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Budget -

First thing is first: you don't need a ton of money to dress like a Parisian. 

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Budget -

It is just about knowing how to perfectly style the basics. 

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Budget -

So don't think your clothes need to cost a lot of money. 

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Styling -

Parisians are artists when it comes to making relatively cheap clothes look expensive! 

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Styling -

Remember: money cannot buy you style. 

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Less is more -

In fact, one of the first rules of learning how to dress like a Parisian is understanding that less is more.

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Jewelry -

Jewelry, for example, is dainty and typically kept to a minimum.

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Accessories -

But this also doesn't mean they steer clear of statement pieces or accent jewelry completely.

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Statement pieces -

The rule is to pick one stand-out piece and keep the rest simple. 

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Casual + Dressy -

Mixing casual with dressy is another one of the fundamental rules of dressing like a Parisian girl. 

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Cuts -

Pick shapes and silhouettes that are flattering to your body type. 

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Ouh là là! -

Parisian girls don't aim for overly sexy anything—they just naturally are!

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Loose items -

Therefore, to dress like a true Parisian woman, try looser clothing and avoid skintight dresses or outfits. 

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Silhouette -

Instead, you want to pick cuts that are relaxed and flattering.

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Trends -

Surprisingly, Parisians rarely follow fast fashion or trends.

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Consistency -

They have a uniform and stick to it unapologetically. 

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Sheep -

And they most certainly don't follow the trendoid herd. 

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Trendsetters -

They make and set the mode. 

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Staple -

A plaid coat is a key piece in the closet of any Parisian. 

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Staple -

Or faux fur coat for chillier days. 

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Staple -

Neutral colors are another staple. 

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Staple -

And dark and subtle, black sunglasses are a keeper for sure.  

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Effortless -

Parisians always look slightly less dressed up than everyone else in the room or at an event.

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Effortless -

This gives off the vibe that they are not trying too hard.

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Effortless -

They aim for fashion that is seemingly effortless. 

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French fail -

If you show up at an event looking like you've tried or put a lot of effort into your look, you've failed at Parisian fashion. 

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Minimalism -

Think minimalist and understated. 

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Underwear -

Believe it or not, what is worn underneath your clothes is just as important, according to the unwritten laws of Parisian fashion. 

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Underwear -

You may not see it, but a Parisian woman is always wearing matching lingerie under her clothes. 

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Underwear -

Never ever will you see a Parisian in something as tacky as mismatched socks. 

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Opposites -

When it comes to Parisian fashion, you also want to think "opposites." 

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Opposites -

For example, if you are wearing skinny jeans on the bottom, you want to wear something baggy like a cozy sweater on top. 

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Opposites -

And vice versa. 

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Designers -

Something else you want to mix and match are labels and brands. 

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Designers -

Putting clothes together from different shops and designers is a fantastic way to create a look that is totally and uniquely you—and très Parisian, of course! 

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Designers -

But, be discreet about your labels.

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Designers -

If you wear outfits with a giant designer logo or emblem splattered all over it, it can be seen as tasteless, which isn't like Parisians at all. 

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Mix and match -

Or better yet—learn how to mix inexpensive things with slightly more extravagant pieces or accessories.

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Beauty -

When it comes to their beauty routine, like Parisian fashion, it is also very straightforward. 

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Beauty -

When it comes to hair and makeup, Parisians usually aim for a clean and polished look. 

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Hair -

Hair on women isn't overly done. Instead, aim for a sexy, bed-head, relaxed, tousled style.  

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Hats -

 Let's not forget head gear. 

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Hats -

Berets can be beautiful, but the stereotype of wearing them isn't true for many Parisian women. 

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Hats -

There is a variety of other chic alternatives. 

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Purse -

If a Parisian woman is going to splurge on anything, it won't even be on an item of clothing. It will be on her handbag. 

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Men's clothing -

A final rule on dressing like a Parisian woman?

Wear men's items! That's right. Whether it is a cool moto jacket, or even a pair of men's shoes, the androgynous look isn't one Parisian girls are afraid to experiment with. 

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Layers -

Remember: layers are your friend.

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Most importantly -

But perhaps the most important style tip when it comes to Parisian fashion doesn't actually have to do with your clothes at all! 

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Parisians -

Parisians are cool, sexy, secure, and confident.

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Parisians -

These are things that come from within. 

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Confidence -

Clothes can certainly help and enhance...

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Confidence -

...but ultimately dressing like a Parisian is really all about elegance and how you carry yourself. 

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Parisian fashion -

Never forget that dressing should be about dressing for yourself. 

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Parisian fashion -

You don't need to dress for anyone else or to impress other people. 

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Comfortableness -

If you are comfortable, you will feel great and this will translate wherever you go. 

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Parisian chic -

Happy styling! 

(Photo by Chad Madden)

See also: The most common makeup mistakes—and how to avoid them

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