Bonjour, messieurs! Today, we’ll journey to the heart of the French old money style, exploring five quintessential BCBG (bon chic, bon genre) outfits that epitomise the French upper class’s elegance and sophistication.
This article is inspired by our recent collaboration with Hugo, a 27-year-old Portuguese gentleman who works as a fine art curation expert in Paris.
A frequent attendee of art exhibitions and gallery openings, Huigo loves the BCBG aesthetic but was always unsure how to create his luxurious French style.
We run our seasonal colour, body, and style analysis on Hugo to curate a collection of outfits that perfectly showcase refinement and carefree charm.
Let’s delve into the Old Money style outfits inspired by French Royalty that helped Hugo earn endless compliments from business partners and see how each look can elevate your style.
1. Art Gallery Outfit
This outfit is perfect for an art gallery opening or a sophisticated evening event.
Start with a tailored navy blue wool suit from the iconic French brand Lanvin for a look that exudes cultural refinement and artistic flair.
The slim-fit silhouette and fine Italian craftsmanship embody the essence of this BCBG style.
Pair the suit with a crisp white cotton dress shirt from Charvet, a Parisian institution renowned for its exceptional quality.
Add a touch of understated elegance with a silk tie in a subtle geometric print from Hermes.
Complete the look with black leather Oxford shoes from J.M. Weston, a brand crafting timeless footwear since 1891.
2. Cafe Rendezvous Look
This outfit is perfect for a casual lunch meeting or a leisurely afternoon stroll through the city.
Channel the effortless chic of a Parisian cafe rendezvous with an outfit that combines classic French elements with modern flair.
Start with a light blue cotton button-down shirt from Ami Paris featuring a spread collar and a relaxed fit.
Tuck it into a pair of tailored beige chinos from Officine Generale, a brand that embodies the essence of laid-back luxury.
Layer a navy blue cotton-cashmere blend sweater from A.P.C. over your shoulders for insouciance.
Accessorise with a brown leather belt from Hermès and suede penny loafers from Paraboot, a French footwear brand with a rich silent luxury heritage.
Top off the look with a classic straw Panama hat from Maison Michel, a Parisian milliner crafting exquisite headwear since 1936.
3. French Countryside Look
This ensemble is perfect for a weekend getaway to the French countryside or a casual outdoor gathering.
Start with a classic white, breathable linen shirt from Charvet and olive green chinos from Polo Ralph.
Layer a light brown suede flight jacket from Berluti over your shoulders for rustic sophistication and brown leather ankle boots from J.M. Weston, a brand synonymous with timeless elegance.
Accessorise with a vintage gold watch from Cartier and tortoiseshell sunglasses from Maison Bonnet, a Parisian eyewear atelier that has been crafting bespoke frames since 1950.
4. Yacht Club Soirée Outfit
Channel the refined nautical style of the French Riviera with an outfit that exudes an air of seaside sophistication.
Start with a classic navy and white striped Breton shirt from Saint James, a French brand with a rich heritage in maritime fashion.
Tuck it into a pair of tailored white linen trousers from Cifonelli, a Parisian atelier renowned for its bespoke tailoring.
Add a touch of warmth with a cream-coloured cable-knit cotton sweater from Ami Paris, draped over your shoulders.
Complete the look with brown leather boat shoes from Paraboot and a navy blue braided leather belt from Timothée Paris.
Accessorise with a stainless steel dive watch from Blancpain, a Swiss luxury watchmaker known for crafting exceptional timepieces for the French Navy.
5. Opera Gala Outfit
For a look that embodies the grandeur and elegance of the French opera, start with a black wool tuxedo from Cifonelli, featuring a shawl lapel and a slim, tailored fit.
Pair it with a crisp white cotton dress shirt from Charvet and a black silk bow tie from Lanvin.
Add a touch of luxury with a pair of black patent leather opera pumps from Berluti, a brand that has been crafting exceptional footwear since 1895.
Accessorise with a pair of onyx and gold cufflinks from Van Cleef & Arpels and a black silk pocket square from Hermes.
Complete the look with a black wool opera coat from Loro Piana, renowned for its exquisite fabrics and timeless designs.
Note
Always check the event rules. You might have to stick to a specific dress code, such as black tie, black tie optional, or white tie.
French Old Money Style Do’s and Don’ts
To ensure you master the French old money style, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:
| Do | Don’t |
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Capturing the essence of the old-money BCBG aesthetic requires heritage garments, footwear, and accessories, the hallmark of French sartorial refinement.
With these five outfit ideas and following the dos and don’ts, you should be able to project an image of success and refinement.
Styling Beyond BCBG Fashion
Knowing what BCBG stands for and finding inspiration in our outfit ideas is the first step – granted, a small step – towards dressing like a confident and successful gentleman.
Perfect men’s styling starts with your unique body type and colour palette and only then, with the occasion, location, season, and time of the day – and this is a men’s styling secret that only expert image consultants know.
And if you want to learn, we’re here to help; start by knowing your body type and unique colour palette so you can select clothes for your body shape in colours that match your skin, eyes, and hair.
You must also know which fashion brands to shop from and, more importantly, how to style these garments, footwear, and accessories to create a look of subtle luxury and success.
After learning to choose fashion from heritage fashion brands according to your body shape and colour palette, you’ll have to master styling by occasion, location, season, and even time of day.
If you feel overwhelmed, worry no more – we’re here to help you in three easy and free steps:
1. Know Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different physiques, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man – free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body shape, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Color Palette
Remember, fashion comes in various colours, but not every hue complements your natural colour. Take our free seasonal colour quiz for men to find the most suitable colours for you.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body type and unique colour palette, so the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, multiple outfit ideas, the most relevant fashion brands for your unique look, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
Last but not least is mastering how to style according to occasion, location, season, and time of the day; this is where our professional styling services for men, created by our expert image consultants and fashion stylists, come in.
Our paid styling packages are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market. Each is backed up by expert stylists who will guide you step by step in creating a personal wardrobe that communicates affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, owning luxury clothes isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must know your body type and colour palette and how to style according to the occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today and save headaches, time, and money; the first styling assessment is on us!
It’s time to show the world the confident and successful you, a gentleman of exquisite fashion taste.