There is no doubt many of us are obsessed with France and French Style. Just Google French Style or French Chic and see what pops up. There’s loads of advice on the internet (not necessarily from French women) and right here on YouTube about looking trés chic on any given day.
There are even books titled French Women Don’t Get Fat and French Women Don’t Get Facelifts. And there’s a current hit show Emily in Paris that parlays the differences between French and American culture all while wearing fabulous outfits.
It seems to be a universal consensus that French women are known for having an indisputably chic fashion sense. You don’t have to be a diehard Francophile to love French culture and fashion. But women from all over the world strive to match French women’s style.
So what are their style secrets? What tips and tricks do they have up their sleeve? Is it a secret formula they keep all to themselves? Or were they just born with innate good taste?
Simply put, French Girl Chic or French Style is all about looking natural, classy, elegant, and above all effortless. Let’s take a look at what French Girl Chic is all about with 5 tips to incorporate French style into your wardrobe. And I’m sharing street photos I snapped on my recent trip so we can see what French Style really looks like in 2023.
The Summary
Today, I’m sharing 5 tips to incorporate French style into your wardrobe
For each tip, I’ve shared an inspiration outfit as well as shots of French street style I took during my recent trip to Paris
All of my inspiration outfits are shoppable via image- and text-widgets
5 Tips to Incorporate French Style into Your Wardrobe
1. Invest in Classics
French women invest in fewer but better clothes: A black blazer, a great pair of jeans, booties, and heels that are classic and cool. A classic cardigan. A silk scarf. And let’s not forget button-downs in cotton or silk. French women tend to wear their shirts oversized like it was borrowed from their boyfriend.
If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve been running our Back to Basics series all month on Thursdays. So far, we’ve covered essential tops, bottoms, and shoes.
Similar outfit
Board: Band Collar Top (Talbots) | Antilique Strappy Sandal (Vince Camuto) | The Belted High Waist Taper Pant (Ann Taylor) | Floral Silk Scarf (Ann Taylor) | Captain’s Blazer (Banana Republic)
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Paris Street Style
2. Take Care of Your Skin
I love the fact that beauty and fashion are taught from mother to daughter at a very early age. Taking care of your skin looks healthy and you can wear less makeup. French women embrace the beauty of aging, which I find refreshing! Glowing skin is coveted by women across the world and some think French women know it best. Rosy cheeks and a pearlescent natural finish will leave you with a youthful glow.
A good skincare routine consists of, again, a few high-quality products, including cleanser, toner, eye cream, and moisturizer. French women also get regular facials and exfoliate in between.
Every year, right about this time, I release my skincare and makeup routines. Last week, I shared my 2023 makeup routine. Stay tuned for an updated look at my skincare one.
3. Embrace Neutrals
French women are into neutrals. Beige, grey, navy, black and white. When done well simplicity is all you need. And every solid wardrobe starts with the neutrals. It makes getting dressed in the morning that much easier.
Similar Outfit
Board: Leighton Blazer-Jacket (J.Crew) | Perfect Turtleneck (Talbots) | Demi Boot Ankle Jeans (Talbots) | Carrine Bit Loafer (Steve Madden)
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Paris Street Style
4. Invest in an Investment Handbag
If there is one accessory item the French invest in, it is a luxury bag. Think classic, sleek styles that will last you a lifetime. Avoid anything with flashy logos. Again, simplicity works. My daughter-in-law Kelly celebrated her birthday when we were in Paris and she chose to purchase a luxury bag from St. Laurent. She chose the LouLou bag with black hardware that suits her to a T! It was a lovely afternoon spent with a knowledgable sales associate and a glass of champagne. My kind of shopping!
Similar Outfit
Board: Lee Radziwill Croc Embossed Leather Double Bag (Tory Burch) | Ingrid Fair Isle Reversible Knit Ruana (Foxcroft) | High Waist Compression Pencil Skirt (Anne Klein) | Cropped Cashmere Crewneck Sweater (J.Crew) | Non-Iron Perfect Shirt (Talbots)
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Paris Street Style
5. Have a Go-To Uniform
This might be the secret to their unfailing style-French women know exactly what works, what they like, and what they feel comfortable in. When it aint broke don’t fix it. To make your own uniform, have a go-to outfit combo like jeans, a tee, and a blazer, that you know you feel great in, then buy multiple different styles and colors in those same pieces. Earlier this year, I shared 5 winter style formulas that will get you started.
Board: Faux Leather Leggings | Cotton Perfect Shirt | Cashmere Oversized Sweater | Tartan Wrap | Quilted Vest | Tory Burch Bag | Givenchy Square Sunglasses | Waterproof Chelsea Boot
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Where to Shop
There’s no doubt France has had a major influence on fashion with couture houses Chanel, Dior, and Yves St. Laurent changing fashion forever by introducing us to Breton tees, the little black dress, strings of pearls, pencil skirts, and iconic handbags.
But they continue to inspire with new brands too. Here’s a few to get you started.
- ba&sh
- Bobbies
- Isabel Marant Étoile
- Longchamp
- Maje
- Saint James
- Sandro
- Sézane
- The Kooples
- Vanessa Bruno
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Kelly shared 6 easy egg recipes. Click the title or image below to read the article.
6 Easy Recipes Starring Eggs
About The Author
The first black outfit is so classy – I will be shopping for these pieces.
I’m so happy you found some inspiration today, Doris! Thanks for stopping by!
Beth, I’m loving that you are continuing to share posts of your trip to Paris! I’m a Francophile so I never tire of anything French. Really enjoying your photos of Paris street wear! I spotted a black bucket hat on a woman that I think is to die for! I’m inspired. Also, thank you for the list of new French fashion brands.
I just had to share the Parisian street style photos of everyday style. Just love to people watch when I’m seated at a local café.
Hi Beth I love the first photo of you under the heading, “Take Care of Your Skin.” Your eye make up and lipstick color are more subtle. Something that struck me years ago is when all the Today Show women decided to have a No Makeup day. It surprised me how much younger they all looked! Maybe we’re all trying too hard; in fact, the latest makeup trend in the last few years of dark eyeliner, shadow and huge false eyelashes actually hides the eyes. Love it also when you where long lean looks. I’m short so I’m in awe of women with long legs…Ha!
Thanks, Bonnie!
I love all of Mirelle Guiliano’s books. In particular, French Women Don’t Get Fat and French Women Don’t Get Facelifts. Her French Women for All Seasons is great, as well. And then there is the French Women Don’t Get Fat Cookbook… I love it! All are so entertaining with lots of great tips and tricks that French Women swear by.
I LOVED the first black and white inspiration outfit.