Paris Street Style: A Guide to Effortless Chic

by Isabelle Thomas, Frédérique Veysset

One city always seems to win the award for most-wanted style―Paris, where people walking down the avenues mix timeless and trendy pieces in a way that appears effortless. French fashion writers Isabelle Thomas and Frédérique Veysset break down the “je ne sais quoi” of Paris street style, describing the essential elements that should be in everyone’s wardrobe. Renowned experts on French style―designers, stylists, editors, and celebrities―also chime in to reveal their favorite accessories and how to create multidimensional looks and make affordable clothing appear luxurious. Starring both fashion icons and anonymous women met on the streets of Paris and richly illustrated with hand-drawn sketches and Veysset’s striking photographs, Paris Street Style is an inspirational fashion guide that will allow you, no matter where you are from, to cultivate an everyday style of timeless glamour, careless, easy chic― votre style français .

Praise for Paris Street Style:

“In this fun new book, a pair of fashion bloggers promise to reveal the secrets of their compatriots’ mysterious and seemingly innate ability to look sophisticated under any circumstances. With the help of hand-drawn illustrations and photos of models, fashionistas and anonymous women met in the street, they dissect the essential elements of les Parisiennes’ deceptively casual, highly individualistic brand of urban chic and offer readers tips galore on creating their own personal style.” ― France Magazine

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Travel, France, Coffee Table Books, Self Help

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Cait · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

I love a good fashion book but I was a little disappointed with this one. It seemed to contradict itself by saying that fashion is all about individuality, finding your own style and being fearless, but then would list do’s and don’ts on the very next page. How are we expected to be fearless with our style when we’re given a list of rules to follow as well?

I didn’t enjoy the interviews either. I found them to be a bit condescending.

The best part of the book for me was the pictures. I loved so many of the outfits that were shown. If it were up to me, I would have removed all the writing from this book and just had pictures of Paris Street Style. I think in this case, a picture can say much more than words.

[Rosanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to rate a book like this? On the quality of the writing? The originality of the fashion advice? The photographs and art? The writing was easy and accessible for all audiences. The fashion advice was hardly original but a good reinforcement of what is already dogma, and the photographs were not too artsy or posed. My issue was that the writers would talk about fashion for different body types or personalities but the photos were all of size two women, long flowing hair, heels, and flawless skin. Is there no other type of French woman to be found, or do the "curvy" women, the women with the wide calves who should not wear leggings, only exist outside of France? If you are telling me that any body type can wear most clothes, then please show me examples.

I did appreciate the interviews with the French designers and fashionistas - if for one reason. They reminded me that what I should take away from the French woman is her desire to be herself and not play by any mass-marketed, mass-produced fashion rules (yet you have to read through a book of fashion dos and don'ts in order to get to these interviews...). Overall, a nice visual display for my Francophile bookshelf.

[Melanie Ting · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love fashion and all things French, so you'd think I'd love this book. But I think that fashion should be a source of joy and pleasure, whereas the authors of this book seem to think that fashion is a cruel and dictatorial world, where the better-dressed pass judgement upon those who try too hard. Besides creating insecurity, it's also full of contradictions, like saying there are no rules and then setting out the rules. The book is openly racist, looking down on on the fashion tastes of the British, Italians, Spanish, Swiss (?) and emphatically Americans. Americans (and Canadians I would assume) are "greedy," label-obsessed, and overly concerned with hygiene! Apparently skipping my morning shower and not combing my hair will make me chic and not a bag lady. Sorry, I'm not willing to test this theory.

Really, who did they think was reading this book? Only French women, who could be reassured of their sartorial superiority? Because last time I checked, readers do not like to be insulted. If you're at all interested in this book, I would suggest leafing through it at the bookstore and enjoying the fashion photos. (However don't expect to see anyone photographed who is not skinny and 5'10" with legs up to her neck.) The last interview with a sociologist was good, but the rest of the book is on the toxic side.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

