Despite popular belief, younger women are not the only ones who care about style. In fact, some of the best style icons are women over 50 – proving that you can be chic at any age. Are you looking to exude effortless chic and timeless fashion in your wardrobe choices? If so, mastering the art of how to dress like a French woman over 50 may be just the inspiration you need! These Parisian women give great inspiration on dressing age-appropriate, always looking chic, and never losing style. Gathering inspiration from older French women, from Isabelle Huppert to Ines de la Fressange, we’re going to dive deep into French chic style and all the best ways you can master this style for yourself. If understanding the French style rules felt too overwhelming before, we’re going to break it down into actionable steps. In no time at all you’ll look like you just stepped off the streets of Paris. So, settle in with a pain au chocolat and a café, and let’s get into it!
1. Complete Your Outfit With a Scarf
Want to personalize classic style and make it your own? It truly comes down to the little things – and the little things that your outfit needs are accessories. To accessorize the French way, consider adding a scarf to your looks.
Whether small and silky, large and cashmere, expertly tied or effortlessly draped, solid color or interesting print – a scarf will add a stylish layer to your outfit and make you look French fabulous!
Is Hermès your dream investment? Maybe the classic Burberry print is for you. Perhaps you like prefer solid colors the most. Or maybe a leopard print pattern shows off your personality better.
Small items, like a beautiful scarf, can be worn in different ways and can become a part of your personal style and signature look. For an extra dose of style, think of your scarf as just one accessory option – it doesn’t have to be the only thing you wear. You can layer a scarf with a necklace for a chic look.
However you decide to wear this piece, it’s the epitome of classic French style, especially as a woman over 50!
2. Wear a Classic Trench Coat
Whether you choose one in neutral colors or go for a twist on this classic staple, it’s always a good idea to have at least one of these in your outfit rotation. As cliche as they may seem at times, trench coats truly are a staple of French style and both French girls and French women wear them.
A trench coat can be worn with a casual look like jeans and sneakers or can be dressed up with a little black dress and heels. They’re for all ages and look fantastic with anything, whether that be straight-leg jeans, slim black pants, a black dress, or a classic white shirt. Belted or draped open, it can add a level of style to your look.
Do you already have the classic beige trench? Then look into an army green coat, statement material, or eye-catching print to add that extra item to your wardrobe that will shake up your looks and make fashion fun!
3. Don’t Be Afraid of Animal Print
Believe it or not, leopard print does have a place in a French capsule wardrobe. And it’s not just for the younger generation –non! – it’s for anyone who wants to add a little edge and style to their wardrobe. Carine Roitfeld is in her 70s and is frequently seen wearing animal prints – sometimes with high heels too!
Animal print, specifically leopard print, can liven up your overall look. It can add a punch of style to a simple dress and black ankle boots or dark jeans and ballet flats.
Though a simple black coat is always a great choice, don’t think that being over 50 means you can’t wear heels, animal print, or a daring look every now and then. One French girl secret is having a few statement pieces up her sleeve, whether it’s a bold red lip or a stylish animal print coat.
However, when stylish over-50 French women utilize this styling tip, it looks refined, not garish. Why? It’s all balanced out with neutral tones and sophisticated styles so they never look like they’re trying too hard to be young. Chic French women embrace their age, but they don’t feel stuck by it.
4. Highlight Your Shape
Many women, as they age, start to look into tips on how to not dress frumpy because they struggle to find the right balance of hiding their shape and changing bodies with showing it off without feeling like they’re trying to draw unwanted attention to themselves.
Despite your reasons for potentially wanting to cover up, getting older doesn’t mean hiding under bulky layers, swimming in fabrics, or losing your style. It means picking and choosing your best features to highlight, and expertly covering what you’re not so confident about, so you can walk out of the house confident and in charge. Being over 50, it’s still a good idea to show off your shape – especially with a belt!
Belting the smallest part of your waist is a great way to highlight your waist – or create one. Whether you belt a puffy winter coat in the winter season or belt a simple denim jacket, this little detail is a great way to add style to your look while flattering your body.
