Stylish women know it only takes emulating a French woman’s fashion aesthetic to transform their signature look from basic to chic. But what makes French women such fashion icons? Simply put, they know the right classic things to wear and what items to steer clear of that could downgrade their look. Wondering what they are? Keep reading for the things French women don’t wear and what they wear instead!
Fashion the French Way
It only took one visit to France to fall in love with it (and that one visit led me to return time and time again).
From architecture to art to music, France has long been considered one of the world’s capitals of all things style – but especially fashion. As a result, many French fashion brands and styles have become the standard for those who take looking chic seriously.
Of course, France is also known for coining the colloquialism “faux pas.” These are certain things we should avoid in order to not look tacky.
Though fashion standards are always shifting (yes, even in France), there are always some do’s and don’ts that remain.
If you want your style to rival one of Parisian women, there are certain wardrobe philosophies that make up Parisian style.
Classics First: French women know that looking fashionable isn’t always about following the latest trends. They don’t obsess over short-lived styles for too long, and instead, they stick to tried-and-true classics, while picking only a few items out of the season’s trends to try out and add to their wardrobe.
Black pants, Breton stripes, a white t-shirt, tailored blazers, good-fitting jeans, ballet flats, cashmere sweaters, and that trusty trench coat are just some of the styles French women will never abandon for fleeting trends.
To dress like French people, base your wardrobe around timeless wardrobe staples first. Then you can introduce a few trendy and statement pieces to add personality to your style.
Understated Style Reigns: Even though Paris is the epicenter of the best designer fashion houses, French women are not obsessive about wearing flashy designer clothes like most American women are. What’s more, most French women are not fans of adding excessive extras to their looks either.
You don’t have to wear a French brand to have that je ne sais quoi either. At the end of the day, it’s the little things that truly define your look. The way you tie your scarf, the cool way you wear clothes, the red lipstick you use as an accessory – true French-girl style is all about elevating the everyday.
Utilize Style Tricks: A French woman is classic, but she’s not boring! French icons from Charlotte Gainsbourg to Jeanne Damas all utilize style tricks; they just don’t overcomplicate it. Whether a simple tousle or a tucking in of the shirt, the French girl follows a quality-over-quantity approach to putting together a look and doesn’t try too hard.
Keep it Simple: As the legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel once said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” This philosophy of simple yet chic is one that most French women apply to every look.
I credit this French-style philosophy to what makes us so enamored with the French style (myself included), and what makes many women want to nail this effortless French girl style. We can still look chic without trying too hard? Where do I sign up?
Mastering the French girl style comes with trial and error, but the best way a beginner can learn is to know what French women don’t wear.
Of course, every woman is different, but by being aware of this, you will avoid wasting your money and time on clothes and styles that a Parisian chic girl would never wear.
Things French Women Don’t Wear
1. A Large Amount of Logos at Once
One quick scroll through Instagram or a fast flip through a fashion magazine, and you have most likely seen a lot of “It girls” donning head-to-toe logo monogram outfits.
This “logomania” craze does not seem to slow down anytime soon as designers keep splashing their signature monograms on coats, bags, heels, and more.
French women, on the other hand, avoid this logomania trend. They are incredibly subtle about their looks. However, that’s not to say that you will never see a French woman on the streets of Paris wearing anything with a designer logo.
What They Wear Instead:
Instead, they tastefully wear a few designer logos. A little bit goes a long way! A Christian Dior bag, YSL belt buckle, or Chanel bag is used to accessorize their classic outfit, however, they will not add so many logos that can make their outfit look flashy, gaudy, or tacky.
We can all agree that this quiet luxury is way more elegant than the, “Hey, look at how expensive my outfit is!” styling.
2. Fake Designer Pieces
French women don’t attempt to wear fake designer pieces to look stylish. The French philosophy? Having nothing is better than having a fake one!
The pressure of owning something designer is definitely not helped by the surge in the rich woman/mob wife aesthetic, where you have to show your followers just how flashy and luxurious your lifestyle is (whether it really is or not).
French women, on the other hand, are the complete opposite. (Thank goodness.) Former French model Ine de La Fressange told the Guardian in an interview, “You should dress to feel good, not to show off.”
