Vogue Paris editor in chief Emmanuelle Alt is the owner of the exact breed of Parisian style you'd imagine a French fashion expert to have in their DNA: Her wardrobe effortlessly revolves around a few chosen items that fit perfectly and work in hundreds of different outfit options. She is the very personification of cost-per-wear and is a great muse for any girl looking to streamline her collection into a capsule closet.
We've closely watched Alt and her fashion choices over the years (while she's not the most willing street style star, no photographer can help themselves when she strides through the Jardin des Tuileries) and rarely has the insider stepped out of a never-fail four-piece formula we've noted.
While her specific silhouettes, colours, fabrics and styling tweaks may vary between seasons, a handful of items see Alt through fashion month after fashion month, year after year. Many of these key items come from the French fashion brands Alt consults for—two of the biggest, in fact, Isabel Marant and Balmain—but she has admitted to buying jeans from Topshop, and you'll mostly spot her in Saint Laurent shoes. Keep reading to see the pillars of Emmanuelle Alt's style, and shop the investment pieces for yourself.
1. BLACK SHOES AND BOOTS
From strappy sandals to kitten-heel slingbacks and pointed-toe ankle boots, Emmanuelle tops almost every look off with black shoes and black shoes only. We can't blame her for such savvy decision making.
2. TROUSERS, TROUSERS AND MORE TROUSERS
Of course, Alt owns an array of denim, but even outside of her jean collection, the editor's trouser game is strong: She'll wear combats, cords, patent pants, tailored black trousers and much more. Most of them are fairly loose-fitting and rolled up to bare ankles or worn tucked into boots.
3. STATEMENT JACKETS OF EVERY KIND
From bouclé tweed to fringed suede and from leather blazers to puffer coats, there is no jacket this fashion pro can't pull off—just add a plain sweater or tee underneath to counterbalance the most statement outerwear.
4. WAIST-CINCHING BELTS
Ah, the humble belt. Emmanuelle's collection consists of predominantly simple, black leather belts but she fastens them over all manner of items—from giant puffer jackets to baggy jumpsuits.
Next up, the 35 French fashion brands everyone should know.