Knowing your body type is important too, because it will help you to know what you should add to your functional wardrobe. If you have a slim waist, then you can highlight your body best with fitted dresses and statement belts. Are your legs your best feature? A pencil skirt or a knee-length dress are great things to add to your wardrobe.
5. Pair Navy and Black Together
How do French women really dress? They dress with the building blocks and timeless pieces of a classic wardrobe in mind (instead of dressing around fashion trends), but they also know that style rules are meant to be broken. Case in point: wearing navy and black together.
Pairing the colors navy and black together is chic – not a faux pas. It looks especially great on older women too, as it gives off an effortless look of sophistication and put-togetherness.
Whether you dip your toes into this look with black ankle boots and navy blue pants, or you intentionally mix and match these colors throughout your whole look, this is a color combo that will stand the test of time.
Stylish French women are not going to pay much attention to what’s trending and instead, they’re going to focus on wearing the items and colors they love – and you should too!
Related: 8 Things French Women Don’t Wear (And What They Wear Instead)
6. Consider Wearing Tights
The Parisian look of wearing tights is not what you’d typically see in American style. Tights, though they rise and fall in popularity, are a classic accessory that is also functional and practical – especially in the cooler seasons!
You will typically not see a lot of opaque or skin tone tights on French women as you would see on American women. Where American women may go for a solid color or something nude that matches their skin tone, French women opt for something sheer (or an interesting pattern) that shows off their unique personal style. Whether you choose black sheer or a diamond pattern, one thing is clear: leave your black leggings at home!
Hosiery styles like the ones the French women over 50 are wearing will instantly elevate your evening dress and formal looks. They can take a simple item like a shift dress and give it a whole new look, especially when paired with classic stilettos.
Many women over 50 don’t like to wear stilettos and that’s okay. You can look equally chic in kitten heel slingbacks, block heels, and even flats. You can also wear tights with a cashmere sweater, pencil skirt, and slingback heels for a polished outfit look.
7. Opt for Long Wool Coats
A long wool coat is one of the top classic pieces everyone should have, especially when emulating a French wardrobe. A woman over 50 wearing a classic coat will dominate street style and instantly look sophisticated and effortless!
It’s one of those simple pieces that will make it look like you spent a lot of time on your outfit, but the best thing is that all you did was throw it on over your white blouse, and voilà – instant chicness. That’s the power of a coat like this.
Though a colored camel coat is usually the go-to when you think of classic outerwear, that’s not your only option. Rich green, black, and navy look chic too. It’s all about picking the color that matches your existing wardrobe and skin tone the best.
If you have yet to add one to your wardrobe, this is not a place to skimp! A French wardrobe is all about well-chosen pieces and quality should be your top priority. Look for a wool coat (or a wool blend) to have a coat that is thick with good length.
It doesn’t have to be thick enough to keep you warm in a tundra, but you want something that is good enough quality so it’s not flimsy and wrinkly. Pay attention to the buttons as well; they should feel and look sturdy.
Keep in mind that in some seasons, a coat may be the first and only thing someone sees of you. It’s a great opportunity to make a lasting impression, so buy the best quality you can afford.
8. Wear a Blazer
Do you ever wonder what outerwear French women mostly wear? Though a leather jacket and tweed jacket rightfully have their place, a blazer is a key part of a French woman’s wardrobe and should be a key part of yours too – whether you are French or not!
A blazer in a neutral color such as black, gray, or navy, is best paired with jeans for that put-together but not trying-too-hard look. Whether you choose to wear boots or heels, you can’t go wrong or mess up this go-to outfit combo.
For a cool rock and roll look, you could pair your blazer with an oversized sweater, as a mix of styles (casual and formal) is always chic. For a casual chic look, pair your blazer with a lightweight sweater, jeans, and ballet flats.
A tailored blazer is a good idea for a sharp look, but an oversized blazer is a good idea too – as it can give you a completely different look. Both a well-fitted blazer and something with a boxy fit have a place in your wardrobe!
Once you have the classic colors, look into adding a print blazer, such as plaid or leopard print, for that extra dose of style.
9. Have a Go-to Uniform
Sometimes you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Truly stylish women know what looks good on them and they don’t feel like they have to constantly shop or dress exactly like the rest of the fashion world.