It can take a lifetime to learn that, but once you do, you’ll find a type of peace in your wardrobe.
What They Wear Instead:
French women don’t feel pressured to wear fake designer pieces because they are too focused on spending their money on classic wardrobe staples! They favor timeless clothes that do not shout for attention and instead, complement their overall appearance (instead of being drowned in it).
3. Cheap Fabrics
One of the biggest things French women don’t wear is cheap fabrics. The quality of your clothes plays a big part in the quality of your outfit. So rather than obsess over the logos or names on their bags, dresses, and footwear, they obsess over the quality of clothing instead.
What They Wear Instead:
Natural fabrics are the name of the game for French women. The clothes in their wardrobe are made from materials like organic cotton, cashmere, linen, silk, wool, and leather. They try to avoid cheap fabrics like polyester and acrylic because it’s all about longevity and style, not a cheap thrill.
4. Sweatpants and Leggings
These cozy clothes are fine to wear to the gym, on conference calls, and for lazy weekends, but they’re not a good idea to wear outside of the house when you want to look chic.
Sweatpants and leggings, though popular with the athleisure trend, are generally not thought of as sophisticated and chic. Though they may be your laidback weekend wardrobe staple, it’s hard to style them in a timeless way, and this is why they are just some of the things French women don’t wear.
What They Wear Instead:
When it comes down to it, French style is all about looking polished – even when they are wearing casual outfits! They don’t need a special pair of errand-running sweats, because no matter the occasion, French women will put an effort into how they look. Even for a casual look, you may find them wearing fitted jeans, white sneakers, and a simple yet elegant top. Or perhaps you’ll spot them in pull-on pants with a quality sweater and ballet flats.
5. Ugg Boots
Ugg boots may be cozy and feel perfect for your casual outfit, but they can be more difficult to dress up. Though this style of shoe looks comfortable, they don’t exactly look chic!
What They Wear Instead:
Instead of reaching for Ugg boots when heading outside, French women wear ballet flats, ankle boots, sneakers, oxfords, or loafers. These options are chicer and yes, can still be comfortable. It’s these types of elegant footwear that make an outfit look put together immediately!
Related: 7 Ways to Elevate Your Style (And What You May Be Doing Wrong)
6. Blingy Jeans
Y2K fashion has been making waves in the fashion world again. What goes around comes around, right? However, as you already know, French women do not make following fashion trends their lifestyle.
French model Julia Roitfeld told Vogue, “Please do not ask me about trends. I am only into buying clothes that make me feel pretty and flatter me. I have never cared about having the latest things.”
What They Wear Instead:
French women tend to stick to jeans that do not have busy designs, bedazzling, or lots of rips and distressing. Their go-to jean? Straight-leg silhouettes with a high waist. The most common washes they opt for are neutral or blue. However, this doesn’t mean they only wear that. Crop flare and wide-leg jeans certainly make their way into their closet as well. Usually, they never wear bright-colored jeans!
7. Bold Colors Head to Toe
A French girl will usually never be seen wearing Crayola-hued clothing head to toe. They tend to avoid bright colors because they are harder to mix and match, and don’t usually come across as classic. However, that’s not to say a French woman never wears color.
What They Wear Instead:
They follow a neutral color palette. We’re talking colors such as black, white, beige, grey, and navy; this is what you will typically find in a French girl’s wardrobe. Not only are these colors more classic, but they can be easily mixed and matched with other minimal shades.
When a French woman does wear color, she tends to add a pop of color to her outfit instead of wearing bold colors head to toe. A bright red bag paired with a camel coat can elevate a day of shopping, and a bright mix of orange paired with your black leather jacket can give your edgy outfits even more edge.
8. Ill-fitting Clothes
Whether something is too tight or too big, French women avoid wearing clothes that do not flatter their bodies. Why? Simply put, it looks frumpy. Something to note, an oversized fit is typically okay, as long as it’s balanced out with something form-fitting for a proportional look. And on the topic of clothes that don’t look right, they rarely get dressed up in skin-tight or overly revealing clothing. (There is a subtle way to dress with allure for a special occasion.)
