Even if you've never been to the City of Lights, you're probably familiar with the fashionable reputation the French city has. From the runways to the streets, the "Parisian chic" style has been a go-to look for many women over the years.
From striped tops to pointelle cardigans, staples of the Parisian look have managed to remain timeless, but there is also some renewed interest in other pillars of the signature style, according to Google Trends data. Searches for oversized button-downs are up 250% within the last three months and interest in the croissant bag style, particularly from luxury brands, has seen consistent interest since an initial large spike (more than 250%!) in 2021.
So, if your eyes are on Paris and its (stylish) people, you just want to add a few timeless pieces into your own wardrobe, we tapped two style experts to help you tap into the 'Parisian chic' style.
What is 'Parisian chic'? | Tops | Bottoms | Shoes | Outerwear | Accessories | How we chose | Meet our experts
What is the 'Parisian chic' style?
"While some people think the Parisian look is cliché, it’s been in fashion for decades for a reason," Carrie Cramer, a celebrity, wardrobe and personal stylist based in Los Angeles, previously told Shop TODAY. "It embodies effortless, chic style that is timeless and looks good on any aged woman. What’s more French than that?"
In essence, the Parisian style is and always will be about the basics — it's just becoming more inclusive for all sizes, backgrounds and shapes. "It's a capsule closet they wear," TODAY Style correspondent Zanna Roberts Rassi shared on TODAY.
From tees and sweaters to black jeans, Cramer says the Parisians know how to effortlessly elevate every kind of look. "Parisians don’t complicate fashion. Invest in timeless basics and keep it simple," she says. "It is never overdone but always gorgeous."
If you're looking to get in on the trend, we rounded up wardrobe picks based on Cramer and Rassi's recommendations. From simple T-shirts to sleek sneakers, here's how to pull off the look.
French fashion: Tops
Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee
Sometimes the look can be as simple as a striped tee and jeans. This boxy top from Everlane is slightly cropped, but the relaxed fit and scoop neckline make it look timeless. Plus, the soft, breathable fabric will have you reaching for it every day of the week.
Gap Organic Cotton Vintage T-Shirt
You can't go wrong with this basic tee. Made with 100% cotton, it's a pick that's comfortable enough to wear year-round.
Asos Design Long Sleeve Striped T-Shirt
Prefer long sleeves? This classic tee is perfect for the colder months. Layer it underneath a trench coat or leather jacket to instantly elevate your look.
Quince Cotton Striped Crew Sweater
Striped sweaters also probably come to mind when you think of Parisian style. Cramer recommends pairing the wardrobe staple with a cropped black jean or midi skirt.
Old Navy Oversized Button-Down Boyfriend Shirt
“You can never go wrong with an oversized button-down,” Cramer says of this wardrobe must-have. “Wear it with skinny black trousers to work [or] pair with a pencil skirt and tie the ends into a knot at your waist for a classic look.”
Vfshow Sheath Dress
Rassi credits French luxury designer Coco Chanel with popularizing the tweed jacket. "Chanel was the first one to find this; she discovered it basically hiking in the Scottish highlands with the Duke of Westminster," Rassi said.
You don't have to go for a tweed jacket though! We're loving this tweed-inspired dress that is perfect for the office.
French fashion: Bottoms
Old Navy Mid-Rise Rockstar Super-Skinny Jeans
If you're going to keep a pair of skinny jeans in your closet, let it be a black pair. They're easy to dress up or down and will most likely match any top already in your closet.
H&M Skinny High Jeans
Skinny jeans, but make them breathable. These H&M bottoms are made with stretch denim, says the brand, so you can move comfortably and still rock denim.
Universal Thread High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Not into skinny jeans? A cropped style with a wide leg like this one can give your look a more modern feel.
LC Lauren Conrad Pointelle Midi Sweater Skirt
“I am in love with the sweater separates that create a full head-to-toe look,” Cramer says. Creating a monochrome outfit with a matching sweater and skirt works for both professional and casual wear — plus, it looks effortless.
French fashion: Shoes
Steve Madden Vinetta Pearl Ivory Ballet Flats
Ballet flats, which Rassie says were invented in France in the 1700s, are the "It" summer shoe. This shoe combines two quintessential French trends: Ballet flats and pearls.
Aerosoles Crystal Ballet Flats
Cramer recommends opting for black leather flats to get you through the day in style. This chic pair by Aerosoles features a rounded toe and quilted footbed but can also be shopped in several other colors and designs.
Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers
Parisians do a lot of walking, and Cramer told us that they’ve started to embrace sneakers in a big way. These Stan Smith shoes don’t sacrifice fashion for comfort, and Cramer says the trendy “old-school style” gives them some Parisian flair.
French fashion: Outerwear
Mango Women’s Trim Tweed Jacket
If you like to layer, this tweed jacket is an easy way to polish up any outfit. We love the straightforward design and unique hook-and-eye fastening.
JJ Perfection Casual Long Knit Cardigan
A simple but chic cardigan is the versatile staple every woman should have in their closet. Not only can it elevate an outfit, but it’s a stylish way to add extra layers for warmth.
Lightweight Long Sleeve Crochet Cardigan
According to Cramer, Parisians can take a cardigan from day to night with a simple outfit change. It can be worn during the day with a simple tee or at night with a slip dress. “Pointelle cardigans add a little extra interest with a subtle design that is perfectly Parisian,” she added.
Wantdo Waterproof Double-Breasted Trench Coat
“A light beige coat is a must-have Parisian staple that should be in your closet now and until the end of time,” Cramer says. “Every Parisian woman has a classic, beige trench coat because it works well in any weather and is a perfect layer to add anytime of the year.”
French fashion: Accessories
Fonyve Head Scarf
Need a quick pop of color? Tie a headscarf around your neck in classic French fashion. Rassi recommends opting for a classic French knot.
J.Crew Layered Pearl Necklace
"You couldn't get more French than a string of pearls; it's all about the way you wear them," Rassi says. She recommends a multi-strand necklace for a draped look.
Melifluos Designed in Spain Geometric Scarf
A printed scarf can seal off your look, as well as add a pop of color to your outfit. This affordable pick can be worn not only around the neck, but also as a headscarf, shawl, wrap skirt and more.
FashionPuzzle Small Triple Zip Crossbody Bag
A leather crossbody isn't just a fashion statement — it's an investment that you'll get a lot of use out of (and can wear with practically anything, might we add). Shop TODAY writer Jannely Espinal loves accessorizing with this crossbody and says it is a great travel bag, too.
Classic Square Polarized Sunglasses
A pair of sunglasses is one way to accessorize the look — and one you shouldn’t forget, according to Cramer. These shades come in a trendy tortoise shell design that will have plenty of onlookers stopping you to ask where you picked them up.
Leather Ruched Handbag
Don't let the name throw you off — croissant bags are a big trend right now. "I especially love a croissant bag because it feels youthful and adds some personality to chic basic[s]," Cramer says.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers. To choose these Parisian style staples and favorites, we followed the recommendations of experts.
Meet our experts
- Zanna Roberts Rassi is a New York-based beauty and fashion journalist, TODAY Style correspondent and co-founder of Milk Makeup Cosmetics.
- Carrie Cramer is a celebrity, wardrobe and personal stylist based in Los Angeles, California.
