I have this theory about why Parisians always look so stylish. Now, this is just a theory, so don’t quote me on this -ha! I think that most Parisians have smaller closets and therefore have fewer options to choose from. They have to work with what they have in their closets because they don’t have endless options. And from this comes some really great mixing of patterns, colors, and styles. Have you ever heard the quote by Orson Welles, “The enemy of art is the absence of limitations”? Well, this quote completely sums up my theory.
Outfit Links: Dress- J. Crew (old) here and here for similar, Shoes- K. Jacques (old) here, here, here and here for similar, Jacket- J.Crew, Purse- Lucky (old) here, here, here and here for similar, Watch- Kate Spade (old) Here for similar, Scarf- Nordstrom (old) Here and here for similar
You see, in my closet, I have a navy jacket to wear with this navy and cream dress, and I have a black bag to wear with the black jacket. But, I chose to mix my colors instead to keep it interesting, potentially like a Parisian would! I’ll have to say, it’s not normal for me to think to wear navy and cream with black. It’s also unusual for me to think of wearing brown accessories with a black jacket or to throw a grey scarf on top of all of those colors (I can be so matchy matchy -ha!), but I did and loved the way it turned out! So the next time you’re struggling with how to make an outfit, push through and use something in your closet! Mix it up and make it work! I bet it will look great! P.S. Did you notice anything odd in this photo? Here’s a clue…
This is a behind the scenes photo. My husband was taking my photo after Sunday brunch, and my boys were patiently waiting while my husband took pictures of me. I wonder what they’ll say about these days when they’re grown up. Ha!
You are right on with your Parisian theory. As a young “jeune fille au pair” living in Paris in 1975, I noticed that women wore the same outfit day after day, sometimes 4 days in a row. They did not have the number of clothes we Americans did, partly because of the limited closet space, and partly because clothing was so expensive. Your theory is right on.
Having never been focused on style and fashion, thank you for teaching me so much and for giving me excuses for some of the unusual combinations I wear everyday! I love having you in my life!!
I love having you in my life, too!
Great inspiration! Thank you!
Love this theory!
Also Parisians never look like they’ve tried too hard or given it much thought – very thrown together, but sometimes cool borders on ‘doesn’t work’, but actually does work for precisely that reason! Only recently discovered your blog and really enjoy it! Thanks Sophie x
Thanks for reading, Sophie!
I think you are right. They definitely do have smaller closets than Americans. They also focus on classic styles. You look beautiful!
Thank you! Yes, I agree with you about classic styles.
I think you’ve totally nailed the theory of why Parisians always look so effortlessly stylish! Now… to whittle my closet down to the right pieces that provide enough versatility without being boring….
#closetgoals… I think you just inspired a post!
Yes, and I think it’s also because many French and Italian women value high quality clothing over quantity. They seem to invest in key pieces that are timeless!
Yes! I agree!