Pick a style uniform and add little tweaks to switch it up, whether it’s throwing on sunglasses, adding a belt, or changing out your footwear. Do you love to wear a striped shirt and blazer, for example?
Believe it or not, there are endless ways to make this combination feel new. You can belt the blazer, cuff or roll the blazer sleeves, half tuck in your shirt, or throw on a statement coat, for starters. Not every change has to be big and drastic. As always, it’s the little things!
French-style icons like Charlotte Gainsbourg and Carla Bruni are a great inspiration for style tips because not only are they a perfect example of the French-girl style but they know what they like to wear and they’ll wear their favorite items again and again. It’s not boring. It’s smart!
10. Build Up a Collection of Tweed Blazers
Chanel knows best! Fashion designers will always come out with something new, but a tweed blazer (or lady jacket) will stand the test of time.
Though American girls may not wear tweed blazers as much, it is a big part of a perfect Parisienne look. Celebrity French women like Ines de la Fressange and Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu have been frequently photographed in them looking ever so classic.
Tweed blazers can dress up jeans and white sneakers or look sophisticated with tailored pants and a crisp white shirt. Even if you throw on a tweed blazer over a graphic tee, you will be irresistibly chic. A blazer, especially a tweed one, is a must-have for a French woman’s wardrobe.
11. Experiment With Sheer Elements
A French woman over 50 isn’t frumpy when it comes to her night-out look. Instead, she’s mindful of the skin she’s showing and would much rather choose to wear something sheer to provide coverage and leave something to the imagination rather than let it all be on display.
Even if you don’t find yourself dressing to the nines on the red carpet as some of these French women do, you can still have a fierce age-appropriate look. Have you been wanting to try out a sheer top? Pair it with a tailored black blazer and a red lip. Bold heels are up to you!
Is a completely sheer top not your thing? No worries. You can get the look while staying comfortable in your skin by trying out a top with sheer elements, such as sheer sleeves or a sheer neck instead.
The best way to feel confident in your own skin is to take these fashion tips and make them work for you!
12. Style an All-Black Outfit
All-black days equal chic days. It’s common knowledge that French women limit bright colors in favor of a neutral color palette. French women know not only are neutral colors easier to style, but they look more polished – and slimming!
For outfit interest, you can mix different textures and patterns to create a stylish monochromatic outfit. Or if wearing all black sounds too daunting (or doesn’t fit your skin tone), you can let the color and print come through in your accessories and choice of footwear.
You don’t have to be a French model to wear black from head to toe. However you decide to rock an all-black ensemble, remember to layer to keep your outfit stylish and interesting!
The best way to get started with this outfit idea would be pants (or jeans), a tee, and a blazer. Real life French women start with this outfit combination to add major style to their look.
Related: How to Flatter Your Body With These Slimming Outfits
13. Embrace Different Styles of Jeans
Skinny jeans may be a classic to some, but there are so many different jean styles out there that can elevate and modernize your look!
Whether you opt for straight, slim, bootcut, crop, or flare, it’s always good to have a couple of different styles in your wardrobe. Not only do different jeans pair well with different seasons, but they complement different shoe styles as well. Top your jean outfit off with a stylish jacket or blazer and you will look (and feel) ultra-sophisticated.
While you’re embracing different jean styles, embrace tailored pants as well! A tapered pair of black pants worn with flat shoes (like ballet flats or loafers) is Audrey Hepburn chic and a perfect way to nail Parisian style.
Related: Your Guide on How To Wear Ankle Boots (and More) With Jeans, Plus Tips for Always Getting It Right
14. Style Oversized Sunglasses
It doesn’t matter if you’re over 50, you can definitely rock some big sunglasses. In fact, it can set you apart as a fabulous woman of style!
A cat eye style is vintage and classic and an oversized style is timeless, but experiment with different shapes too. Perhaps you’ll come back to classic aviators or round lenses, or you may find something else that feels totally you.
Something that seems small like sunglasses can actually play a big part in developing your unique style and signature look!