What They Wear Instead:
French fashion can be considered discreet at times because they carefully consider how their outfits fit. For instance, if they wear a dress to a special event, it will usually not be in a bodycon fit and, instead, tastefully elegant and fitted in all the right places. If they wear an oversized blazer, it’s balanced out with straight-leg jeans. It’s all about balance for a chic look!
9. Sky-high Stilettos
If you thought this fashion capital had women walking around in high heels, think again! High heel shoes were actually popular among men in pre-revolutionary France, but have been quickly losing favor with women. Paris is a walking city, and not only is it hard to walk on cobblestone streets in heels, but there are more comfortable (and practical) ways to still look chic.
What They Wear Instead:
Stilettos might not be the French way, but a tasteful small heel is. Pointy-toe kitten heels still give height and allure, without sacrificing style. A block heel is also a great way to add a little style to your outfit – without making walking unattainable (or painful)!
Learning the Things French Women Don’t Wear (and the Things They Do)
As you can see, the rules of French fashion are easier than you think! You don’t have to live in Paris to have Parisian chicness. By emulating a French woman’s wardrobe (higher-quality staples) and adopting an effortless look, you can personalize a French woman’s sense of style while dressing timelessly.
It takes a little practice to dress like a Parisian woman, especially if you up to now believed that a heavily branded bag was “making it”. But with this ultimate guide, you are well on your way to dressing the French way!
You don’t have to dress from French brands to look French. Here are 6 Top Everlane Clothing Items That Will Make You Feel Like a Chic Parisian
I was just in France, lots of bright colors, logs, ripped jeans, where did you get your information?
By interviewing Parisian women and studying the street style from my photographer that currently lives there. Hope you had a great trip!
Thank you for this article. Im in the process of streamlining my wardrobe and this helps tremendously.
Love this article – I totally follow the style as well
Hi! Nice article!
Basically it’s probably hard to know who is a tourist or not except for (in my experience having lived there for a year in Paris) the classy Parisian / French women definately have style I love. Like exactly what you said. 👍💕
There’s a lot of people walking the streets there and not everyone of them dress like we envision every single French woman wearing. Point in case one of my French friends there who is a classic Parisian with a huge family name in the champagne industry. I love her but some have taste and some just don’t! I choose to go by your style advice 💕😎😀
It doesn’t matter which year or season you visit France, this article (&Pics) are right on. Classiness, chicness are timeless!!- Ripped jeans, bright colors are exactly as described..fads!. Call it Trends if it makes you feel more stylish…but fads they are. I thoroughly enjoyed this article and will be on the lookout for more
I love your post! Love your suggestions. Have always been a fan of the way French women dress and less is better and quality over quantity. Am actually in the process of clearing my wardrobe and saving the basics. Thank you so very much for sharing. Bonne journée!’
This article is right on. Thank you!
I concur w/your remarks. However in our country the USA, we are seeing more colors, and that can be added, & styled effectively by minimizing its use, a brightly colored tonal scarf with colors of the basic outfit , or a chic colored purse, or muted color sweater casually draped!
It doesn’t matter which year or season you visit France, this article (&Pics) are right on. Classiness, chicness are timeless!!- Ripped jeans, bright colors are exactly as described..fads!. Call it Trends if it makes you feel more stylish…but fads they are. I thoroughly enjoyed this article and will be on the lookout for more
Thank you for your very informative article. I love this style and try to emulate it. I really dislike “huge logos”. I find them distracting. That is just me. At 73, there is always something to learn. I love it! I have one question…navy or black?…. Have a good day!
Loved your article! This is a style choice that I have always gone by.
… American Tourists?
You are correct about the french style of the french. I am french and living abroad, navy blue, camel, white black are the look that all women go for tje new generation will be a bit more open to colours and ripped jeans. When they go formally out they would return to the traditional navy blue, camel white and black
Great article. No matter where you go, you can’t go wrong wearing black navy or white.
