What woman hasn’t sighed over an Hermès scarf tied just so and yearned for tips on mastering French style?

Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange, Flammarion, 2011

A new book by no other than Ines de la Fressange (Chanel muse, Roger Vivier consultant, woman voted best-dressed in France, etc., etc.) offers breezy, tongue-in-chic tips that range from hilariously general- “No complete outfits,” “don’t look ‘rich’”- and specific, such as “Never wear a necklace and earrings at the same time—too much!”

Drawings by Ines de la Fressange

However, it’s hard to argue with statements like “Nothing looks worse than a girl tottering about on unmanageable heels! So she wants to look sexy? The key to sex appeal is a feline walk, not a precarious wobble.”

Ines shares her musings on some of her favourite wardrobe staples, such as the how to wear a blazer, little black dress, tank top, trench coat, and other “magnificent seven” pieces.

One of our favourite looks is the navy sweater with fresh white denims (best be careful on the Metro!), styled sleek and classic on Ines, slouchy cool on her equally gorgeous daughter.

Photos: Benoît Peverelli, from Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange, Flammarion, 2011

This chic red leather-bound book is packed not just with fashion advice (more bons mots: “Jeans are never too risky; they’re a little like salt — they go with everything!”

“Push back or roll up the sleeves — the ultimate ‘easy chic’ statement. Even better when the lining’s a different color”) but beauty and home décor tips for relaxed but glamorous entertaining, a list of Ines’ quirky-charming ‘bonnes adresses’- perfect for planning your next trip to Paris!- basically everything you need to have fun and be graceful at any age!