The first question that’s posed to me when people find out about my recent move to the French capital is: “Why Paris?”. It’s often followed by the incorrect assumption that I’m the spontaneous type (I can only wish). The truth is, I think it was written in the stars. I’ve been enamoured by French culture since the age of 12, immersing myself in art, literature and reruns of whimsical French films in a bid to learn the language – Priceless, Beautiful Lies, Mr Morgan’s Last Love and Amélie, to name a few.

Twenty years later, after multiple jaunts (I told you, not at all spontaneous), I find myself 475 kilometres from my home town, with the contents of my wardrobe split between two suitcases and the remnants of GCSE French in my back pocket. While it’s challenging navigating life from scratch, it’s an effort to reignite my free-spiritedness and fulfil a childhood dream. Dressing up has been my life anchor, so it feels apt to lay my roots in the epicentre of fashion.

Top image: Avalon wears Soru earrings, a Black to Grey corset, Massimo Dutti Skirt, Milaner Bag, Celine Triomphe sunglasses and Essen Mary-Jane Slip-ons.

Avalon wears a Ninety Percent Dress, Dear Frances Sandals, Pilgrim Earrings, Dragon Diffusion Bag and Celine Triomphe sunglasses.

While I’ve studied French style at length, becoming an honorary Parisian has taught me far more; namely, that that Parisian style is about finding a rhythm, making lifelong acquirements and feeling at home in your body. There are many life lessons I owe to Paris, but let’s start with style. It is the home of fashion, after all.

Paris is steeped in the influence of tastemakers – from Hollywood starlets to magazine editors. Icons from Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot to Clémence Poésy and Carine Roitfeld bear a refinement that translates as nonchalance, which is perhaps why French style feels innate.

French women’s style is attributed to unwavering confidence. I’ve observed the subtle ways they embody this – from the absence of bras to fitted knee-grazing skirts. French women celebrate their bodies. It’s why the 00s style resurgence speaks to them. It inspired a contemporary era of figure-forming dresses that slot seamlessly into an arsenal of billowy blouses, canvas trainers and crisp poplin shirts. Witnessing the confidence of Parisian women has inspired me to expand the silhouettes I typically wear and I’ve felt emboldened for doing so. 

Above all, I’ve learned that there are no rules. Life can be boundless, style is individualist and confidence can be nurtured. If you do want to familiarise yourself with the essence of French style, keep reading for some cues I’ve observed from fashion mavens while living here.

Avalon wears a Rixo dress, a wicker basket bag, an Astrid & Miyu necklace and ballerina shoes.

Personal style is everything

Whilst Parisian style has become a coveted trend, defining your style is a huge marker of je ne sais quoi – an indistinguishable quality many women here possess. While my wardrobe is heavily inspired by French style, studying the nuances inspires me to incorporate elements of it, while maintaining my sense of individuality. Emulating French style isn’t so much about following a formula as it is about style elements. With the exception of some wardrobe staples, it refers to refinement, classic silhouettes and design.

It’s always a good time to dress up

While Gallic women are renowned for their pared-back approach to style, the notion of ‘dressing up’ echoes throughout the city (which is great news for a person with a penchant for overdressing). Women of all ages (but particularly older women) don their fanciest get-ups to the humblest venues – red lipstick to the bakery and silken dresses to walk their dogs. 

It’s a demonstration of exuberance and a lesson to revoke the ‘save it for best’ rhetoric and instead celebrate your clothes, no matter the occasion. It’s a refined nod to dopamine dressing. The French approach is subdued, though not as devoid of colour as you’d expect. Contrary to popular belief, French women appreciate saturated hues. Chartreuse, pillar box red and ochre are integrated into neutral-toned wardrobes – particularly in the evening when everything is amplified.

Recurring themes that constitute a capsule wardrobe include mid-wash raw hem straight-leg jeans (namely vintage Levi 501s which you’ll find in most kilo shops), a relaxed trench coat with a rounded collar (more specifically with a khaki undertone as opposed to stone), navy and white Breton, a white shirt and slingback shoes or mules.

Comfort is key

Dressing up is one part but there’s also an emphasis on practicality. You’ll see French women visiting markets with collapsible Longchamp bags in tow, and androgynous blazers slouchy enough to bunch up sleeves, which are useful on confused weather days.

Snug jeans are swapped for straight and slouchy styles and towering heels for slingbacks, no taller than a few inches. Very seldom do I see French women wear uncomfortable-looking footwear; it’s something of an unwritten rule. The most popular footwear choices are slingbacks, metal-adorned loafers, backless mules, canvas trainers and ballerina pumps. I’ve inherited the in-between heel height and it’s inspired my clothing choices and elevated my pre-existing pieces. Although my wardrobe mainly consists of full-skirted dresses, I appreciate the refined look of jeans paired with pointed mules, a cocooned top and an oversized handbag.

Embrace the archetypes

The most charming districts are awash with béret stands. The history of bérets spans from the 17th century and although it originates from the south-west of France, it’s gradually being retired from the modern wardrobe. Some French natives continue to wear them with grace, but they’re not as commonly worn as you’d expect. That being said, there’s something sprightly about people’s kind efforts to embrace French culture.

For an authentic representation of French fashion – Rouje Paris, Jonak, Sézane, Musier, Polène, Loulou Studio, Ba&sh, The Kooples, and APC Paris are a handful of French retailers that have cornered the Parisian market. You’ll find many of these brands housed under Galeries Lafayette, which also holds its own range of apparel, including affordable French classics.

Shop small

Paris is home to many independent brands that are worn far and wide across the capital, and to my surprise, there are many the UK market hasn’t acquired yet. Nestled amid the cobbled streets of Le Marais, you’ll find the Tammy & Benjamin boutique consisting of directional iterations of classic French bags. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen local women carrying its charming styles. Jonak is another quiet brand. The boutiques can be found in almost every arrondissement. It’s also one of the few brands that boasts an affordable version of the two-tone flat synonymous with Chanel.

Buy now, wear forever and buy quality less frequently

I’m almost certain it was a French person who coined the term ‘forever investment’. I first realised the value of timeless investment pieces around 2009 when I fell for Isabel Marant’s Dicker boot and it continues to be a style that’s produced to this day. Many pieces feature permanently in French retailers’ collections. Take Acne Studios – its leather jackets are a staple in its autumn/winter collection. The same rings true for the APC Paris Grace and Half Moon bags. Their relevancy remains for years after the initial release. 

It’s not just premium accessories either. You may notice that the Sézane Gaspard cardigan is one of its season-less styles that is introduced in additional colourways each autumn/winter season. There’s a benefit to investing in high-quality and classic pieces. The latest addition to my wardrobe is a vintage Burberry trench coat I’ve sought for years but just so happened to find in my first weeks here. 

It’s a piece I’ll treasure for a lifetime and a symbol of my start in this city I now call home.

Images: Avalon Afriyie; courtesy of brands