Chic Décontracté

How the French dress casual and still look chic.

One of the most asked questions from my followers is how should they dress when they visit Paris. I posted about this in relation to spring in an older post so I thought I’d address what to wear in the winter since I’ll be headed there soon.

Everyone always thinks that Parisians are more dressed up than Americans, and in many cases they are, but comfort is also of utmost importance to the French. The difference is that they can do it without resorting to leggings and sweatpants.

In New York, I’m subjected to everyone in matching workout clothes or athleisure topped with a black puffer coat every time I step outside. The French will wear their real clothes to yoga or pilates and then change into their workout clothes once they arrive.

There is still a sense of collective society in Paris, not only in their manners, but also their dress. They don’t just roll out of bed and head outside to get their baguette because it’s not respectful to their neighbors and other people.

The best way to describe Parisians style is chic décontracté which translates to smart casual. They are often wearing jeans or sneakers but manage to look pulled together by pairing them with a wool coat and a nice scarf which makes them appear more dressed up.

I would also not necessarily follow what people are wearing to Paris Fashion Week since most of them aren’t Parisienne or in the Marais, unless you are very young. I spend a lot of time in the 7th where I always watch to see what French women are wearing there since they always seem to be the best dressed.

I’ve put together five outfits of examples of how you can replicate their style for yourself whether you are traveling to Paris or just going to the grocery store.

“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” - Coco Chanel

Coat, sweater, trousers, loafers, socks, scarf, bracelet, bag, hat, makeup, and book.

This is one of my favorite outfits I’ve ever seen in Paris and it’s one that is most similar to how I dress. I especially love that while her shoes and socks are burgundy, she added a plum colored hat so the outfit isn’t completely matchy-matchy.

While the coat she is wearing at navy, I took the liberty to choose this grey Prince of Wales checked coat since I often see patterned wool coats in Paris. I was once in the security line at JFK behind three other women wearing a patterned wool coat while wearing one myself.

For this outfit, I chose a longer grey wool trouser but then I found these Italian wool slim leg lined ankle pants for $89.90 that are almost exactly the same as the ones she’s wearing.

The coat is the outfit in winter until you get inside and start sweating because it’s so stuffy but I still wear all my cashmere sweaters anyway. I love this ivory luxe cashmere crewneck sweater but this $50 cashmere sweater is a less expensive option.

For shoes, I’d choose a tasseled loafer from The Row but this burgundy loafers would work too. And these. Bare ankles is a no-no in the winter and will give you away as an American so I always advise wearing sock like these ribbed wool socks.

I found this paisley scarf that has a similar feel to hers and a ribbed cashmere hat that is almost exactly the same.

She’s just carrying a black tote bag and you’ll see many people in Paris carrying tote bags on a daily basis along with a crossbody bag. I’d carry something chic like this vintage Hermès Plume bag.

You’ll rarely see a French woman dripping in jewelry but a nice gold classic cable chain bracelet would be appropriate.

Parisienne women rarely wear makeup but most of us need a little something which is why I love this La Palette Visage for some color.

There are many books written about Paris but I’d start with A Moveable Feast from Ernest Hemingway.

"You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it." - Edith Head

Coat, sweater, jeans, sneakers, bag, scarf, hat, earrings, hair scrub, and magazine.

I saw this woman on a Saturday morning at 10:45am in the 7th. I assume she was on her way to do her shopping since she had her market basket in her hand. She’s another example of how you can dress simply but still look incredibly chic.

I switched up the color of her coat because I love this shade of this taupe double breasted wool cashmere coat so much. This other taupe cashmere trench coat is another option and it’s lined.

The wool and cashmere polo sweater adds a nice tonal touch. You can definitely wear white or ivory jeans like these in the winter but only on sunny days.

I own the sneakers in a different colorway and can attest that you can walk all over the city in them. You can try this taupe pair for a less expensive option.

I love the eucalyptus color of this leather crossbody bag for adding something unexpected. This small hobo is also a fun green color.

I own the same striped cotton scarf and it’s great when you want a little neck coverage but it’s too warm for a big wool scarf. The wool felt fedora hat will help keep the run and misty rain off of you. I’d finish things off with a simple pair of gold-plated sterling silver earrings.

If you’re someone who doesn’t wash your hair while traveling, you should try the new Rōz Salt Scalp Scrub.

The best place to pick up magazines in the 7th like Harper’s Bazaar France is Kiosque à Journaux right outside La Grande Épicerie.

