What to wear in Paris, according to Parisian it-girl Jeanne Damas (2024)

“I can’t speak for other women, but personally, the key to dressing like a Parisian is simplicity,” she adds. “I wear, more or less, the same things as a kind of uniform every day. A wrap dress, like our iconic Gabin dress, is something you can wear on any occasion – it’s always good to have a multifunctional dress like this. Jeans are an important staple in my wardrobe, so high-waisted jeans are essential. A men’s style jacket (like the Jacques by Rouje), slip dresses (particularly for summer), a trench coat (I have a beautiful Burberry vintage one) and ankle boots are all essential. When I buy sweaters, I get a size bigger as I prefer how the fabric falls when you tuck it inside your trousers.”

Come evening, the key is to shift your daytime look into a chicer form effortlessly. “I don’t like to be too dressy in the evening, so I often wear a pair of high-waisted jeans with a nice top and some mules – I like how mules can upscale even a very simple outfit,” Jeanne explains. “And I love a zero make-up look, with just a big red lip, applied with the fingers for a softly blurry effect.”

Below, we list some of the most important items every traveller should have in their suitcase for a trip to Paris.

What to wear in Paris: 14 classic items to pack

1. Smart jeans

French women know good jeans – look for straight-leg, in classic denim blue. To be paired with smart blazers or casual knits, flats or heels. Denim should be one colour, not faded, with no fraying or ripping.

2. Mules

If New York women are known for carrying trainers in their handbags, French women are known for never needing a shoe change – footwear is always appropriate and can last the whole day. Choose a classic and comfortable shoe – something comfy yet formal in forever-chic black.

3. A classic trench

Outerwear is always the giveaway – French women know how to look good at every stage of an outfit, so your coat must be seen as the finishing touch, never an afterthought. You can’t go wrong with a classic trench, suitable for any weather conditions and always chic on the go. Lookout for classic details and neutral tones whether you opt for a fitted style or an oversized look.

4. An all-seasons bag

Handbags can be tricky. Top handles are too formal, totes too casual, and buckets too trendy. The cross-body bag is big enough for the essentials without being too cumbersome and perfectly shaped to sit in the basket of a Vélib’ for zipping around the city. Or, for the ultimate Parisienne look, opt for a sleek and elegant basket bag.

5. A statement accessory

Here’s a trick: opt for one simple accessory to upgrade your outfit instead of layering on jewellery. Sparkling earrings, larger-than-life necklaces or even a statement brooch adds a touch of class to any look.

6. A sharp blazer

The finishing touch to any outfit is the blazer. Instantly elevating, simply throw it over any casual top and jeans and – voila! – polished perfection. A few rules: it should be tailored but not tight at the waist, single-breasted, and the hem should fall to the top of your thumb. For an all-purpose number, choose classic black; in terms of material, velvet or satin is not out of the question.

7. A reliable knit

A classic knit will never go out of style. Navy has a softer look than harsh black, making it more wearable for every day; plus, it has a touch of Riviera charm – opt for Breton stripes for a true ode to French style. Look for boxy Dad styles or a size larger for a casual look, then tuck it into your high-waist jeans for the ultimate French-girl style.

8. A day-to-night dress

Items that can be dressed up or dressed down are key. These dresses can be paired with trainers during the day for a casual outfit, and swapped for some chic mules and glitzy jewellery come evening for a slinkier look.