Ask What’s Haute: What Do I Wear to My Parisian-Themed 40th Birthday Party?

I received the following email from a reader:

“Hey Mrs. Fashionista!! So, I’m having this Chanel & Parisian-themed 40th birthday soirée in March and I need help finding something to wear. Of course I immediately thought to ask you. I would have liked to go to Paris for my 40th, but with 2 little ones it won’t be fun. So we decided to do a “Parisian” theme…bring Paris to me. Let me know. Thanks!”

-HLR

Hey HLR,

What a cool theme for a 40th birthday party! I agree – if you can’t make it to Paris, bring Paris to you! And it’s easy to do with Parisian style. Parisian women are some of the most fashionable women in the world. Their covetable style is sleek, chic and always glamorous, without ever trying too hard. When I think of Parisian party style, my mind immediately goes to the little black dress. It’s the go-to piece for many women and with tons of styles and options, there’s sure to be one that’s your perfect fit. I’ve created four Parisian style shopping spreads to get you started, plus there’s links to even more shopping for ya. Make sure to come back and let me know what final look you went with! And happy 40th birthday!

Look 1: Parisian Luxury

If you feel like a splurge (and you should – it’s the big 4-0!), Self-Portrait makes some of the chicest, lacy dresses that scream French fashionista. With this dress as the centerpiece, feel free to add some black and gold accessories and fringed sandals, as fun touches. And this dress would look great with clean white nails and a hot pink lip!

1. Self-Portrait Tiered guipure lace mini dress, $520 / (Cheaper lace dress options here and here)
2. Jennifer Fisher Large Abstract Line gold-plated ring, $325
3. Oscar de la Renta Tin-plated silk and crystal clip earrings, $590
4. essie® Nail Color – Marshmallow, $8.59
5. Jennifer Fisher Small Abstract Line gold-plated ring, $215
6. Tom Ford Lip Color, $52
7. ASOS Ultra Skinny Full Metal Waist Belt, $35
8. Aquazzura Wild Thing Leather Heels in Black, $785
9. Saint Laurent Monogram Clutch, $1150

Shop More Lace Dresses:

Look 2: Parisian Fashionista

This Carrie Bradshaw-inspired look makes quite the party outfit, complete with shimmery sequins and a tulle mini skirt! Accessorized with pearls, bow pumps and a red lip, the only thing that’ll make this look even more Parisian is to put your hair up in a chic top knot or in a loose, low chignon. Use this hairstyling ring or this bun maker to complete the look!

1. Guerlain KissKiss Creamy Satin Finish Lipstick, $37
2. Charter Club Silver-Tone Glass Pearl Cluster Bib Necklace, $32.70
3. Little Black Dress Carrie Dress With Sequin Top And Tulle Skirt, $85.50 / (Similar option here)
4. Chanel Butterfly Pearl Sunglasses, $620
5. Whiting & Davis Charity Heart Minaudiere, $142
6. XL Pearl Bud Studs, $32
7. Black With Bow Slingbacks High Heeled Pumps, $30

Shop More Sequin and Tulle Dresses:

Look 3: Parisian Rocker

Feeling edgy? The tuxedo dress is a haute pick. Pair it with a gold collar necklace, fringed earrings, sky high sandals and a cool smoky eye, for a rockstar vibe. And since it’s your birthday, this look wouldn’t be complete without a ‘gift bag!’

1. Adia Kibur Madison Earrings, $45
2. Robert Lee Morris Half Moon Collar Necklace, $45
3. Missguided long sleeve tuxedo dress, $68 / (Can also rent this Rachel Zoe version for $75)
4. CoverGirl Queen Collection Lipstick, Nude Attitude Q495, $5.18
5. Maybelline® Eyeshadow Palette – 010 The Rock Nudes, $9.99
6. kate spade square gift box clutch, $278
7. White Stud Bracelet Trio – Petite, $42
8. Stuart Weitzman Nudist Single Band Sandal in Pale Gold, $398 / (Cheaper option here)

Shop More Tuxedo Dresses:

Look 4: Parisian Chic

Be the star of the show in this full-skirted beautiful black and white dress. You can easily accessorize with a chic black Chanel bag (oh-so-French, and necessary for your themed party!), studded heels and some fun jewelry. And a pink lip adds a tiny pop of fun color!