What is Parisian Style? A Cinematic Guide to Effortless French Fashion

Parisian style is often described as effortless, which is a bit unfair as playing the long-game with balanced and considered fashion choices is anything but. ‘French’ fashion isn’t about spending the morning throwing an outfit together, it’s about investing years refining a capsule wardrobe full of chic pieces that work, then simply stepping into it. 

 

Perhaps the essence of French fashion is to not appear dressed for anything in particular. Not the office, not the bar, not even dinner. The trick is to appear dressed for the day as if the day itself were an occasion.

 

Of course, the ‘Parisian Woman’ is an archetype and ideal so what better way to find inspiration than French cinema? Consider the films below your guides to elegant dressing.

 

Amélie (2001)

Watch Amélie and you’ll notice something immediately. No one looks styled, yet it’s arguably the most stylish film ever made. The titular character appears in a cardigan, a simple dress and clodhopper shoes, but worn with total conviction. Nothing matches too neatly. Nothing screams trend. The outfit perfectly belongs to the character. 

 

Before taking your outfit out for a spin, ask yourself “could I walk into the café in Amelie and fit in?” If the answer is yes, you're probably channeling some Parisian style. 

 

Before Sunset (2004)

Image credit: Wikipedia

 

Yes, I have chosen the middle instalment of a trilogy which is perhaps unorthodox, but In Before Sunset, Julie Delpy's character Celine spends nearly the entire film walking through Paris in one outfit, so it felt appropriate.

 

The movie and the clothes are deceptively simple. The floaty top skims rather than clings, the neckline is open but not revealing, the jeans fit perfectly. Celine effortlessly strolls through romantic streetscapes, bookshops and riverbanks in sandals being flirtatious and gorgeous with Ethan Hawke, what more do you want?

 

That’s the French ideal, clothes which keep pace with life and look breezy while doing it. 

 

La Piscine (1969)

Few films have influenced modern ideas of what a French wardrobe looks like more quietly than La Piscine.

 

Leading lady Romy Schneider wears crisp shirts worn open at the collar, minimal swimsuits, and bare feet while looking more stylish than should be scientifically possible with such simple ingredients. 

 

There is nothing try hard about this understated sensuality and that’s why it works. The definition of cool. 

 

À Bout de Souffle (Breathless) (1960)

 

The new wave classic À Bout de Souffle is achingly, deliciously French. Jean Seberg’s looks seem modern today thanks to their timeless simplicity. According to Vogue, there isn’t a costume designer in the credits, which makes sense as both of the lead actors could have nonchalantly rocked up to set in what they were already wearing.

 

Never before has a belted striped dress looked so aspirational because of the way it’s worn. 

Full Moon in Paris (1984)

 

Yes, it’s ridiculously ‘80s, but Full Moon in Paris proves that even the most frivolous fashion decades can channel effortless French charm. Pascale Ogier’s looks in Full Moon are a masterclass in what later became known as “effortless French girl style” before it was a cliché.

 

Director Eric Rohmer’s entire cinematic back catalogue is a Parisian masterclass because the women are not dressed for aesthetics sake, but for the possibility of being understood. Perhaps this understanding of the philosophical essence of fashion as a concept is why the clothes never age. 

 

Cover image credit: Sortir A Paris