A Guide To French Style

It started with Celine. Those gorgeous Juergen Teller photos with model Daria Werbowy - the hair, the no-make-up-make-up, the scarf tied in a way I haven't considered since the 1980s when I thought Paul Simonon was god and I'd wear Doc Martens forever - had me contemplating the secrets of French Style, all over again. Observing Paris Fashion Week vicariously from the comfort of my own computer (it's the best way, ask Cathy Horyn), I became enamoured once more: 

Photo: Stockholm Street Style.

If you're looking for a quick lesson in French Style, look no further than Emmanuelle Alt. Her low-key approach is the epitome of urban cool. Proof that keeping it chic is all about simplicity. Oh and Comfy Shoe Alert! Check out Alt on the Gucci front row in low-heeled pumps:

Photo: Getty.

We popped to see the Little Black Jacket exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery at the weekend. Karl Lagerfeld has a coffee table book out and an exhibition to go with. He's taken the photos and Carine Roitfeld's styled loads of gorgeous young actors and models, all wearing a Chanel classic tweed jacket. My favourite pictures were of glamorous grown-ups like Uma Thurman, Tilda Swinton, Jane Birkin, and a very pregnant Charlotte Gainsbourg. You can see most of them here. To be honest, by the time we got to the third room it was all feeling a tad self-indulgent, and boring - as Mr TNMA pointed out, 'The photos aren't that good.' Talk about overblown vanity project. But at least entrance was free and there was Ines:

Whilst we're on the subject of Parisian Chic, the new Gerard Darel ad campaign with model Elisa Sednaoui has popped up on my radar. I'm yet to own any GD but a close friend swears by this label, and that's a good endorsement for moi.

So. If like me you're thinking of an autumn of Parisian Chic - and aren't in the running for a Chanel jacket or Eurostar ticket - here's my advice:

1.Team a mannish blazer or reefer jacket with jeans. I recommend a classic straight leg style with un petit turn-up a la Ines de la Fressange.

2. Keep accessories to a minimum, the French Vogue editor doesn't even carry a handbag. Opt for low-heeled pumps - and steer clear of the studded belt scenario (see above). Unless you want to look like one of Johnny Hallyday's backing band.

3. Layer-up a loose-fitting shirt. White, denim or black, doesn't matter. Just remember to leave it half tucked in, half out. It's the Emmanuelle Alt way, and trés chic.

4. Wear navy and black. Together.

Do you have a penchant for the Parisan look?