~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #149

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“What’s true style? Knowing how to mix the right combinations of ingredients.” —Ines de la Fressange, author of Parisian Chic Look Book: What Should I Wear Today?

Most of us have heard of and are incorporating into our lives a capsule wardrobe, but as much as we’d love to hire a stylist to tell us what to wear every day and how to style the clothes we’ve invested in, we either absolutely cannot afford such an extravagance or well, let’s get serious. But the truth is, we can do it ourselves.

Understanding how to cultivate true style into our lives throughout the entire year is completely possible so long as we learn the necessary tools and fail-safe combinations. Former Chanel model and the epitome of Parisian chic Ines de la Fressange has just released her new book to follow up her wildly successful first Parisian Chic, and in it she does the work of the stylist. Parisian Chic Look Book: What Should I Wear Today? does everything for you except the shopping.

With nearly every page in the 130 page book filled with styled outfits and noted for which occasion they would be perfect for, this look book is your guide when you step into your closet. This look book is the finishing touch to building your confidence that you do know how to dress well without having too many clothes to choose from and feeling you have nothing to wear.

What I would like to do today is share a glimpse of Ines’ suggestions and my favorite outfits, and then I highly recommend you pick up or check out this book.

If you are someone who appreciates the classic Parisian chic approach to style, if you adhere to a capsule wardrobe approach and if you want to keep it simple but mix high and low items ensuring you look effortlessly style, take a look inside the book and discover how to become the stylist you’ve always wanted to hire.

1. Stock your closet with the essentials

• capsule wardrobe essentials
• handbags
• shoes
• jewelry
• lingerie
• outerwear
• scarves
• belts

Often we have almost everything we need but a few finishing touches are missing. Take a look at her detailed list (above are just the categories) and find what you may need or what to look for the next time you are shopping or a wonderful sale on your favorite designer clothing or accessories offers a beautiful price.

2. Stick to a dress code unique to each general occasion

• business
  • beyond the uniform that works for you, how to choose an outfit that transitions from one work place to another business appointment (applying for a loan, a business dinner, etc.)
    • “I Have a Tricky Day Ahead”
      • silk print pants
      • v-neck sweater
      • black velvet flats
      • classic watch
      • bangles

• family gatherings
  • lunch with a family member, a great aunt perhaps?
    • high waisted pants
    • ruffled or signature blouse
    • pendant necklace
    • high heels or platforms
    • a scarf as a belt

• personal get-togethers
  • a dinner with an old flame
    • over-the-knee pencil skirt
    • velvet jacket
    • camisole
    • heels
    • classic watch

• evening attire
  • Dinner at Home with Friends
    • blue jeans
    • white blouse
    • black belt
    • gold bangles
    • black velvet flats

• vacation
  • airport attire
    • stylish sweatpants
    • t-shirt
    • v-neck sweater (oversized)
    • flat slide sandals
    • navy men’s overcoat

• special, unique occasions
  • museum buff
    • black midi, (perhaps body-con) dress
      • denim jacket
      • lace up sneakers
      • saddle bag
      • bracelets

3. Stick to neutrals

One common thread I noticed through all of the items Ines suggests is a neutral color palette. Black, navy, white, khaki/biege, gray, light blue, stripes. While there were a few signature pieces, a sequin gold camisole, printed silk pants, a hot pink sweater and a red saddle purse, these boisterous colors were few, but powerful.

The mixing and matching becomes easier when you adhere to a neutral palette that complements your skin tone. Don’t deviate from this. For example, the pop of color I often choose is blush pink: my skin instantly looks more bronzed and healthy and it pairs well with everything else in my closet depending upon the season and occasion. Other than that its navy, gray, black, white, stripes and light blue.

4. Finish with few accessories, but don’t forget them

Each of her looks as you pour through the book reveal typically one piece of jewelry being worn if any and an expected, but signature tote, coat or pair of shoes.

5. Purchase well and don’t fuss

The key with Parisian chic style is mixing the high and low: a beautiful white silk blouse from Saint Laurent paired with classic denim jeans and costume jewelry bangles. Knowing what you are wearing looks well on your physique will enabled you to say no to extra details and finish with just the right amount of detail. Then once it all comes together, you can relax and enjoy wherever you are headed.

6. Learn the fashion style tricks 

• wear a khaki military jacket over a little black dress
• wear a rock t-shirt with a pencil skirt
• buy clothes in the men’s department

A sampling of items that what works for me:

• jumpsuit
• denim jacket
• pencil skirts
• simple black dress
• long shirt dress
• black/navy v-neck sweater
• black/white t-shirt
• navy blazer
• trench coat
• blue jeans
• slip-on sneakers
• wellies (farm/ranch boots)
• black tote
• classic watch
• brown/black belt
• camisoles
• black panties
• black bra
• men’s camel coat (I actually wear a woman’s but it is one size too large)

Ultimately, seeing how to pull something together, seeing it on a model is a useful visual we often do not see when it comes to basics and not all in one place. Covered in gold that shimmers, the book will be easy to spot on the shelf as you look to use it again and again and again until these classic ensembles become engrained in your memory.

THe most significant take-away for me was a sigh of relief when I saw the outfits. The number of items involved were minimal, the key was quality items paired with finishing touches that worked with the woman’s body and the other neutral pieces. So start with #1, begin to build the foundation which is the necessary clothing and then have fun and look forward to stepping into your closet again.

Petit Plaisir:

—Tartine All Day: Modern Recipes for the Home Cook by Elisabeth Prueitt

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