The parisian’s eccentric sobriety
Yesterday on Instagram elegant Réjane wrote a caption that made me think.
Under the picture of her wearing a white and red seventies printed dress she wrote:
“La parisienne ? She stays sober, she doesn’t like prints. Her uniform? Jeans, white Tee and converses”
Then I look back at the outfit and I am like “but she IS sober here”
Yes, there is a Jane B vibe to some Parisians but I think what links all Parisians would be a sense of moderation even in the crazyness.
Let me explain. It’s not because an outfit is colorful, printed or has a crazy cut (or all at the same time) that the result will be “too much”.
It can remain moderate if you want it to be.
In Réjane’s case, she chose to stay withing a red, white and black color palette and kept the hair and makeup (well what’s left to see), minimal.
That made me think of all the little technics Parisians (and others) use to make one’s outfit looking effortlessly refined even when there is some crazy vibes to it.
1/ Keep some classicism in the outfit
Mademoiselle Agnès wears red, yellow and three neutrals, statement print and different fabrics. Yet the cuts are timeless classics.
2/ Go crazy… on accessories only
Amazing Loulou de La Falaise, Saint Laurent’s muse used to overload her outfits with bling. Here on a neutral “clothing background” but she could do all eccentric as well (that requires to be a talented stylist!).
3/ Only wear ONE statement piece
Can’t miss this oversized striped jumper Mademoiselle Agnès is wearing can you? To keep it as simple as can be, she paired it with basic jea… oh wait! Denim over the knee boots that look like jeans! How cool is this? One creative piece that is an elevated basic.
4/ Color match
Réjane again, wearing a fun printed shirt with basic jeans and pumps that match the print.
5/ Simplexity
Alexandra Golovanoff wears only sophisticated pieces here, nothing simple yet the result is simple. What is this sorcery? I would say that is because of her nonchalant attitude but will try a more thorough explanation.
Both the jumper and the skirt are pale colors. So is the bling necklace so all blend well together. Meanwhile, the ballet flats add a pop of red and their crystal strap discreetly echoes the necklace.
And you? What do you think the parisiennes have in common?
Do you think there is still such a thing like les parisiennes?
To know more on how to combine colors, prints, shapes and accessories the way parisian do, I suggest my book Dress like a parisian. If you order directly from my website you get a signed copy.
Cover collage: Vintage queen Nawal , and Loulou de la Falaise (yes she IS smoking, let’s not discuss it in the comments ^^)
This was a fun blog post to read. I’m so sick and tired of the stereotypical “dress like a French Girl/woman/” because there is more to style than a striped Breton shirt and a monochromatic palette.
And, dressing should be happy. My husband’s aunt was an actress, Daniele Delorme, and she had a flair for the dramatic both in conversation and her style of clothing. She lived in and adored Sonia Rykiel. In fact, Rykiel was to her what J.Crew is to me!
She had that eclectic/eccentric sense of style that was so unique to her and now after reading your post, I find myself filled with memories of her clothes and how much I just loved her–she was like a mother to me. And so, I thank you for giving me this fleeting moment of great memories!
XOXOXOXO
Amazing your aunt was Daniele Delorme. And so touching this brought back memories.
And yes: Sonia Rykiel is the embodiment of french eccentric. How did I not quote her?
Bonjour Aloïs, j’ai reçu le livre! Il est vraiment pointu et drôle aussi.
Je n’ai pas l’occasion de croiser beaucoup de Parisiennes, ou alors en version “plage”.
C’est pour cela que je me tiens au courant sur ce blog!
Je vais vous contacter plus tard pour faire une session de style en ligne.
<3
Chanel disait: “Juste avant de sortir, regardez-vous dans un miroir et enlevez quelque chose, n’importe quoi mais quelque chose”.
Je trouve que la parisienne actuelle a peur d’en faire trop: d’être trop (bien) coiffée, trop maquillée, trop bien habillée.
D’où une quête permanente pour “en faire moins”. Il faut dire aussi que le rythme de vie où on enchaîne vie professionnelle/familiale/sorties ne facilite les choses. On passe souvent direct du bureau au restaurant/concert/théatre. D’où souvent une tenue “qui va pour tout”
Il y a aussi une énorme différence entre la parisienne d’hiver et la parisienne de printemps/été.
L’hiver souvent engonçée dans des vêtements oversize noir/marron/gris. Elle se fond dans l’environnement tout aussi gris! Heureusement certaines mettent de la couleur dans leurs écharpes mais ce n’est pas la majorité.
Au printemps apparaît une femme différente: de la joie dans l’allure, des couleurs toniques.
Peut-être cette différence est encore plus manifeste pour moi cette année: nous avons commencé le confinement en vestiaire d’hiver et nous en sortons en tenue quasi d’été!
En ce moment, depuis le déconfinement partiel, je vois beaucoup de rouge, d’orange, des robes fleuries. Peu de joggings tout mous mais plutôt comme une envie de se choisir une tenue sympa pour sortir enfin dans la rue.
PS J’adore la tenue de Réjane. J’aurais juste préféré les accessoires ceinture et sac en coloris fauve pour moins casser l’ensemble. Mais Réjane, vous êtes superbe, continuez!
La phrase de Chanel ne fonctionne pas pour tout le monde clairement! Je conseille régulièrement à mes clientes de rajouter des choses.
Bonne journée
I agree with this analysis … all these women have found a way to pull together eccentric touches without looking over the top… and the result reads sophisticated but original at the same time. My favorites are your cover girls Loulou de la Falaise (both pictures) and Nawal
🙂