How to look like a Parisian, tips from Antoine.

“You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” – Oscar Wilde

Recently, visiting our friends in Boston, we were sitting in the park, talking, laughing and sipping hot cider. It was a lovely September afternoon, when a funny little guy suddenly perched himself near us on the bench. He looked a bit older than my sons, maybe about 13 or 14. But what struck me was his nonchalant manner and the way he completely matter-of-factly joined in on our conversation. Antoine was his name. He turned out to be a fantastic narrator and just plain cool (if I can permit myself to borrow my sons’ cutting-edge vocabulary)! He told us about his life in Paris (because obviously that’s where he was from), and about how he traveled everywhere only by bike, since he didn’t quite trust the metro system and took the plane only in extreme situations, such as crossing the ocean (and even then, he hoped that a bridge connecting Europe to the US would soon enough make this unfortunate circumstance unnecessary). He also told us about his passion for dressmaking. How he only wore clothes designed and made by himself, clothes that perfectly suited his busy urban lifestyle. And as a true Parisian, he definitely knew what he was doing when it came to style.

Here are a few tips given by Antoine.
1. Be simple!

2. Layer up.

If you want to adopt a chic Parisian way of dressing, don't forget to layer. The key is to make sure that each layer peaks out just a little bit.
A collar shirt in light pink pairs incredibly well with an olive wool jacket!

3. The right shoes.

Every Parisian is willing to have a pair of brown leather shoes to compliment his look.

4. Oh stripes!
There is probably nothing more French than a traditional Breton stripe. A pair of striped socks are amazingly versatile and look fantastic in every season.

5.  A scarf.

Never leave your home without a scarf, even in the summer. Just toss it in over your jacket or shirt.

And of course, don't forget about hair. Leave it floppy and seemingly nonchalant for a perfect look.

If you'd like to bring a bit of French style into your wardrobe and get your own adorable and trendy fashion adviser, get in touch with Antoine!