If you’re a lover of all things French (like us!), you’re probably aware of the effortlessly chic Parisian fashion look from movies and gorgeous street photography.
I feel like this style is unique to France and it’s one of the reasons so many people around the world are drawn to Paris. It’s also the perfect reason to book a professional portrait session during your time in the city of lights, so you can bottle up the charm and style of Paris while you wander around its beautiful streets. I’ve been living here for years, and I still feel like a movie character half the time!
So, I want to share some secrets with you… Here’s how you can incorporate Parisian fashion trends into your portrait sessions, whether you’re hiring a professional photographer or snapping amateur photos for fun.
Portrait of Anna Kloots for her book event for “My Own Magic” in Paris. We also photographed the artist portrait inside her book cover
The Allure of Parisian Fashion
For years now, I’ve been observing fashion trends in Paris, and doing all my shopping at local French brand shops to develop my own style, too. This is what I’ve discovered.
Parisian fashion is synonymous with timeless elegance, understated sophistication, and a touch of je ne sais quoi. The secret lies in the basics: well-fitted clothes, quality fabrics, and a neutral color palette.
It’s all about looking polished without trying too hard. It’s not like Hollywood fashion – the key is to look polished yet natural. I absolutely LOVE the French look for this very reason. It just feels genuine and makes people glow. The best part is that it requires a little thought but not an overwhelming amount of effort.
Here’s how you can bring a bit of Parisian magic to your wardrobe for that picture-perfect photo shoot.
Parisian Fashion Influences
1. The Little Black Dress (LBD)
Coco Chanel introduced the world to the LBD, and it remains a staple in every Parisian woman’s wardrobe. This versatile piece can be dressed up or down and is perfect for almost any occasion.
As a general rule of thumb, we recommend avoiding dresses and skirts that are tight and body hugging. Clothes that are more loose-fitting and flowy tend to create elegant lines in portraits. Just trust us on this!
Tip: Opt for a simple, well-tailored LBD. Pair it with classic ballet flats for a more casual look or chic heels for a more elegant look. Add a touch of red lipstick for that extra bit of Parisian flair.
If you choose to wear heels, just be aware of the treacherous cobblestone streets in much of Paris. I’d recommend opting for a wedge or something with a thicker heel, to avoid damaging your shoes or twisting an ankle!
If black isn’t your color or you want to have your photos taken on a light spring day, you can absolutely opt for another color. I’m obsessed with rich bold colors that contrast nicely with neutral cityscapes and garden backdrops while also accentuating someone’s features.
Things to consider are your hair and eye color, your skin tone, fashion seasons, etc. You can even look up complementary colors to find what would pair nicely with your eye or hair color. For example, if you have blue eyes, you could either wear something blue that will make them pop or you could wear something orange or rusty red to contrast them nicely (blue and orange are complementary colors). Honestly, there are so many resources for color matching and outfit building online, so I’d do a bit of research for outfit inspiration. You’ll probably have fun while you’re at it!
2. Breton Stripes
Nothing says Parisian quite like Breton stripes. Originally worn by French sailors, this classic navy and white striped top has become a fashion icon. Nowadays, there are other fun variations, like red and white stripes!
Tip: Pair your Breton stripes with high-waisted jeans or a tailored skirt. If you want to go for the stereotypical French character look, you can always combine your stripes with a beret and scarf. If you want to be more subtle, go for a sleek ponytail and minimal accessories.
3. Trench Coats
The trench coat is a timeless piece that adds a sophisticated layer to any outfit. It’s perfect for those in-between weather days.
Tip: Choose a neutral-colored trench coat in beige, navy, or black. Layer it over a simple dress or jeans and a blouse. For an authentic Parisian touch, roll up the sleeves slightly and leave it open for a relaxed vibe.
4. Quality Basics
Parisian fashion is all about high-quality basics. Think crisp white shirts, tailored trousers, and cashmere sweaters.
Tip: Invest in a few key pieces that fit you well. A white button-down shirt paired with black trousers and loafers creates a polished look that’s perfect for a portrait session.