My daughter picked this up for me at the library, because she knows I have been exploring French fashion lately. This book has lovely photographs on heavy paper and there are some good tips in here. But it's also contradictory, laced with interviews with designers, shop owners, "fashion icons," that tell you to be yourself, don't dress like everyone else, that you can mix cheap with expensive clothing, etc. And the next page will be a list of things you should NEVER wear or things you should ALWAYS wear and you shouldn't buy cheaply made clothes, but even top designers are having their clothes made in China these days, and on and on it goes. There's also the notion (common in the fashion world, I realize, and not unique to this book) that a purse is worth hundreds or thousands of dollars and heaven forbid if you don't have one of those "statement pieces," because you wouldn't want the wrong bag to "say" the wrong thing about you. Good grief. I know many people believe this and I suppose that's fine, despite the fact that there are many better ways to say something about yourself that I can think of that may be worth listening to. There are a number of snooty opinions in the book too - if not expressed by the authors, then by the interviewees. If your library has this and you like fashion, you may want to have a look; I liked the chapter on accessories the best, I think. But I wouldn't buy this book. Fashion changes too quickly for that and nearly everything in here, information-wise, can be found online. Save your money; you've got to start saving for that bag, you know!

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book, as it is a "French chic" book written for women -- by French authors.

Before I get to content, I have to address the poor proofreading and editing peppered throughout the book. With regard to content, there are several contradictions throughout, and that drove me batty as well. For instance, the page opposite the directive to avoid black tights (unless you are Dita von Teese) is a four-color bleed photo of a woman (who is not Dita von Teese) wearing black tights!

Overall, the book is an interesting peek into the the world of a few extremely beautiful, extremely thin, and probably extremely well off stylish Parisian women. The interviews were interesting, but the interviews, much like the overall content of the book, are opinion.

This is a fun -- and somewhat informative -- read, but I can't say that this book provided me with any greater insight than similar "French chic" books written by non-French authors. It's worth a borrow from the library, but I don't know that it's a "need to own".

[Hoại Băng · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s fun to read thou.

Sách đẹp, bìa đẹp, giấy dày chất lượng khỏi chê. Hình ảnh in đẹp, thiết kế dàn trang cũng tinh tế.

Nội dung thì không quá đặc sắc, đúng hơn là đơn giản như tổng hợp các bài trên tạp chí làm thành một tập san. Quyển này tập trung về áo quần phụ kiện (trang phục) hơn là phong cách sống như quyển “Sống như người Paris.” Lắm món trong sách nhắc đến mình chẳng biết nó là cái gì. Sau khi google một hồi thì coi như nó cũng giáo dục mình một chút. =))

Quyển này đọc vui mà. Ảnh minh họa có nhiều bộ đẹp phết, những cũng có nhiều bộ cánh mình thấy cứ ziêm zúa quê quê sao. :)) Đọc xong quyển này cũng muốn phá cách trang phục một tí. Mà mình hoàn toàn đồng ý với việc sách nhấn mạnh về sự chỉn chu, và tập trung vào chất lượng trong trang phục. Điều này có nghĩa là bà con chúng ta phải tránh xa fast fashion - this idea is gold.

Mà quyển này mắc lắm, nên thôi bà con đừng mua. Để dành tiền mua phụ kiện chất lượng đi. Còn muốn nghiên cứu thêm về thời trang thì lên Pinterest mà xem. :”))

[Vida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aaaaahhhhh, to be in my twenties again - or even my thirties. This is a quick, fun read for every woman interested in dressing well.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid book for its time. I wouldn’t recommend but I did enjoy learning about fashion in 2012. While I did live through it, it was still fun hearing different things about such a big part of everyone’s lives. While I do agree with a lot of the dos and donts, I think people should just wear what they want.

[katherine quiel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Paris Street Style - a guide to effortless chic.
This book was more like a self indulgent magazine and not so much of a book. Most of the so called styles are very editorial. I've never seen real Parisians walk around looking like this. You can skip this book.

[kiri · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little bit negative, arbitrary and racist. However, some tips are really helpful, in their own ways.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ This post was originally uploaded to http://www.theageofintimacy.com/isabe... as part of a blogging/social media internship. ]

'Personal style' books fascinate me. I'm not exactly sure why. I think it might be because I fall back on the default jeans-top-flats combination – the natural instinct after working at my previous job as a subtitler and not seeing more than five people in the office on any one day. So, I should warn you to be prepared for reviews of as many of these books as I can borrow from the library.

Paris Street Style is a pleasurable read, peppered with interviews by famous French designers, and stuffed with pictures of real Parisian women and their classic or eclectic style. The only full pages of text are the interviews and the beginning of each chapter, otherwise there are full-page style photos, and easily digestible chunks of text.