Ganz anders ist Berlin. Leider wird hier meist Kleidung zur Klamotte: einfach geschnappt, übergeworfen und unters Volk gebracht. Mir doch egal, wie ich aussehe. Ich bin ja in der Hauptstadt! So traurig! Katja
The people Anne saw must have been tourists!! The majority of French men/women wear very classic pieces!
Less is more, also confidence!
Perhaps the logos, ripped jeans and bright colours were adorned by tourists or gen z’s?!
Well elegant lady do not weare blue jeans.
Seems you put french women as example and you mentioned there blue.
I think you are describing the classic French girls-women. Not necessary the today’s French women.
My be unfortunate due classic is nice but today’s people not always seen attractive to be clasic. Resume you are mentioned a % of French women population, perhaps less than 50%.
Well, Queen Letitia of Spain wears denim jeans.
Very Boring style
Beige, white and black is snoozeramus!
The young royals all wear denim jeans! But HOW, and what quality and cut are they?
I loved this article. I am 71 and have mostly dressed like this since my very early 20s. I live in the UK where young people everywhere feel like they have to wear logos and ripped jeans and in my opinion they don’t look good. I keep my look simple and timeless and I rarely wear anything with a busy pattern but prefer solid colours and a limited amount of jewellery.
But when traveling good color choices. Use pop of color with scarf, necklace, belt, shoes, tshirt under jacket.
Great thoughts!
Haha, that’s probably the tourists!
I am French. The colours you see is on expats or tourists.
Thank you for sharing your insight!
I am French. The colours you see is on expats or tourists.
That’s not what I learned from my haute couture academy. Rather to do a Crayola head to toe lie Carla Bruni requires a stylist and colour season consultant to pull off elegantly because you risk looking clownish in the wrong colour. Most women don’t have the money for this so opt for neutrals because it’s low risk low reward. You will see Crayola head to toe from elite fashionistas who invest in a stylist and men are much more attracted to this but the key is in your colour season. For a blonde it might be sky blue or fuschia for a brunette. Since quiet luxury exploded on TikTok all the cheap girls are wearing neutrals in cheap fabrics from Zara and designers like Dior are rebelling using colour from Spain & India and those collections are doing well. Middle class French women can’t afford to wear bright colour head to toe because they can’t afford a colour season consultant and stylist to help put their pieces together. So quaint excuses middle class French ladies make while elite dress to distinguish themselves
Those were tourists. I’m French and this Article is true. Occasionally they do not follow one of those steps but never more than one at once lol. Maybe ripped jeans with black blouse, blazer and chic boots but not ripped baggy jeans with Ugg’s and rainbow top.
Must have been the tourists.
That was the turists 😁
I’ve been going to Paris 2-3 times a year for the past 9 years. I noticed many, many brighter colors popping up for the first time in 2021 even on on Montaigne and Fabourg St Honore where all the top designer shops are. Maybe it’s a way to express their “freedom” after the worst of COVID.
If you have ever travel “en province”, you will see a lot of all these not so stylish habits…
Good reminders about timeless pieces but every image contained a size 2 model. I also noticed 3 inch heels on everything save for the flats. That’s just not practical for most women.
I’m one that wears my uggs to the grocery store and will probably continue to do so. With that said, I loved the article and thought it to be a great piece. My favorite part was to dress, what makes you feel comfortable.” Whether you want to be more “French,” dress more sophisticated, or have a closet with more staple items, this article encouraged me to focus more on finding quality pieces made with natural material rather than 50 cute items that get donated with tags still on them. Thank you for writing this.
Thank you for sharing this! I am so happy you found the heart of this article.
You are spot on with your observations. Live and learn
I found your article wonderfully informative and am striving to update my wardrobe into quality pieces. However, I live in Wisconsin and during the winter I love my Uggs. I’m sure the women of Paris/France as a whole do not have to trek through the snow that we women of Wisconsin often do. It’s sometimes hard to look “classic” when it is -40 degrees outside and you HAVE to go out in the elements to work or run errands. What do the women of Paris/France wear during their winters?
Well said!!
My grandmother, which is 94 years old is from Cheltenham, England. She has always told me, quality over quantity!!
Even though I am an 82 Australian I have always followed the way you say the French women dress.. That has been long before the Internet told me so.. I am a Capricorn and that is a Capricorn trait.
