Ever since I spotted French actress, Nora Arnezeder, in the February issue of Lucky magazine, I’ve been thinking about Parisian style. A lot. The few times I’ve been to France, I’ve taken more style notes than I could even keep track of. It’s not a myth: French women really are thinner and more stylish than us Americans (as hard as we may try) – they’ve got that je ne se quois. And the real kicker is that their style is, in a word, simple. No crazy mixed patterns, asymmetrical cuts, or gobs of accessories. The chicest women I saw in France wore slim pants and jeans, worn-in ballet flats, plain tanks and perhaps a silk scarf. And that was it – and their beauty regimen is equally unfussy. A messy pony here, a ballerina bun there.
You’re well aware I’m a fan of totally non-simplistic trends, like mixing bold colors, leather skirts, and the occasional heart-print sweater. But sometimes that sleek, minimal look is just undeniablychic. It’s perfect for those days when you have nothing to wear but can’t stomach the thought of sweatpants (or leggings. Or anything of that cotton/stretch variety).Think ankle jeans, loose button-downs, soft colors, and dainty ballet flats. Talk about an easy (yet fabulous) philosophy.
So next time you go to pick out an outfit, adapt the French girl’s “less is more” mindset, reach for some sleek basics, and feel a teeny bit more like aultra-chic Parisian (or at least an American in Paris).
Look #1:MiuMiu cardigan,J Brand jeans, Chloe sunglasses, Nixon watch, Artemis Wragg scarf, J.Crew flats// Look #2: MiuMiu top, Ralph Lauren Black Label pants, Linda Farrow Luxe eyeglasses, Valentino bracelet, MiuMiu clutch, J.Crew shoes
