The 5 buys that’ll make your outfit look expensive, inspired by a trend Kylie Jenner loves – including a £2.50 bargain
THEY say that Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world – and they’re one of the best dressed, too.
Home to fashion houses Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and many more, when it comes to style, the French know what they’re talking about.
And were not talking fashion cliches like onions around your neck with a beret and a Breton top – the French way is simple and sophisticated and, thankfully, it can be affordable.
The last month has seen cities host Fashion Weeks in London, Milan, New York and of course, Paris.
A-listers flocked to the French capital to see their favourite designers’ new looks for the coming seasons.
Quintessential Parisian looks that are impactful but effortless have been a favourite among stars.
Even Coco Chanel herself famously said: “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
But while we love Chanel’s wisdom we don’t love her brand’s extortionate prices!
Thankfully, the high street has loads of designer inspired looks that look stylish and don’t cost the earth.
Here, Fabulous’ Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend reveals how to get the Parisian look like your fave celeb.
A POP OF RED
- Dress, £22.99, Zara – BUY NOW
Adding a splash of colour to any outfit is a simple and cost effective way to look stylish, and this season – from the catwalk to the front row – everyone has fallen in love with red.
You can be as bold or subtle as you like, be it a pair of red shoes or a dress like Nicola Peltz and Kylie Jenner sported during Paris Fashion Week.
This bargain dress from Zara sticks to that simple sartorial rule that the French love, but creates a real impact with its bright colour.
CAT EYE SUNGLASSES
- Sunglasses, £2.50, Primark – BUY NOW
Feline-shaped frames first became big in the 1930s and have been worn by style icons from Marylin Monroe to Audrey Hepburn and Rihanna, not to mention the first ever Barbie in 1959!
Fast-forward a few years and the pointed shape that’s synonymous with French style is as sophisticated and feminine as ever.
These days, stars like Kylie Jenner prefer their frames slightly smaller but still with angular frames that draw the face shape up, creating the illusion of a more flattering jawline and higher cheekbones.
Kylie’s sunnies set her back £305 from designer brand Jacquemus, but you can get a pair for just £2.50 from Primark.
They also come in tortoiseshell, should you want a softer coloured frame.
CIGARETTE TROUSERS
- Trousers, £17.99, H&M – BUY NOW
Over the past few seasons we’ve seen baggy and horseshoe shaped jeans and cargo trousers at the front of fashion trends, but there’s always one classic style that remains: the cigarette trouser.
Whether it’s for the office or a night out, these are the trousers that are appropriate for any occasion, teamed with a Mary Jane, loafer or heel.
The likes of Jasmine Tookes and Jennifer Lawerence have been seen on the cobbles of Paris wearing the streamlined shape that features a high waist and tapered ankle, and really elongate your legs.
This pair from H&M come in 19 different colourways and prints, so there really is something for every occasoion – but I recommend black as a good, do-everything trouser.
BALLET PUMPS
- Ballet pumps, £24, Next – BUY NOW
The ballet pump was the footwear go-to during the noughties and saw us give our poor feet a battering, as the flats gave little or no support and were so thin you could feel every lump, bump and crack in the pavement!
But the Chanel classic is now back – and all over the high street.
Singer Olivia Dean and model Emily Ratajkowski were spotted wearing pumps in Paris, making a case for the shoe that works with trousers, skirts and frocks.
They’re are loads of different styles all over the high street, but this pair from Next, £24, are a double for the famous Chanel look – and cost £766 less.
They also come in 10 colours, including red, black and champagne, and all have a supportive sole and Next’s Forever Comfort memory foam padding, which means the days of feeling like you’re walking barefoot are over – hurrah!
CHIC CARDIGANS
- Cardigan, £19.50, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
Boucle style cardigans and jackets have reigned supreme during autumn/winter and have been a welcome break from blazers for cooler or transitional weather.
But as we move into warmer seasons (fingers crossed!), the lightweight and classic version of the knit will be a hero of your wardrobe.
Loved by Gigi Hadid and a hit with brand Miu Miu – whose grey cardigan was the one of the most popular items of 2023, according to Lyst – the simple but effective top is sticking around for the foreseeable future.
And yes, you can wear it open, as a top or even around your neck, like the street-style French women do!
Head to M&S for yours with this timeless style for less than £20.
It comes in a choice of nine colours, so you can wear it to give colour to your outfit or go for a neutral, like Gigi, that will go with everything.