When French model Eleonore Toulin met her art director boyfriend at a party in Paris two years ago, she assumed she'd teach him a thing or two about fashion. On the contrary—he began sartorially schooling her. "He's so chic," muses a still-smitten Toulin. "He has that whole Parisian simplicity thing everyone loves so much down to a science." Here, 10 tips she's picked up from him that will make you effortlessly chicer every day.
1) Nothing is as timeless as a watch. "You'll always find a classic one on my boyfriend's wrist; it's understated but noticeable, and for that reason, he's inspired me to start wearing one more often. I consider it a piece of jewelry that dresses up my outfit and gives it a dose of something extra."
Left: Chanel BOY•FRIEND Large Watch, $14,500, chanel.com. Right: Chanel BOY•FRIEND Medium Tweed Watch, $4,950, chanel.com; Chanel Fine Jewelry Deux Étoiles Ring, $8,100, chanel.com; Chanel Fine Jewelry Coco Crush Small Ring in White Gold, $2,350, chanel.com; Chanel Fine Jewelry Coco Crush Medium Ring in White Gold, $3,250, chanel.com.
2) Assess your closet annually. "The way my boyfriend shops has influenced the purchases I make. I've become a much more thoughtful shopper, always cognizant of what I'm investing in. Before, I would buy (and hoard!) whatever caught my eye. Now I tend to seek out quality. But I'm not beholden to anything; I pull everything out once a year to see what I think will cycle back into style in the near future, and what needs to be donated immediately (despite the great memories). That way I'll never find myself staring at an overstuffed closet full of clothes I don't want to wear."
3) An oversize button-down is the most versatile piece in your closet. "A crisp, classic menswear oxford shirt—be it solid, dotted, or striped—can make just as strong a statement as a sparkly sequined blouse. It's really easy to dress up or down, and it's the perfect base to create a chic wardrobe around. I like to steal my boyfriend's to wear with a pair of black skinny jeans and chic flat boots, or underneath one of his sweatshirts, dressed up with leather pants and a pair of stylish flats."
Chanel BOY•FRIEND Medium Tweed Watch, $4,950, chanel.com; Chanel Fine Jewelry Deux Étoiles Ring, $8,100, chanel.com; Chanel Fine Jewelry Coco Crush Small Ring in Beige Gold, $2,350, chanel.com; Chanel Fine Jewelry Coco Crush Small Ring in White Gold and Diamonds, $7,550, chanel.com.
4) Buy in bulk. "My boyfriend adheres to the same classic uniform on a daily basis—a cotton tee, a pair of jeans, and slip-on sneakers. When I'm off-duty, I prefer to switch up my look based on my mood, but he has taught me the importance of buying multiples of basics that I know I'll truly love—and ultimately end up living in. That way I'll always have something flattering to wear; no need to overthink it when it comes time to get dressed."
5) Splurge on footwear, because shoes make the outfit. "I'm not into trendy shoe silhouettes or even four-inch heels, for that matter. My boyfriend and I are tall, and we walk a lot, so flats—ballet, boots, sneakers, and loafers—are my friends. Comfort is key for me, as is amazing craftsmanship. Nothing beats artisan-quality footwear. I'm happy to pay for it, and I'll go out of my way to ensure the shoes are taken care of and always in great condition."
Chanel loafers.
6) Befriend the best tailor in town. "Off-the-rack is perfectly fine for everyday wear, but when it comes to suits, my boyfriend always goes bespoke. Now I do as well, with expensive investment pieces and basics that I want to last for years to come. Not only does everything fit so much better, each piece feels much more special and personal when an expert ensures it fits my body like a glove."
7) A sharp jacket is the perfect finish to any outfit. "You can always find me wearing a blazer, no matter the season, and a peacoat in the winter. I prefer when they're super roomy and nicked from my boyfriend's closet, but I have several of my own in constant rotation as well. And here's why: A great blazer or peacoat never feels overdone, and it's the easiest way to transform even the most casual outfit into an effortlessly polished look."
Chanel BOY•FRIEND Small Tweed Watch, $4,600, chanel.com.
8) Err on the side of mystery to keep your look interesting. "Coco Chanel once famously quipped, 'Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.' I always make sure that one thing isn't a scarf, a hat, or a pair of sunglasses—I love covering up a little. My boyfriend helped me realize that there's beauty in holding something back from the world, even if it's just my face. Every inch of concealed skin leaves them wanting more..."
9) When it comes to beauty and grooming, natural is always sexiest. "As the age-old saying goes, less is more. The overly-highlighted-and-contoured 'Instagram' face isn't my thing; I don't even wear red lipstick. Over the years, I've gotten comfortable with the simplicity of a genuine smile, clean, hydrated skin, a few coats of mascara, and a spritz or two of a subtle scent—it goes a long way. (Well, that, and a great personality!)"
Left: Chanel BOY•FRIEND Medium Watch, $4,150, chanel.com; Chanel Fine Jewelry Coco Crush Small Ring in Yellow Gold, $2,250, chanel.com; Chanel Fine Jewelry Coco Crush Small Ring in White Gold, $2,350, chanel.com. Right: Chanel nail lacquer and perfume.
10) Travel light whenever you can. "I no longer see the need to always haul around a handbag, whether it's an oversized tote or a tiny minaudière. My boyfriend inspired me to pare it down, ditch the purse, and only carry the essentials—I've gotten to the point where I'm comfortable stepping out with nothing more than a compact, wallet, phone, and keys tucked deep in my pockets."
Chanel BOY•FRIEND Small Tweed Watch with Diamonds, $8,250, chanel.com.
Editor: India-Jewel Jackson. Stylist: Aeri Yun. Art director: Sonja Georgevich. Photographer: Jeffrey Graetsch. Hairstylist: Clay Nielsen. Makeup artist: Liset Garza.
