What do French men in the know wear for spring-summer? Arthur Person, brand director at Octobre Éditions, the menswear offshoot of Sézane, shares his style advice, current go-to pieces and wish-list items …
What is the one hero item in your wardrobe you are wearing on repeat right now?
It’s a vintage trucker jacket that I wear on repeat, almost all year round. I found it a few years ago and it instantly became one of those pieces that just works with anything. In winter, I wear it under a coat to add texture and depth to a look. In spring, it becomes the main piece; easy, casual, but with just the right amount of attitude.
Which are the classic wardrobe pieces you always return to for spring-summer dressing and why? Please share three wardrobe items.
Short-sleeved shirts, in all their forms. Cuban collar or classic, playful prints, linen or cotton. I love how versatile they are, and they instantly give a bit of personality to a look. I also wear a lot of tank tops in every colour — they let me keep layering even when it’s hot out. And finally, white trousers. I believe they go with everything.
Do you believe in a capsule wardrobe? If so, what is in yours?
Absolutely. I love the idea of essential pieces and it’s something we’ve been putting forward at Octobre since day one. A beautiful striped Oxford shirt, a navy merino wool sweater that goes with everything, the perfect white T-shirt and a great pair of raw denim jeans that will only get better with time.
Navy and ecru polo shirt, €85; www.octobre-editions.com.
French style is something that is envied all over the world. What are we getting wrong about achieving the French look, in your opinion?
I find it hard to define a single kind of ‘French style’. It’s more about the way people make pieces their own and mix them into their looks with a real sense of effortlessness. It’s not about following strict rules, it’s about making things feel natural and personal.
You see a lot of great style on the streets of Paris. What item is the French man’s signature item for spring dressing?
Personally, I really love the traditional worker jacket: le bleu de travail. It’s a piece that’s completely timeless and fits effortlessly into so many different styles. In that spirit, we have our Will jacket at Octobre, which captures exactly that feeling. I’ve seen it worn by so many different people, each with their own take and, honestly, seeing all those different interpretations is one of my greatest pleasures.
Are there any trends you’re seeing on French men right now that have surprised you?
It’s not really about one specific trend, but I’m fascinated by how the younger generation plays with clothing. They’re completely free from the traditional codes we used to follow. I love seeing that evolution – it’s exciting and refreshing.
Blue Piero striped terrycloth T-shirt, €60; www.octobre-editions.com.
When it comes to dressing up for a spring or summer occasion – eg. a wedding or summer party – what style tips can we take from French men on how to look effortless but polished?
For me, it’s simple: I always go for a mismatched look. That’s exactly what we wanted to highlight with our latest suiting collection with Octobre. There’s nothing better than a textured linen jacket paired with a beautiful pair of off-white trousers, for example. It looks elegant without feeling too formal – and the best part is you can create so many different combinations from just a few pieces.
Do you have a style mantra? If so please share what it is and why it works for you.
My mantra is simple: enjoy it. Don’t get trapped by rules that limit your creativity or paralyse you. The most stylish people I’ve ever met were the ones who had completely freed themselves from any fashion rules. They wore what felt right for them – and that made all the difference.
What item is currently on your fashion lust-list?
I’ve always been on the hunt for the perfect pair of sunglasses. I have a slim face, so I can’t just wear anything: most shapes don’t really suit me. Lately, I’ve been a bit obsessed with Japanese eyewear brand Sato. I keep a close eye on everything they do.
Which are your favourite places to find hidden menswear gems in Paris?
Without a doubt, the Saint-Ouen flea markets. You have to get lost in them and not be afraid to dig around, but everything is there: you’re almost guaranteed to find something special. It’s a real treasure hunt and that’s what makes it so exciting.
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