Wearing: Wilfred blazer, Zara V-neck sweater, Zara leather studded belt, Fidelity denim, red suede *rain* boots – brand unknown. (I’d like to tell you they’re Balmain, but…)

This is what I wore this evening to the Style Salon event at the Shangri-La. I was going for sophisticated, casual chic, all in the spirit of dressing for Paris. You see, I’ve been doing my research to understand the key elements of Parisian style, all of which add up to impossible chicness. Here are a few things I have learned:

1. Clothes are meant to flatter the body, not suck the body in, meaning, the French do not wear their jeans plastered to their legs as North Americans tend to do (good-bye spandex-cotton blend!).

2. Great style has a classic element to it, particularly the silhouette. Think tailored clothes that fit well, no matter what the trend. Maxi skirts? Hits you at the right spot and flatters the waist. Boxy, menswear inspired wool coats? Worn in proportion to the body – proportionate collar, pockets, cuff detailing – so that the body is flattered and not disguised.

3. Good quality fabrics and detailing really lends itself to the overall “polished-ness” of a look, and certainly extends the life of your garments.

4. Style is how you wear your clothes, not looking for a stand out piece that will wear you. What I mean is, styling your clothes the way you feel they look best, perhaps you like your blazer sleeves rolled up with the collar popped, or wearing your sweaters tucked into skirts rather than worn out, or adding a wild dash of color to your outfit through your sock choice, a la Jeremy Szafron! (Video chat to come!)

I am over the notion that have personal style means you are the one that stands out most in a room for your outlandish look. Great style is in the subtleties, in the nuances and most certainly in the way you carry yourself and go through life. Ever think about what the style of your life is? What do you eat? How do you eat? Go out, or grocery shop and cook in? What is your mode of transportation? How do you feed your brain, as in, do you read and what do you read? What stimulates your mind? Are you aware of how what you say and how you say it will shape the perception that people have of you? Are you organized? Do you act calmly, or are you in a state of chaos? What does your home look like, and most importantly, what kind of company do you keep? Lately I’ve been feeling very aware of the style of ones life, rather than just the style of their clothes. I think the full package is the most interesting. Wow, I digress. I must be going through some sort of self-discovery type phase. Speaking to my style, I am willing to note that I now think my apartment looks like one giant tea-party – it’s too girlie and my decorative details are too prim and petite. I need to scruff it up quite a bit.

I was going to take a good number of pictures this evening, however, there was a photographer present and so I’ll let her pictures do the work, rather than mine.

Night!

Xo SS

Oh, and click here for an interesting look at W Magazine!