What to wear in Paris, according to Parisian it-girl Jeanne Damas

“I can’t speak for other women, but personally, the key to dressing like a Parisian is simplicity,” she adds. “I wear, more or less, the same things as a kind of uniform every day. A wrap dress, like our iconic Gabin dress, is something you can wear on any occasion – it’s always good to have a multifunctional dress like this. Jeans are an important staple in my wardrobe, so high-waisted jeans are essential. A men’s style jacket (like the Jacques by Rouje), slip dresses (particularly for summer), a trench coat (I have a beautiful Burberry vintage one) and ankle boots are all essential. When I buy sweaters, I get a size bigger as I prefer how the fabric falls when you tuck it inside your trousers.”

Come evening, the key is to shift your daytime look into a chicer form effortlessly. “I don’t like to be too dressy in the evening, so I often wear a pair of high-waisted jeans with a nice top and some mules – I like how mules can upscale even a very simple outfit,” Jeanne explains. “And I love a zero make-up look, with just a big red lip, applied with the fingers for a softly blurry effect.”

Below, we list some of the most important items every traveller should have in their luggage for a trip to Paris.

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What to wear in Paris: 8 classic items to pack

1. A black blazer

The power of a perfectly tailored black blazer to elevate not only your outfit but your confidence can’t be understated. Look for shapes that accentuate your best features – a nipped waist or double breasted, cropped sleeve or padded shoulder. Stand out with velvet accents or oversized buttons, and if you’re really daring, wear it over a ruffled shirt like Dior’s elegant dandys.

2. Barrel leg jeans

Named after their voluminous and tapered shape, this style has wiped skinny jeans off the face of fashion. The silhouette balances proportions on all figures, but size up for comfort and that oh-so chic care-free vibe. Length should be ankle grazing to style them with a mule, slim trainer or ballet flat, and a slogan tee. Flattering and comfortable to boot, no wonder Gwyneth was spotted in hers at fashion week.

3. Mules

Elegant and versatile, the fuss free mule is a perfect fit for fashion week. I find myself constantly clopping around in my Manolo Blahnik backless Maysales. After all Paris is a walking city and they tick all my boxes: high fashion chic, and at the same time, laissez-faire cool. In the evening I slip them on with a wrap-around mini. In Paris this season, everyone’s mule of choice has to be Manolo Blahnik’s Marie Antoinette collection in partnership with the exhibition at the V&A, or Jimmy Choo’s vampy lace up take.

4. A classic trench

The trench is constantly being reinvented, see Burberry’s new mini capette’s or the wonderfully adrenogenous Margaret Howell x Barbour waxed version. These new additions to the trench family only emphasise the timelessness of the old school original. London and Milan are full of fashionistas wearing their trenches the traditional way, not just as a cute cover for all weather, but great over a good jean. I favour a floor length style, for wafting in the jardins.

5. The carry-all bag

Whipping around Paris for fashion week is as hectic as it is glamorous. You need supplies: show tickets, portable chargers, touch ups, spare shoes, snacks, sunglasses and so on – your bag must be big enough – but not ludicrously capacious. Stick to a shoulder bag that can be easily tucked under your arm, under your seat and in the basket of your bike (the most efficient way of making the next catwalk on time). Keep it lux with materials like suede or quilting. For the final touch, accessories with a key chain. If stuffies aren’t your thing, then Fendi has a lovely leather alternative.

6. Sunglasses

Fashion week for the spring/summer season always falls at the beginning of autumn. Days are sunny and crisp, leaves are falling, fashion editors from around the world are in town and cocktails are drunk en masse. Sunglasses are your new best friend to shield tired eyes from the commotion around you. Opt for oversized frames that wrap around your face for maximum coverage, and black lenses – essential for anonymous people watching.

7. A reliable knit

A trusty knit will serve you for life if you look after it well (get yourself a Steamery debobler, stat). Neutral tones like navy, chocolate or dark grey will stand the test of time. For Paris, a boxy shape is best so you can french tuck it into barrel jeans or wear loose around your shoulders or even cross body. Don’t forget to check the cuffs for a smart ribbed finish – voila – you are a Paris it girl.

8. A mini dress

A mini dress is a must have in Paris for swishing about the Champs Elyse’s in between shows. This season, tights of all hues and patterns are a key accessory and a multi-purpose mini is the perfect pairing. Think black lace hosiery with an LBD, or a burgundy dernier from Calzedonia with a floral slip. Pick a style that can work for a coffee at Brasserie Dubillot and Champagne at the Cheval Blanc. For Paris it has to be Chanel, as seen on Margaret Qualley at the Grand Palais this year.