Book Review: How to be Parisian

Time and again, the Parisienne has beguiled and bewitched us with her effortless style and trim silhouette. Finally, the complex web of secrets and mythology that concoct her persona have been laid bare (save, perhaps, for a literary negligee) in these 250 pages of wry Parisian wit, penned by four highly successful women who have whittled their lifestyle down to a fine art de vivre.

With just the right level of self-deprecation, the authors dissect Parisian attitudes on how to dress, eat, socialise, date, cheat and love. Through short, playful chapters, smattered with the humorous contradictions which are essential to any Parisienne, they uphold this French icon’s status as the epitome of feminine elegance and sophistication.

Fun and gorgeously illustrated, this reminds every woman of the sultry seductress à la Parisienne within.

How to be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits by Anne Berest, Caroline de Maigret, Audrey Diwan, and Sophie Mas. Published by Doubleday. List price is €20.

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From France Today magazine