While I’m not known for taking notes when I read these kinds of books, this time started making lists of what I needed to supplement my wardrobe with. For someone who loves pretty clothes as much as I do, my wardrobe always seems ill-equipped to deal with new situations, or changes in weather. I am a rather cold-blooded creature, side-effect of living in Thailand for three years in the past, and so I was pleased to see things like V-neck cashmere sweaters on the list of must-haves.

Currently on my list is:

a good trench coat (wool or gabardine, NOT synthetic)

a tailored white shirt (either small men’s or regular size women’s)

the PERFECT jeans

a navy blue blazer

silk shirts

V-neck cashmere sweaters (to be worn over shirts or alone)

chinos

cropped black pants (a la Audrey Hepburn)

good quality shoes (secretly eyeing Salvatore Ferragamo’s Varina flats)


There is also a whole section on accessories, and one dedicated to what you should be willing to spend serious money on, because they will last forever. The list includes, apart from a few things I’ve mentioned above boots (which I invest in because I wear them year-round), a pea coat, and a short leather jacket. At the end of the section, there is also a short list of how to maintain the clothes you spend the serious money on. I’m usually loath to spend money on things I know won’t last (like seasonal clothing), so I tend to wear things to death and buy a lot of basics. As a consequence, my wardrobe isn’t up-to-the-minute fashionable. But, as this book points out, should we keep up with fashion, or should it keep up with us?

This is probably one of the most useful ‘personal style’ books I’ve read, and I’m actually considering spending the money to have a copy to keep forever. One of the things I like most about it is both the interviews with famous French designers, and the quotes taken from real women, who are shown alongside their thoughts on personal style.

I feel that this book is a valuable asset to anyone who wants to build a classic wardrobe while still maintaining their individual style. There are many examples of eclectic matches within the book, as well as the practical advice that elevates your look from boring to stylish and chic.

[jibrailis · Rating 1 out of 5]

a style guide for skinny white conventionally beautiful women with massive amounts of disposable income - any book that claims it's "not that hard" to invest in a few high end designer pieces is laughingly delusional. book also mocks women who wear black tights, of all things. what a pointlessly arbitrary (and perfectly normal) thing that a large amount of women wear, especially in colder climates. additionally the designers and fashion people they interview are amazingly condescending. tell me why i should care about some snooty white dude's opinions about femininity and how women dress, but this is a larger issue in fashion & publishing where most of the top designers in women's clothing are men. anyway i go into these books knowing i'll be disappointed yet i can't stop reading them, i like to punish myself i suppose. by the way i wear black tights all the time, under shorts even, and baseball caps, and my flats, gasp, cover my toes, and i carry a cheap handbag, and i look stunning

[Sami Reid · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book has some nice examples of fashion and some interesting interviews with people in the fashion world, but multiple times throughout the book it challenges the idea of "women not wanting to or unable to get into fashion because of the cost" and haughtily, their solution is "buy name brand things for most of your clothes and save up for one nice designer item, silly, it's not that expensive." You can really feel the privilege of people in fashion looking down on those who can't afford it and scoffing at them. They also don't address ethical purchasing of clothes and just focus on "buy these designer items and you'll look so effortless!" In addition, it's not inclusive of all bodies and despite saying a couple times that you can find beautiful clothing for all body sizes, does not showcase this, belittles people for having back fat or any kind of body fat that would bulge in tight clothes, and goes as far to say "if you can't find clothes in your size you aren't trying hard enough". Really just a haughty self-important book written by haughty self-important french people who think that because their parents were rich and they've always had access to fashion that they're better than the peons who don't. I'd recommend this book for if you just want to see some examples of Paris street fashion and get some pointers, but don't take it very seriously, it's an ego-tripping waste of time.

[Natalie Shawver · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love all things Parisian, especially stripes, ballet flats, and that effortless chic French women seem to embody so naturally. This book was gifted to me years ago, and I’m so glad I finally picked it up. Just in time for Emily in Paris to return! :)

Paris Street Style is the kind of book you can read in bits and pieces, flipping through pages for inspiration rather than sitting down to read straight through. I enjoyed learning more about French style and the ways the authors encourage readers to infuse elements of it into their own wardrobes. While I didn’t love all of the “rules” laid out in the book, since style is so subjective, there were definitely plenty of dos and don’ts I found myself nodding along with.

