Two months ago, I booked a trip to DC to visit friends. I did not know it at the time, but this timing actually lined up with peak cherry blossom blooms! Tidal Basin was super packed, but I managed to capture some memories while I was there. This Parisian-inspired outfit was a great choice, as it looked flattering in photos but was also comfortably chic for a day of walking. I loved every part of this look, and will be rewearing this Parisian outfit for spring. Excited I get to share these wonderful pieces with you!
Textile Talk: What is Tweed?
Similar to the trench coat (history HERE), tweed is a fabric with practical origins. It started as a warm and hardy fabric for farmers, but evolved to becoming a status symbol among the British. Because tweed was originally made from thick wool, this water-repellant fabric was great for sports and hunting (source).
Now, we see less expensive versions of tweed in the market that use synthetic blends. The colors of this fabric have also evolved from being muted and earthy, to having vibrant and feminine elements. You will see tweed as a common choice in Parisian-inspired outfits. I love the timeless look associated with this fabric, along with its texture, warmth, and durability.
Curating some stylish tweed pieces below, but the exact jacket I wore is HERE and under $150:
Perfect Parisian Outfit for Spring
As I was debating what to pack for my DC trip, I knew I wanted to bring an outfit that was chic, easy to layer, and comfy for walking long distances. Luckily, the day we went to see the cherry blossoms was mild (~60-degree weather) and my tweed jacket was all I needed for the outer layer!
Tweed Jacket
Mango has had a hard time keeping their Pocket Tweed Jacket in stock, and for a good reason! This jacket looks expensive, and I love the color contrast between the off-white fabric and gold buttons. If you notice your size sold out, sign up for the email notifications because they have been restocking it frequently. I also styled this jacket in the fall with a cozier outfit combination here.
- Fit: TTS – I tried both the XS and S in the store before ordering online. The XS fit was snug, so S felt like the better size for layering.
- Quality: Worth the price, and looks expensive! I did my research of other more expensive versions, and the difference came down to the fiber content. Pricier options had more natural fiber content (e.g. cotton, wool).
- Care: Due to the delicate nature of the fabric along with oversized buttons, I would recommend hand-washing.
Tweed Jacket (S) | Cropped Jeans (2) | Crossbody Handbag (reviewed HERE) | Comfy Pointed Ankle Strap Flats (Beige) | Sunglasses
Cropped Ankle Jeans
I also got my cropped flare ankle jeans from Mango, and loved them so much I ordered them in Black as well. These jeans have a raw hem, and hit right above the ankles for me (5’6″ for reference). I found this length to be just right, and these jeans have a bit of stretch.
- Fit: I am always in-between sizes for denim, so I sized down to a US 2. Jeans tend to stretch out with more wears, so I try to pick the smaller size if it is not unreasonably tight.
- Quality: A pretty hardy pair of jeans that have kept their shape (no sagging) after multiple washes and wears.
- Care: Machine-wash cold, inside-out. Air dry them to preserve spandex/stretch quality, and color.
Ankle-Strap Flats: Comfy & Dressy
Comfy and dressy are definitely not two words I would put together when it comes to shoes. However, this pair is definitely both! I wore these pointed-toe flats all around Tidal Basin (I walked ~4-5 miles that day) and no break-in time was needed. These shoes come in a few other lovely light neutral shades. Wearing the Beige color (first one) here.
- Fit: These shoes are a little roomy, and I could see myself sizing a half step down (though I never got around to trying it since I ordered these online). In case they feel big, adjusting the ankle straps tighter helped.
- Comfort: I loved that the toe area is made with a flexible knit, making it more accommodating of wider feet. The foot bed is also slightly cushioned, and the shoe has a 1″ heel height, which is just the right amount.
When it comes to cropped or wide-leg pants, a little bit of heel makes you legs look a lot longer. So the 1″ heel height of these ankle-strap flats the perfect in-between for ‘flat’ flats, and high heels.
Tweed Jacket (S) | Cropped Jeans (2) | Crossbody Handbag (reviewed HERE)
After a day of gazing at cherry blossoms in this look, I am glad to discover a classy and comfy combination that works! Excited to be rewearing this Parisian outfit for spring, and I hope you love it too 🙂
