Parisian Chic style embodies the essence of understated luxury and elegance and is ideal for men seeking a sophisticated and timeless look.
Originating from the early 20th-century French upper class, the Parisian Chic fashion style blends minimalist design with high-quality garments and precise tailoring to create an old-money appearance.
Parisian Chic style focuses on specific elements: neutral-coloured pieces, tailored silhouettes, premium fabrics, and carefully chosen accessories that enhance rather than overpower an outfit and we’ll detail each one of them in this styling guide.
Parisian Chic Origins
Parisian Chic style has its roots in the Belle Époque era, a period that established Paris as the world’s fashion capital, when the capital’s elite set a standard of elegance that continues to influence menswear.
In the 1920s, Coco Chanel revolutionised fashion by introducing more practical and comfortable garments, such as the striped marinière top (or the Breton stripe sailor top, now a classic staple for men’s casual wear.
The 1960s brought further evolution with Yves Saint Laurent’s ‘Le Smoking’ suit, a tailored tuxedo look that highlighted the versatility of fitted pieces and reinforced the principles of Parisian Chic: embracing refinement and subtle individual expression.
Parisian Chic Style Characteristics
Neutral Colours
The Parisian Chic wardrobe relies on a foundation of black, navy, white, grey, and beige.
These colours are easy to mix and match, creating ensembles that maintain a sleek and cohesive appearance.
For instance, wearing a navy blazer with a white Oxford shirt and slim-fit charcoal trousers exemplifies the refined nature of this style.
Impeccable Tailoring
Precision in tailoring is a defining aspect of Parisian Chic. Choose single-breasted blazers with notch lapels, slim-fit trousers that taper at the ankle, and well-fitted dress shirts.
A navy blazer, tailored to fit your shoulders and chest, can elevate any outfit, whether paired with dark wash jeans for a smart-casual look or with tailored trousers for formal occasions.
High-Quality Fabrics
The emphasis on fabric quality is non-negotiable. Invest in wool blazers, cashmere sweaters, silk ties, and fine cotton shirts.
A well-made cashmere jumper in neutral tones like camel or navy can be worn alone or layered over an Oxford shirt for a refined appearance.
Subtle Accessories
Accessories in Parisian Chic style should be minimal but impactful. Consider adding a simple leather-strap watch, a silk pocket square in muted shades, or slim leather belts.
A lightweight scarf in subtle patterns or solid neutral tones can be draped around the neck, adding dimension without appearing overdone.
Effortless Layering
Mastering the art of layering adds depth and function to an outfit.
For example, a black turtleneck under a double-breasted camel overcoat provides warmth and an air of sophistication.
In warmer weather, a light linen blazer worn over a fitted cotton T-shirt captures the relaxed yet composed essence of Parisian Chic.
Parisian Chic Wardrobe Staples for Men
Tops
Key tops include crisp white dress shirts, light blue Oxford button-downs, and black fine-knit turtlenecks.
The Breton stripe top, characterised by horizontal navy and white stripes, is a timeless piece that pairs well with chinos or jeans for a casual look.
Trousers
Prioritise slim-fit chinos in beige and navy, dark wash jeans with minimal detailing, and medium-grey flannel trousers.
These pieces maintain a tailored look while allowing flexibility for different events.
Footwear
The right shoes are essential for completing the Parisian Chic aesthetic, and black leather loafers or brown suede Chelsea boots – depending on the weather – are critical.
You can also wear white leather sneakers for a more modern old-money look.
For formal settings, black cap-toe Oxfords polished to a mirror finish are a must.
Outerwear
Essential outerwear pieces include a beige trench coat for transitional weather, a tailored navy blazer for business and casual settings, and a dark brown or black leather jacket for a touch of edge.
These items provide versatility and can be styled to suit a range of occasions.
How to Achieve the Parisian Chic Look
Begin with a foundational outfit: a tailored navy blazer, a crisp white dress shirt, and medium-grey trousers.
Pair this ensemble with polished black loafers and a simple leather belt. In cooler weather, add a camel trench coat or drape a cashmere scarf in a neutral hue around your neck for extra warmth.
Ensure your grooming is impeccable—either a clean shave or neatly maintained facial hair—to align with the overall polished appearance.
Conclusion
Embracing Parisian Chic style involves more than just clothing; it is an approach that values quality, attention to detail, and the principle that less is more.
Focus on neutral colours, tailored fits, and premium fabrics. Accessorise thoughtfully and maintain a sense of effortless confidence.
When styled correctly, Parisian Chic for men exudes sophistication, subtle elegance, and timeless appeal.
Style Like A True Gentleman
Before we say goodbye, here’s one of the best-kept secrets in men’s styling circles, a secret that only a few expert image consultants know or are willing to share.
First and foremost, professional styling requires knowing your unique body shape and seasonal colour palette – paramount factors in choosing perfectly fitting clothes in colours that complement your skin, eyes, and hair.
Only then can a stylist engage in styling by occasion, location, season, and time of day, with garments, footwear, and accessories from stylistically relevant heritage fashion brands to depict high confidence and success.
Best part? You can find your body shape, seasonal colour palette, and ideal fashion style in less than 5 minutes by yourself, for free, thanks to our four simple steps:
1. Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different silhouettes, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man.
To find out your unique body shape, take our 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 Unique Colour Palette
Remember, the garments that compose your outfits come in various colours, and you must ensure that each hue complements your natural colour.
To do that, you have to find out your seasonal colour palette, and you can do it by taking our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body shape and unique colour palette; 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, outfit ideas, relevant fashion brands, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
And if you want to style like a professional, by occasion, location, season, and time of the day, you can always ask our expert image consultants and fashion stylists for help.
Our styling services for men are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market, backed up by leading stylists who will guide you step by step in creating looks that communicate affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, wearing luxury brands isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must first know your body shape, colour palette, and ideal personal style, and only then style by occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today to save headaches, time, and money – it’s time to dress like a confident, successful gentleman of exquisite fashion taste –Â the first styling assessment is on us!