Caroline de Maigret doesn't chase trends. The Parisian model, Chanel muse and co-author of How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are dresses in a way that looks undone and deliberate at the same time. She mixes aristocratic tailoring with a rock-and-roll streak, menswear shapes with a soft finish, and serious luxury pieces with basics that have clearly been through the wash many times. On her, a navy double-breasted tweed coat looks as casual as a vintage band tee. The 20 outfits below, all inspired by Caroline de Maigret, follow her real uniform closely. As a wardrobe stylist, I've added what I'd check in the fitting room for each one, because her look depends on fit far more than on any single label.
Navy and Black Together, the Way She Wears Them
Many people were taught never to put navy next to black. De Maigret does it constantly, and it's one of the quickest ways to look Parisian rather than corporate. It works when the two colors are clearly different in texture, so nobody reads it as a mismatch.
- Put the navy in a textured fabric (tweed, a wool peacoat, a Breton knit) and keep the black smooth, like crepe trousers or a fine knit.
- Keep the navy deep and inky. A bright or royal navy beside black just looks like the wrong shade of black.
- Let shoes and bag match the black half of the outfit, so the navy reads as the deliberate accent.
- Check the pairing by a window. Under warm indoor bulbs, navy and black can merge into one dark color, which is fine, but daylight shows whether they fight.
Once that pairing feels natural, most of the 20 outfits below can be built from fewer pieces than they seem to need. The navy blazer, the black trousers and the striped tee move between half of them.
1. Double-Breasted Navy Tweed Coat With Black Trousers
A navy tweed coat worn open over plain black shows how far restraint can go. De Maigret opened a Chanel show in exactly this kind of double-breasted navy tweed coat, hands in pockets, and the picture became a reference for modern Parisian dressing. The coat carries everything: structured shoulders, gold-tone buttons, a cut that skims rather than grips. When I fit a double-breasted coat, I check it buttoned as well as open, since the overlap adds width across the middle and some cuts only look right open. Underneath, a light black crewneck and tailored black trousers keep one long line. Slim ankle boots with a low block heel and a small black top-handle bag finish it.
2. Navy Blazer With Striped Tee And Slim Black Jeans
A menswear navy blazer over a Breton long-sleeve tee is one of the most recognizable French formulas, and de Maigret wears it slightly rumpled. She leaves the blazer open and pushes the sleeves to just below the elbow, which breaks the formality straight away. The classic Saint James–style stripe top gives the graphic, nautical note. Pushing sleeves only works if the blazer's sleeve isn't too narrow; a slim tailored sleeve bunches into a tight roll and creases badly, so I try the push-up in the fitting room before buying. Slim black jeans cuffed once, black lace-up boots that aren't overly polished, and a worn canvas tote on one shoulder complete it.
3. All-Black Tweed Jacket And Trousers Combo
Black tweed from shoulder to hem sounds formal, but on de Maigret it lands between chic and slightly defiant. A collarless black tweed jacket goes open over a soft cotton crewneck, and matching tweed trousers cut straight through the leg keep it current. What's missing matters most: no pearl strands, no ladylike bag. A low ponytail, black leather ankle boots and an oversized men's watch push it toward rock and roll. Tweed suits can look boxy when the trousers are as heavy as the jacket, so I look for a trouser in a lighter tweed or one with a smooth lining that lets it hang. A black crossbody with minimal hardware finishes it for an evening out.
4. Tweed Jacket With Straight-Leg Jeans And Ballet Flats
Heritage tweed with straight-leg blue jeans is the high-low move that defines Parisian dressing, and de Maigret does it often. A single-breasted tweed jacket in a soft pastel or heathered neutral takes the seriousness out of the fabric. A plain white tee disappears into mid-rise jeans that stop at the ankle bone. Black ballet flats, a little scuffed, look younger and more off duty than any heel. The proportion I watch is jacket length against jean rise: a short tweed jacket over a mid rise can leave a strip of tee showing, which looks unplanned, so I'd tuck the tee firmly or choose a slightly longer jacket. A quilted chain-strap bag adds just enough classicism.
5. Black Midi Dress With Ankle Boots And A Leather Jacket
A close-fitting black midi dress is the simple part. The outer layer gives it bite. De Maigret wears a fitted black midi as a blank base for a slouchy biker jacket that looks a decade old, and that contrast between polish and tough texture is where French dressing gets its edge. Check the slit before you buy. A midi with no back or side slit shortens your stride, especially on stairs, and a fitted knit dress without one tends to ride up as you walk. Pointed black ankle boots with a manageable heel keep it long. A thin gold chain, a few slim rings and a black clutch under one arm are all it needs.
6. Slouchy Cashmere Sweater With Black Skinny Jeans And Heeled Boots
This is the outfit for a casual dinner or a day in a studio. An oversized gray cashmere or merino sweater slips a little off one shoulder, the neckline relaxed, and it's loosely tucked into black skinny jeans so the volume up top balances the narrow legs. Off-the-shoulder slouch comes from a wide neckline, not from stretching a sweater out, and I'd never pull a good knit to get it, since cashmere doesn't spring back. Slim black heeled boots, square or softly pointed, raise the whole thing. Hair worn down with a natural wave and a deep side part becomes part of the outfit. A black shoulder bag with silver hardware sits low at the hip.
