Five Ways To Get The Paris Chic Look

by BR Kellie

I admit. I confess. I declare: I am a confirmed Francophile. For as long as I can remember I've adored the French language, the food, the attitude. Everything. (And let's not talk about how overjoyed I was to discover I had French ancestry.) And since becoming mildly addicted to Emily in Paris (no, YOU binged the entire show the day it came out and didn't go to bed until 2.30am), I've especially become fond of the Parisian style. It's like French girl style but with an extra elegance that never looks overdone. A hint of flair. A little je ne sais quoi that takes a simple look and gives it spark, an edge. 

(Sidenote... Can we talk about how amazing the the boss, Sylvie, in Emily in Paris is? I want to be her when I grow up. Although maybe a nicer, less prickly version of her. As for Camille? J'adore.)

So how can we up our style to that of a Parisian woman? How can we achieve the effortless look that still looks like we've made an effort? Here's five simple tips...

 Undone Hair

Don't mistake undone hair for hair that looks like you've just rolled out of bed or been pulled through a hedge backwards. Undone hair means it's healthy, shiny, but not overly done. So you can skip the straighteners, abandon the tongs, and work with your natural locks! That means embracing curls and waves - which also means having a hair stylist you trust to work with your hair's texture and your face shape is a must. Once you've figured out a look you love, your morning routine will be as simple as brushing your hair and heading out the door. Having a bad hair day, or experiencing a case of first hair wash day floofs? You can't go wrong with a bun.

Good Skincare

One thing I've noticed about French women, and especially Parisian women, is that their makeup seems to be simple. They let their skin shine through. They don't feel a need to slap on makeup with a trowel. If what I've read is true, it's because they value skincare. It's an important part of their beauty routine, because they know that what's important is a beautiful base rather than expertly applied and blended foundation, concealer, contour, bronzer, blusher and the like. So a good skincare routine, as well as ensuring proper hydration and a healthy diet, is a must.

Make A Statement

Notice the 'a' in the heading? When it comes to your outfit, less is more, simple is better, but it's important to make a statement. That means make one statement only. Don't throw all your accessories on. Choose one statement piece - be it a hat, scarf, a special piece of jewellery - and make it the feature of your outfit. If you are a fan of accessorising then heed this advice from Coco Chanel: Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.

Red Lipstick

So you've got your basic but stylish outfit put together. Your hair looks like you've run a brush through it, but not like you've spent an hour straightening then curling then adjusting it to a state of 'natural'. The last thing you can do before strutting out the door with an air of nonchalance surrounding you is to slick on a little red lipstick. 

Best of all? With a red lip you can keep the rest of your makeup simple, even to the point that the only other makeup you use is a little mascara to accentuate your eyes. The red lip becomes your statement. How brilliant is that?

Accentuate YOUR Positive

The greatest thing I've learned from studying Parisian style? It's not about trends, it's not about what's cool, it's about taking YOUR best points and accentuating them. Finding what works for you fashion-wise and working with that. That effortless chic? It comes from being comfortable within one's skin. And that, for me, is where real beauty stems from... no matter where you're from. 

So, my lovelies, are you as much of a Francophile as I am? Do you adore the French aesthetic? What style traits have you picked up and embraced? And who else is obsessed with Emily in Paris and is so excited that it's been renewed for season three AND four!? Get chatting below!