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Summer has finally arrived and I’ve just returned from a trip to the City of Light. I spent the day wandering the Marais district, sipping champagne on the rooftop of Bonny and lavishly shopping at La Samaritaine department store. I may not be a true Parisian, but I can dress like one. 5 French fashion trends for 2024 are already being adopted by the Parisian fashion world. And copying is the highest form of flattery.
There is no place where I feel more inspired than Paris. It’s easy to lose time soaking up my surroundings – the city’s architecture, history, art, food and fashion. Inevitably, I return home with a suitcase full of ideas.
Parisian style has always been rooted in the classics — trench coats, red lipstick, loafers, and Longchamp tote bags are what first come to mind when I think of the Parisian style aesthetic — but to operate based on such limited aesthetic parameters would be an insult to the influence of French fashion.
Getty Images.
During my trip, I stayed at the SO/ Paris hotel, a modern 5-star hotel in the Le Marais district. It’s a great place for people-watching, attracting fashion industry clients and locals alike. This season, I noticed a great balance of fun and functionality in Parisian street style.
Courtesy of SO/Paris, August 28th.
A sparkly Rabanne mini skirt and a practical handbag are equally valuable in a Parisian cool girl’s wardrobe, but don’t worry if my American perspective doesn’t convince you: I asked the impeccably dressed personal stylists at famed Parisian department store La Samaritaine for their expert perspective.
Grégoire Methoz works with shoppers all over the world and has a list of avid French fashionistas, and if anyone knows what Parisians are buying, it’s him.
According to Methos, expect to see more color and texture in summer fashion: “There’s a lot of orange and baby blue in all the collections, and of course florals, but not just prints, but actual embroidered flowers,” Methos says.
Courtesy of SO/Paris, August 28. Photo by Gaël Le Bricaud.
If you’re already channeling classic French style with a Cézanne trench coat, why not pair it with an embroidered blouse and mini skirt for the warmer months? The easiest way to embrace the French fashion aesthetic? “Stick to brands that are designed or made in Europe, like Nanushka and Forte Forte. Rabanne is on the rise right now, and Ganni is a brand the French love,” says Methoz.
Another brand beloved by both the French and Americans is Polène. If I were given a dollar (or euro) for every Polène bag I saw on the streets of Paris or New York, I’d probably book a round-trip flight to Paris.
According to Emma Mordorsey, PR manager for Paris-based Polène, French and American girls have decided that the days of the microbag are over. Polène’s best-selling handbag in both countries is the Numéro Dix, which has room for a phone, wallet, sunglasses, and lip balm. It might be time to give the Jacquemus microbag a break in favor of a more practical crossbody bag.
Provided by Polène.
What I love about French style is its longevity: trends are relatively vague (like the return of the crossbody bag) and allow the wearer to adapt them to their own style, which helps items last longer in the closet and encourages more thoughtful purchases over the convenience of fast fashion.
Versatility? Yes.
The return of the crossbody bag
Image courtesy of Edward Berthelot/Getty Images.
Finally, a weight has been lifted from your shoulders because the crossbody bag is back (if you thought it was out of style). Versatile and hands-free, crossbody bag styles come in many forms. Oversized hobo bags, structured bucket bags, and ones with adjustable straps, the crossbody bag has become popular in the French fashion world. If you’re looking for a bag to wear every day, you can’t go wrong with a simple black leather crossbody bag.
Provided by Polène.
There’s a reason this adjustable Polene bag is a best-seller: it’s chic, versatile, and will effortlessly hold all your essentials. It may cost more than a Zara bag, but the quality rivals designer bags that retail for thousands of dollars more.
Provided by Fossil.
Fossil Emery Crossbody Bag
On sale 63% off
Canvas is a great material for warm weather wear, making this crossbody bag from Fossil the perfect daytime bag, and sure to be the perfect addition to your summer vacation.
Embroidered floral pattern
Image courtesy of Christian Vierig/Getty Images.
Floral prints are a staple of spring and summer fashion, but this season they’ve really taken off, especially in Paris. Blouses, dresses, and anything that can be embroidered are perfect for this trend. This style changes with each season, so we recommend visiting your local vintage stores to find the embroidered item of your dreams.
Courtesy of Cezanne.
Courtesy of J.Crew.
J.Crew Bungalow Embroidered Top
Linen and embroidery are the perfect combo, and J.Crew has channeled easy summer vibes with this linen blouse (which also comes in a dress version!) Pair it with jeans for a polished look or linen pants for a beachy vibe.
Orange accents
Image courtesy of Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images.
Red may have been the color of choice for everyone this fall and winter, but orange is a new trending color, isn’t it? The zesty citrus shade of orange has sweetened the streets of Paris, and American wardrobes will soon follow suit. Orange will be the color of choice for summer weddings and nights spent dancing in the heat.
Courtesy of Moon River.
Moon River smocked bodice midi dress
If you’re looking for a dress for every occasion, this orange midi dress from Moon River is the perfect choice. Want to sip rosé on a Parisian rooftop? An orange dress. Want to shop at the weekly farmers’ market? An orange dress. Want to stroll along the Seine? An orange dress.
Provided by NBD.
NBD Leek Set
On sale 31% off
This floral orange set can easily be incorporated into your summer wardrobe because it’s so versatile: you can wear the one-shoulder top and skirt together or separately. The colorful mini skirt and white button-down combo is super chic.
Wire Frame Glasses
Image courtesy of Christian Vierig/Getty Images.
If you were surprised to hear that microbags are going out of fashion, you’ll be surprised to hear about tiny sunglasses. The tiny sunglasses trend of the ’90s is fading, being replaced by another retro style: wire-framed glasses. Whether you’re looking to protect your eyes from the sun, wear prescription glasses, or wear sleek frames for looks (guilty!), you’ll want to lean into this ’70s style.
Courtesy of Warby Parker.
Warby Parker Sade Glasses
These glasses from Warby Parker will complement any simple outfit combination, and Warby Parker also offers the option to add blue light lenses to the frames if you don’t have a prescription but still want to enjoy this style.
Provided by Free People.
Free People Little Secret Round Sunglasses
If you love those round Celine sunglasses that are all the rage on Instagram right now, but think they’re too expensive, these Free People sunglasses are a great option, coming in seven different colors and priced at just $30.
Bag Charms and Accessories
Image courtesy of Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images.
Charm necklaces are one of the biggest jewellery trends right now, and the style has even made its way into the bag department. Whether you’ve got a Birkin or a Uniqlo round mini shoulder bag, adding a quirky charm or bandana is an easy (and Parisian-approved) way to personalise your tote.
Provided by Free People.
Free People Letterman Bag Charm
These initial charms with contrast stitching are adorable, and for just $20 each you can add a few to your bag.
Provided by Jerla.
Scarves may be too hot in the summer, but they can still be used as an accessory. Add a seasonal flair to your bag by wrapping a silk scarf around a top handle or tying a bow on the strap. These silk scarves come in dozens of patterns and can be purchased on Amazon for under $15.
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