12 Deceptively Simple Outfit Hacks from Paris Couture Street Style

Fashion Week street style is a summit of editors and industry insiders peacocking in eye-catching outfits. But Paris Couture Week takes it further—a glamorous display of celebrities and couture clients donning extravagant designer creations that seem straight out of a fantastical realm. Take Cardi B, for example, who wore a dress with three-foot-long pearl fringe and brought a live crow as her plus one to the Schiaparelli show. The theme for this week, which celebrates the finest craftsmanship in fashion, is for guests to arrive and stand out, dressing as if they could walk the runway alongside models in gilded gowns and wearable art without anyone batting an eye.

That said, there are always street style looks outside of the couture shows that show traces of wearability. Often, it’s an off-duty model in between runways, relaxing in her favorite Chanel ballet flats and easy denim. Or, a guest who skipped the flashy dress codes and chose a more understated way to show their appreciation for Paris Couture Week’s craftsmanship—like an ornate, sculptural necklace paired with a simple T-shirt or a quirky color pop styled with otherwise basic baggy jeans.

Here, I’m highlighting those Paris Couture Week street style outfits that provide styling lessons you can incorporate into your everyday wardrobe. After reviewing hundreds (more than 400, by the way) of looks, the ones below are my favorites that I’ve bookmarked for inspiration to test-drive in my real life, which, sadly, doesn’t consist of sitting front row next to Nicole Kidman at the Balenciaga show.

Lemon Beats Butter Yellow

"Butter yellow is played out," according to Hailey Bieber (and the above Couture Week guest). In its place comes an equally charming yellow shade: lemon. Try incorporating the citrus color with a breezy sundress or a shoe that will add sunshine to your step.

A Sharp, Sexy Slingback

I've previously written for MC about how my best slingback heels make me feel like a confident woman who means business—just like this very chic, little black dress-wearing Chanel show-goer.

Feminine Frills

My favorite aspect of the boho fashion revival is the recent surge of light, sensual ruffles, like this frilly baby blue matching set. The airy tiers of fabric add much-needed softness in this tough world.

A Multi-Purpose Silk Scarf

I've also extensively covered the silk scarf street style trend, which, clearly, is still going strong. Take a cue from this showgoer and wrap a foulard around your hair for instant retro elegance.

Which Also Works on a Bag

Or, try looping it around a bag strap. A knotted silk scarf is a more sophisticated take on the bag charm trend and the recent rise of Labubu dolls.

Pattern Play

Just as I'd encourage you to experiment with clashing colors, I'll suggest trying it with prints too. The graphic contrast quickly grabs the eye—but, as a word of advice, smaller motifs or similar color schemes usually help prevent visual overload.

An Unexpected Sneaker

You've heard of the "wrong shoe theory." Now, this Paris Couture Week street style, I introduce the unexpected sneaker theory. Try a quirky colored trainer or the Naomi Campbell-approved New Balance 9060 sneaker, which embodies the controversial chunky sneaker trend.

Seeing Spots

Everyone loves polka dots. The retro print is booming in popularity as a summer 2025 trend, and for good reason. But if you're looking for a more unique and rebellious option that will help you stand out among a sea of spots, try a polka dot print in different sizes or shapes.

A Parisian Tuxedo

I'm a defender of the Canadian tuxedo! A denim-on-denim outfit can be quite stylish if you follow a few key principles, like matching washes, balanced proportions, and, as shown here, upscale accessories.

Don't Skimp on Accessories

Never underestimate the transformative power of the right accessories. Here, an intriguing spear pendant necklace on a textural rope cord, a gold choker necklace, and a sleek brown leather belt make an otherwise nondescript combination of a red tee and jeans feel capital-S Styled.

Not Leopard, Not Cheetah...

After 2025's skyrocketing popularity of cheetah spots and leopard print, if you want a more bold and unexpected twist on wild animal patterns, it's better to choose zebra instead. You can go all out in a striped suit (like this Schiaparelli Couture Week guest) or keep it subtle with a playful shoulder bag.

A Good Case of the Stripes

See the note above on pattern clashing. Don't vertical stripes mixed with horizontal ones create an inherently more eye-catching combo that feels more high-fashion than pedestrian?

Funky Sweater Stylings

At fashion weeks around the world, from Copenhagen to haute couture, I can always expect funky sweater styles. Even on a July day in Paris, this showgoer knotted a cardigan across her torso, mixing her striped vest with some bold print and color-blocking.