15. Wear a Knee-Length Dress
Younger French women (like Jeanne Damas and Clémence Poésy) have been known to wear a cropped cardigan and mini dress in the spring and summer, and though we know a French woman over 50 isn’t dowdy (and neither are you), she knows that a mini dress is probably not the right piece for her. (Though it’d be fine to wear one if she chose!)
So, what does she wear instead? Maxi dresses for the rest of her life? Non! Though a maxi dress or skirt can certainly be a chic piece, an older French woman is mindful of how much skin is appropriate to show at her age. A great go-to length? Knee or midi!
Spring or summer, fall or winter, this length can be worn year-round, with a few style tweaks. In the warmer seasons, pair your knee-length dress with flats, sandals, or slingback heels. In the cooler seasons, you can incorporate knee-high and ankle boots into the mix, paired with the tights we mentioned earlier.
You’ll find that this dress style is chic and versatile enough to wear to various places, from the office to a wedding.
16. Invest in Boots
Boots, especially ankle boots, are a French woman’s wardrobe staple and a shoe that you’ll definitely get good use out of! They’re especially useful to older women who aren’t interested in wearing heels, strappy sandals, or espadrilles (like the younger Parisian girls wear).
When boot shopping, look for ones with a slight block heel if you want to elevate your look. A heel will take your boots from “equestrian to chic” and add just the right amount of elevation. Of course, make sure it’s a heel you can actually walk in!
You may be wondering, when it comes to boots, should you buy short boots or tall boots? Both – as your budget allows. You’ll find that both styles have a place in your wardrobe and with both, you’ll have shoes that will work for all seasons.
Ankle boots can be worn with pretty much anything, from slim/straight jeans to cropped flared jeans to skirts to dresses. Tall boots would look best with skirts, dresses, or bottoms with a slim leg (so they don’t make your pants bunch up awkwardly).
Boots fall under “investment piece” for how much you’ll wear them. When in doubt, go with a neutral color in leather material. Real leather will look great instantly and even in time as it ages.
Of course, make sure the fit and comfort are there. Once you have these classic black or brown leather boots in your wardrobe, you can look into getting bolder statement styles like a leopard print or reptile print.
Foundational French Style Tips
1. Embrace the Power of Simplicity
On your journey to capture the essence of French elegance, simplicity reigns supreme. This principle is the cornerstone of dressing like a French woman over 50, where the mantra is less about the quantity of items in your wardrobe and more about the quality and versatility of each piece.
Using this style guide, begin by curating a selection of classic staples that serve as the foundation for any ensemble. A sharply tailored blazer, a pristine white button-down shirt, and a pair of impeccably fitted jeans are non-negotiables. These items, when chosen with care, not only exude sophistication but also offer a multitude of styling options that can transition seamlessly from day to evening.
2. Choose a Neutral Color Palette
The beauty of simplicity also lies in the color palette. French women often favor neutrals – think blacks, whites, grays, blues, and beiges – which provide a backdrop that allows your personality to shine through accessories and subtle touches of color. This restrained approach to color emphasizes the importance of fabric quality and garment fit over flashy patterns or trends.
However, keep in mind, simplicity doesn’t mean shying away from fashion-forward pieces! Instead, it involves integrating them thoughtfully into your wardrobe. A statement coat or a bold piece of jewelry can be transformative when paired with your classic staples, creating a look that is both timeless and distinctly yours.
3. Invest in Quality, Not Quantity
Prioritizing quality over quantity is more than just a one-time choice; it’s a guiding philosophy. If you’re wondering how to dress like a French woman over 50, choose well-crafted clothes in quality fabrics like organic cotton, cashmere, silk, and fine wool.
Opting for fewer, high-quality pieces allows for a wardrobe that is not only versatile but also sustainable. Each item you choose should be considered an investment -something that complements your silhouette, adheres to your personal aesthetic, and withstands the ebb and flow of fleeting trends.
This careful curation leads to a collection that truly reflects your personal style and stands the test of time. Though you may think the focus on quality over quantity limits your wardrobe, in fact, it does the opposite. It enhances its flexibility, with each piece offering multiple styling opportunities that keep your looks fresh and vibrant, day in and day out!
