It's Giving Paris—5 Peak-French Staples I Saw on My Trip to Montréal

by Yusra Siddiqui

I may not have visited Paris this summer, but I did take a weekend road trip out to Montréal, Québec, to have a local "French-girl summer." Despite it being a six-hour drive from New York, my morning coffee-shop trips and the surplus pastries purchased had me feeling like I was in Europe. While the food was fantastic, I couldn't help but take note of the fashion too. Since I did make it out to Paris last year, I thought playing a game of comparison would be fun. Parisians are known for their impeccable style, and while a lot of trends from abroad carried over to the Montréal streets, there was a more casual and laid-back approach within the Canadian city. I also perused local boutiques and the six-floor Ssense flagship to get an idea of the leading designer pieces and trends people were buying. (PSA: Prada's Supernova was a top favorite in Ssense's flagship and one of Paris's Prada stores.)

Below, I rounded up the five standout pieces I spotted around Montréal, including the ones I wore myself. If you're looking to add a bit of French style to your wardrobe but would rather have a more relaxed and casual-leaning approach, the list below has got you covered.

Photo:

@jullie.jeine

Matching sets are always trending, but striped sets are especially having a moment right now. (The more they look like pajamas, the better!) I spotted them around the city styled with sneakers, flats, and heels. I chose to wear a striped set on my trip, and I blended right in. It looks put-together yet is extremely comfortable—what's not to love?

Photo:

@sylviemus_

We all have a white T-shirt and tank we rely on, but a more detailed and elevated top is a must-have as well. They usually have one interesting design element that makes them stand out and easy to pair with classic items like jeans or trousers. I loved how Montréal folk took the minimal approach, often letting the top do the talking and foregoing a ton of accessories.

Photo:

@annelauremais

What do Parisian and Montréal fashion people have in common? They love classic sneakers that go with everything. Considering I had to deal with blisters from walking the cobblestone with my barely-there sandals, I probably should've followed suit and brought a pair of sneakers. Now, I know for next time.

Photo:

@ERINOFFDUTY

When I hear "French," I think of classic pieces, and a slip skirt is one of those. I saw them styled with both oversize shirting and fitted tanks, but I think my favorite way to style it is how Erin's done above.

I saw way more jeans in Montréal than I did in Paris, and honestly, I'm on board. Considering I wear jeans a few times a week, I'm cool with the casual item being worn with more elevated pieces like blazers, pretty tops, etc.

It's Giving Paris—5 Peak-French Staples I Saw on My Trip to Montréal

1. Striped Sets

2. Elevated White Tops

3. Classic Sneakers

4. Slip Skirts

5. Relaxed Denim

1. Striped Sets

2. Elevated White Tops

3. Classic Sneakers

4. Slip Skirts

5. Relaxed Denim

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