One of my favourite pastimes is ogling street style looks. For a few seasons in a row, the pandemic stunted the sidewalk runway of attendees flitting in and out of fashion shows, but this month’s Paris Haute Couture schedule finally appeased my proclivities. In the absence of fashion events, we were granted our fair share of exuberance with Regency-inspired costumes (thanks to Bridgerton), but bearing witness to fabulous real-life outfits cannot be beaten.
Among the front-row ensembles and abundance of tulle, there were many easy-to-replicate outfits to be found. Relaxed looks involving timeless jackets or easy, throw-on dresses were aplenty thanks to chic editors, celebrities and influencers who didn’t feel the need for outrageous trends or look-at-me statement pieces. For example, we know that editors love a good pair of jeans. Denim was prevalent on every street corner, and most ensembles centred on ’90s-style fits with subtle elevations in the form of a rip or two or extra-wide hems.
The midi dress was another favourite. Paired with heels, a baguette bag and not much else, it’s a look after my very heart. A mention has to go to the mesh midi dress—a style we’re guaranteed to see a lot more of in months to come. Then, there was bouclé, and oh my, there was lots of it. It is Paris, after all.
If these looks have shown us anything, it’s that basics can make for the most sophisticated of looks. Keep on scrolling for some street style looks that you can easily replicate. You needn’t look much further than your wardrobe to start the outfit-building process. Chances are you already have a few of these pieces in your midst.
Style Notes: The oversized blazer and knee-high boots combination is a look to behold. The showstopping Balenciaga boots with silver hardware make the stiletto style even edgier. The blazer dress, or oversized blazer worn as a dress, is a statement off-duty look that oozes confidence. Hair scraped back and oversized sunglasses round off this look. As expected, the Balenciaga Cagole Leather Knee-High Boots are running low on stock but fear not, for Paris Texas boots have a similarly showstopping pair.
When searching for a blazer to wear as a dress – refine your search to ‘oversized blazer’ and you’ll be met with great options such as this. This is the blazer of dreams, truly! I particularly love the asymmetric button detail, as it helps to cinch in the waist. It’s a clever way to balance out proportions, particularly if you’re donning it as a dress.
Balenciaga does statement pieces so well. The juxtaposition of the soft white leather against the silver bolts toughens the look a smidgen.
Paris Texas specialise in quality pieces you can pull year after year.
Style Notes: This outfit comprises classics with subtle elevations, like the cropped shirt with the longline midi skirt – a perfect play on proportion. With the addition of Dior accessories, it plays on the high-low theme that’s quite often seen at fashion events.
This piece is a wonderful addition to a capsule wardrobe for basic lovers. Wear it with high-waisted styles to balance out the proportion of fabric-heavy styles, like maxi denim.
A classic piece for all seasons. It looks equally chic with knee-highs, as it does with mules.
Accessories quite literally pull this look together. The texture on this Dior belt will be magic paired with most basics, so it’s a sound investment piece.
Every woman needs a small black bag, and the Dior bobby bag is a work of art.
Square framed sunglasses are a classic.
’90s fashion is here to stay. Although these chic mules have a vintage feel, they will undoubtedly become a staple for day-to-night events.
Style Notes: Sarah Harris wears a Chanel longline blazer (with gold trim) and sweeping jeans – the perfect juxtaposition between androgynous and glitzy. Bouclé season is upon us and although many people are wearing coordinated looks, denim breaks up the twee style.
Have you ever seen such a beautifully classic jacket?
A longline tweed blazer is a modern take on the usual cropped style. Wear it with anything from tailored trousers to jeans and skirts.
This tee fills the perfect white t-shirt quota, trust me.
Boyish fits aren’t going anywhere. Sarah Harris wore these exact jeans at Paris fashion week!
Angular cat-eye sunnies bring a cool-girl element to all looks.
These Manolo Blahnik’s have also been given the editor’s stamp of approval. Bonus points for padded straps!
Style Notes: Denim boilersuits are back like they never left. The addition of tweed slingbacks takes a casual style to new heights. The clashing colours and prints add a fun element to this casual look.
Wear this jumpsuit with trainers or heels, day, or night and make it work really hard.
Any charming pair of statement slingback will provide the dainty lilt that brings a boilersuit into fresh territory, but these are particularly lovely.
The combination of royal blue and polished gold makes my heart sing.
The middle ground between a square frame and an overstated aviator-style bridge – perfection.
Style Notes: If in doubt, always revert to basics. Luxe accessories like the Hermes Oran sandals make the look even sleeker. Wear the shirt unbuttoned to expose the knitted tank underneath and the entire skirt profile.
I attest to the versatility of a good white shirt. Come rain or shine, it’s a piece that will truly withstand the test of time.
A knit that you can wear year-round is my cup of tea. You can wear this with anything from tailored trousers to jeans. You can also layer it up or down for transitional dressing.
