I'm no stranger to wardrobe regrets. As an avid trend follower who's tried just about everything, I have been left questioning my past sartorial decisions many times. This mainly dates back to my time before I was a fashion editor, of course. In school, I didn't shy away from hot pink and purple highlights or ripped-up tees. (The 2000s had a hold on me). Today, we're going to discuss a few love-it-or-hate-it trends, and as I thought about who I trust most as an expert on the subject, I knew it had to be a Parisian.
Paris is the home of the fashion industry's most influential designers and incredibly stylish citizens who have that cool, easy, and effortless vibe so many of us hope to emulate. They know one thing is true: Centre your wardrobe on the basics, and everything else will simply fall into place. I make sure that my Instagram feed is filled with chic Parisians, but lately, I've been especially loving everything that Franziska Nazarenus has been wearing. So I dialled her up to share with us the six things she thinks Parisians are passing on right now and some chic replacements that we could all be investing in. Read what she has to say below, and happy shopping!
1. Pause: Sweatpants
Wear: Timeless Denim
"Sweatpants are a must-have at home, but I almost never see Parisians wearing them with their daily looks. However, Parisians wear their beloved pair of jeans always and everywhere. For a good reason: They can be styled super basic and casual or rather chic and elegant. For myself, jeans lay the groundwork for a lot of my outfits."
Shop jeans:
Wow, £25 for the perfect pair of jeans.
These are the perfect wash.
The fit on these is incredible—and they come in waist sizes 23-37.
My personal favorite.
2. Pause: Berets
Wear: The Little Black Dress
"When in Paris (or France in general), wearing a beret is not compulsory. The beret is indeed from France, but not too many Parisians wear it on a daily basis. Instead, tourists who take their souvenir photos in front of the Eiffel Tower, wear them way more often. We stick to the classics. Coco Chanel's fashion philosophy 'simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance' still applies today. That's why I love a simple and ageless little black dress."
Shop black dresses:
This is the perfect black midi.
The asymmetric hem is a nice touch.
The silhouette makes this one stand out.
We love a sheer moment.
3. Pause: Athletic Jackets
Wear: Trench Coats
"A typical French outfit is comfortable and effortlessly chic. Parisians might wear athletic jackets when going to their fitness class but generally, they won't combine them with their daily outfits. Focus on the high-quality basics instead. That's probably the secret of a timeless Parisian wardrobe. One must-have of my closet that I keep and wear from season to season is the neutral trench coat. You could say a Parisian without a trench coat is like a boulangerie without a baguette."
Shop trench coats:
This might just be the best trench coat I've seen at this price range.
I can't believe it's from the high street.
How luxe-looking is this?
I'm really into khaki right now.
4. Pause: Bombers
Wear: Relaxed Blazer
"I've never seen one of my Parisian friends wearing a bomber. They (and I) rather stick to more classic jackets and coats like a trench coat, a leather jacket, or a wool coat. The iconic blazer has stood the test of time. I love this sophisticated and timeless essential as you can combine it with everything. Night-out look or the OOTD? It works for both!"
Shop blazers:
You'll never regret buying another blazer.
Available in sizes XXS to 4XL.
Can't go wrong with this forever classic.
A beautiful colour for the autumn season.
5. Pause: Leggings
Wear: Miniskirt
"As Parisians tend to dress rather elegantly, leggings might be too sporty for them. In my opinion, they also optically shorten one's leg (I include myself in this sentiment). After all, the most sustainable fashion advice I've learned from French girls is to stick to what you know and wear it for years. One of my all-time classics is a black miniskirt. I love it with opaque tights and cute Mary Janes."
Shop mini skirts:
A leopard-print mini is so good for day to night.
I'm obsessed with navy as an expensive-looking alternative to black.
Tweed is everything.
I can so see a Parisian wearing this.
6. Pause: Maxi Totes
Wear: Shoulder Bag
"The bigger the bag, the more stuff will be put in it, right? Well, Paris is made for walking, and believe me: It is not very comfortable to carry a huge bag with you for a whole day. Accessories are everything in Paris. I especially love to upgrade a basic outfit with an elegant shoulder bag (like my vintage Chanel Flap Bag, for example). These kinds of bags are super practical!"
Shop shoulder bags:
At first, I thought this was designer.
Will be dreaming about this tonight.
So timeless.
Everyone I know wants this bag.
This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.
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