French women are just so stylish. And as much as you want to, you can never catch that elusive je ne sais quoi. But we can try, can’t we? You might not be able to live in France and learn all the French style secrets.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn how to master the Parisian chic style. These 14 tips can help you master that effortless, French girl look wherever you are.
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Timeless wardrobe pieces
Your wardrobe should be a tasteful curation of timeless, classic pieces: a well-tailored pair of black trousers. A pair of denim jeans with a good wash. Pumps that you can wear with pencil skirts or pants alike. A fitted blazer, a basic tee. You get the picture.
When it comes to French fashion, classics are the rule, not the exception. As for trends, you can include them in your wardrobe as long as they compliment the rest of your pieces.
Keep your color palette simple
In general, a French woman’s outfits maintain a simple color palette. So, the majority of your pieces should be a nice mix of neutral shades, like beige, grey, white, navy and black.
For color, you can rely on a bold red lip, a pretty neck scarf, or even a handbag, as long as it’s not too showy.
Mix soft and structured pieces
One thing that gives French women that element of intrigue is their ability to mix ultra-feminine pieces with more structured pieces.
For example, you can wear an elegant wrap dress, but top it with a chic leather jacket. Or, an elegant pair of skinny jeans and an oversized jacket.
In other words, once you identify the overall character of your outfit, is there something you can throw in the mix to challenge it – even just a little bit? Like a handbag, a pair of shoes, a pair of sunglasses?
Leave the logo
When you wear logos, you’re basically doing free advertising for the company, and that’s something French women rarely do. The name of the brand doesn’t matter as much for French ladies.
Instead, what matters is if the brand makes them feel sexy and powerful, and this rarely includes showcasing the brand name.
Simple jewelry
In general, French women prefer simple, delicate jewelry. A pair of studs or hoop earrings is a great idea. When it comes to necklaces, layering simple chains and pendants always look simple, easy and elegant.
Prioritize your skincare
French women wear makeup, but in general, it’s a way to highlight their natural beauty, instead of covering it up. And in order to wear minimal makeup and let your complexion glow, you need to take good care of your skin.
So, invest in good moisturizers, toners, serums and facial cleansers. It’s a great way to let your natural beauty shine through.
Say no to nude tights
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Nude stockings might be a must-have for England’s Royal Family, but French women would pass on skin-colored tights, and so should you.
However, wearing a pair of sexy black pantyhose is a great style choice.
Keep your accessories to a minimum
Just as French women prefer simple jewelry, they also prefer simple accessories overall. So, try to wear just one statement piece at a time. That means if your bag steals the show, let it, but don’t wear competing shoes, etc.
Avoid sky-high stilettos
American women may love to totter around with super high heels, but this wouldn't be the standard look for French women. Instead, low heels take the win.
Luckily, they’re more comfortable and very trendy at the moment, so now’s a great time to invest in a pair or two of elegant low heel shoes.
Find your unique style signature
Perhaps one reason why French women have such an elusive sixth sense is that they sneak in their own unique signature. Perhaps it’s a bright red lip you never leave home without. Perhaps it’s a fresh scent of perfume that matches you and your energy perfectly. Maybe it’s a color you can pull off better than anyone else.
Your own style signature will be different from other women, and that’s kind of the whole point. It makes you stand out but in a subtle, sexy way. Do you know what your style signature is?
Skip the push-up bras
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French women tend to shun the push-up bra and embrace breasts as they are – big and small. This means you get to wear comfortable bralettes and avoid wire bras and their potential health risks.
Keep it a little messy
Polished, tight and perfect are not what most French women are going for. Instead, it helps to look a little undone. This doesn’t mean you should look sloppy and unkempt. It just means you shouldn’t look like you tried really hard – even though you did!
So, for example, if you’re wearing a casual outfit, a bold red lip is a magic touch. Or, if your outfit is on the dressy side, keep your makeup looking natural and easy. No matter what your outfit is, ask yourself if you’re letting a natural touch slip through.
Invest in a striped tee
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The classic black and white striped Breton tee is a must-have if you want to master Parisian chic style. You can wear it with denim jeans, or tucked into a pencil skirt for something a bit more dressy.
There are lots of options when it comes to this great French classic. You can wear short and long sleeve tees. They come with either V-necks or crew cut necklines. But as far as all the other bells, whistles and frills are concerned? You don’t need them! Keep it simple.
Be confident and sexy
Instead of relying on outfits for their sex appeal, women carry themselves in a way that’s both sexy and confident. So, you don’t need a plunging neckline or a skintight bodycon dress. Instead, hold yourself up, walk with utter confidence and be proud of who you are. That’s a real turn on!
Voila! These 13 tips can help you master Parisian chic style and the effortless look of French women.
