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To ground this street style report in a modern phenomenon — Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour — it’s worth revisiting the outro of the artist’s 2013 release, “Partition.” In the midst of the song, a recording from 2009 of a reporter asking Beyonce, “Are you happy to be in Paris?” plays. The sound of cameras flashing and heels on the pavement play in the background of the recording. This specific sound bite has become a soundtrack for Paris street style, as if to provide an answer to its own question: Yes, of course. There is nowhere quite like Paris.
The street style at this month’s fall 2023 couture shows reaffirmed that Paris is the epicenter of cool-girl fashion. While summer in the city is hot, trends like uniform dressing, cool silver tones, and everyday dresses are perfect for an urban setting. You might even consider forgoing fancy footwear and opting for classic shoe styles like ballet flats, loafers, or sandals. But that doesn t mean forgoing fun — quintessential summertime favorites like gingham, all-white ensembles, and tweed are also taking center stage in the streets of Paris. In other words, we’re taking pages from the style books of French fashion icons like Bridget Bardot (hello, the original gingham skirt icon), Coco Chanel (all hail the tweed queen), and Françoise Hardy (one of the first to wear Paco Rabanne’s silver chainmail mini dress).
In sum, yes, we’re always happy to be in Paris. In the meantime, wherever you’re summering, here are the key city-girl looks to note from this season’s street style in Paris.
A Maxi Dress and Sandals
Perhaps the best look for staying cool in summer heat, a breezy maxi dress is a tale as old as time, as far as summertime style goes. Lee Mathews’ white smocked linen dress with black spaghetti straps is one that will never lose its luster, especially when worn with a pair of fan-favorite Marni sandals or easy Studio Nicholson chocolate slides. For a dressed-up version of this look, try a silk number such as Acne’s blue-checkered satin dress.
The LBD and Evening Clutch
A style that takes the cake in the forever-icon department, the LBD is an easy win in summer style. The Row’s stretch scuba dress is a modern take on a truly timeless silhouette, and pairs well with a black leather geometric clutch such as Demellier’s. Matteau’s cotton dress is a feminine take on the everyday essential. Add a hint of edge to this look with Attico’s black midnight clutch — a bag that can be worn from early morning to late nights out on the town.
Something Silver with Platforms Sandals
This metallic hue has resurfaced as a key look for the season. Whether in the form of a Paco Rabanne classic disk mini skirt or versatile top, silver has undoubtedly made its way to the top of the trend charts. This timeless take on silver pairs well with an oversized blazer, such as The Frankie Shop’s twill iteration, and a pair of exaggerated platform sandals, such as Melissa’s black Patty sandals — a comfortable pair that can transition from day to night.
The Perfect Shirt and Everyday Denim
What’s the best outfit to put on when you want to look put-together without even thinking about how to get dressed? An easy button-down shirt and perfect pair of jeans. E.L.V. Denim’s two-toned shirt, which is made entirely from upcycled fabrics and designed with an oversized silhouette, is equally modern and classic. Wear it with a pair of Nili Lotan jeans — the crowd-favorite denim that stands the test of time. Take the look to new heights with a Canadian Tuxedo version. Goldsign’s button-front denim shirt pairs perfectly with a lighter-wash pair of jeans, such as Toteme’s high-rise organic denim.
An All-White Look
When in doubt, wear white. A quintessential summer ensemble that looks good on everyone, an all-white outfit sets the mood for the season while keeping heat at bay. To keep cool, consider a lace or eyelet white shirt such as Bode’s Tile Shirt or COS’ button-down eyelet shirt. Pair either with a pair of wide-leg pants that maintain movement, such as Altuzarra’s Jess pants. Another pair of widely-loved bottoms are Nili Lotan’s twill wide-leg pants in white — a relaxed-fit pair of denim that you’ll always look forward to wearing.
Gingham Print with Fisherman Sandals
Lean into summer while maintaining a sense of French sophistication with a gingham-fisherman sandals combination. Prada’s newly-released gingham shirts, especially in picnic-basket red and white, fit the bill perfectly. For a more retro look, consider Alaïa’s full gingham maxi skirt — if there’s one garment that defines summer in Paris, it might be this one. Wear your gingham pieces with another nostalgic summertime must-have: fisherman sandals. Footwear brand Hereu is known for their tried-and-true take on this classic, but other iterations, such as that of Gabriela Hearst, also pass the test.
Tweed Set with Ballet Flats
If you didn’t already know you were ready for your Barbie moment, the time is now. A French girl look by nature (Gabrielle Chanel did it best!), pairing tweed with ballet flats is not only a summer look — it transitions well into fall, too. Stella McCartney’s new pink tweed suit is the perfect piece to consider for a versatile full-tweed ensemble. Lean into the look with a pair of silver ankle-strap ballet flats, such as Prada’s. Or, give the look a hint of subtle height with MM6 Maison Margiela’s block-heeled black ballerina shoes.
Floral Frocks with Flats
Last, but certainly not least, is the summer girl’s non-negotiable wardrobe essential: the floral frock. Whether you choose a feminine Rodarte number, such as the yellow rose dress, or a contemporary take, such as La Double J’s dahlia dress, frolicking around the city in a flower-ridden dress was never a bad idea. Wear your frock with a pair of forever flats, such as Le Monde Beryl’s black Mary Jane shoes. Take the entire look from a day in the park to an evening dinner with a versatile blazer, such as The Frankie Shop’s Bea Blazer.
