In Praise of Paris and French Fashion
Settling in Paris + curating a French wardrobe
Guess who’s moving to Paris next month!!
My husband and I have been planning a move abroad these past few months and while it was very difficult to settle on a place to live, we ultimately had to choose somewhere we could see ourselves living long-term. (Just in case we won’t be able to move to Denmark after all.) Denmark’s immigration process is notoriously difficult, placing significant financial burdens, strict living restrictions, and demanding work requirements on international couples moving to the country. It honestly feels like it’s designed to deter newcomers from settling in Denmark, and for us, it kinda did.
BUT!!! The European Union offers a loophole for international couples like my husband and I: if an EU citizen moves to another EU country, they can bring their non-EU spouse with them. After establishing a life together in the new country, they can apply to return to their home EU country if they so choose.
Comme ça, we’re moving to Paris indefinitely, with the possibility of going back to Copenhagen in the future. As I pack for our new life in Paris, here’s a little ode to Paris fashion with some of my favorite aspects of French style:
Big diva sunglasses
I don’t know any brand that does big, French diva sunglasses quite like Celine does. To me, their sunglass designs are the essence of Parisian style. I used to own a black pair that I sadly lost a couple of years ago. They were my go-to accessory and to this day, I haven’t found a pair of sunglasses I loved as much as my old Celines. Below are a few of the sunglasses I have been considering purchasing to maybeeee replace the lost Celines:
Vintage silk neckerchief
A silk neckerchief is one of those little accessories that can transform your entire outfit. It’s incredibly versatile and can be worn in so many different ways - around your neck, as a headband, or tied to your handbag. It’s an accessory with a ton of reference points, but when I think of the silk neckerchief, I think of James Baldwin during his Paris years. Baldwin often wore them with such grace and style which really just spoke into his sophisticated yet bohemian spirit.
Side note: I highly recommend reading the essays Encounter on the Seine: Black Meets Brown (1950) and Equal in Paris (1955). First mentioned is one of my favorite Baldwin essays.
The little black dress
The little black dress was introduced in the 1920s by Coco Chanel, who said it would “become the uniform of all women of good taste.“ Fast forward to now, the little black dress has survived a century of fashion trends and is now cemented as a wardrobe staple in modern wardrobes all over the world. I think its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and versatility; it can be dressed up or down, and it look so good on just about anyone.
Monochrome co-ord
Monochrome co-ords offer an easy way to get dressed and look put together without having to put too much thought into your outfit. My favorite brands to search for on eBay include Jones New York, Talbot, and Donna Karan. These brands are known for their timeless design and high quality fabrics. Best of all, their stuff is pretty cheap. I’d say to look for muted colors like black, white, and navy when you hunt for monochrome suits. That way, they don’t go out of style.
Long, fitted black blazer
Another wardrobe staple that is very French is the long, fitted black blazer. I love a blazer with a tailored fit and sleek lines that can be worn with a white tee or over an evening dress. On our wedding night, I stole my husband’s blazer to wear over my wedding dress. Ideally, I would have loved to wear a more flattering blazer like those of Balmain or Saint Laurent but my husband’s suit jacket worked just fine in that particular scenario.
Black leather boots
I have plenty of black boots, but none that are just a classy mid-low heeled pair. The black boot is yet another wardrobe essential that adds an element of elegance to any outfit. When looking for the perfect pair, consider brands known for their quality and craftsmanship, such as the Swedish brands ARKET, Acne Studios, and COS. A good pair of black boots can be a worthwhile investment. However, there are a lot of cheap second-hand options out there that look just as good as a high-end pair.
I’m so excited to start this new chapter and see what Paris has in store for us. You’re welcome to follow along. ❤️ If you enjoyed this issue and want to support the work that goes into making these newsletters, consider becoming a paid subscriber. I would greatly appreciate the encouragement!
You can also support my work by leaving a comment, sharing the newsletter with your friends or on social media, and engaging with me on the Notes section. It helps the publication get discovered.
Lastly, I’m curious to know if there is anything you’d like to see more of on the newsletter? Are there any Paris-specific topics you’d like to read about?
Bisous,
Emma xx
📌 Fashionably Late may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through some of the links above. Thank you for trusting me with your shopping!
excited for your move to Paris!!
Omg! So excited for you—great choice of city