Barbiecore and Cottagecore rendezvoused in Paris, and the result is the dreamiest fashion trend of the season. Here’s how to get the look.
Ready to reinvent your springtime style but not sure where to start? Pariscore is the perfect solution. If you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing April in Paris, then you know the vibe. If not, then picture this…
Pariscore: Parisian Chic Meets Slow Living
It’s no surprise that the most elegant feminine aesthetic of the season comes straight from the City of Lights…and Love! Paris is known for its delightful mix of historical treasures and modern innovations in the world of art and fashion, and the Pariscore aesthetic brilliantly reflects this dynamic contrast while bridging classical sensibilities and modern style.
More than a fashion aesthetic, Pariscore focuses on quiet, intentional living in the midst of a bustling, soul-stirring creative life.
Pariscore is strolling down the rue with a baguette under one arm and a bouquet of fresh flowers in the other.
Pariscore is breaking into a buttery croissant and dipping it in your chocolat chaud as you watch passers-by from your table at Angelina’s.
Pariscore is thrifted accessories mingling with designer pieces to create a style statement all your own.
Pariscore is what happens when Cottagecore hops a train and ends up in Paris. It’s Barbiecore, but with a passport and croissant.
It’s born from a life lived la vie in rose.
Nailing the Pariscore Aesthetic
If you’ve embraced a Parisian point of view this spring, then it’s time to dress like it! And don’t worry—French fashion isn’t all about Chanel and Dior. Paris might be home to the world’s most coveted designer labels and elegant purveyors of accessories, but it’s also no stranger to the world of flea markets and reimagined fashions.
In fact, Parisian street fashion can consist of anything from carefully tailored separates to more casual or unconventional combinations of wardrobe pieces. The French are experts at embracing their originality and using it to fuel unique yet fashion-forward styles.
However, if you’re searching to embrace the traditional Pariscore look, here are some style staples to get you started.
We See London, We See France…
And chances are we won’t be seeing your underpants! Be that as it may, unmentionables do bear a mention when discussing the French way of dressing.
Feeling French and embracing a European way of life happens from the inside out, which is why curating every part of your wardrobe (yes, even those which no one sees) is imperative for capturing a French aesthetic. Splurge on a matching underwear and bra set in your favorite pastel color—we love the options from retailers like Victoria’s Secret and Free People, but T.J. Maxx often has similar styles for a discounted price.
Even the parts of our wardrobe that seem “invisible” are an important aspect of helping us not only look but also feel our best. So ditch the faded undies, tired pajamas, and baggy brassieres—pick out pieces that make you feel beautiful inside and out!
Tied with a Bow
Visit any French boutique—or even a patisserie—and you’ll likely leave with a delightfully designed shopping bag or box tied with a bow. So, why not add one to your outfit? Bows have been omnipresent in our fashion feeds for nearly two years, and they’re still going strong.
But what if, instead of being taken for granted, they were the main event? Loosely curl your hair and tie it half-back before adding an oversized silk bow like this one. Refresh your bow collection by adding one in an unconventional color or texture—baby pink or blue, velvet or tulle, or even one made of pearls like this splurge-worthy statement piece (we’ve seen reasonably priced dupes at T.J.Max).
If hair accessories aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to add a Parisian pop of playfulness to your outfit through ribbons and bows. Try a pair of embellished sheer tights or something more subtle, like this customizable bow clutch on sale at Mark & Gram…the French love a good monogram!
Fabulous French Fabrics
Few things reflect French fashion quite as beautifully as textiles like jacquard, lace, and tulle. A few of these fabrics in your closet instantly lends a sense of Parisian chic to your wardrobe.
Jacquard features intricately woven patterns of flowers and vines and, while the textile can be found in various aspects of home decor, it’s anything but boring. Case in point? This corseted dress from Windsor blends modern fun and antiqued sensibility with its short hemline and lacy petticoat underlayer. It comes in three different hues, including a deep shade of ivory that alludes to this season’s viral “butter yellow” color.
There’s nothing as fancy, fun, or feminine as delicately woven lace. While it’s a wardrobe staple in many countries, lace takes on a more historic appearance in France—the country’s lacemaking tradition includes fabled weaves such as that of Chantilly lace. Often featured in wedding gowns and evening dresses, lace isn’t just for formal occasions. Check out this ruched lace bodycon from For Love & Lemons or this flowing tiered sundress from LoveShackFancy.
Everything that rich, weighty jacquard is…tulle is not! Commonly associated with prima ballerinas such as those at the Paris Opera Ballet, tulle isn’t just for Balletcore. Historically part of women’s undergarments, tulle today is a fun and flirty fabric that lends itself toward pops of Parisian playfulness (check out this ballet pink number from Zara, or this one in baby blue). If you’re looking to make a statement, this black full-on tulle dress from Lulus with bow-tie shoulders and all-over crystal embellishments is the perfect choice. This tulle halter from LoveShackFancy with a plunging V-neck and sequined micro-pleats is equally daring and perfect for a splurge.
Buttoning Up
Laces and tulles are perfect for a dinner out on the town or evening stroll along the river (preferably the Seine) but how can you reflect Pariscore in your everyday attire?
Of course, we can always embrace a bit of Chanel—tweed skirt-and-jacket separates or suit dresses never go out of style. Endless Rose is our go-to for girly, creative, could-have-fooled-you pieces that give serious Chanel vibes (for a notable price difference).
But if you’re looking for a more relaxed everyday style, consider a slightly oversized button-up silk or linen blouse (we love the ones from Banana Republic!) paired with your favorite pair of slacks, jeans, or (on sunny afternoons) linen shorts.
When April showers come upon you, don’t despair—take it as an opportunity to add a new jacket to your collection. There’s nothing more simply chic than a French-inspired trench. If you’re looking to break out of the beiges, consider this ecru coat from Coach, on sale at the outlet for a comparable steal. Our personal favorite is the Bagatelle trench from Bloomingdale’s, currently available in a rosy beige.
For footwear, embrace the style of Louboutin’s ballet-inspired flats with these Mary Janes from Amazon. If you’re up for a splurge, this petal-pink pair from LoveShackFancy would be perfect for a stroll down the Champs-Élysées…or your own city street.
When in Doubt…Accessorize!
As famous as the French are for their flawless fashions and knowledge of understated elegance, they are equally as well-known for their ability to accessorize at any given moment.
Purses that pair perfectly with their outfits. Stylishly tied scarves…preferably from Hermès, of course. Designer sunglasses. Heirloom jewelry.
The French are experts at incorporating accessories into their looks in such a way that doesn’t overpower but, rather, accentuates their outfit.
The good news is, you don’t need a Birkin or a pair of Chanel shades to emulate the effect. You can do the same with a purse from your discount store. Alternatively, hit up your nearest antique mall for a few vintage pieces to incorporate into your weekly rotation—the French love to incorporate little flashes of historic charm.
Even if you can’t afford a shopping spree this season, shop your closet—pull out old, tired pieces and give them a refresh. Pop a rhinestone pin onto the lapel of an old jacket, tie a different-colored ribbon around an old sunhat. Cuff your winter jeans to create capris…use a dash of resourcefulness, and you can give any aspect of your wardrobe that certain sort of je ne sais qoui!
Whether you live in Paris, France or Paris, Texas, you can embrace Pariscore just the same—just don’t forget to live la vie en rose!