French fashion - what makes it special? (2024)

French fashion - what makes it different?

French fashion – France the fashion metropolis

If the term "French fashion" falls - a red lipstick, a striped shirt and a beret come to mind. It's a bit stereotypical and one dimensional though, don't you think?! French fashion can do so much more! What makes the French style so special is that it enables us to look elegantly casual and individual in a very uncomplicated way.

When we say that our neighboring country France is THE fashion mecca not only in Europe but also worldwide, we are certainly not telling you anything new.

An important textile industry developed in the Grand Nation as early as the 15th century, which then flourished in the 17th century due to increasing trade and exports. For example, jeans have also found their way into the world, because they actually come from France! Today's denim, which we all love so much, developed from the Serges de Nîmes – a strong cotton fabric.

Who would have known about you?!

In the Grande Nation - especially in the capital Paris - fashion is now a cultural asset.

But not only Paris, but also cities like Lyon, Bordeaux, Lille, Toulouse, Marseille and Strasbourg have been production or important export locations for several centuries, which have had a lasting impact on our fashion today.

But what exactly defines the legendary French look? Which materials and cuts are "typically" French? We'll clear you upFrench fashion online and show you the key pieces with which you can bring French nonchalance into your wardrobe. Tres bien, let's go!

French fashion style - French culture up close

The top 5 style rules for the French chic look - the French fashion

French Chic - style rule 1 "Perfect fit"

The French Chic Look is a tribute to your own body. The fashionable French women appreciate well-fitting clothes for their body type. Even if the piece of clothing doesn't fit properly, it's just taken to the tailor you trust and adjusted. For fashion lovers, only one thing matters: feeling comfortable in your clothes, which give you that extra dose of self-confidence that is so Parisienne.

French Chic – style rule 2 “suitable for everyday use & special”

Source surprise that a classic look suitable for everyday use is very popular with French women. At the same time, it should suggest exquisite fashion taste.

French women love something special, without putting it on too much or too thick. Simple, high-quality basics are combined with individually selected eye-catchers to create the French look.

From an unusual accessory, a special pattern, to a pair of statement ankle boots or an elegant culotte, it can be pretty much anything. However, the general rule is: less is more!

French Chic – style rule 3 “breaks in style”

The fashionistas of the Grande Nation say: "Qui!"

However, these breaks in style live from the high quality and fit of the individual fashion items and the ability to transform them into a wow outfit with just a few simple steps. For example, a comfortable casual outfit combined with an elegant piece of clothing or, conversely, a serious, strict checked look with jeans in a used look, ensure French nonchalance without being forced.

French Chic – style rule 4 “gender fluidity”

Trés francaise are androgynous cuts and outfits. A casual trouser suit combined with a pair of heels and red lips quickly becomes an extravagant going-out look, with a smooth transition from feminine to masculine. Another popular variant are narrow cigarette pants with playful tops, which are rounded off by a perfectly fitting tailored blazer.

French Chic - style rule 5 "Femine - but laissez faire!"

A key element of the French look is subtle femininity. Don't get this wrong, we don't mean feminine cuts and outfits! But high-quality, timeless basics that you can do without makeup and still look stylish.

So, you look natural, approachable and attractive in one - according to the "laissez-faire" attitude, simply par excellence French.

Our do's and don'ts of French fashion

Following every trend is not at all in the spirit of French fashion, but the style as such counts. Rather, fashion trends serve as inspiration. This also explains the French style, which is timeless and almost always leaves a lasting impression. Here are our French fashion do's and don'ts:

Do's - Oui, natural element

Don'ts - corn non!

1. High-quality basics, fashionable classics (prints & cuts), selected vintage piecesKeep it simple - instead of combining too many patterns, colors and structures
2. Consciously playing with gender characteristics and skilfully creating breaks in style (biker jacket with floral dress)Rushing after every trend – instead letting individual trend pieces flow into your own fashion repertoire
3. Set accents with sophisticated accessories (belts, hats, bags).Showing too much bare skin – subtle is sexy (such as lace underwear that easily peeks through under the wool sweater, for example)
4. Mix modern pieces with vintage pieces, or go straight for vintage-inspired pieces (a la Mademoiselle YéYé).

Color blocking - that's long gone!

5. The colors of the tricolor – blue, white and red, preferably in stripes – stand for the French style par excellence

Baggy clothing – then it is better to choose well-fitting and tailored flowing clothing

French fashion style - typical colors, patterns and materials for the French look

In terms of color, the colors of the French flag are très importante - the tricolore: blue, white and red. Ideally, you combine these colors from French Fashion Online with the legendary ringed or striped shirts. Add a bad pair of coulettes or cigarette pants, red lipstick and et voilà the Parisian style is parfait!

Other must-haves for the française look are:

French Fashion - Colors & Patterns

  • In addition to the tricolors, muted colors such as camel, anthracite, camel, cream, as well as natural and earth tones are popular.
  • The patterns par excellence include stripes and stripes in a wide variety of widths and colors. Checks whether in plaid or houndstooth are an absolute must!

French fashion materials and fabrics

  • Feminine fabrics such as delicate and flowing silk, satin or lace
  • fine knit
  • Jeans in (classic) washes
  • Jersey
  • Bouclé and jacquard

Overall, it should be as high quality and noble material as possible, which gives the chic lookFrench fashion online perfected.

