Reproduction of that effortless French style is certainly made easier by knowledge of where Paris’ most stylish women go in search of their wardrobe. From the A of Agnes B to the Z of Zadig & Voltaire, local brands are renowned for their flattering cuts, body-skimming (never body-hugging) fabrics and softly neutral colour palettes. Comptoir des Cotonniers is great value for trend buying, where you can expect to pay between €70 and €200 for great tops, trousers and dresses that are better quality than high street buys but less expensive than designer gear.

Maje, Et Vous, Sandro, Berenice, Vanessa Bruno and Zadig & Voltaire are all slightly more expensive, however the cuts, quality and styles justify the price tags: think quietly chic, well-tailored and subtly sexy. If you want that certain je ne sais quoi, this is where to get it. Isabel Marant – famed for her drapey cuts – and Barbara Bui are both one more step up the price ladder. Somewhere between designer and boutique, these are great places to buy during sale times for those that cringe at spending upward of €500 on an exquisitely tailored cropped leather jacket with embroidered detailing. At Antik Batik you’ll find a complete style change; this brand is renowned for its Indian-inspired, beaded and glittery fabrics cut in beautifully modern pieces. It’s a particularly great boutique when it’s time to stock the summer wardrobe.

For men there is a similarly mind-boggling array of choice. Start at APC for well-cut basics in quality fabrics. Pick up leather pea-coats, needle-cord jeans and shirts that sit as well on the body as they do on the hanger. Cacharel is great for relaxed suiting: think lots of linen and a Mediterranean-casual aesthetic that will have you blending with the St Tropez crowd. Agnes B’s menswear line, Agnes B Homme, also does a good job of outfitting those seeking that well-cut, casual Euro vibe. Father & Sons and Melchior are both a little more mainstream but are well-priced and good choices for casual shirts and jackets that could go from work to weekend. And then there’s Jack Henry. Though created in New York, this is a brand with a distinct European feel. Cuts are slim and edgy with an urban sensibility that is more unique than Diesel. The label also has a great women’s line.