What I appreciated most was how the book pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. It made me want to experiment more with pieces I already own and try combinations I wouldn’t normally put together. I've been on a wardrobe journey the past few years and maybe that will be my personal style goal for 2026.

With its beautiful photography and practical advice, this would make a lovely gift for the style lover in your life, or for anyone who dreams of adding a little Parisian flair to their closet.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book is written well, gives good advice, and has beautiful pictures, it false advertises it's intended purpose. As someone who already has her own style and knows how to dress herself well, I had hoped this book would allow me to incorporate more French style into my already well-developed American one. However, this doesn't discuss how to dress like a Parisian, so much as how to dress well and develop your own sense of style. Period. I would say the rules and suggestions of this book would apply in every city and culture. This book would be most useful to someone who doesn't know how to dress themselves yet, but is more likely to attract the attention of readers who are already very fashion savvy. Those who need little help dressing themselves won't gain much from this book, and those who could actually benefit from the books advice aren't likely to realize they would, based on how the book is marketed.

[Jonii · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but like the Refinery 29 book on the same subject, I found a lot of the fashion too trendy for the average person. It's not that I don't like that style but the kind of a person that is going to be reading a book versus reading a blog or even possibly going to shows or being involved in the industry is pretty vast; they are different demographics entirely. I do think this book did a better job of leaning towards a more classic underlying style with trends worked in. They also included some things which other style books seem to skip over (or even overtly say is a fashion faux pas) such as embracing wearing flats and not pushing a "must wear heels at all times" agenda, for example. Overall, I'd recommend this book to somebody looking for a current how to style guide but with caveats.

[Tonia Koutsoukou · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all - amazing photography. I dare say it is worth buying it just for that. On the other hand, I disagree with many of the concepts in that book and I find it quite contradicting. Throughout the book, it is mentioned that Parisian women do not follow rules and dress as they please and then pages and pages of rules follow that statement. I found it quite discouraging in terms of experimenting with styles to find things that work and instead of offering novel styling ideas I found it to have an old fashioned approach. That been said, there were parts of the book I enjoyed, but overall nothing new or groundbreaking.

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading Rush 2019 - Read a book in the same spot the whole time.

I started this a few years ago and never got around to finishing it so I thought it'd be a good quick read for the challenge. However, I was really disappointed in it. The key point of French style is that it's classic and timeless. This book was published in 2013 and 6 years on, all the images felt very outdated. There wasn't even a particular focus on French style other than interviewing people from the industry at the end of each chapter. It was easy to read but it felt very condescending and rude and often hypocritical. The only part I really enjoyed where the illustrations. A huge disappointment for me unfortunately.

[Libraryassistant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably a 3.5...there are a lot of great pictures and a handful of good pointers and interviews. However, it is also full of catholic-school style rule mongering, and often the photos and interviews are at odds with the rules. Nonetheless, I found it worth sorting through. And it surely made me want to return to Paris! Bon chic, bon genre...

[Melanie Rippon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, better than "Berlin Street Style" as it features plenty of photographs (plus some lovely illustrations) & interviews, & the shopping/eating out guide is confined to the back of the book, not making up the majority of the book.

[Carolina Ibanez · Rating 2 out of 5]

To really like the book and make most of it you have to really like and know fashion and french personalities. I was not able to understand half the references and examples.
I guess this book was not for me.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5 stars***
Many different opinions are offered here. Some really resonate with me; others not so much. Some of the tips are useful; some seem very outdated. It's exactly what I expected to be honest

[A. · Rating 1 out of 5]

The content was rude and stupid, possibly only good as a capsule of the time. Basically it’s annoyingly authoritative when fashion doesn’t really have rules unless you want to be boring.

The majority of the outfits heavily featured H&M and Zara.

Do not recommend.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Agree that this book was quite contradictory, but it was a fun read and I liked the commentary in some of the interviews on style versus fashion.

[Hương Lê · Rating 3 out of 5]

It looks more like a magazine than a book.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little snooty for me; but an amusing read in between serious tomes.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I love all things French, but it just missed the mark for me.

[Liesleest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weinig praktisch. Interviews met mensen die mij niets zeggen. Foto’s zijn wel inspirerend.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Photographs were great. The interviews were too judgy in some instances for my tastes.