Sustainable Elegance: How to Select and Style Your Jewellery for a
Parisian Chic Look
Ever since our designer Julia (and with her, our jewellery brand) moved to la France, we have
felt especially inspired by the effortless elegance of French fashion, and specifically Parisian
style. While sipping on a cappuccino outside of any Parisian café, you can spot a myriad of
stylish Parisiennes traversing the city’s streets in the most beautiful of ensembles. It’s no
surprise that so many women from all over the world feel drawn to this specific style, which
is not just about clothes, but about the interplay of attire, accessories, and attitude. The
allure of Parisian chic style lies in its timeless elegance, effortless sophistication, and an
almost magical ability to appear both casual and refined at the same time. Characterized by
classic pieces, neutral palettes, and an impeccable sense of balance, Parisian fashion is a
testament to the adage ‘less is more’ and can be perfectly interpreted in a more sustainable
way – and we wish to show you how.
That’s why we created a guide for you to help you choose and style your jewellery and
garments for a Parisian chic look, while staying true to your sustainable principles. From
selecting timeless clothing pieces to choosing effortlessly elegant jewellery pieces, we’ll
explore how to curate a look that embodies the grace and simplicity of iconic French fashion,
but from an eco-conscious point of view.
The foundation: selecting sustainable and sophisticated clothing staples
To create a Parisian-inspired look, opt for high-quality basics that can easily be mixed and
matched. Think of classic items like a tailored blazer, a crisp white button-down shirt, a high
quality structured tee, well-fitted denim jeans, or the indispensable little black dress. Due to
their timelessness, these pieces do not only perfectly match the Parisian aesthetic, but they
are also more sustainable choices, since they will most likely never go out of style – as
opposed to fleeting trends. And, even better, you may already have (some of) these pieces in
your wardrobe! If you are looking to invest in something new however, make sure to opt for
pieces made from organic cotton, linen, and other high quality, sustainable fabrics by brands
that prioritize ethical production practices. Stick to neutral colors such as black, white, beige,
brown, navy, and grey. These shades are timeless and versatile, making it easy to create
multiple outfits from a few key pieces. Complete your outfit with classy footwear such as
flats, sandals, loafers or a chic pair of boots.
The finishing touch: our tips to consciously curate and style your Parisian chic
jewellery
Jewellery plays a key role in creating a Parisian chic outfit, as it really finishes off the look by
adding subtle sophistication and personality. From delicate necklaces to elegant earrings,
these accessories elevate the typically minimalist ensembles of this style. Naturally, there are
multiple approaches you can take when it comes to styling your jewellery for a Parisian chic look, but with our tips below you’ll never miss the mark. Discover our key guidelines for
curating and styling your jewellery for a conscious Parisian chic look:
1. Invest in jewellery made from high quality materials
We already mentioned that when choosing Parisian chic clothing, it’s important to choose
pieces made of high quality, sustainable fabrics. The same goes for jewellery: sterling silver,
gold plated and especially solid gold jewellery pieces exude a sense of luxury that instantly
elevates your outfit, plus they are much more durable than jewellery pieces made of
cheaper, lower quality materials. Also, we recommend selecting jewellery that is well made
and crafted with care: when it comes to picking elegant garments, it’s essential to pay
attention to small details like the perfect cuff of a sleeve or hem of a skirt – similarly, when it
comes to choosing jewellery these details can make all the difference and make or break an
outfit.
2. Go for timeless designs
Choosing timeless jewellery designs for a Parisian chic style is essential, as they perfectly
complement the classic and understated elegance of French fashion. Timeless pieces with
simple yet feminine designs effortlessly blend with any outfit, whether casual or formal.
These timeless designs add a touch of sophistication without overshadowing the overall look,
allowing you to maintain the effortless and refined aesthetic synonymous with Parisian chic
style. Additionally, investing in timeless jewellery ensures versatility and longevity, making it
a more conscious choice.
3. Opt for subtle and minimalistic jewellery
Remember: less is more when it comes to achieving that effortlessly elegant Parisian style,
which is why minimalistic jewellery pieces are a perfect match. Choose delicate pieces like a
thin necklace with a subtle charm (what better echoes the romantic feeling of Paris than a
tiny heart pendant?), a classic bangle bracelet and dainty stud earrings that complement the
clean lines of your ensemble. Again, keep the focus on quality over quantity, allowing the
understated accessories to enhance rather than overpower your look.
4. Or… go for bold yet balanced with statement jewellery
Incorporating statement jewellery into a Parisian chic outfit requires a delicate balance,
though you will surely look mesmerizing if you manage to find that balance. We would
suggest to opt for one bold piece, such as a pendant necklace, a pair of dangling earrings or a
statement ring and keep the rest of the accessories a little more minimal and subtle. Let the
statement piece be the focal point of your look, adding a touch of flair to classic Parisian
staples like a tailored blazer or a little black dress. If you do opt for multiple statement
jewellery pieces, make sure that they match so they work together rather than dispersing the
attention.
5. View your accessories as an extension of your clothing
Making sure your jewellery complements the garments you wear will help you create a
cohesive, refined look. You could match your choice of necklace to the neckline of your top
or dress, for example. Or you could put on a bracelet that perfectly complements the cuff of
your sleeve, or wear a beautiful silk scarf in your hair paired with matching elegant earrings.
All of these intentional details will continue to elevate your outfit to a new level of elegance.
We hope today’s blog post has inspired to curate your own consciously chic Parisian look –
and don’t forget, Parisian chic style is as much about attitude as it is about jewellery or
fashion, so wear your ensemble with confidence and you’ll always look amazing. If you’re in
need of personal advice, or have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to send us an email at
info@juliaotilia.com or a private message via Instagram.
Julia Otilia is a sustainable, ethical and fair jewellery brand based in Auvergne, France. Are
you looking for a piece or a set of Parisian chic, high-quality, ethical jewellery? Then be sure
to check out our slow jewellery collection.
Model: Jenny Tam Tai