This Woman Is the Reason I'm So Obsessed With Parisian Style

Caroline de Maigret's style has been on my radar for some time now. While she's been modeling since 1993 and has been a Chanel muse for what seems like forever, I only found out about her via a book she co-wrote, How to Be Parisian, published in 2013. The tome, which does exactly what it says on the tin, was a tongue-in-cheek guide to laissez-faire French style, and I've been obsessed ever since. Now, every fashion week, you'll find me hunting down all of her street style looks. Whether she's wearing gold metallic trousers by Petar Petrov with a white shirt or just simple grey jeans and a bomber with her trademark tousled hair, she always looks magnifique.

Keep scrolling to see all the Caroline de Maigret outfits I can't stop thinking about.

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Style Notes: These gold trousers from Petar Petrov are what Caroline de Maigret wore recently during Paris Fashion Week, and I now really want a pair.

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Style Notes: CDM isn't into a lot of bells and whistles when it comes to her wardrobe. She often keeps it simple with a pair of jeans, white tee, jacket, and masculine shoes. 

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Style Notes: That's not to say she doesn't like upping the glam on occasion. When she does put her hair in a bun or ponytail, such a simple thing to do, it seems like she's really going all-out in comparison with her usual undone style. Plus, the added earrings and heels make it feel like a really dressy outfit.

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Style Notes: This is such a classic Parisian look. All she needs is an elegant bag to accessorise her black-and-blue outfit.

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Style Notes: The eagle-eyed by now will spot that de Maigret has a pose she often sticks to—one hand on her hip with her left leg jutting out. This is just another reason to love her style, as she knows what stance makes the most of her appearance.

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Style Notes: Never underestimate the power of a Breton top. Sunglasses are also très important. 

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Style Notes: Want to make a pair of jeans, sneakers, and black tee feel more glam? Throw on a red coat, of course. 

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Style Notes: You can't beat the polished French look. While this is a bit of a departure from de Maigret's usual style, the white trousers, Chanel pumps and bag make it super sophisticated.

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Style Notes: There's nothing wrong with looking like you've got more important things to be doing. As per CDM's life advice, one of the ways to appear Parisian is to say you're always "just too busy." To make sure people know this via your wardrobe, never take off your coat, as you'll look like you're always about to leave.

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Style Notes: Matching your coat to your shoes is totally okay when it's with a pair of Chanel's latest boots.

Related: The Parisian Way to Create a 5-Piece Capsule Wardrobe

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Style Notes: Always pull your oversize blazer over you as if you're in a hurry (that busy thing again).

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Style Notes: Leave your blouse unbuttoned a little bit more than you're usually comfortable with. Balance out the sassiness by wearing a pair of loafers and black tailored trousers.

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Style Notes: As if CDM couldn't be any cooler, she also runs her own music label, Bonus Track Records. This is reflected in her wardrobe via bomber jackets and skinny grey jeans. Oh, and sunglasses too.

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Style Notes: Skinny black jeans, a Breton top, a black jacket, and black pumps. Is there anything more French than this outfit?

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Style Notes: Although this is a really relaxed type of style, de Maigret still looks incredibly chic, proving that baggy trousers and a white sweater can be cool. Just remember to wear it with as much confidence.

Want more? See the eight French style secrets you need to know about.

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Elinor Block