4. Mastering the Art of Accessorizing
Accessories are the magic touch that can transform an outfit from simple to elevated, embodying the style of French fashion. For women over 50 seeking to channel the elegance of French style, the key lies in selecting accessories that speak of sophistication and subtlety. Think of a luxe scarf, a structured handbag, or a pair of well-crafted flats.
When it comes to jewelry, the mantra is to keep it minimal but meaningful. A delicate gold necklace, a pair of pearl earrings, or a classic watch can serve as your signature pieces, adding a refined look without overshadowing your outfit.
How to Dress Like a French Woman Over 50
Now that we’ve uncovered the style and natural beauty of Carine Roitfeld, Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Hardy, Caroline Paulus, Emmanuelle Alt, Carla Bruni, Isabelle Huppert, Juliette Binoche, and Inès de la Fressange, you can see that you can dress chic while also being age-appropriate. And most importantly, you can easily adapt these French style rules to your own wardrobe and outfit choices!
Dressing the French way is more than just wearing a Breton striped shirt or a pair of ballet flats (though it definitely is that too!). It’s about mixing and matching styles and the wardrobe philosophy behind Parisian style that takes these little details and transforms them into an iconic style.
Craving more style tips for women over 50? Here’s How to Dress Classy and Elegant in Your 50s
all photos via Getty Images
Loved this post! Really enjoying your blog 🙂
Aw yay, Heidi! So happy to hear!
Thanks for showing all pencil thin women over 50 no less.
So interesting thank you.
Yes! We shouldn’t find reasons to be gaudy, rather we should look timeless at this fabulous stage of our life. Thank you very much for this.
Fabulous tips, thank you
Hi just found your pist and loved reading it.
Would love your idea on what to wear to my sons passing out parade in the RAF in March
Thank you
How do you adapt these styles for Florida living, especially the heat? I would like to look pulled together.
Check out this post- A Classy Summer Capsule Wardrobe for Women Over 50
I am a 70 year old pencil thin woman and proud of my body. I have worked everyday of my life to maintain my posture, my figure , my diet and loving my body. If you don’t take care of your body where will you live? I love my body, it has been through incredible situations such as the time we were boating and I suffered 17 broken bones, broke 10 teeth, my face was deformed and I went blind. I still suffer from the pains and partial amnesia but chose to heal and become as whole as possible. Theres so much more to my story but I just need to say that I’m tired of being body shamed by people who have chosen their own diet, fitness and mental outcomes.
I don’t believe the writer was intending to diss slim women; rather, she was hoping the author of the piece would have included various body types so she could get an idea of how the styles would look on someone more like herself. Kudos to you for taking care of yourself over the years. Kudos to heavier ladies for wanting to look stylish whatever their body type or reasons for not being pencil-thin. Here, here for encouraging one another, and helping everyone with ideas for looking fabulous at any age! 😀
Great article but only if you are thin/slim.
Dismisses those of us on the heavier side who have spent our lives working at being stylish and glamorous.
The fact that you choose notoriously thin French women as the measure is disappointing to start with. An impossible target and comparator for many of us. Why not Italian or other culture’s women?
It’s sad that this kind of body fascism still prevails.. So NOT CHIC.
IMO you should be challenging these stereotypes .
Well, Gigi, the article is actually titled “How to Dress Like a French Woman”, which likely explains why there are no pics included of Italian women or women of other cultures.
Not a fair criticism, really. The most stylish accessory is confidence. Try that instead of dissing thin women. Come on!
Hi Carolyn,
I did a closet purge today, feeling like we may be coming out of quarantine soon and ready to go back to wearing “real” clothes. I’m tired of feeling listless about what to wear; I end up staying in my workout clothes most of the day but I love to get dressed up and go out when there are places to go to!
I am of a “certain age” and after finding you, have been skipping around to your posts. I like all of your outfits and tips, regardless of what age you are targeting since they are classic and timeless. I’m reinvigorated and inspired and I thank you for your sharing your chic fashion sense.
Hi, Wren! I’m so glad you wrote in. I’m so glad that you are finding blog posts that help you! I did a closet purge not too long ago too and I’ve been ready to wear “real” clothes as well. In fact, I’m wearing jeans right now! I’m so glad you found me and I’ll be keeping the classic fashion sense going!