"It is what a woman leaves off, not what she puts on that gives her cachet." - Paul Poiret

Coat, turtleneck sweater, trousers, boots, tote, hat, serum, and euros.

I’ll have to put together a full post on the puces of Paris but my favorite place to shop on weekends is Paul Bert Serpette. Not only can you find wonderful treasures but the people watching is top notch. That’s where I saw this chic girl and her boyfriend.

I often see leopard coats in Paris but was amazed to find a leopard coat that looks almost identical to hers.

I own the Arch4 oversized cashmere turtleneck sweater and it’s a very luxurious and warm sweater to wear when it’s very cold. This black oversized cashmere turtleneck is another less expensive option.

Obviously, you could wear jeans like her but I’d also pack a pair of black wool trousers so you can make another outfit.

I own the same suede ankle boots and they are definitely comfortable enough to wear for a few hours of shopping or out to dinner. These are another suede boot option.

I recommend carrying a tote bag or bring a canvas bag with you if you plan to really shop at the flea market.

You could wear a black cashmere hat or this brown melange cashmere bouclé beanie.

If you want to give your skin a boost after a long flight, I highly recommend Angela Caglia Cell Forté Serum.

Many dealers accept credit cards at the Paul Bert Serpette flea market but you can definitely negotiate a better deal if you pay in cash. I always make sure I go to the ATM before I head out.

"My style icon is anyone who makes a bloody effort." - Isabella Blow

Coat, sweater, trousers, sneakers, bag, scarf, hat, sunglasses, passport cover, and lip compact.

This was the most popular outfit of Michael Rider’s debut at Celine so I thought I’d style a version for you.

Navy coats are very popular with Parisians and especially with white jeans. This navy Italian wool coat is a wam option that can be dressed down. If money is no object, the Prada navy double breasted wool coat is a longer version of the Celine blazer. Here’s another navy coat option.

It’s too cold to just wear a white shirt so I’d wear a navy wool polo sweater and tuck a Celine silk scarf into the neckline for some color.

The ivory pleated wide-leg pants will give you a similar Celine look.

The white Celine perforated Triomphe lambskin shoes are available if you want the exact look but the neutral sneakers are better for winter. These ivory sneakers are a reasonably priced option for you.

I own this red Celine Triomphe crossbody bag and I love the pop of color it adds to my neutral outfits.

Finish off the look with a grey cashmere hat, light sunglasses perfect for grey weather, and a red lip.

I have an eau de nil colored passport cover which makes it easy to find in my bag and the cover helps to prevent the slim passport from getting lost. This blue leather passport cover is another great option.

Don’t forget that some stores won’t accept a copy of your passport to fill out the détax forms so you will want to carry your passport on days you plan to do a lot of shopping.

"You can never be overdressed or overeducated."- Oscar Wilde

Coat, sweater, jeans, sneakers, bag, scarf, hat, skincare, and film.

I don’t know who took this photo but it’s the first time I’ve seen someone with my same burgundy Celine soft Triomphe bag. It’s still sold out. I keep checking for you but I think I found a close approximation.

I’m not allowed to buy anymore grey coats but if I wasn’t, I would definitely buy this grey wool double-breasted coat. Other grey coat options include this one, this one, this one, this one, and this one.

I took the color of her scarf as the jumping off point for this smoky green cashmere sweater. This is another green option.

For jeans, you could try this longer pair or a cropped kickout pair.

People of all ages wear sneakers like these because they walk or bike everywhere.

The burgundy leather flap crossbody bag is the closest I’ve been able to find to my Celine bag.

The green embroidered scarf and lilac cashmere hat add some color to the outfit.

When your skin is parched from too much time inside hot places, try this Sweet Chemistry Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-cream.

A great way to keep your ear for the French language and to understand French culture is to immerse yourself in French cinema. The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie by Luis Buñuel is a good place to start. It’s “a surreal, virtually plotless series of dreams centered around six middle-class people and their consistently interrupted attempts to have a meal together”.

Once you start watching French films, you will start to notice how many American filmmakers were inspired by them. You’ll also start to understand references to them like when Blair and Dan go to see Mr. Hulot’s Holiday by Jacques Tati.

"Dressing well is a form of good manners." - Tom Ford

One of the most important things to remember about how the French dress is that they never want to look like they tried too hard so don’t over think your outfits and don’t forget to say bonjour when you enter a store.

You can also find much more detailed advice in my Paris Guide.

XOXO,

HC

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