Bonjour, messieurs! Today, we’ll journey to the heart of the French old money style, exploring five quintessential BCBG (bon chic, bon genre) outfits that epitomise the French upper class’s elegance and sophistication.
This article is inspired by our last collaboration with Hugo, a 27-year-old Portuguese gentleman who works as a fine art curation expert in Paris.
A frequent attendee of art exhibitions and gallery openings, Huigo loves the BCBG aesthetic but was always unsure how to create his luxurious French style.
We run our seasonal colour, body, and style analysis on Hugo to curate a collection of outfits that perfectly showcase refinement and nonchalant charm.
Let’s delve into the Old Money style outfits inspired by French Royalty that helped Hugo earn endless compliments from business partners and see how each look can elevate your style.
1. Art Gallery Outfit
Start with a tailored navy blue wool suit from the iconic French brand Lanvin for a look that exudes cultural refinement and artistic flair.
The slim-fit silhouette and fine Italian craftsmanship embody the essence of this BCBG style.
Pair the suit with a crisp white cotton dress shirt from Charvet, a Parisian institution renowned for its exceptional quality.
Add a touch of understated elegance with a silk tie in a subtle geometric print from Hermes.
Complete the look with black leather oxford shoes from J.M. Weston, a brand crafting timeless footwear since 1891.
This ensemble is perfect for an art gallery opening or a sophisticated evening event.
2. Cafe Rendezvous Look
Channel the effortless chic of a Parisian cafe rendezvous with an outfit that combines classic French elements with modern flair.
Start with a light blue cotton button-down shirt from Ami Paris featuring a spread collar and a relaxed fit.
Tuck it into a pair of tailored beige chinos from Officine Générale, a brand that embodies the essence of laid-back luxury.
Layer a navy blue cotton-cashmere blend sweater from A.P.C. over your shoulders for a touch of insouciance.
Accessorise with a brown leather belt from Hermès and suede penny loafers from Paraboot, a French footwear brand with a rich silent luxury heritage.
Top off the look with a classic straw Panama hat from Maison Michel, a Parisian milliner who has been crafting exquisite headwear since 1936.
This outfit is perfect for a casual lunch meeting or a leisurely afternoon stroll through the city.
3. French Countryside Look
Embrace the laid-back elegance of a French countryside escape with an outfit that seamlessly blends style and comfort.
Start with a classic white breathable linen shirt from Charvet and olive green chinos from Polo Ralph.
Layer a light brown suede flight jacket from Berluti over your shoulders for rustic sophistication and brown leather ankle boots from J.M. Weston, a brand synonymous with timeless elegance.
Accessorise with a vintage gold watch from Cartier and tortoiseshell sunglasses from Maison Bonnet, a Parisian eyewear atelier crafting bespoke frames since 1950.
This ensemble is perfect for a weekend getaway to the French countryside or a casual outdoor gathering.
4. Yacht Club Soirée Outfit
Channel the refined nautical style of the French Riviera with an outfit that exudes an air of seaside sophistication.
Start with a classic navy and white striped Breton shirt from Saint James, a French brand with a rich heritage in maritime fashion.
Tuck it into a pair of tailored white linen trousers from Cifonelli, a Parisian atelier renowned for its bespoke tailoring.
Add a touch of warmth with a cream-coloured cable-knit cotton sweater from Ami Paris, draped over your shoulders.
Complete the look with brown leather boat shoes from Paraboot and a navy blue braided leather belt from Timothée Paris.
Accessorise with a stainless steel dive watch from Blancpain, a Swiss luxury watchmaker known for crafting exceptional timepieces for the French Navy.
This outfit is perfect for a yacht club soirée or a sunset cocktail party by the sea.
5. Opera Gala Outfit
For a look that embodies the grandeur and elegance of the French opera, start with a black wool tuxedo from Cifonelli, featuring a shawl lapel and a slim, tailored fit.
Pair it with a crisp white cotton dress shirt from Charvet and a black silk bow tie from Lanvin.
Add a touch of luxury with a pair of black patent leather opera pumps from Berluti, a brand crafting exceptional footwear since 1895.
Accessorise with a pair of onyx, gold cufflinks from Van Cleef & Arpels, and a black silk pocket square from Hermes.
Complete the look with a black wool opera coat from Loro Piana, renowned for its exquisite fabrics and timeless designs.
This ensemble will make a lasting impression at any formal event or gala.
Note: Always check the event rules. You might have to stick to a specific dress code such as black tie, black tie optional, or white tie.
French Old Money Style Do’s and Don’ts
To ensure you master the French old money style, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:
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Capturing the essence of the old-money BCBG aesthetic requires heritage garments, footwear, and accessories, the hallmark of French sartorial refinement.
With these five outfit ideas and following the dos and don’ts, you should be able to project an image of success and refinement.
Style Like a Parisian with The VOU
Knowing how to recognise BCBG brands and purchase French-chic fashion is one thing.
But knowing how to match them according to your seasonal colour and body shape…well, that’s a different thing.
True fashion mastery lies in knowing and matching your body shape/type with your seasonal colour – skin, eye, and hair colours.
It requires understanding how to shop and pair the most ideal garments, footwear, and accessories from the most relevant, heritage brands.
This is paramount to being able to dress correctly by body shape, occasion, location, time of the day, and lifestyle.
Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different physiques so discover your body shape now by taking our free body shape quiz for men.
Identify Your Best Colors
Fashion comes in a wide range of colours, but not every hue will complement your natural colouring so find out your ideal colours with our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
Then, learn how to dress by occasion, location, season, and even time of the day.
Dress for the Occasion
Understanding how to choose and style garments from relevant heritage brands, and style them by occasion, season, location, and body shape is crucial.
From casual weekends to formal events, each occasion requires a unique approach to styling.
To save time, headaches, and even money, get in touch with The VOU’s expert stylists now.
Get Expert Styling Advice
Take our comprehensive fashion style analysis for men, and let our expert stylists guide you in selecting and curating items of maximum impact in a wardrobe that communicates success and confidence.
Remember, owning luxury brands isn’t enough. To look stylish, confident, wealthy, and successful you must match your body shape, colour palette, season, occasion, location, time of the day, to perfection.
With these tools and expert guidance, you’ll not just wear the brand—you’ll master it, creating a wardrobe that truly reflects a unique fashion taste and many achievements.
