This picture is from the lovely Musee de Photographie in Paris, and it says it all to me in terms of what is chic here. I posted before my trip that genius Helmut Newton shot and here it is 2.0. It captures the genius of Parisian dressing- sexy but not gauche and slouchy yet so put together, though not victimesque in the LEAST.
If you are packing for Paris, you need not more than the following, and also check out the next post for some of my fav looks, none shot by me but they capture Paris (for me) from a style standpoint. So here's the pack list without further adieu, and you must trust me on these things (keep in mind I am here in the Fall with warmish days and chilly nights). Pepper with your own personal style goodness to make it your own- but this is the basic list:
A trench of any length- almost as de rigeur as the scarf. Everybody has one. Paris is all about classics dine your way, avec confidence bien sur.
If you don't like le trench, you must have a fab jacket or coat that transcends all of your looks and will be your key piece for day or night.
A good pair of cropped pants- black or khaki.
A pair of rock and roll skinny jeans like ACNE's great options.
Three black cashmere/cashmerish sweaters- lightweightish. One v and one crewneck and a cardi- other neutral colors work as well if you are not a black devotee.
A great black dress or two- sexy length or neckline for evening.
A dress or blouse in a pretty print when you tire of black.
Leggings baby leggings.
A great silk blouse/poet top to wear with boots and leggings.
A great white shirt- of button down style.
One menswear vest. Cute with the poet blouse or white shirt.
A fur or fake fur vest. Instant chic.
One black blazer- love a tux style version.
SCARVES. Nuff said. Include a leopard print.
One flat black boot a la riding boot style. A bootie is great too in a flat version.
A Repetto ballet flat. Perfect.
A pair of heels that won't make you cry. But only for short distances. The amount of walking in Paris is beaucoup.
Some great jewelry. Long necklaces, layered gypsy chains, and pearls if you've got 'em. Fake is fine. Gobs of gold chain linked numbers fab as well.
A fun felt hat that gets even cooler as it loses its shape- think floppy and not structured. A color would be cool here since you will be rocking so
much black. A newsboy could be cute too.
Oh and a large purse. You will need it for the flea markets and all your finds. You can find great hats there PS so maybe skip packing one.
That'll do it. Rotate les basics with some fun accessories and people will be asking you directions in French in no time. XO
PS- A slash of red lipstick is a great way to perk up the rather dirgeful city basics...and it's hot with messy, pulled back hair...think of it as the perfect accessory that is beyond easy to pack. XO again. This is France yo and I'm all for extra kisses.