This is actually a fashion article written by a member of Fasity.Com, named Daphne. I think this is a great article, and a great example of how fashion should actually be. Since fashion has been too comercialized nowadays, we, sometimes has lost its root and its basic function, then blur it with the glamour concept of its virtual visualization.

It's time to take fashion back to its root, as part of our culture, and use it with dignity.
So in the future, we might also say, how to look graceful as Indonesian do.

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How To Look Chic as Parisian Do?

"What is chic? Chic is one of the few things which, refusing to bow down and worship fashion, is not crushed under the wheels of that Juggernaut. Chic is to fashion what poetry is to prose, cold veal to roast partridge, a gad-fly to a bull. What is chic may, in a sense, be fashionable, but what is fashionable cannot be chic.

Anybody can wear and do what is fashionable. It is not fashionable unless a lot of people do it, and have it on- until, in three words which grate rather hard upon the ear in this connection, it is common. Chic cannot be common. You cannot put on another person's chic, as you may her boots or her hats. You cannot copy it. You never knew where to look for it.

Fashion is incessantly trying to catch chic, but chic won't be caught. If fashion is the monarchy, chic is the revolution. It is the revolution whose watchwords are Liberty, Fancy, and Diversity. And remember, expensive stuff are shoddy. Not Chic." - Quoted and modified from The New York Times Article Archieves 1977.

After reading the proper definition of chic, I believe you already has a picture about chic in your mind. And now, we are going to find out, how to do it in a Parisian way.

1. Chic is about personality.
To express, chic is about liberty, fancy, and diversity. About personality and uniqueness. You can always find a Parisian lady with layers of clothes and look comfortable, or a lady with and effortlessly chic in a simple camisole and wrapped with layers of dramatic scarf. It has always about the taste and the style.

2. Chic is about culture.
Most people agree that chic usually refers to Parisian and some European country. It is said that European are rich in culture and have a higher understanding on their own skin. This shown best on the appearrances. You will never find a middle aged lady in a fitted dress and mini skirt, in Paris. You will never find a young lady in a grown up dress and make up. What you will find, mostly are people who use their own style and look grace in their own age. Kid act like kid. Middle age woman look elegant and gracefully. And the young lady look chic and not shoddy. We know what we buy, what suits us well, and what will look good on us. What celebrities wear are not an issue, no impulse buy and trendy is not even a word here.

3. Do effortlessly, or at least look like one.
Parisian lady never look too much. We always look natural and effortlessly chic. You will find our hair drop naturally, goes well with the wind blowing, curly or straight it always looks and feels natural. The make up will always natural and plain. We use make up not to change our face to look like a celeb and or a model, but to enhance our own natural beauty. Simply said, it is much better to look natural and effortlessly casual and chic, rather than too much effort for something that look too much.

4. Comfortable in Your Own Skin.
Means understand more about yourself. Don't be a fashion victim. Parisian never too shame to show their cellulite. We understand and proud of our aging sign. We never too shame to let others know how old we are. You will find Parisian lady in her white hair - loose skin, and still look as much elegant and graceful as the other younger or older lady.

5. Pay Attention On Details.
The apparels mostly are in basic cut and plain, if not then focus on the motive and or the color which usually not more than 3 colours. Pay more attention on details, such as the hat, the scarf, the bag, the boots, the shoes, the coat, the belt, the jewelleries, and many more.

6. Wear Gold and Pearl instead of Silver.
Paris is always about romance and elegance. Too much silver will make you looks like a rockstar or even a hippie, but too much of gold and pearl will only make you much more elegant and richer. Nowadays, rose gold is quite popular among Parisian and European. And the most important thing here is the quality of the materials. The better the quality, the simpler the style, the greater its value, and the higher the price will be.

7. Combine Vintage Stuff.
We value our lives and memorable each of them through some of our stuff. Combine vintage piece with your modern pieces, and create a romantic touch on your appearance. Though vintage not always means romantic, but vintage do have memorable value and higher personal touch.

8. Create Something Romantic.
The draps of the dresses, the layers of tops, the flows of the scarves, just create anything dramatic and romantic. Choose fabrics that smooth and light for the flowy effect, or heavy and drop perfectly. Choose knitted cardigan and long coat over jacket and blazer.

9. Details on Men's Apparels.
Wear scarf or syal to create the softness and feminine touch on mens' wear. Use knitted vest for casual and tailored vest for formal and special occassion. Wear hats if you would like to hang out and never wear a single casual t-shirt with jeans unless you are American.

10. Play Up a Little Bit.
Lines blue-white polo shirt, scotland square pants, red scarf with flower motives, wool coat, and flat pink boot. Oh don't bother about the mix and match, just use your senses and play up a little bit.

Are you ready to look as chic as Parisian?