Parisian Chic Encore: A Style Guide

by Inès de la Fressange, Sophie Gachet

In this extensively updated and augmented new edition of the New York Times best-selling Parisian Chic, Ines de la Fressange, the iconic Parisienne, and Sophie Gachet, Paris’s fashion authority, share their personal style and beauty tips—gleaned from decades in the fashion industry—with humor and verve.

This ultrachic volume with ribbon page marker includes new photography featuring Ines in her signature looks, easy-to-recreate advice, and extensive addresses—in Paris and online—to source all you need for chic Parisian fashion, beauty, and interiors.

From killer outfits to Parisian wardrobe essentials, or from Ines’s 10-minute beauty routine to her countdown to a perfect Parisian dinner party, this elegant volume is replete with inspiration à la Parisienne and is a must-have for any woman who wants to infuse her own style with the essence of Parisian chic.

Genres: Fashion, France, Nonfiction, Travel, Lifestyle

240 pages, Paperback

Published November 12, 2019

About the author

Inès Marie Lætitia Églantine Isabelle de Seignard de La Fressange; born 11 August 1957), is a French supermodel, fashion designer and perfumer. She was named to the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame in 1998.

Reviews

[Jami M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to hate this book for telling me how to dress, where to shop and where to eat!! Ugh. How utterly ridiculous and insulting.

But the truth is, I like this glimpse into this privileged slice of middle age French life.

I will never be in Paris to shop in these shops, eat in these restaurants, buy these French things- so why not have a bit of fantasy and read this book??

This is pure escapism for me. It’s traveling without the cost of traveling. I like the format of the book and the photos and the overall aesthetic. So, while this might be a massively insulting for some, I found it enjoyable. C’est la vie!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic Friday night read.

Written by the ever stylish Ines De La Fressange this guide to Parisian style is the perfect pick me up on a wet and cold winters eve.

The follow up to her best selling Parisian Chic, Encore is more than just an updated version of the same book, sure some of the pictures are the same, but it has been updated with the latest style and beauty trends from the City of Light and features a fabulous array of stores that I will happily check out when I go to Paris in the New Year.

For anyone planning a trip to Paris, or just dreaming of some Parisian style I would heartily recommend this.

Also, I just love the neon pink cover 💖

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4 stars but I rounded up because I adore Ines de la Fressange

Parisian Chic Encore is the 2019 update of Fressange's 2010 iconic Parisian Chic guide, and it may be more charming than the original.

True...there is not anything earth-shattering in these pages, but the book is so delightful and whimsical! It is a cross between a bullet journal and an art journal that features how-tos and shopping guides in four categories: How to Dress Like a Parisienne, Parisienne Right Down to the Fingertips, The Parisienne Home, and Only in Paris.

If you love anything regarding the mysterious French women and her chic, give this a read.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to laugh at some of the suggestions which were absurd.

1. Don't wear pink on your lips. (Huh?)
2. Create an Instagram account (sure, so we can compare ourselves to others)
3. Skip Botox (What? why?)
4. Skip scrubs and peels. Too aggressive. (Uh, ok? ever have one?)
4. Can't do without toothbrush. She's surprised by how people have yellow teeth. (Seriously? Maybe they do brush but love coffee? Ok, weird?

I'm kinda disappointed by the book! I was so excited too!

[Kayln Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

amusing little french fashion book!

[Catherine Auman · Rating 2 out of 5]

A summary of the book so you don't have to read it: Buy only 8 pieces of basic, androgynous clothes and mix them with expensive accessories. Unfortunately, this way of dressing only looks good when you are tall, slim, and a world-class beauty as the author is. Otherwise if you have more normal looks, dressing this way will make you seem a preppy frump. Better to dress like a Los Angeleno: We wear what we want, whatever makes us feel good, and we don't give a f**k what anyone thinks. Paris is no longer the fashion capital of the world, and we don't look to you for advice.

[Brooke Everett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever anyone presents me with a gift card, I always try to purchase something for myself I imagine the giver might choose or that's reflective of the giver. My sweet friend Cathleen, who is a fashion stylist, gave me a gift card to the Strand for my birthday and I selected this book to be "from her." It was one I wanted for a while, and I was thrilled to see an updated edition was now available.

I read this book while watching the Phillies play in the World Series on TV. Listen, I love the Phillies, but I simply cannot fully pay attention throughout the entire game, and this was a way better activity than mindlessly scrolling on my phone.

This book is full of génial tips and tricks, Instagram accounts to follow, and shops, restaurants, and hotels that will definitely be part of my next Paris itinerary. The illustrations, also by Ines, are absolutely darling.

I don't consider myself particularly fashionable. My drawers are full of plain basics, and if I find something I like that fits nicely and is flattering, I buy it in multiple colors. It was delightful to discover, then, that I already follow many of Ines's guidelines for how to dress like a Parisian. She also showed me what's missing from my wardrobe (a plain black leather belt) and what needs to go (I do love a periodic clothing purge.)

