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There’s something about a trip to Paris that makes me think about what to pack more carefully. It’s not just that it’s the ultimate fashion mecca, but also that French women have created a look so chic that it’s copied the world over. It’s a dress code heavily reliant on well-made, trend-transcending staples worn with just the right amount of dégagé. It isn’t necessary to dress the way the locals do when visiting a destination, but in Paris it feels appropriate – a way of playing with Gallic style and a mindset that celebrates undone elegance. This packing list is about helping you to feel a little bit French, without any of the clichés.Â
The ART OF FRENCH WOMEN DRESSING is perfecting the art of never looking too much. You’ll need a great coat (Sezane’s Clyde has reached cult status), a classic pair of high-waisted jeans – a timeless straight-leg will always help you fit in, as will a wide-leg style – and a cardigan undone a few buttons to reveal the slightest hint of a black bra. You’re looking for MODERN DESIGN CLASSICS: an oversized shirt (if you can borrow from the boys even better), a tailored blazer, a crew-neck knit and a lace-trimmed vest to wear with your jeans for evening – WORN WITH A SIDE OF NONCHALANCE.Â
Take your inspiration from the brands Parisian women love. Soeur for fuss-free designs that fuse masculine and feminine; Sézane for cult pieces with waitlist appeal; Rouje for easy-to-wear styles with a touch of romance; Marie Marot for the best-cut shirts, and Stouls, for desirable leather wardrobe staples that you’ll love forever.Â
Accessorise with gold or mixed metal jewellery for added, low-key sparkle, and a scarf, either wrapped round your neck or bag. Speaking of bags, a roomy basket is great for summer, and an understated leather tote for winter. When it comes to shoes, oscillate between a block-heeled ankle boot, polished loafers and a pair of minimalist mules for evening.
Et voilà , you’re ready to go.
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Lead image: Rouje
Ella Alexander is Citizen Femme’s fashion features editor. She started her career at the Evening Standard, and has since held senior editorial roles at Vogue, The Independent and Harper’s Bazaar, where she remains a contributing editor. She also writes for The Telegraph, Sunday Times Style, Service95 and CNN. She is an author, having co-written Dame Zandra Rhodes’ memoir, Iconic: My Life In Fashion In 50 Objects, published by Transworld in July 2024. Her favourite travel destination is Catania, Sicily’s second city.
