelet, a ring, a necklace, or a watch (like this Prima watch from Parisian jewelry Maison Gemmyo). I love watches; they’re probably the easiest accessory to wear every day. However, I’d never wear all these pieces at once—just one at a time, depending on the outfit and the occasion.

4. Avoid Logos and Monograms

Effortless style is synonymous with minimalism—a conclusion I’ve come to over the years. In the past, I could have showcased fashion pieces adorned with logos, but my perspective has evolved. Today, in my wardrobe, you’ll find everything except items that display logos, monograms, or other recognizable marks. The only piece I own with a distinctive detail is a small vintage Céline Crécy bag from the ’70s, featuring the iconic ‘Calèche’ zipper on the front (often mistaken for Hermès). It’s so little known that it’s rarely recognized, which I absolutely adore. I don’t have a strong penchant for luxury; the only other luxury item in my wardrobe is a pair of Tod’s loafers (without logos, of course) that I bought a few years ago. Now, in every piece I buy, I always seek the best quality my budget allows, along with craftsmanship, timelessness, and versatility.

5. Prioritize a Natural Beauty Routine

Whether it’s your makeup, nails, or hairstyle and color, the key is to keep things natural! The makeup of Parisian women (and French women in general) is often minimal or barely noticeable: a bit of powder to even out the complexion, a touch of concealer only where needed, a hint of blush on the cheeks, and a coat of mascara—and that’s it! To be completely honest, I’ve only been using these four products for my makeup for almost a year now: Le Correcteur de Chanel in the shade B20 and three wonderful products from Aime (they ship to the US) that the brand kindly sent me—the Powder Foundation in Natural or Light, the Healthy Cheek & Lip Cream, and the Lash Care Tubing Mascara, which doesn’t smudge throughout the day and removes easily with hot water!

My nails are cut short and oval, often without polish or with a hybrid polish that merges makeup and care, such as Dior Nail Glow or the Active Shine or Active Bright from Manucurist Paris. Sometimes, my nails are adorned with a pretty red polish (like Chanel Le Vernis 151 Pirate) or a dusty pink (I love Le Vernis 111 Ballerina).

For hair, whether it’s your cut, color, or highlights, always ask your hairstylist for the most natural result possible. If you choose to wear a short bob, classic, or a longer hairstyle, opt for cuts with layers that add movement and make styling easier at home. Opt for balayage instead of traditional highlights to ensure the color blends seamlessly with your natural hair, requiring fewer salon visits as your natural hair grows out. Finally, to take great care of your hair, choose less harsh treatments, and preferably without silicones (I’m currently using and loving Leonor Greyl’s Honey Shampoo and Christophe Robin’s Baby Blonde Mask).

Et voilà! I hope these tips help you embrace effortless chic in your own style. I’d love to hear how you incorporate them—please share your tips and experiences in the comments below! Merci!