The base of French style is minimalism, classic pieces, and confidence to say no to trends and stick to who you really are. I talk a lot about French women, their style secrets, and what they wear and do, but I haven’t yet mentioned what they wouldn’t do. If it’s your goal to dress like these classy women, then avoid these 9 fashion mistakes that a French woman would never make!
9 Fashion Mistakes a French Woman Would Never Make
1. Sweats
“Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life and you bought some sweatpants.”
-Karl Lagerfeld
Athleisure has become a big trend. It’s basically wearing gym clothes outside of the gym in the place of “real” clothes. I think there’s a fine line between sporty chic and sloppy, but there’s no line at all for the French women! Sweats are a big no-no.
tee (JCPenney, similar) | skinny jeans (tjmaxx, similar) | pumps (similar)
Related: 7 French Outfit Formulas You Can Copy
2. Out there heels
You know those super out there sky-high heels that celebrities like the Kardashians, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry wear? Yeah, you won’t find those on French feet. Instead, they opt for a simple kitten heel, sleek pump, or sensible slide or loafer.
skinny jeans (thrifted/Gap, similar here and here) | silk scarf | embroidered mules (Target, similar here and here, but in love with this pair and this one)
Related: 6 Stylish Ways to Wear Your Silk Scarf
3. Overdoing it
“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
-Coco Chanel
French women believe that less is more. Before leaving the house they even check themselves over in the mirror one last time and remove one more thing. Understated is their motto.
sunglasses (Forever21, similar here and here) | blazer (similar)
Related: 8 Secrets of French Style
4. Clothes covered in logos
“The total head-to-toe designer look is ridiculous. It’s the opposite of fashion. A matching bag and shoe and hat makes you look like a Christmas tree.”
-Carla Bruni
Lots of the luxury fashion houses originated in Paris, so while Parisians are no stranger to designer pieces, they showcase their love for quality and luxury discreetly. They refrain from being covered in logos head to toe as this can take away your originality.
wrap top (Amazon) | mom jeans (Boohoo) | block heels (Target, same shoe different brand here)
5. Wearing strictly trends
“Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”
-Coco Chanel
French women like to avoid wearing what everyone else is. They prioritize individuality. While fashion is just what’s hot at the moment, style is your true personality. In a world where the hottest things change each month, French women have established a look that stands the test of time. However, they will still look over the trends each season and pick one or two items that speak to them to add a new twist to their wardrobe.
jeans (Boohoo) | star socks (sheIN, similar) | pumps (similar)
6. Trying too hard
“You can be the chicest thing in a t-shirt and jeans. It’s up to you.”
– Karl Lagerfeld
Perfect hair. Perfect nails. Perfect makeup. That’s not so perfect to them. Looking a little undone is more effortless and carefree. If you want to look “perfect”, pick one thing to focus on instead and keep the rest of your look simple.
white button down (hubby’s, similar) | black mini skirt (similar)
Related: 3 Cute Ways to Layer a T-Shirt
7. Buy cheap clothes
“The difference between style and fashion is quality.”
-Giorgio Armani
It’s all in the details for the French and they take their quality very seriously.
blazer (Target, similar here and here)
8. Garish colors
“Elegance is not standing out, but being remembered.”
—Giorgio Armani
It’s no surprise that French women love neutrals. It’s not that they’re opposed to colors, they just don’t wear it all at once, but choose to add a pop to their wardrobe in small doses.
sunglasses (Forever21, similar here and here) | blazer (similar) | cami (Target, similar) | skinny jeans (JCPenney, similar) | bag (Shopko, similar here and here) | sandals (Rue21, similar here and here)
9. Dressing for other people
“Women should dress up for themselves, not for showing off but to feel better – and if you feel better, you look better.”
-Ines de la Fressange
French women focus more on what they want to wear and what they feel comfortable in. They don’t stop wearing something just because it’s “not in”, and at the same time, they don’t wear something just because it is. That’s dressing for society and other people. French women dress for themselves.
hat (American Eagle) | tee (I Love Apparel, similar) | skirt (American Eagle) | espadrilles (Payless, similar here and here)
I definitely have made some of these fashion mistakes before. Though at the same time I don’t think they all need to be followed (if you like color, wear color!), but I’m guilty of #7 & #9 the most! Sometimes I haven’t worn something before because it’s “so last season” and I didn’t want people to think I was out of style. Just typing this out it sounds so silly! Here’s to dressing for yourself and not other people. That’s one thing I think French women do so well!
