How to dress like a Parisian this winter

No one nails winter dressing quite like the Parisians. The locals somehow manage to look chic and put together even when the temperature drops, accessorising their cold-weather looks to perfection. Here’s our guide to dressing like a Parisian in winter to help you fit in when it’s hovering around zero.

Invest in a classic coat

Nothing ruins a look like looking cold, so make sure you wrap up warm. The key to this is investing in a classic coat, that will pull your outfits together and keep you toasty at the same time. A single breasted masculine style is a fail-safe option that will never go out of style and you’ll be able to wear it again and again, year after year. 

 

Source: Where To Get It

 

Always go a size up

Parisian women know the secret to looking stylish is always going a size up with your outerwear. It will make you look more contemporary and will have space for layering your other pieces. An oversized coat will look amazing left open, drawing the eye inwards to look at what clothes are underneath. The same rule applies for knitwear. Although thin knits should be kept slim-fit, chunkier ones will always look better in a larger size than you would normally wear. 

 

Source: Fashion Gum

 

Stick to camel and other neutrals 

While a statement coat in green or check is a nice thing to have in your wardrobe, before you buy one of these, make sure you have invested in a coat in a classic hue that will go with everything. Camel is perennially chic and will always look expensive, while black or navy are easier to keep looking brand new. All three shades will look amazing with everything so you’ll never have to think about what you’re wearing. 

 

Source: Who What Wear

 

Layer your tailoring 

French women love fitted blazers in a sharp, tailored fit, but when the temperature drops, this layer isn’t enough to keep you warm. That’s why you’ll often see Parisians layering their tailoring. Think a classic black blazer underneath an oversized camel coat. You could even add a masculine white shirt under the blazer for maximum style points. 

 

Source: Pinterest

 

A pair of good boots is essential

While Parisians do have a penchant for heeled pumps, when you’re stomping around the city on errands, you need a pair of boots that will keep your feet warm and look good too. A pair of black ankle boots are a no-brainer, but a more stylish option is some white ones. Worn with jeans you’ll look sophisticated and fashionable. If ankle boots aren’t your thing, opt for some over-the-knee boots. Worn with a midi dress, you’ll stay warm all winter long. 

 

Source: The Fashion Spot

 

Cashmere is non-negotiable 

A bit like your coat, you also need to invest in some good knitwear. And Parisians are obsessed with cashmere. The luxurious wool is more expensive than others but it is definitely worth the extra money. An oversized V-neck cashmere jumper layered over a silk lace cami is the ultimate in French-girl cool or a cashmere cardigan layered over a white shirt is premium and stylish at the same time.  

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Straight-leg jeans are your new best friend

Find a pair of jeans that you feel amazing in and you’ll never want to take them off. Straight leg styles are back in fashion this season and look fresh and modern. Turn them up at the hem for extra style points. The best thing about straight leg jeans is that they will act as a neutral canvas for the rest of your wardrobe, looking amazing with boots, coats, knitwear and tailoring. 

 

Source: Live About

 

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize

Walking around Paris, you’ll notice that the locals really know how to accessorize. Scarves and hats are key to dressing like a Parisian in the winter. While berets may seem like a bit of a French cliche, they have been reclaimed by Parisians over the last few seasons and are once again the chicest headgear of choice. 

 

Source: Vogue