Paris is the city of fashion, and no one knows it better than Jeanne Damas, the French model, actress, and entrepreneur, who has been dubbed the “ultimate Parisian it-girl” by Vogue. Damas, who is the founder and creative director of Rouje, a clothing and beauty brand inspired by her own effortless and chic style, has a loyal following of fans and admirers, who look up to her for her sartorial tips and tricks. Damas, who was born and raised in Paris, has a natural flair for dressing, that combines elegance and simplicity, sophistication and sensuality, and classic and trendy. Damas, who has been featured in magazines such as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Glamour, has also collaborated with brands such as Gucci, Dior, and Mango.
But what are the secrets of Damas’s style, and how can you emulate it? How can you dress like a Parisian, and capture the essence and the charm of the French capital? Here are some of the key elements and advice that Damas shares with us, on how to dress like a Parisian.
The Basics
The first thing to know about dressing like a Parisian, is that you need to have a solid and versatile wardrobe, that consists of quality and timeless pieces, that you can mix and match, and wear for different occasions. Damas says: “I think the Parisian style is about having a few basics, that you can wear all the time, and that you can accessorize with different things, like a scarf, a hat, a belt, or a bag. I think it’s important to invest in good quality clothes, that will last for a long time, and that you can wear with everything.”
Some of the basics that Damas recommends, are:
A pair of jeans, preferably high-waisted and straight-leg, that flatter your figure and go with any top. Damas says: “I love jeans, I wear them almost every day. I think they are very comfortable and very Parisian. I like them to be high-waisted, because they make your legs look longer, and they are more feminine. I also like them to be straight-leg, because they are more modern and more flattering than skinny jeans.”
A white shirt, preferably cotton or silk, that you can wear with jeans, skirts, or trousers, and that you can dress up or down. Damas says: “A white shirt is a must-have, because it is very elegant and very versatile. You can wear it with anything, and you can make it look casual or formal, depending on how you style it. I like to wear it with jeans and a blazer, or with a skirt and a cardigan, or with trousers and a coat.”
A black dress, preferably midi or mini, that you can wear for day or night, and that you can accessorize with different shoes, bags, and jewellery. Damas says: “A black dress is a classic, because it is very chic and very easy to wear. You can wear it for any occasion, and you can change the look with different accessories. I like to wear it with boots and a leather jacket, or with heels and a clutch, or with flats and a basket.”
The Accessories
The second thing to know about dressing like a Parisian, is that you need to have some fun and stylish accessories, that can add some personality and flair to your outfit, and that can make a statement. Damas says: “I think accessories are very important, because they can make a difference, and they can show your style and your mood. I think accessories are a way to express yourself, and to have some fun with fashion.”
Some of the accessories that Damas loves, are:
A scarf, preferably silk or wool, that you can wear around your neck, your hair, or your bag, and that can add some colour and pattern to your look. Damas says: “I love scarves, I have a lot of them, and I wear them all the time. I think they are very feminine and very Parisian. I like to wear them around my neck, to keep me warm and to add some contrast to my outfit. I also like to wear them in my hair, to make a bun or a ponytail, or to tie them around my bag, to make it more fun and more personal.”
A hat, preferably a beret or a fedora, that you can wear on your head, or on the side, and that can add some charm and sophistication to your look. Damas says: “I love hats, I think they are very chic and very cool. I like to wear them on my head, to protect me from the sun or the rain, or on the side, to make it more casual and more playful. I like to wear a beret, because it is very French and very cute, or a fedora, because it is very elegant and very stylish.”
A pair of sunglasses, preferably cat-eye or round, that you can wear on your eyes, or on your nose, and that can add some glamour and mystery to your look. Damas says: “I love sunglasses, I think they are very sexy and very mysterious. I like to wear them on my eyes, to hide them from the world, or on my nose, to make it more fun and more flirty. I like to wear cat-eye sunglasses, because they are very feminine and very retro, or round sunglasses, because they are very modern and very trendy.”
The Attitude
The third and final thing to know about dressing like a Parisian, is that you need to have a confident and relaxed attitude, that reflects your style and your personality, and that makes you feel good and comfortable. Damas says: “I think the most important thing about dressing like a Parisian, is to be yourself, and to be happy with what you wear. I think you should wear what you like, and what makes you feel good, and not care about what other people think. I think you should have fun with fashion, and not take it too seriously. I think you should be confident and relaxed, and not try too hard. I think that’s the Parisian way.”
Dressing like a Parisian is not a matter of following rules or trends, but a matter of finding your own style and expressing it. Jeanne Damas, the ultimate Parisian it-girl, shows us how to do it, with her basics, her accessories, and her attitude. Damas, who is an inspiration and a role model for many women around the world, says: “I don’t think I have a secret, I just try to be myself, and to be happy. I think that’s the best way to dress, and to live.”