This Reformation skirt is a favourite of many. Whether styled with fitted tanks or knitwear, it can span years of wear.
French designers do leather goods so very well. This bag will only get better with age.
The Dune Loupe sandals are as comfy as they are stylish.
Style Notes: All white looks are so chic. The addition of metallic footwear adds some sparkle, which is a great addition to any outfit.
If you want to introduce more basic styles into your arsenal, a long sleeve polo shirt is a welcomed break from t-shirts and vests.
A pair of tailored white trousers is a truly timeless investment.
The Missoma X Le Specs collab birthed some wonderfully chic sunnies.
It may be dubbed a wedding guest accessory, but clutch bags add an element of formality to any outfit. Try uplevelling your jeans outfit with small accessories.
These are the best occasionwear sandals that I’ve seen on the high street. They look even better IRL and allow for mixed metal styling!
Style Notes: This Jean Paul Gaultier mesh patchwork dress is a vintage delight. The sheer maxi t-shirt dress takes a basic piece to new heights. The bold colourways with the pop of metallic in the way of strappy heels add a futuristic element to this look. The figure-forming dress isn’t too far removed from the Parisian aesthetic we’ve come to admire.
I tracked down the Jean Paul Gaultier Cyberbaba 1996 wrap dress!
Peek-a-boo iterations have been a recurring theme this year. As we transition into the later part of the year, sheer and mesh t-shirt dresses are taking over for autumn.
A slashed style with coverage in all of the right places.
Noughties-style bags on barely-there chains are being celebrated once more.
Metallic accessories are everywhere. Thin strappy heels are my favourite way of celebrating the trend.
Style Notes: As a born and bred Parisian, Sabina Socol sets the tone of Parisian fashion by showing that slip dresses never go out of style. Styled with the Chanel two-toned slingbacks, there is no better option for a fashion-filled summer’s day.
The shape, print and ruffling are typical of Parisian-style dresses.
You can always rely on Reformation dresses to make you feel like a million dollars!
JW Pei created a wonderful baguette bag. The concave accent makes this style stand out.
Chanel made it so two-toned slingbacks would become a sought-after piece decades later. Both rounded and pointed toe variations are timeless.
The ‘Outta Love’ frame is a favourite of many, including Gigi and Bella Hadid.
Style Notes: Ellie Delphine wears clashing coral and rouge hues. This beautifully vibrant Cara Cara frock with Bottega Veneta heels is a showstopping look. The addition of sunnies and a red lip make this look exude glamour. Let’s not forget the teeny tiny Mini Lady Dior – so darling.
A fun time print with a Spanish flair. The full skirt was made for twirls.
These chic Celine sunnies will make every outfit pop.
This bag has long been a noughties fashion favourite. Ellie’s outfit shows how you can match old and new, to create a modern-looking ensemble.
Strappy sandals are everywhere this year and more so with the injection of colour. This will look beautiful with deep indigo denim and a crisp white shirt. Maybe even some matching lipstick…
Style Notes: Kenya Hunt wears a silk shirt and maxi skirt two-piece by Victoria Beckham with the ATP Atelier sandals that have become a summer must-have. A style like this looks so effortlessly chic. Simply pop the two-piece on and match your bag to the sandals.
This Reformation two-piece is a style that will never date. You can dress it up or down with the addition of extra layers and a change of footwear.
Wear it in unison for the wow factor.
A Grecian-style sandal that will no doubt fulfil its cost-per-wear quota.
Style Notes: Sabrina Dhowre Elba wears a mini shirt dress with bold sleeves. The addition of gold accessories takes this look from casual to glamour. If in doubt, add gold!
A classic style with some seriously impressive billowing sleeves.
You can always rely on the allure of jewellery to take basics to glamourous looks – case in point Sabrina’s look. These drop earrings by Wolf & Moon are breathtakingly beautiful.
Gianvito Rossi sandals are forever on my wish list. Tie the ankle strap high or low. Either way, it’ll look fabulous.
Style Notes: Nicole Chapoteau is pictured in loose-fit jeans with chunky slip-on sandals, a tweed jacket, and a matching Chanel backpack, proving once again that tweed helps to offset paired-back textures like denim. Add layered jewellery to pull in the gold accent on the rucksack handle.
Rebecca Vallance is the brand to watch if you’re on the hunt for a tweed jacket this season.
It’s classic pieces like this that facilitate fanciful looks, as you can build outfits around them.
Tweed styles are forever.
Just when you thought you’d seen all the sunglasses frames on offer, along comes the Miu Miu butterfly shape to rival the rest.
Agolde is renowned for good quality and classic-shaped jeans. This style has the ’90s shaping with distressed details.
If you’re hankering after the sold-out Birkenstock x Proenza Schouler Arizona slides, then look no further than this Tony Bianco pair. The white stitching gives the sandals a modern twist.
