First up, who better to provide us with some fashinspiration for Paris fashion week than the impossibly chic Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, daughter of French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, and owner of a seriously enviable sense of style? She perfectly sums up the "I-look-like-I-haven't-tried-at-all-but-actually-spent-three-hours-getting-ready" aesthetic of the Parisian style set. What I love about her style is its perfect mix of polished and casual, lending an certain je ne sais quoi to all her looks. This lady can seriously rock a minidress and is often seen in one, but by teaming it with scruffy hair, a casual jacket and timeless accessories, she never looks overdressed. After all, there's nothing I hate more than less-than-stylish celebrities turning up to fashion shows looking like they're off to a nightclub (apart from perhaps trainers on the front row. I mean, seriously?!)
Anyway, the above picture perfectly illustrates Julia's signature style, and though she was actually attending a party here, I think her formula of sexy ruched dress teamed with fierce heels, an army jacket and bed-head hair is perfect for the front row. Create your own Restoin-Roitfeld-inspired ensemble by teaming Topshop's Glitter Knot Bandeau Dress, £50, with Asos' Reclaimed Dutch Army Shirt, £28. Add a bit of uptown polish with some classic Chanel-esque arm candy via Asos' Quilted Lock Across Body Bag, just £15, and team with some ridiculously gorgeous Topshop Primrose Ruched Strap Heels, £95 (I'm sure the French would approve of spending more on the shoes than on the rest of the outfit). Now you just need to spritz on a little dry shampoo to rough up your hair and give it that lived-in quality that Julia works so well.
If, however, you are a less-is-more kind of a girl, and prefer to work a smart trouser than a minidress during the day, I've got an alternative fashion week muse in the form of a street style find. The above lady, Katie Bain, demonstrates perfectly the purist philosophy championed by the queens of PFW last season: Céline, Chloé and Stella McCartney. These three labels, all fronted by British female designers, celebrated clean lines, luxe colours and zero accessories for their AW'10 collections, and it's an aesthetic that has been leapt upon by the fashion community. It takes a brave lady to abandon accessories and jewellery in favour of keeping the focus solely on her tailoring, but the girl pictured above has pulled it off with aplomb. Her buttoned-up shirt, barely-there make-up and Mulberry Alexa bag anchor her look firmly in this season without complicating it. To emulate her frow-worthy minimalism, you will need some good quality tailored high-waisters, such as Topshop's Pleated Wide Leg Trousers, £48, and either a crisp cotton shirt or a sumptuous silk one; personally I'd favour a silk option like Topshop's Silk Tab Placket Shirt in a very Chloé shade of camel, £40. Carry your fashion-week essentials in a slouchy bag like Miss Selfridge's Tan Satchel, £35, to stop the look becoming too severe, and work a natural make-up look of tinted moisturiser and a sweep of cream blusher.
If neither of these looks is floating your boat, then I've got a third option (don't say I don't spoil you). The above lady's style inspiration comes courtesy of Grazia's Style Hunter feature, which I'm a big fan of, not least because they often publish my comments in the magazine (in fact they did so for this very outfit). This lovely girl, whose name is Ravinder Kaur, effortlessly exhibits both the aviator trend and that for midi-length skirts, rendering her outfit perfect fashion week fare. Topshop's ridiculously popular Aaliyah boots are contrasted with a long pleated skirt in a flattering sea-green shade for the perfect soft-hard contradiction, and her jacket (not a reeeeal sheepskin aviator like mine, but we'll let that slide) is the cherry on top of a trend-tastic look. I especially love the skirt here, not least because I've just chopped up an old dress of mine into a remarkably similar, albeit black, one, but also because pleated skirts have so far been all over the SS'11 shows, making this a trend with longevity. Topshop will soon have a remarkably similar version of Ravinder's skirt for £42, but as it hasn't dropped yet, for now make do with Zara's Midi Skirt With Belt in black, £29.99 (I'd get rid of the belt, though, if I were you). It is worth holding out for the Topshop one, though, because it's a beaut. Team your lovely midi with some fierce heeled hiking shoes like Asos' Ace Leather Brogue Cleat Sole Boots, £100, to keep it firmly out of granny territory. Top with a sheepskin-collared leather bomber like Asos' Leather Aviator Jacket With Detachable Faux Fur Collar, £120, which is a great option for the trend-shy, who can just remove the collar come spring. This look works best with a glossy blow-dry, as demonstrated by the lovely Ravinder, so is a good option for those who don't fancy emulating Julia's slept-in hairdo.
So there we have it. Three front row-worthy styles. Off you pop to Paris then. Or at least off to the shops to stock up on some Gallic goodies... bon appétit!
Picture of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld: Elleuk.com
Picture of Katie Bain: Elleuk.com
Picture of Ravinder Kaur: Graziadaily.co.uk
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