7. White Button-Down Shirt With Blue Denim And Loafers
A slightly rumpled white button-down open at the collar is about as French as dressing gets, and de Maigret wears it almost daily. She rolls the cuffs twice, half-tucks the shirt into mid-wash straight-leg jeans and adds a thin brown belt that barely shows. On her feet, black leather penny loafers, backless or classic, bring a bookish Left Bank note. The shirt fabric decides whether rumpled reads intentional. Cotton poplin wrinkles in sharp, fussy lines, while a softer oxford or washed cotton creases gently, so that's what I'd choose for this look. A clean top-handle bag and dark sunglasses pushed up on the head finish it for a long lunch.
8. Wide-Leg Trousers With A Fitted Black Top And Pointed Flats
Proportion makes this one. High-waisted beige or cream wide-leg trousers fall from the waist in a full, fluid cut that moves well when walking. A fitted black knit top, short or long sleeved by season, tucks in cleanly to mark the waist. Pale trousers under a dark top create a long vertical line. Hem length is the fitting-room job here: I hem wide-leg trousers so the front just touches the top of the shoe and the toe of the black pointed flat stays visible, which is what keeps the leg looking long rather than swamped. A structured black handbag and a couple of plain gold rings make it ready for work.
9. Monochrome Black Suit With A White Tee And Sneakers
A sharp black suit over a soft white crewneck tee respects the rules while bending them. De Maigret knows a matching blazer and trousers read as authority, and the plain tee underneath says she isn't trying very hard. The blazer can be slim or slightly oversized depending on the day, in black wool or a light blend. Clean white leather sneakers with minimal branding replace heels and keep it modern. Before you wear a suit with sneakers, check the trouser hem: suit trousers are usually hemmed for a heel or a dress shoe, and with flat sneakers they can drag, so I take them up a touch or roll once. A black belt with a silver buckle and an oversized tote take it from a meeting to drinks.
10. Plaid Blazer With Dark Denim And Ankle Boots
Plaid keeps returning as a French-girl pattern, especially in unexpected mixes of chocolate brown, deep navy or bright blue. A single-breasted plaid blazer with light shoulder padding adds structure without looking retro. De Maigret would throw it over a black tank and dark straight-leg jeans with no distressing, letting the jacket do the talking. Pattern scale is the thing I check against the wearer. A large check on a petite frame can overwhelm the shoulders, and a small check reads busy from a distance, so I stand back a few steps before deciding. Black suede ankle boots with a stacked wooden heel and a crossbody worn high and close keep it neat for daytime.
11. Camel Coat With Grey Trousers And White Sneakers
A long camel coat worn open is a fixture in a Parisian closet, and de Maigret wears hers almost like a blanket. Underneath, a thin gray merino or cashmere crewneck adds tonal softness against the warm camel, and tailored gray wool trousers with a pressed crease bring a bit of formality. White leather sneakers with low soles keep the whole thing from feeling stuffy. With a long coat, sleeve length is what gives a cheap or expensive impression: it should cover the wrist bone with arms relaxed and show just a sliver of sweater cuff, nothing more. A cream scarf tossed around the neck is the only accessory needed, though a black tote is practical.
12. Faux-Fur Coat With Skinny Jeans And Leather Boots
Volume is the point here. An oversized faux-fur coat in black or dark brown brings drama while everything else stays narrow, and de Maigret wears this shape on cold days when warmth and attitude count equally. A thin black turtleneck tucked into black skinny jeans makes a dark column that lets the coat's texture stand out. Faux fur sheds and mats where a bag strap rubs, so I'd carry the small black shoulder bag in the hand or on the opposite side from habit. Black knee-high or mid-calf boots with a walkable block heel balance the volume and handle wet pavements. The coat is both the statement and the warmth.
13. Black Leather Biker Jacket Over A Grey Tee And Black Trousers
The black leather biker is a permanent piece in de Maigret's rotation, the thing that makes anything she wears look a bit more rock and roll. Hers sits slightly slouchy on the shoulders, unzipped over a soft gray cotton tee. Black tailored trousers, straight or slightly tapered, keep the lower half refined. New leather bikers are stiff, and the slouch she has comes from wear, so I tell people to size for the shoulders and give it a season; leather softens and shapes to you, while a jacket bought big just looks big. Black Chelsea boots with a low heel blend into the dark palette. A slim silver chain adds the only shine. Pop the collar on a windy night.
14. Striped Boat-Neck Top With White Jeans And Espadrilles
A navy-and-white striped boat-neck top carries Parisian dressing into warm weather. De Maigret lets the wide neckline open up the collarbone and shoulders, which keeps it light. White straight or slightly cropped jeans pick up the stripes' brightness. White denim needs a heavier weight than you might think; thin white jeans show pockets and underwear lines straight through, so I check them against daylight in the fitting room. Beige or black canvas espadrilles with an ankle tie add summer texture, and a generous straw basket bag on the shoulder signals vacation. Dark sunglasses and a hint of lip color are the only makeup it wants.