This is perhaps my favorite set of shopping tips that I've already put into action:
"3 questions to ask yourself before opening your wallet
Could I wear this tonight?
Yes → Buy it.
No → Put it back.
Would that friend whose style I admire wear this?
Yes → Buy it (and give it to her if you don't wear it).
No → Put it back.
Do I already have this pink sweater? (If it's a black or navy sweater, the question doesn't apply; you can never have enough of those.)
Yes → Put it back.
No → Buy it. (It might seem strange, but you always need a pink sweater.)"

There are certainly a few of Ines's "rules" that I will never follow:
Under Beauty Faux Pas:
- "Shimmery, shiny, and glittery makeup. Off the catwalk and off the magazine pages, it's off-limits."
Pry my Urban Decay and Pat McGrath eyeshadows from my cold, dead hands, Ines.
- "Nail art. It looks ridiculous to me, even when it's subtle - a bit like a 50-year-old carrying a Hello Kitty purse."
Quel dommage! Nail art is FUN, like ephemeral little pieces of art just for you. I say she hasn't found the right nail tech.

[Elizabeth Strauch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fluff I picked up from the library as a palate cleanser. Some good tips if I ever come into some money and have days to shop in Paris, but also some good reminders to trust my own instincts - like, yeah, obviously I would never wear a bracelet, a watch, a necklace AND earrings all at the same time - quelle horreur!! I will also stop putting mascara on my bottom lashes, as she recommends. Sounds like I need to buy some penny loafers, too, and I clearly don't have enough handbags. Best read by women of a certain age/race/weight/income bracket, but some fun fashion inspo for all.

[Cessna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I actually didn’t know who Ines nor Sophie were when I got this book. Picked it up when I was home over the holidays and inspired to plan my parents’ trip to Paris, to “edit” my wardrobe (as Ines and Sophie would say), and to clean up my apartment, and I appreciated that the book had sections with lots of pictures in each. I realize I’m not much of a strict rules type of person so I don’t always care for the “Do’s” and “Don’t’s”, but I appreciated some of the personal recommendations for go-to places in Paris.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is as much a shopping and travel guide for Paris as it is a book about French style. Of the two options I was considering at the bookstore, this was the more expensive and it turned out to have those aspects I wasn't looking for. Hence, three stars. However, I really enjoyed the decor style section - most books like this one focus on clothes & beauty/self-care only. I'd say compared to other French style books, if you want more than just tips on dressing, this is the book for you.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good things about this book. If you want to look timeless in a "oh, this old thing?" way, but remain elegant, this is the only reference book you'll need. However, if you combine this with the Jennifer Scott "Madame Chic" series and anything by Tish Jett you will never be caught anywhere with a bad outfit. The essential triumverate of confidence. One add on - the Parisian Chic "Look Book" makes a great appendix.

[Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parisian Chic Encore... a funny expression of a middle aged woman's musings on eccentric fashion style and home decor. Although the fashion advice in the first 25% is applicable to women of any age, she focuses on claiming it is only relevant for 30's, 40's and 50's. About half the book details retail stores the author frequents.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parisian Chic - Encore shows you how to create a French lifestyle wherever you live. From fashion to interior design to the best places to shop.

[Mayhe San · Rating 4 out of 5]

First chapters are dedicated to fashion, excellent!
If you live in Paris or you are going to Paris, the lasts chapters will give you a lot of ideas.

[Sara Bouffard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful book as a gift for someone. Not a "practical" guide so to speak.

[Qtprep1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short with some illustrations , okay to browse, not much of substance

[Shay Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked this book but functioned as more of a field guide for Paris than actionable steps/advice. Would be way more useful if one were going on a trip to Paris than as just a fun read.

[Sarah]

So wonderful! Loved the very practical advice and photographs.

[Yami · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. More like a Paris travel guide than anything else really. Some parts were nice, and it was a bit of escapism since most of us can't afford to eat or shop at the places recommended. Alas.

[Read with Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting.

[Ewa Gmiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is absolutely my favourite. Wheter you are interested in fashion, France, Paris this is the book for you. It is my fashion almanac. It completely changed my wardrobe and style.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful beauty and style lists and advice for those of us far away from Paris. Generous of Inès de la Fressange to share her tips and secrets.

[Sophie L · Rating 3 out of 5]

research. certainly a glimpse into the mind of de la Fressange and rules and habits for fashion.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice book cover. But more than 50% of the contents are just advertisements.

[Magpie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melanie bookclub 2020 ... Bravo 👏 👏👏 😊 a complete delight ... 5 ⭐️ borrow this book from Melanie for all the places to shop and eat and stay and stroll ... 🇾🇪

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average

[Somebody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic night read after dinner. Very practical advice on a French lifestyle. Would definitely try those restaurants and cafes when I get a chance.