Parisian Chic: How to get the look in seven easy steps

French style

Not only was she Karl Lagerfeld's muse, helping inspire his Chanel designs, but French model Ines de la Fressange later became a consultant to Jean Paul Gaultier and she's currently the brand ambassador to the luxury label, Roger Vivier. The veteran style icon shares her trade secrets in her book, Parisian Chic, a guide to getting that exquisite style Parisians are so famous for. Here are her top seven wardrobe must-haves for dressing a la Parisian.


Available at Indigo, $34.

1. The blazer

A jacket a la YSL tuxedo is not only a classic, but it's a staple that can be worn casually with the sleeves rolled up (as in picture) or more formally over a lace dress.

Our pick: The sharp shoulder jacket by Canadian designers, Smythe, $550

2. The trench

This wardrobe staple has been around since the late 1800s so you know you’ll continue to wear it forever from season to season. From the classic Burberry (yes, it's an investment) to a fast-fashion option, pick one that’s knee-length or slightly shorter, and don't buckle the belt but do scrunch the collar to give it that lived in vibe, and wear it with everything.

Our pick.The Burberry trench, $1,095

3. The navy sweater

A black sweater is a classic but it can also look too basic. A more sophisticate choice is a navy V-neck sweater (cashmere, if the budget allows). Pair it with white jeans, sandals, and a leather jacket.

Our pick: This sweater by Canadian label, Line, $99.

4. The tank

A simple tank in white, gray, khaki or black that’s long, straight and beautifully cut. Avoid bright colours and definitely no logos or graphics. Think of this piece as an accessory or starting point and add a beautifully-designed bib necklace or keep it simple under a tuxedo jacket.

5. The little black dress

“A little black dress is not simply an item of clothing, it’s a concept. It’s universal – which means there’s one that’s perfect for everybody,” says de la Fressange. How true. Find one that fits your shape and frame best and keep it simple with a great pair of shoes, and don’t over accessorize. Lastly, add a few splashes of Lostmarch’f, a French fragrance line that is now available in Canada via new beauty shopping site, Beauyphica.

Our pick: Leather taped dress, $79, Moon by Alfred Sung.

6. The perfect jean

From skinnies to the boyfriend jean, the style, shape and colour of jeans is as varied as ever. Ines’ pick for the most timeless pair is one with a straight-leg cut, but of course, you should pick a style that fits you best. And, yes you can wear white beyond summer – pair it with that classic navy sweater and ballet flats from Bloch, or with a sequined jacked for an evening soirée.

Our pick: The Curve ID line from Levi's uses a unique, customized fit system that focuses on a woman's shape and proportions, not her size. The designers studied over 60,000 female bodies to get the fit right.
Levi's ID, bold curve straight, $79.50, Levi's.

7. The leather jacket

Look like you didn’t try too hard by topping an outfit with a fitted (distressed is best) leather jacket. Wondering about colour? Ines says, “Tan is always tasteful.” Killer combo: tan leather jacket, white jeans, silk top and heels.

Our pick: This motorcycle jacket in a soft tan leather, Danier, $299