When I moved to Paris from Toronto, it was more than just a geographical shift. It was also a journey into the heart of French style, a concept that has long fascinated fashion observers worldwide. “What moving to Paris as a Canadian taught me about French style” is a journey that involves more than just mimicking a certain aesthetic. It is about embracing individuality and authenticity in the way we present ourselves.
My Encounter with French Style
My first week in Paris gave me an interesting insight into French fashion. As I walked into a boulangerie, the man behind the counter identified me as a foreigner even before I could utter a word. Despite wearing what I thought were French Girl Staples – a trench that hits below the knee, a menswear-inspired blazer, a pair of relaxed-fit jeans, a bouclé jacket, a boxy white button-up and a French designer bag – my cover was blown. It made me wonder if there was more to French style than the classic pieces we all associate with it.
The Search for Authentic French Style
According to Pinterest, searches for “classic Parisian style” are up 373 per cent from last year. Despite being well-versed in Parisian Style 101, I felt an urge to study Parisian style offline, to immerse myself in the local culture and find the essence of Parisian fashion beyond the cliches.
Observations on Parisian Style
I began to observe Parisian style in the trendiest hot spots of the city. I noticed that French women had a knack for wearing novel pieces over trends. Their style was a blend of the traditional and the unpredictable. What became evident was that authentic style for them was about collecting items that represent their individuality. They seemed to value pieces that looked well-loved and worn-in, as if they had been hanging in their closets for decades. The idea of an outfit fresh out of the shopping bag was as unappetizing to them as œufs brouillés with a side of ketchup. Repetition is how style is formed, and a personal uniform is the goal.
Inspiration from French Style Icons
I drew inspiration from French style icons like former Vogue Paris editor-in-chief Carine Roitfeld, journalist and influencer Jennifer Neyt, and current Vogue France editor Claire Thomson-Jonville. They each had their unique style signatures that they repeated and wore-in, demonstrating that true style stems from authenticity and individuality, rather than blindly following trends.
Reinventing My Style
Moving to Paris inspired me to change my shopping habits. Instead of chasing after trendy pieces, I began to look for styles that I was naturally drawn to. I learned to value the quality and authenticity of a piece over its brand or trendiness. I discovered that my most stylish self emerged not from seeking inspiration from influencers but from looking inward and finding pieces that reveal who I am.
Embracing French Style
Today, I feel more at home in Paris, both physically and sartorially. I’ve learned that French style is more about the attitude than the clothes. It’s about embracing your individuality, wearing your clothes with confidence, and making them an extension of your personality.
“Bonjour, madam,” is the only greeting I get at boulangeries these days. “Je vais prendre un croissant, s’il vous plaît,” I reply. I take off my dusty pink leather gloves and dig for my wallet in my Chloé Paddington bag – a piece I scored second-hand to make my 17-year-old self’s dream come true. I look up, feeling confident.
My French accent still needs a little work, but my understanding of French style has come a long way.
