With Paris Fashion Week 2016 F/W drawing to a close, our guest writer Emma Clarke shows you how to dress like a modern Parisian from no-budget to no-budget-limit. [Related Post: London & Milan Men’s Fashion Week Streetstyle 2016]
On the runway and on the streets in Paris, layers came thick and fast, collars were popped and frames came in every shape and size. Mens’ street style proved the season called for heroic shapes and plenty of layers for a bulky autumn winter aesthetic, modernized with contemporary frames and a sharp yet high collar under a statement scarf or snood. The general consensus after Zhang Effect: too much is never enough.
Bulky Layering: Parisian influencers took layering to the next level this season, combining pieces with statement accessories like chunky scarves with slogans or bold colour blocks or textured headwear such as beanies to create another dimension to cold weather layering. Typical to climate-appropriate Parisian style, men layered sharp cuts with relaxed pieces to offset the chill and onset sophisticated European luxury. Woollens with muted hues and rich dark moody denim were mixed with crisp cotton and a splash of fur or shearling collars, constructing a depth of textures appropriate to the season while a tailored touch was added with layered button-downs. After the low of modern minimalism and sports luxe, the new trend is the retro sportswear in a set. Designers such as AMI Paris and GUCCI by Alessandro Michele highlight the trend throughout the season. When a moody aesthetic reigns supreme over the impulse of the 1970’s, see the likes of these retro tracksuits from Valentino and stripe-trimmed smart cropped trousers from asos.
( image via Jonathan Daniel Pryce for Vogue Paris//Tommy Ton//GarconJon )
Shop and Create your own layering with chiffon, satin or nylon material to contrast with wool, cashmere or mohair:
APopped Collar : Crisp and in charge yet bold and brave all at the same time, a popped collar screams on-trend Parisian attitude. Collars were sky-high on the streets of Paris with the leather versions a contemporary nod to the 80’s; a juxtaposition Parisian men helped to evolve. Photographer Phil Oh had a keen eye for the popped collar with the fur, woolen and cotton versions making a debut. 
Images:The Sartorialist//Caroline’s Mode//Scott Schuman
Neck Wear: There was not a neck without at least two wraps of a scarf or double-snood on the streets at Paris Fashion Week 2016 as neckwear in every form was the star of the street show. Parisian men can turn an essential piece into an accessory like no other culture, and their ability to transform a scarf from a necessity to a niche is no exception. Western European influences were resilient with extreme lengths hung by knees and three loops of thick woolen pieces creating an intended bulky aesthetic. While a strategically tied red number off-set the severity of camouflage print, a tidy origami-style folded snood was just what the street style doctor ordered.
Shapely Frames: Nothing offsets a double-breasted navy suit like the ultimate 70’s influenced eyewear and Paris Fashion Week street stylists knew what they were doing. Distinctive to the streets of Paris, shapely frames made way for statement dressing, bold aesthetics and “put together” looks; assets Parisian men know how to work in their favour. Dark pine green, mysterious teal or oversized spectacles, frames were thick, bold and meant business. A street style stand-out is best achieved this season through rocking summer colours and prints in the Autumn/ Winter climate. Make a nod to Joshua’s clean monochrome check printed double breasted coat with a modern-all-over look and contrasted with a pair of retro green shades to finish.
Paris Fashion Week mens’ street style proved the season is not to be taken lightly, with height, weight and volume the key to seasonal attitude. While popped collars and think scarves took the mood to the next level, bulky layers and structured frames kept things climate appropriate yet in charge and on trend – and never too much.
