Ever since Gabrielle Chanel introduced the world to the concept of ‘French chic’, women have been obsessed by the understated Parisian style.
It’s hard to pinpoint what it looks like – it could be a shaggy coat, an undone white shirt, fitted jeans and biker boots, or it could be a fuss-free little black dress and ballet pumps. It’s spindly stilettos and classic leather loafers. It’s the bohemian spirit of Isabel Marant and Françoise Hardy, but also the sartorial restraint of Inès de la Fressange and Chanel. Of course, it’s really about attitude – Parisian women embody confidence, and a conviction in what they wear.
Fast fashion exists in Paris, but you get the sense that locals aren’t as inclined to panic buy – they know what looks good and, while they love style, aren’t dictated by trends. Loud status symbols won’t get you anywhere; for Parisiennes, style is low-key and looks effortless (even if it wasn’t). They understand that sacred sweet spot between nonchalance and polish. It’s a formula that’s particularly relevant to date night style, where we want to look our best but not like we’ve tried too hard. With Valentine’s Day approaching, we spoke to four French women for their tips on how to dress for dates the Parisian way.
KEEP IT LOW-KEY
“My Parisian dad would (unbidden) appraise my date night outfits when I was living with him and always dismissed anything that was too overdone or too overtly ‘sexy,’” says Harper’s Bazaar acting commissioning editor Marie-Claire Chappet, who is half French. “This was not out of parental censure, but because he had a strong opinion on what looked good. He would say, “the sexiest thing can be the fact that everything is a little pared-back, not too try hard. Plus, always add a red lip and always make sure you have ‘bonne coiffure’. You want to be sexy but never, ever as if you have made the slightest bit of effort to achieve this.”
DENIM IS A GOOD IDEA
“A great pair of flare jeans or vintage-inspired straight-leg denim works best,” says Sharon Krief, one half of French brand ba&sh. “Pair it with a silk blouse and blazer for a chic, relaxed look. “A high-waisted, well-cut style such as our Evan is a great option too,” adds ba&sh co-founder Barbara Boccara. “You can dress them up or down, depending on the mood.”
IF IN DOUBT, PAINT IT BLACK
“The aim with Parisian style is always less-is-more: insouciance, and it’s much the same with date night except you may wear – shockingly – more black,” laughs Chappet. “Parisian women are ready to go to a funeral at a moment’s notice.”
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THINK ABOUT THE DETAILS
“A rolled-up sleeve, an unbuttoned collar, or a loosely tucked-in shirt – those little details make a big difference,” says Boccara. “They make an outfit feel more nonchalant.”
ba&sh Plume dress, £300, Visha jacket, £350
MIX MASCULINE AND FEMININE
“Blend trad masculine with trad feminine,” says Chappet. “Team an oversized man’s shirt with a mini skirt and some patent Mary Janes, or a tailored trouser suit with heels.”
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EXPERIMENT WITH CONTRASTS
“Play with volume and contrast,” says Maria-Rosa Fragapane, Studio Director at Gallic label Claudie Pierlot. “Try layering and new combinations, and trust that everything will eventually come together. Fashion is meant to be fun.”
AVOID HAIR STRAIGHTENERS AND BLOW-DRIES
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“You want your hair to look artfully dishevelled,” says Boccara. “A quick tousle with your fingers, and you’re done. The less effort it looks like you put in, the better!”
DON’T GO OVERBOARD WITH MAKEUP
Claudie Pierlot spring/summer 2025
“French New Wave cinema isn’t about where the light falls, but where it’s reflected,” says Fragapane. For makeup, this means you should “stick to a subtle and fresh complexion, perfect for mirroring the light and drawing the eye.”
DON’T RULE OUT FLATS
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Fragapane loves flats (“If the date turns sour, it’s easier to make a quick exit.”), but Boccara prefers heels. “They always add that extra elegance and confidence. A great pair of heeled boots such as our Claudia or chic pumps can transform an outfit,” she says.
CHOOSE JEWELLERY WITH MEANING
Sharon Krief and Barbara Boccara of ba&sh
“For me, jewellery is key,” explains Krief. “I feel best when I wear pieces that have meaning, it feels chic somehow, and since my daughter creates our jewellery, they’re extra special to me. I like delicate styles, our Reset watch is a great example.”
AND IF YOU’RE FEELING NERVOUS…
“A glass of champagne, but make it ‘piscine’ – served over ice, for that extra-refreshing touch,” says Krief. “Nothing sets the mood better.”
The outfits:
Floaty dress + blazer + heeled boots
“A perfect date night outfit is all about balance – something chic but effortless,” says Boccara. “I would go for a flowing dress, like our Plume dress, paired with a tailored blazer to add structure.”
Blazer + silk camisole + high-waisted trousers
“I love a mix of masculine and feminine,” explains Krief. “A sharp blazer with a silky camisole and high-waisted trousers is always elegant and sophisticated.”
Sleeveless fitted dress + white T-shirt + ballet pumps
“The Claudie girl opts for a sleeveless fitted dress, ideal for layering – a tailored look she complements with a white cotton shirt, visible underneath the V-neck of the dress,” says Fragapane. “For shoes, she sticks to her go-to black leather loafers or, to match the theme, wears ballet flats adorned with a gold hammered heart.”
Silk shirt + black tailored pants + kitten heel
“If I was going out for the evening with my husband, I’d wear a silk shirt, ever so slightly undone, tucked into black tailored pants or dark jeans with a kitten heel slingback,” says Chappet. “My husband is also French and loves me in a shirt over jeans more than any of the LBDs I have in my wardrobe.”
Lead image: Sezane
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Any Questions or Tips to add?