Out of the 9 fashion mistakes a French woman would never make, which stands out to you?
P.S- I love books about French fashion and being Parisian chic! I regularly check them out at the library for a new way to be inspired that’s not on Pinterest. I especially like this one and this one. But here are a lot of options!
Loved readi this! I think I need to step my game up lol
Haha well I make a lot of these mistakes too!
I completely agree with all of the advice you give above! During my two trips to Paris I noticed exactly what you described: very subtle use of designer logos, simple and classic looks, stylish comfortable flats, and high-quality materials.
That’s what I noticed too! But I only went to Paris once. Jealous you got to go twice!
This is a very interesting post, I definitely enjoyed reading, I agree the point you make on not over doing it!
~xo Sheree
poshclassymom.com
Sometimes less is more!
Okay – I love those star socks with those heels! I need to try that trend!
It was pretty fun to do!
This was a great read thanks for sharing. These are great fashion tips 🙂
Kasey Ma
thestylewright.com
Happy you liked it!
I read a book back in my 20s called “How To Live Like a French Girl” and so much of this was in there! They totally see the value of one AMAZING Chanel blazer that you will LIVE out of and mixing expensive staple pieces with some trendy fast fashion. Great post!
Whatever that book is, I want to read it! Thanks for sharing!
i love the flats and the socks with heels!
http://www.layersofchic.com
Thanks, Mary!
This was such a great read and I loved your white wrap top.
Thank you! It’s a fun little addition to my closet!
I love this post! Very interesting read, and inspires me! I love their classic style, so this definitely inspires me!!
I am so inspired by them too!
I love a sleek, classic french look! I agree with all of these points!
Thank you! I’m all about that French style!
This was a great read! Very interesting and knowledgeable. #5 is what sticks out to me. I am in my mid 20s and I see all the styles people are wearing. I sometimes feel stressed because I am not keeping up with fashion, but this article made me feel better!
Don’t feel like you have to keep up! As mainstream as it sounds, you do you! 😉
This is really interesting! I for one love a good pair of joggers! -Tonya Morris
If you love it, wear it!
I totally agree with you. I love the more relaxed, casual style clothes which I can easily dress up to make it more formal looking with the right pair of shoes and accessories. I am not a big fan of designer clothes too. If it fits good, then I am all for it. Oh, and plain colors and pastels only. No wild prints for me.
I like your point about fit. That’s going to make a big difference in an outfit!
Totally agree with some of these points! Like not wearing logos all over, and I am not a huge sweatpants fan!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
I like sweatpants for home but try not to wear them out in public!
I don’t think I could ever kick sweatpants, I definitely don’t think they define people who decide to wear them as sloppy, it’s all in how you style them!
Cheers x
Kelly
Style Hacks for Fall
That’s true! Athleisure chic!
Love all these little lessons, and I totally agree with them all!
xo
Sami
The Classic Brunette
Thanks, Sami 🙂
I have only recently discovered your lovely website. Better late than never, as they say. Wonderful! Brava, my dear!
I was inspired recently to start making my own clothes again, and my personal style is a pleasant, elegant mix of Chic Boho and French Girl. Your articles have educated me to seek out additional French style details for the look which I am creating for myself. Thank you very much. I am proudly of a vintage age, and when a lady reaches this stage in life, you can “rock” whatever makes you feel beautiful; especially with a glass of Chateau Colon Segur Bordeaux in hand.
In this article, “The 9 Fashion Mistakes a French Woman Would Never Make,” I was utterly delighted to see that you quoted my all-time favorite designer, Karl Lagerfeld ~~~ not only once, but twice! Tres bien! Are you a fan of his wit and style, too? May Herr Karl rest in peace; you are sorely missed…
May life always treat you kindly, Carolyn;
Warmest Regards,
Joanne, the Shadow Pond Lady