Last weekend I went to Paris, so this post was somewhat inevitable. I’d like to say we spent our time wisely by taking in all the sights and visiting museums and other cultural activities. In reality we spent most of the time drinking Red Wine and Champagne and eating cheese. Plus going to a massive French rave up with David Guetta and doing handstands outside out hotel at 2am. Seemed like a good idea at the time. We did have a GREAT time though!

What I did notice on the streets of Paris is that the ladies just look so effortlessly chic and cool, like they don’t even have to think about what to wear when they get dressed in the morning. This got me thinking about what pieces would work together to create this easy. chic look. So I’ve come up with 10 items that should all go together. A Parisian capsule wardrobe if you will. I have all these pieces (or similar) in my wardrobe already so this is another selfish post to help me put them all together. It could also help with packing if you were going for a City break and didn’t want to take too much stuff with you.

Of course I have included a Beret in this, you HAVE to wear a beret in France, it’s the law. Of course you won’t look like a tourist. Of course you can pick 4 up for €10 in a gift shop on the way to Monmartre. But, I’m telling you, there were 4 of us ladies on this trip, and we ALL suited a beret. It was a revelation. particularly for me as I usually look like a twat in hat. I got a black one but have since ordered another one in Navy. I’m totally fine with the Frank Spencer jokes because in my head I’m Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde.

So, here’s the 10 items I’ve come up with for your capsule Parisian Wardrobe.

1. Navy Knit
2. Beret
3. Tailored Blazer
4. Smart Coat
5. Ballet Flats or Loafers
6. Breton Top
7. Leather Skirt
8. Skinny Jeans
9. Pointed Toe Boots
10. Black Polo Neck

Now let’s mix all these together and see what we come up with …

PARISIAN CHIC LOOK 1.

Let’s start with your classic all black Audrey Hepburn in ‘Funny Face’ look. A film I loved so much I modelled my own wedding dress on the one she wore at the end of it. Her most famous look has to be the skinny black trousers, polo neck and loafers. I’m going to add a Beret and a breton for good measure because they are well French innit.

1. River Island Black Chunky Polo Neck
2. Accessorise Black Wool Beret
3. Topshop Moto Washed Skinny Black Jeans
4. & Other Stories Wool Blend T Shirt
5. Gucci Brixton Leather Loafers 

PARISIAN CHIC LOOK 2.

Everyone needs a classic Navy Jumper in their life, works with everything and can definitely be worn with black. I’ve said it before, do not be afraid to mix navy and black. it totally works. Also don’t be afraid of a leather skirt. It’s timeless and classy. I bought the & Other Stories boots for myself this week. Love them, totally comfortable even with that pointy toe. No breaking in needed, & Other Stories do great quality footwear.

1. & Other Stories Wool Blend Sweater
2. Mango Rhombus Embossed Bag
3. & Other Stories Asymetric Belted Skirt
4. Mango Masculine Structured Coat
5. & Other Stories Patent Chelsea Boots

PARISIAN CHIC LOOK 3.

The Breton, I know it’s a cliche, along with the beret, but they are just so easy. Whenever I feel a bit lost and just want to get dressed quick, I always reach for the trusty stripy top. In fact Ithink I’ve worn opne every day this week! At last count I have 20 of them, all very ‘slightly’ different though you understand. Different stripe spacing, different neck line, different lengths, you get the picture. Work with everything and I don’t think you can have too many.

1. & Other Stories Bateau Neck Top
2. Hat & Caps Navy Wool Beret
3. Whistles Mid-Wash Skinny Jeans
4. Topshop Faux Fur Collar Tuck Waist Coat
5. Chloe Lauren Leather Ballerina Flats 

 

PARISIAN CHIC LOOK 4.

Again with the leather skirt, this time with the classic blazer and poloneck. If Carine Roitfield can still rock a leather pencil skirt at 63, then I’m sure you can. Brave the look with thinner tights instead of falling back on the safer 80 deniers. Pair with your pointy boots. Go all black, it always works.

1. J Crew ‘Nyla Weekend’ Wool Jumper
2. Mos Mosh Black Blazer
3. La Redoute Leather Pencil Skirt
4. Office Pointed Leather Block Heel Boots 

PARISIAN CHIC LOOK 5.

The smart Blazer which I know I’ve wanged on about before, but it will smarten up any outfit I promise you. For your navy jumper, always check out the mens department, they often do a much better selection and sometimes you just want a longer length and something less fitted. M&S Mens dept do great reasonably priced knitwear, as does Uniqlo.

1. M&S Mens Lambswool Jumper
2. Oasis Camila Split Detail Blazer
3. Me+Em Button Detail Stripe Top
4. The Outnet Helmut Lang Skinny Jeans
5. Office Amplify Pointed Leather Boots 

I really like the idea of a capsule wardrobe.