Paris has long been regarded as a cultural epicentre; not just of fashion, but of style. While some of the world’s biggest luxury brands call the City of Lights their home, it’s Paris’s inhabitants that have captured the world’s collective eye. Whether taking a break at a café, running errands or just strolling around the arondissements, there’s just something about Paris that brings out that laid-back style. Get some of that style savoir-faire for yourself with the latest from A.P.C. and Maison Kitsune.

A.P.C. & Maison Kitsune SS’19

Both hailing from Paris, these two brands capture their home city’s vibe perfectly through their use of classic patterns, relaxed cuts and playful graphics. We’ve highlighted some of our favourite pieces in our latest editorial shoot. It may not be Paris, but it comes pretty darn close.

Higher or Lower?

There’s no simpler men’s style technique than ‘high-low’ dressing: that is, pairing something considered traditionally smart with more casual pieces. Take the combo above, for example: while the APC coat is of a classic ‘Balmacaan’ style, the custom-woven fabric is spring weight and lightens the silhouette considerably. Meanwhile, the Maison Kitsune t-shirt is one of the more subdued pieces in the brand’s lineup, but holds its own thanks to the slubby cotton jersey and superior Portuguese construction.

Both pieces complement each other effortlessly for a smart-casual double whammy. Combine this with the glen-plaid check pattern of the A.P.C. coat and the muted graphic on the Maison Kitsune t-shirt for extra Paris-points.

Daily Chores

There’s probably no more stereotypically ‘French’ garment than the striped long-sleeve t-shirt, so it’s no surprise one would appear here. For decades, actors, musicians and general cool people have turned to the classic mariniere as part of their daily uniform. It’s no surprise — they pretty much go with anything, from workwear to cutting edge capital-F Fashion. This version from Maison Kitsune is a beauty, constructed from a satisfyingly weighty jersey fabric and finished with the brand’s signature Fox logo.

We paired it with A.P.C.‘s upscale take on the traditional bleu de travail French worker’s jacket, which elevates the functionality of the original with a textured fabric and metallic buttons for a contemporary take on classic Gallic garms.

The Parisian Job

Still on an elevated workwear vibe, the above outfit is based around A.P.C.‘s two-piece Job set. Comprising an overshirt and a pair of straight-leg carpenter pants, the ensemble swerves away from painter-decorator territory with the use of a luxe striped fabric, delivering the typically Parisian skew on Americana that only A.P.C. can provide.

Wear the full set or mix and match the pieces with your existing wardrobe — the trousers in particular are something special, complete with the full complement of utility pockets and hammer loop. Throw on one of Maison Kitsune‘s beefy-yet-refined hoodies for the chillier days and you’re set for Springtime in Paris (or wherever else you happen to end up).

Check out the brands’ pages for even more of the good stuff, and make sure to keep an eye on our social feeds for the latest drops.