15. Head-To-Toe Black With A Statement Belt
Black from top to toe is a de Maigret signature, and it lives or dies on texture and shape. A black silk or cotton blouse with a soft collarless neckline tucks into black straight-leg trousers with a fluid, tailored fit. The belt does the work: a wider black leather belt with a distinct silver buckle splits the outfit into two clean halves. Belt width should follow your waist length. A short waist looks shorter still under a wide belt, so I'd drop to something narrower there. Black pointed boots lengthen the leg, and a quilted chain-strap bag adds a little sheen. It's polished for an evening or a book launch without a hint of color.
16. Boyfriend Jeans With A Fitted Black Blazer And Heels
The tension between a borrowed-from-the-boys bottom and a sharp top is very much her territory. Light-wash boyfriend-fit jeans sit low on the hips with a relaxed, straight cut that looks genuinely thrown on. A black single-breasted blazer, slightly cropped or regular, pulls the shape together. Boyfriend jeans are cut loose through the seat, so if you have a smaller waist and fuller hips, buy for the hips and have the waist taken in; the belt alone just gathers fabric. A black tank underneath, a belt with subtle silver hardware and pointed heeled boots add length. A black envelope clutch makes it work for evening, and the undone hair keeps it relaxed.
17. Tonal Neutrals With Beige Trousers And A Cream Knit
Beige, cream and ecru from head to toe takes confidence, and the payoff is a quietly expensive look. A cream cable-knit or ribbed wool sweater with a slight slouch keeps the top soft. High-waisted beige trousers with a wide leg and pressed crease give structure below. De Maigret would add a thin brown belt and brown loafers or low sandals by season. Cream knits are the hardest to keep looking good, since they pick up makeup at the neckline and pill at the underarms first. I wear a camisole underneath and keep a fabric shaver for exactly this kind of sweater. A beige tote big enough for a book and a baguette keeps it grounded.
18. Black Sheath Dress With A Long Necklace And Low Heels
De Maigret treats a black sleeveless or cap-sleeve sheath as something you keep for life. It skims the body and ends just below the knee, a length that works on almost every height. A long pendant necklace in gold or mixed metal with a sculptural or raw-stone detail draws the eye down the center and adds personality. Sheaths are unforgiving in the fit, and I check two spots: the back zip should lie flat with no ripple, and the hem shouldn't ride up when you sit. If either fails, a tailor can usually fix it. Low black block-heel sandals or pumps and a small structured top-handle bag keep it easy for a dinner at a friend's place.
19. Navy Peacoat With Grey Wool Trousers And Loafers
A double-breasted navy peacoat brings a maritime history that feels natural on any city street. De Maigret wears it buttoned or open over a thin charcoal cashmere sweater that adds depth without bulk. Gray wool trousers with a straight leg soften the dark top half. Black penny loafers with a little shine keep it preppy in a grown-up way. Peacoats are cut short and boxy, so the trouser needs to be clean and straight; wide or very full trousers under a hip-length boxy coat make the whole figure square. A slim black belt and a structured black bag frame the rest. It handles a work meeting or a cold walk by the river equally well.
20. Sequined Jacket Over A Plain Tee And Black Jeans
A sequined or metallic jacket over the plainest separates is the party look for someone who refuses to look like she tried. De Maigret would put a black sequined blazer or a gold-flecked tweed evening jacket over a soft gray cotton tee and black slim jeans. The tee calms the jacket down and keeps it everyday. Sequins catch on knit and fine fabrics, so I avoid wearing them over a delicate sweater or with a crossbody strap rubbing one shoulder. Black pointed heeled boots add height and dress up the denim. A small black clutch and a red lip are the only other moves. It celebrates without any fuss.
Tweed, Leather and Cashmere That Get Worn Hard
Her clothes look good partly because they're old, and old clothes only look good when they've been cared for. These are the pieces from this list that need the most attention.
Tweed jackets and coats
Brush tweed after wearing rather than cleaning it often, and hang it on a shaped hanger so the shoulders keep their line. Loose threads are part of many tweeds; snip them, never pull, or the weave can run.
Leather bikers and boots
Let rain-soaked leather dry slowly at room temperature, away from radiators, then condition it once it's dry. Heat dries leather out and leaves it cracked at the elbows and the boot flex line. Suede ankle boots need a protector spray before their first outing and a brush afterward.
Cashmere and merino
Give knits a day off between wears so the fibers recover. Hand wash cool, press the water out in a towel and dry flat. Pilling at the underarms is normal in the first months; remove it with a shaver or comb and it usually slows down as loose fibers work out.
Her Uniform Comes Down to Knowing What Fits
Caroline de Maigret's influence on French dressing isn't built on novelty. It's built on knowing her own clothes. Every outfit above returns to the same neutral palette, the same deliberate proportions and the same refusal to look over-styled. A small wardrobe of sharp blazers, worn-in denim, soft knits and good shoes can stretch across most of a working week and a social life too. From the tweed coat over black trousers to the sequined jacket softened with a gray tee, the lesson holds: wear the clothes rather than letting them wear you. Copy the self-possession and the outfits start to feel like yours.
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