I love the way the women in France dress. They always look so put together, classic, and elegant even when they are in a casual setting. My wardrobe was getting frumpy so I wanted to upgrade my look by adapting some of the French style rules I learned from Parisian fashion mavens.
Most of the clothing in my closet was randomly chosen. There were old blouses that no longer fit, leggings, oddball tee shirts, wild Boho tunics, and even clothes I inherited from my mother. She was a fashionista, but they didn’t fit well and weren’t me.
Another thing I love about the French Style is that it is timeless and always fashionable despite current trends. And just a note! Emily in Paris is a horrid example of how to dress like a French woman. Emily is dressed in wild colors, mixed patterns, and bizarre accessories that are more embarrassing and clownlike than chic. She is young and cute and can pull it off, but most French women online have been laughing at her.
The only good example of French style on the show is the character of Sylvie, who plays Emily’s boss and is really French. Her wardrobe is stunning, classic, and subtle but still sexy. Many French women dress in a way that is simple, doesn’t go overboard, is mainly neutral-toned, and accentuates their best assets.
The key is to develop a capsule wardrobe
You don’t have to have a huge closet full of clothes to dress in the French style. All you need is a selection of interchangeable and matched items to create what is known as a capsule wardrobe. For instance, your pants go well with your tops and can be layered with your sweaters or blazers. Pops of your favorite colors can be added to shoes and accessories. That way, you can have the tiniest closet and always be well-dressed and chic.
Start with a neutral color palette
Neutral colors are your friend and should be the foundation of your wardrobe. When choosing your palette, select the neutrals that go best with your complexion, hair, and personality. Basic neutrals include black, white, cream, tan, navy, gray, taupe, and brown.
This Ralph Lauren jersey dress is the epitome of French Style. It’s available at Macys in Black and Navy.
A jumpsuit is slimming and sleek. It can be layered with a blazer or cardigan. This travel jumpsuit by Karen Kane is comfortable and flattering.
Collect clothing pieces in a neutral palette that include:
- Slacks – Find styles that are mid-rise or high-rise depending on your body shape. I am an apple shape so a high-rise works best for me because it gives me tummy control.
- Cotton, linen, or silk blouses. – Look for natural fabrics as they are the chicest. Choose necklines that suit you. If you are busty, you may look better in a v-neck or scoop neck rather than a crew neck.
- Dark jeans – The French mostly avoid jeans that are torn or faded. Find styles that are straight-leg, boot-cut, or flared. Dark colors are more figure-flattering.
- Cotton or silk tee shirts – Purchase high-quality tees without images or logos. The exception might be a tee shirt with the logo of a vintage rock band or an artsy print which is cool as long as it is not overwhelming.
- Striped Breton shirt. – A Breton top is a classic sailor-style horizontal striped shirt. However, if you have a large bust or belly go for vertical stripes instead.
- Silk camisole top. – A cami with a little lace always looks feminine and sexy and can be worn by itself or layered with a cardigan or blazer.
- Tailored blazer – Classic black is a popular choice for a blazer but you can also wear other colors or patterns you love like plaids or herringbone. If you have a large chest stay away from double-breasted blazers and go for single-breasted or no-button instead.
- Trench coat – Find a classic trench in camel or black as they are timeless and quintessentially French.
This is a gorgeous trench coat by Kirundo on Amazon.
- Cardigan or pullover sweaters – Look for high quality in cashmere or wool.
- Leather jacket – A cool leather or vegan leather jacket will give you an edgy look and always looks sharp.
- Denim jackets – These are popular in France but, as with jeans, are not torn or distressed.
- Knee-length pencil or A-line skirt – A slimming skirt always looks classy. Look for one in an all-natural fabric including leather or denim.
- Knee-length shift or slip dress – A simple dress that is figure flattering can be worn in the day or evening depending on what is layered over it. You can wear a denim jacket over your dress in the daytime, or an elegant silk jacket or kimono in the evening. Avoid dresses that are shapeless. Add a belt or short jacket to give yourself a little curve.
- Structured handbag – Find a bag that is proportional to your height without a designer name blatantly stamped on it. French women disdain flaunting wealth so you do not have to spend a fortune on a handbag as long as it has a classic style.
- Simple gold or silver chains – French women prefer delicate medallions, pearls, analog watches, and small earrings as opposed to bold and overwhelming jewelry pieces.
This Pure Jill duster jacket by J. Jill is pure French Style.
Find accessories with color pops to add excitement to your neutral basic clothing pieces. A good French style rule of thumb is to never wear more than 3 colors at a time.
Lose your leggings and mom jeans. Take it from me, stretch waistbands help you gain weight.
Shoes should be stylish but also practical
French women are often portrayed in 6-inch Louboutins but real French women prefer practical shoes. That’s because they do lots of walking on cobblestones in France. Comfortable shoes should be a priority if you are over 50. A French woman’s wardrobe will almost always include:
- White, tan, or black sneakers – If your shoes match the color of your pants, it makes your legs look longer.
- Loafers – All styles unless they are granny-like or too clunky.
- Ballet slippers – think Audrey Hepburn.
- Ankle boots or knee-length boots depending on the weather.
- Medium to low heels. Why take a chance of falling?
A good pair of elegant boots is tres chic. These mid-calf faux leather boots are a comfortable height and gorgeous!
What about wearing colors and prints?
Just because a French style wardrobe is mostly neutral, doesn’t mean you have to look film noir. It’s best to pick out pieces in one or two of your favorite colors rather than multiple tones for ease of mixing and matching.
Print summer dresses are popular in France and are lovely. However, French women tend to stick with small prints that are geometric, floral, gingham, or polka dot rather than large, bold prints. If you are petite or overweight, a large print will only make you look bigger. Tall and lanky women can often get away with it.
Quality over quantity
French style is all about quality and attention to detail. French women will spend money on high-quality and well-made clothing that will last for years. Many keep clothing pieces for decades but diligently take care of them. They also purchase clothes in natural fabrics like linen, silk, and wool and stay away from man-made items made of polyester or spandex. You can find stunning and affordable pieces in thrift shops especially if it is near an affluent area. I’ve found items there that were never worn.
It doesn’t get any more French or classic than this Amalfi Silk Striped Shirt by Lilysilk.
Start with your undergarments
Have you ever had someone measure you for a bra? I’m not talking about getting fitted by a newbie at a department store. If you can find an expert who knows how to fit undergarments it will make a huge difference in how you look in your clothes. Wearing quality underwear may even eliminate the need to wear uncomfortable shapewear.
Makeup is minimal
French women embrace their age and don’t try to hide it with makeup. They keep it at a minimum. You won’t see them wearing heavy foundations with powder or dark smoky eye colors. They may wear a light foundation or BB cream, bronzer or light cheek color, mascara, possibly a thin line of eye pencil on the upper lid, a light sweep of eyebrow pencil, and lipstick. Although bright red lipstick is popular in France, especially in the evening, nude or subtle tints are the most common.
My favorite French fashion YouTubers are:
Marie Anne Lecoeur, Frederique Bros, and Justine LeConte.
Below are some examples of chic French style
Shoes and Accessories may include:
Are you ready to add a little French style to your life? Please leave a comment below.