French fashion online - our key pieces for your French chic look

Do you now want to try the French Look yourself? Then scroll through our gallery and discover our French fashion online.

French fashion - what makes it special? (2024)

FAQs

French fashion - what makes it special? ›

What is French fashion known for? French fashion is known for being a global leader not only in fashion design but in marketing and influence. France is also responsible for creating what we know as the fashion industry during the reign of Louis XIV

Louis XIV
Louis XIV (Louis-Dieudonné; 5 September 1638 – 1 September 1715), also known as Louis the Great (Louis le Grand) or the Sun King (le Roi Soleil), was King of France from 1643 until his death in 1715. His verified reign of 72 years and 110 days is the longest of any sovereign.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Louis_XIV
.

What is unique about French fashion? ›

The French Chic Look is a tribute to your own body. The fashionable French women appreciate well-fitting clothes for their body type. Even if the piece of clothing doesn't fit properly, it's just taken to the tailor you trust and adjusted.

Why is French fashion so famous? ›

The rise in prominence of French fashion was linked to the creation of the fashion press in the early 1670s (due in large part to Jean Donneau de Visé), which transformed the fashion industry by marketing designs to a broad public outside the French court and by popularizing notions such as the fashion "season" and ...

What is France famous for in fashion? ›

France is known for its famous haute couture!

Along with New York City, London and Milan, Paris is considered as a leading fashion capital. Chanel, Dior, Louboutin, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Hermes, Givenchy, Vuitton, or Yves Saint-Laurent are renown brands that made the reputation of the country in the fashion sector!

What defines French fashion? ›

In terms of fashion, women's French style is an effortlessly elegant way of dressing. It's characterized by neutral colors, clean lines and timeless basics. When you think of French girl style, visualize fashion and comfort coming together as one. No restrictively tight clothing or sky-high heels here.

What makes French culture unique? ›

What is the main culture of France? French culture is known for high fashion, fine cuisine, and a love of the arts and entertainment. The French are known for their good etiquette and value for work-life balance. They are also known for their contribution to intellectual ideas in areas of philosophy and the sciences.

What is special or unique about France? ›

France is one of the oldest nations on Earth and the most ethnically diverse country in Europe. These deep and broad influences have made France a world leader throughout history in different aspects of culture, including cuisine, philosophy, music, art, film, fashion, literature and sport.

How does French fashion influence the world? ›

In a nutshell, French fashion goes beyond clothing. Its lasting impact on global fashion speaks to the timeless allure of elegance, sophistication, and dedicated craftsmanship, making it a guiding influence that shapes and inspires the ever-changing world of style.

Why is France known for luxury? ›

French Royal members became interested in luxury products, Italian costumes, and jewels. King Louis XIV (17th century)- He was the fashion icon of his time. Has had a vision to produce luxury products in France, giving rise to the royal manufacturers of mirrors known as Saint Gobain in 1665.

What is the fashion symbol of France? ›

The beret. Originating from the Pyrenees and more precisely from Béarn, the beret is THE most used French fashion symbol abroad.

When did France become known for fashion? ›

Innovative in terms of design and remarkable in technique, the extraordinary reputation of the French clothing industry dates back to at least the 17th century, and its reputation has only grown since. The French undoubtedly owe their unprecedented chic to King Louis XIV, the "Sun King", whose reign began in 1643.

What is the fashion sense in France? ›

How is the fashion style of women in France different from those in the US? Clothes and shoes are usually muted colours and styles; seldom flashy; quality over quantity. French women take time and effort to look minimal; it must look as if it took no effort, yet there is attention to detail.

What is the fashion tradition in France? ›

The men's costumes include broad-brimmed hats, embroidered waistcoats (vests), and short jackets. Women wear dresses and elaborately decorated aprons. The most distinctive feature of the women's costume is the elaborate lace headgear, which is generally called a coiffe (kwaff).

Why is French fashion unique? ›

From the early 17th century to the present, France has developed a fashion culture of its own. This is due in part to French designers' unique abilities to design clothing that expresses class, opulence, and sophistication and sets clothing trends around the world.

What is French elegance? ›

It's an innate sense of natural elegance and simplicity that the French effortlessly master. For women, it goes from subtle make-up, total transparency, to falsely neglected styled hair, accompanied by an elegant perfume.

For what is France famous for? ›

France is renowned for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Palace of Versailles. It is also famous for its exquisite cuisine, fine wines, fashion houses, and picturesque countryside dotted with charming villages and vineyards.

What makes French art unique? ›

Summary of French Art

The charming frivolity of Rococo, which for many was the first purely French art, duly gave way to the age of Enlightenment and the emergence of Neoclassicism, Romanticism, and Realism introduced to the world artists of the stature of Jacques-Louis David, Eugène Delacroix, and Gustave Courbet.

What is unique about French architecture? ›

One of the most distinctive characteristics of many French buildings is the tall second story windows, often arched at the top, that break through the cornice and rise above the eaves. This unusual window design is especially noticeable on America's examples of French provincial architecture.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

Last Updated:

Views: 6399

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

Phone: +50616620367928

Job: Real-Estate Liaison

Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.