There is no denying the influence of Paris Fashion Week when it comes to shaping and forecasting fashion trends. Art, innovation, and creativity are all hallmarks of the world’s most prestigious fashion week. The quality, style, fit, and fabrication of the clothes we wear can all be directly attributed to the blouses, dresses, sweaters, jackets, and slacks that have been on display on fashion week runways. From bespoke pieces to ready-to-wear looks, Paris Fashion Week is universally thought to be the pivotal tastemaker for how industry giants make fashionable waves. 

Since Paris Fashion Week’s inception in 1973, stylists, celebrities, buyers, and fashion aficionados have flocked to the city of love for a stylish sneak peek at what’s to come. Before fashion weeks were organized around the world, fashion designers would host private events that would only be attended by special invitation. Now, every spring and fall, Fashion Week VIPs enjoy an artistic visual feast in leather, cotton, wool, and silk. Designers like Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, and Christian Dior became household names thanks to Paris Fashion Week, bringing styling that was once thought to be only for the elite into the hearts and minds of everyone. 

While trends come and go, certain capsule wardrobe pieces are here to stay. Paris Fashion Week has inspired more than a few timeless looks that never go out of style, from menswear-inspired suits to maxi dresses. Read on to see what Parisian-inspired looks you can incorporate into your own wardrobe.

Suits

Suit up and step out. French designer Coco Chanel was notorious for feminizing menswear looks to be more figure-flattering and fashionable. Her iconic two-piece and three-piece suits are still in demand today and have been worn by actresses, politicians, and a host of historical and contemporary fashion icons. The sharp angles and tailored look of menswear are exaggerated, muted, or more tailored depending on the year or season, but the silhouette always remains the same. Blazers, vests, pencil skirts, and trousers are the foundation for this look. 

Read: Radiate Confidence: How Dressing Well Empowers Women

Layered Looks

Layering sweaters and jackets over blouses and dresses can help to keep you comfortable all day long, but fashion designers know that layered looks can also help cultivate personal style. From tulle underskirts to scarves, layered sweaters, and even dresses over pants, Paris Fashion Week has laid the groundwork for fashionable layered styling. Mix and match existing pieces in your wardrobe and enjoy the stylish, transitional benefits layered dressing brings. To take this look even further, add some accessories such as several bracelets or layering different necklaces to really show off your unique style.

Sportswear

Sporty looks aren’t only for the gym. It is no surprise that Coco Chanel was also at the forefront of sportswear designs as the first fashion designer to incorporate jersey knits into her collections. Tracksuits, while still suitable for wearing when you want to get fit, are also now viewed as fashion staples when styled with high-end accessories. Try wearing a sporty jacket over a dress or dress up a pair of jersey knit joggers with heels and a silky blouse for a fun fashion week-inspired ensemble.

Boho

Thanks to outdoor music festivals from Woodstock to Coachella, bohemian-influenced styles are here to stay. Based on ideas of free love and personal expression, boho trends range from summery dresses to western wear, multicultural-inspired patterns, and intricately designed winter wear. Traditional woven fabrics in colorful palettes, fringe, bead embellishments, faux fur, and loose, carefree silhouettes are the cornerstone of boho style. Whether you layer on a fringe suede vest over a peasant blouse or slip into a bold floral caftan, bohemian styles have likely made their way into your wardrobe. Top the look off with cowboy, suede, or leather boots. 

Maxi Dresses

The drama and timeless appeal of full-length maxi skirts and dresses have become a staple at Paris Fashion Week. The princess appeal of a full, floor-length skirt is simply magical from the runway to the sidewalk and beyond. A well-made maxi dress can be worn to almost any event, from a bridal shower to a romantic dinner date. Depending on the cut and the fabrication, maxi dresses can be worn during any season. Utilize the layering trend with your maxi dresses to add warmth in the winter or create a personalized spring or summer look.

Bringing the influences of Paris Fashion Week to your everyday ensembles is easy with the right outfit styling. Don’t be afraid to mix high-fashion pieces like a maxi floral dress with everyday ready-to-wear styles in order to find the personal style that suits you best. With a few new timeless staples, it’s easy to transform your wardrobe into a collection of runway-worthy pieces.