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5-Second Spring Styling Tricks from the Streets of Paris

Because it's not just about what you wear.

By Lauren Valenti

Mar 26, 2015

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French style may be the most coveted in the world, but ironically, it's the easiest to recreate. That's because it's not so much what you're wearing—sometimes a T-shirt and jeans is all you really need—but how you style it. With warm weather upon us, instead of buying a whole new wardrobe, we're stealing the easiest Parisian styling tricks that will make a statement.

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Using your scarf as a shawl

An oversized scarf thrown so elegantly over the shoulder like a shawl yields instant-chic results. On a cool spring day, throw a printed style over a leather jacket like this PFW showgoer.

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Cuffing your jeans

Skinny jeans don't cut it for the French unless they put their own twist on them. Caroline De Maigret merely cuffs hers and suddenly they've got a slim-fit cigarette look that's decidedly more flattering (and sexy!).

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Accessorizing your bag

Parisians never overdo it, which means they're very particular when it comes to accessorizing their accessories. A silk scarf tied around the handle of a bag makes a subtle statement and will give your go-to purse new life.

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Draping your jacket

In the spring you've always got to have a jacket in tow. You can transform any look with ease simply by wearing your topper on your shoulders—just make sure you can saunter around comfortably.

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Tucking your scarf into your belt

Combining our beloved skinny belt and oversized scarf, this look is layering at it's most innovative.

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 30: Fashion Blogger Irina Lakicevic is wearing a Louis Vuittonbag, Rayban sunglasses, Phillipa Kay coat, Isabel Marant skirt and Altuzarra shoes on day 8 of Paris Collections: Women on September 30, 2014 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images)

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Creating a neckerchief

Yes, the French remind us daily that there are a million ways to style a scarf, but among our favorites is wearing it tied delicately around the neck. It's easy enough to tie, elongates the neck, and is totally retro-cool.

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Topping it all off with a straw hat

You don't have to be sunning in the south of France to wear a straw hat. In fact, the topper goes with just about everything (especially a T-shirt and jeans), protects your face from the sun, and will help keep the frizz at bay. A boater style is quintessentially French, btw.

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Layering a crop top

A cropped tank top and button-up blouse may be an unlikely pairing, but it's easy enough to throw 'em together as displayed by this chic streetgoer. The key is to mix structure with breeziness.

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Tucking your shirt

A button-up is to French fashion what a baguette is to French food, but it's all in how you wear it. Inject your outfit with that Parisian insouciance by tucking one side of your shirt into your high-waisted pants.

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Wearing a skinny belt

In a neutral shade like light brown, an ultra-skinny belt can thrown over anything and will cinch you waist in the process. We especially love it over a shirt dress, which is always a perennial favorite of the French.

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Lauren Valenti Associate Web Editor I’m the associate web editor at Marie Claire.