Hi, just reading your article makes me feel stylish can’t wait to organise my wardrobe. Thanks so much.
So happy to hear that, Tanya!!
Omgosh
Your #1 tip was add a scarf!!!
If you only saw how excited my 80 year old mother was on Mother’s Day this year when I gave her a 10 pk from Amazon $25 as a part of her gifts this year!!!
WE had soooooo much FUN pairing them up with her outfits!!! She was tickled pink 🤩🤩🤩
AND every time she came out to show my 90 year Dad he would say “ Omgosh Mom you are a FOX”
BEST present I ever bought!!!
What as awesome day we had!!!
I included the scarf holder which she thought was soooo thoughtful 🧐
Now I am incorporating a new scarf with each present✅
NOW we are moving into belts to jazz it up another notch😜😜😜
What do you think girlies?!
I love that! Scarves make a great gift and it sounds like it made for a great memory and experience too!
Love this site
I’m happy to hear that!
Thank you so much for your article.
I am a young (80) fashion enthusiast from Europe and it has renewed my interest in classic clothes. This is just what I needed to rehabilitate my wardrobe during these low times. GILLIAN
Aw yay! So happy to hear that, Gillian.
FABULOUS INFORMATION FOR US PRO AGING
GRACEFULLY 70 year olds
So glad you like this information, Sandra!
Great article. Very insightful. Look forward to this pandemic end and can get to dress.
I agree with you!
Found the post I’m a lady in her 60’s who still work full time and I wear a uniform to work what should I have in my closet that would cover everything from formal to casual wear. Uniform cost just as much as street ware cost
Hi, Yasmin! Sounds like a capsule wardrobe would suit you well. These are essentially a list of the basics you need that can create many outfits and be able to dress up and down. I have many posts on this subject! Check out these below to start:
https://www.mychicobsession.com/capsule-outfits/
https://www.mychicobsession.com/minimalist-french-capsule-wardrobe-for-fall-winter/
https://www.mychicobsession.com/classic-fall-capsule-wardrobe/
https://www.mychicobsession.com/build-a-wardrobe-from-scratch/
Great post! Excellent recommendations for chic dressing! I will keep them all in consideration after the holidays when I’m back to Zoom calls with work every day. In order to keep my spirits up, I’ve been making sure I dress nicely for work from home every day. No pajamas for work for me. I find it too depressing!
Dressing up sure does a lot for your spirits! I can’t do pajamas either. Leggings and joggers are about as casual as I’ll go!
I just ran across this, at 61 I aspire to look poised and polished. I’m looking to update jeans this spring. What would be a good update? I generally wear straight leg jeans. Boot cut jeans are catching my eye I’m just not sure what color. Please more articles for women over 50. I feel we are over looked fashion wise and what is out there is over the top or frumpy.
Hi, Robyn! If you’re looking to update jean style, consider giving cropped flared jeans a try. You’ll see them a lot on this blog. They look great with flats, loafers, sneakers, boots, and more. Plus, they have a classic yet updated look to them as well. I have a whole category for fashion over 50- check out the link below! I’ll be adding more too.
https://www.mychicobsession.com/category/fashion-over-50-style/
Dear Carolyn,
thanks for this post. I’ve recently discovered that I have a French soul, even though I am Brazilian. I’m 47 and worried about how would it be to be effortless Parisian chic. And you showed to me that it is all fine. Thank you once again. xoxo
So happy to read this! And anyone can have a French soul, despite where you may be from. 🙂
Very helpful especially for women my age. Thank you. Inspecting my wardrobe, the dominant colors I own and usually wear are the blacks, navies and grays. Reds & yellows add color to my somewhat drab outfit. Reading your article gave me hope that after all, thank you.
I’m so happy to hear this was helpful!
What are names of French women to follow on Instagram or Pinterest to get style ideas?
Check out this section on my website about French Fashion- https://www.mychicobsession.com/category/french-fashion/
You’ll find lots of names and French women you can follow and be inspired by in these posts!