5. Accessories
Less is more when it comes to Parisian accessories. Choose a few classic pieces like a silk scarf, a simple gold necklace, or a leather handbag.
Tip: Avoid over-accessorizing. A silk scarf tied around your neck or wrist can add a subtle yet elegant touch to your outfit.
Avoiding the French Stereotype
While it’s fun to play with Parisian trends, the goal is to look timeless and tasteful, not like a tourist dressed as a cliché. Here’s how to strike the right balance:
If a beret feels a bit too on-the-nose for you, opt for a stylish wide-brimmed hat or a chic headband.
A Breton top is great, but you don’t have to pair it with a beret, red scarf, and baguette in hand. Sometimes it can be better to just keep it simple.
Say No to Costume Jewelry: Parisian women favor real, understated pieces over big, flashy costume jewelry. Choose delicate, timeless pieces that add elegance without overpowering your look. Simple chains and pendants can be a great choice! Something that adds a little flash of gold or silver, but doesn’t steal the show.
Integrating French Basics into Your Wardrobe
Packing for Your Trip
When traveling, packing smart is key. You only have so much space in your suitcase, so choosing items can be hard! I usually try to pack layers and options that I can easily mix and match, so everything can be recycled and nothing is taking up space and hardly being worn. You also don’t need to splurge on luxury brands or fancy fashion designers to find unique styles and key trends in the fashion world.
Here are some essential items to include for that French style-inspired wardrobe:
Neutral Tones: Pack items in black, white, navy, and beige. These colors are easy to mix and match. You can always toss in one or two bolder colors, to balance out the neutrals as an accent piece for a pop of color. Wide-leg trousers are an easy way to be comfortable AND stylish.
Layering Pieces: Bring a couple of lightweight sweaters, a trench coat, or an oversized OR tailored blazer (both can be fun!). Layering is not only practical in the french capital but also adds depth to your outfits.
Comfortable Yet Stylish Shoes: Opt for ballet flats, loafers, and ankle boots. These are comfortable for walking around the streets of Paris but still look stylish. If you like being more casual, white sneakers are a safe bet.
Minimalist Accessories: A pair of classic sunglasses, a simple leather belt, and a versatile handbag will complete your looks without overwhelming them.
Styling for the Shoot
When it’s time for your portrait session, think about the location and the vibe you want to convey. This really comes down to you and your personality. I would recommend not getting too caught up in current fashion trends. You can totally get some inspiration from contemporary street fashion, but don’t focus on being at the forefront of fashion. You never know how things will age over time. Tried and true is always a good idea.
We recommend not forcing yourself into a mold just because you feel pressured to dress a certain way. We love when our clients feel not just comfortable but EMPOWERED in their clothes! Wear something that gives you confidence and also feels true to yourself and who you are. Years from now, when new trends have taken over, will you still like your outfit?
Here are some outfit ideas:
Casual Chic: High-waisted jeans, a tucked-in striped shirt, and ballet flats. Add a trench coat if it’s a chilly early morning (mornings are when we usually shoot to capture the best natural light and the least crowded time of day).
Elegant Evening: A solid colored dress with a statement necklace and heels. Even floral dresses can be SO beautiful in warmer seasons. Keep makeup classic with a bold lip. For the ultimate guide on tasteful makeup for a portrait session, check out our blog HERE.
If dresses aren’t your thing, opt for a classy jumpsuit with heels/wedges. Leather jackets are so stylish over bright colors or a floral motif.
Effortlessly Polished: Tailored trousers, a crisp white shirt, and loafers. Roll up the sleeves and add a delicate bracelet to capture the essence of Parisian elegance.
When you’re incorporating Parisian fashion trends into your photo session, just remember that less is often more. The good news is that there aren’t any strict rules to follow and there’s plenty of room for creativity, personal style, and self expression. Have fun with it! Now is the time to pack your bags, embrace the Parisian way, and pose for some stunning portraits!
Oh and we would LOVE to be the ones to take them!
You can book an indoor or outdoor portrait session with us at Katie Donnelly Photography while you’re in Paris! Click HERE to book.
