As we all know fashion fades but style is eternal and this is undoubtedly why French women’s approach to dressing is revered the world over. They don’t do fads, they aren’t swayed by passing trends.
While London is known for being edgy and creative and Milan for exuding luxury and glamour, Paris is all about expressing personal style. And the women have it in bucket loads.
It’s more a lifestyle choice than an approach to dressing; a nonchalant air, a certain attitude. Which is why so many of us long to emulate it… and so many of us fail. There is no better example than French magazine editors. Known for their immaculate wardrobes that change very little from season to season, their closets are built around pieces that can be worn for years—not just of-the-moment items that will be retired after one short season.
What’s their secret?
Well it’s all down to the simplicity of their outfits, the sublime fit of their clothes, the subtle styling details. Less is most definitely more.
Having studied it for years it’s about sticking to classic feminine pieces, that flatter your figure and make you feel confident. French women tend to stick to a neutral colour palette of elevated basics. Or in some cases head to toe black. They invest in ankle boots with a sophisticated crocodile finish or well-cut turtlenecks for layering.
They also have a mastery of dressing up everyday items like jeans and blazers that make them come off as polished instead of ordinary.
I hate to break it to you, but yes, it really is THAT easy. Ahead, find the key pieces every French fashion editor owns, and then shop them for yourself to replicate their style.
The empowering western boot
Vogue Paris editor in chief Emmanuelle Alt regularly wears boots with a western influence. This isn't just because it's a current trend. This is something French editors have been wearing for years. Incredibly easy to wear and with a strong Isabel Marant vibe, these leather pointed ankle boots are definitely an investment piece.
The goes-with-everything blazer
Nothing has the power to pull an outfit together quite like a sharp blazer. The ultimate in effortless dressing French women layer them over crisp white shirts, t-shirts and dresses. Functional, formal and always smart.
The statement shirt
For most French women choosing clothes is all about how they make them feel. They’d rather own one expensive silk shirt than 5 random ones. Sexy in an understated way, less is most definitely comes more when it comes to finding the perfect silk blouse.
A signature pencil skirt
Carine Roitfeld is known for her signature pencil skirts, and other French editors also wear them as part of a chic, sexy yet understated look. Always teamed with a simple heel and a fitted blouse AND/OR a blazer this is a look we can all pull off.
The modest mid height heel
You won’t find a French woman staggering around in high heels BUT she does like an elegant shoe. It’s all about looking and feeling confident so she favours a flattering and feminine mid height court.
The confident khaki jacket
Utility wear is on trend for 2021, but it has been in French editors' closets for years. Most own a green khaki jacket that they throw on over smart tailored pieces. It’s that casual/smart mix that forms the basis of their wardrobes.
The perfect jeans
Denim is the grounding piece of many French fashion editors' day time look, and they opt for straight-leg cuts that reveal a bit of bare ankle more than any others. Forget boyfriend, girlfriend and mum jeans. They find the style that works for them and stick with it.
The classic trench
Oh la la, I defy any French woman not to have the perfect timeless trench nestling safely in her wardrobe. It’s practically standard issue amongst the smart fashion set. Always chic, never overstated…BUY ONE NOW.
The silky scarf
There is a reason thousands of glossy magazine articles have been written about how to tie the perfect silk scarf into sophistication. French women make it look so elegant. And so easy. But for them it’s an art form and they always get it just right.
The Chanel inspired chain handle bag
French women worship at the alter of Coco Chanel. Her iconic designs pretty much sum up their style. And nothing screams Chanel more than an elegant chain handle shoulder bag. Versatile, timeless and worth every penny.
So now you have a Parisian style guide at hand, fill your basket with the staple pieces you need to transform your look into a French fashionista. It is true, your choice of clothing contributes to our mood, not only does it show self-expression but personality and character.
If you want more inspiration on how to influence your mood using clothing, check out our guide on 9 colourful outfits to make you smile here.
Or, shop our Parisian Style category for more French fashion.