Great post! I’m finding that thinking about what I have already in my closet helps to stop the mindless online shopping we are all guilty of. One or two “on tend” pieces can rejuvenate my favorite items.
Hi just found your pist and loved reading it.
Would love your idea on what to wear to my sons passing out parade in the RAF in March
Thank you
Your article is informative and inspires me to clean my closet and look for new outfits. Thank you!
I love the post but the French ladies depicted are tall, lean ex-models … What about us normal human beings?
I know, at 50 one should accept oneself but I’m struggling accepting the body change due to age and I can assure that none of the outfits so gracefully worn by Emmanuelle Alt are suitable for my new shape.
I understand what you’re saying! Catherine Deneuve, pictured in this post, is not your typical model body type. But we do have other resources for a variety of body shapes:
A Timeless French Capsule Wardrobe for Women Over 50
10 Fashion Hacks for Plus Size Ladies Over 50
Love all the looks but I’m 60 and overweight. Do you have any suggestions for short, overweight and large breasted women or am I not in your demographic – pretty and thin (no matter age) are the only ones to be fashionable?? I still want fashion – to present my inner self as confident, intelligent with moxy! But with my weight I’ve given up looking fashionable. Thoughts?
Hello, Trina! Thanks for your comments. It’s my goal for every woman to feel good in what she wears. I have written several posts about petite and plus-size women. You can find some here, here, and here.
I’m an American who really appreciates French Fashion. Thank you very much for the insight into accomplishing my goal on how to be as stylish as the French woman.
Hi Natalie,
I’m loving your blog! Due to life and COVID, it’s been nearly 8 years since I last visited Paris. I have read much about the loosening up of some traditions and the inception of modern trends. This has given me a big question that I hope you can answer. I’m just an ingenue at a mere 75 years old and I never wish to look like a tourist. I see that French women are wearing white fashion sneakers with nearly everything these days. Will I find other finely seasoned French women my age wearing white sneakers, too? Those cobblestones can be wicked if your balance is a bit quirky. While I have plenty of black ankle boots, sneakers would be heaven for my feet on a “walking day” but I’m not sure I could feel appropriately FRENCH when wearing them at 75. Your honest opinion will be cherished! Many thanks
Hi, Karin! I think white sneakers would be a stylish option if you need the comfort, that being said, when in Paris I noticed a lot of women your age wearing loafers, ballet flats, ankle boots, and oxford loafers.
When I was in Paris I photographed the street style of women of all ages. If you want to see some of those looks then check them out here!
Thanks, I thought 🙂 I was all alone in wanting to dress well.
I enjoyed your article very much! Having spent nearly a month this Summer in Greece, it was apparent how much more comfortable European women are with their bodies than we American women are. European women of every age donned two piece bathing suits both pool side at the upscale hotels and at the shore. I applaud that significant difference!
I’ve always dressed to match my style based on what looks good on me, what compliments my style and with having a fashion forward style. What I don’t care for are women who use a prescriptive approach to fashion advice and load on too many layers or wear nothing but neutrals while sporting mousy brown hair, spend exorbitant amounts of money for their new fashion and feel like they missed the boat, which they did. Two words… self inventory! I’m 5’2” and I’ve gone from weighing 186 to 124 in about 1.5 years. I am still short, have a balance issue, so no high heels, have a short waist, but do now have an hourglass figure. So now I work with different parameters. I still will never wear navy and black together, it just looks like you left out something lovely and white. And I’ll never bury myself in layers of fabric or neutrals because that doesn’t look good on anyone including Gishele Bunchen. Take suggestions, but know yourself and your comfort level first. Then… rock it like no other!
Will you be doing a post on women over 70, summer time dressing, for Italy? I am desperate to get out of tee-shirts and jeans. I want to look stylish and sophisticated, without looking overly dressed.
Thank you for the feedback! We don’t have that specific post, but you may find these helpful:
https://www.mychicobsession.com/french-riviera-style/
https://www.mychicobsession.com/how-to-dress-classy-and-elegant-in-your-50s/
https://www.mychicobsession.com/summer-outfits-for-women-over-50/
Carla Bruni is Italian.
She is an Italian and French singer!