Dress Like A Parisian

There are hundreds, if not thousands of books and articles focused on decoding the myths and know-hows of the french style. French women, especially the Parisians, are considered to be the most stylish and sophisticated. Even for the iconic show Sex and the City, which enlightened a generation of girls about fashion and feminism, the final season was filmed in the City of Light, where the fashionista Carrie became just an American girl in Paris.

I packed my obsession with Parisian style in my suitcase when I traveled to the Paris fashion week back in February. Over the years, I had gradually gathered some pieces of a signature Parisian wardrobe. A black and white striped long sleeve shirt, a beige corduroy beret, navy blue sailor pants, and a pair of red repetto ballerina flats. However, these seem to be too cliché, or even embarrassing to wear on the Paris street. So I put them back and, instead, took this Self-Portrait polka dots dress with me.

It was a lovely afternoon when I finally got a break from attending the shows. I can still remember the breeze and lightheartedness in the air. This dress just made me want to dance. I swirled in the courtyard, which was right next to the hotel where I just finished attending the Fátima Lopes runway show. I always feel there’s something special about the design of Self-Portrait clothes. They are well made, sexy dreamy, and affordable. And just like the name, it is a self expression of the people who wear them.

Here are all the maxi polka dot dresses I like at the moment: (The one I am sporting in today’s post is on 55% off on ifchic!)

Three months have passed by. The world has changed drastically. But these photos still make me smile and remind me of that happy twirling girl. How about we dress like a Parisian when travel is not possible and explore french culture in our own city?

In this look, I layered the same linen jacket from Metallic Dress With Oversized Blazer post. Here are a few of my current favorite blazers:

Here are my recommendations, which are approved by my french neighbor, Lisa, who has an impressive collection of chic scarves accessories:

St Honore Boulangerie, located in Portland and Lake Oswego, St Honore bakery is Oregon’s premier bakery, serving the finest French baked goods and event catering!
Nationale, an independently owned art gallery & specialty boutique opened in 2008 by French expat May Barrue.

For an authentic Parisian styling guidance, I would recommend the book Dress like a parisian by stylist Alois Guinut. You can have a peek at her writings from her blog.