Who wants to be a French woman when they can wear whatever makes them happy. Someone dressed like that in my town would look ridiculous. Bring your colors, your Uggs, your whatever and we will love you for who you are rather than for what you wear.
Why are you reading this article then?? Just to post something irrelevant that you have no interest in.. carry on then
Now you are talking! Kate
Unbelievable! Even this article has a group of trolls. We call them the “know it all know nothings.” too much time on their hands. Your responses display more class than is deserved.
Great article and wonderful advice. If I had to add something, it will be in the tittle: “8 things the most stylish French women don’t wear”. Note, also, that it only applies to the very very stylish, and they are not the majority. I’d honestly would also argue that they do not need to be French either. (I am half French half Spanish and travel in Europe a lot)
Super general. Also inaccurate. Lol must’ve had hella limited sources! 🤷🏻♀️
Actually, I’ve been to Paris to study the street style and I interviewed Parisian women about their fashion. I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t consider that as limited sources!
I was just in Paris abd i saw none if this. No logos, no bright colors. Lots of down jackets, hats, no ripped jeans, white tennis sneakers.
I grew up in Paris, this article is ridiculous!
Thanks for your feedback. I gathered this information by speaking to Parisian women that grew up and are currently living there. How cool that there are many different styles to be inspired by!
Can u comment on how its not true
You have to observe the ones wearing lots of bright colors, logs, ripped jeans etc is the visitors … like yourself 🙂
Safe travels home!
This is so not true! I live in Paris I observe people and what they wear- you describe the cliché French women style that just doesn’t exist in real life. It can be found though in various blog entries, coz its oh so clicable!
Thank you for sharing your perspective! The Parisian women that I have spoken to describe the points that I have brought up in this article. How great is it that there are different styles in Paris for all ages!
I mean, there are people with different tastes even in France, but this article is about classy elegant french style.
I’m guessing you were hanging out in all the tourist spots, and those were tourists.
Tourists!
Inspiring and beautiful:)
I beleive fashion belongs to the one owning it…fashion is showcasing a trend,and in my opinion showcasing the latest in vogue…one does not have to follow fashion..but having ‘style sense..never goes out of fashion no matter yr ..’style’ is is paramount
You were probably seeing tourists.
Tourists
Tourists infestation
France or Paris? There’s a huge difference. Like saying NYC is America
Must have been tourists! I have lived in France for 20 plus years and it would be a very rare Frenchwoman to wear ripped jeans and/or bright colors.
They are tourists… half of Paris now is from other countries they are not Parisians
Yes French women used to have style..alas…, the younger generation not so……it’s now a memory…
Lovely article. Planning to visit Paris in the Spring for my 59th birthday….my everyday wardrobe already has some stylish pieces that French women wear. So glad I read this article 💕❤
I live in France. Have done for over 19 years. This information just is not correct. It may be applicable to stylistas in large cities, but they are the tiny minority.
Thanks for your comment! I did base this around my time in Paris. Sounds like there’s so much to explore and see in France!
I am not sure why some of your readers went out of their way to say you were incorrect. Dressing like a French woman is of course, a concept. I think you shared excellent style advice and did a great job illustrating how a “French woman” thinks about (and implements) style guidelines. You also have a lovely way of responding to commenters.
Thank you for your comment, Amy! I do include in each post like this that I am speaking in general terms and can not say this is for every single French woman, but that part seems to get missed. 😉
Well said Amy!!
Loved your article. I wish every young girl when developing a wardrobe would read this. They would save so much money and buy quality pieces that would last a lifetime. Thank you!
Thank you, I enjoyed this helpful article. Would you happen to know what brand the loafers are in the Mango mom jeans photo?
I got it and thank you! I don’t know about others, but I strive to look my best when I leave the house.
Which would be fine if you had suggestions instead of “they don’t.” As anyone who has lived in Paris in the last 20 years (or even bothered to watch a Parisienne movie, amelie, anyone?) could tell you, this is a very ridiculously dated dated example. Plenty of high class women in timeless clothes with COLOR while still having the messier hair and minimal makeup except a strong lip. You’re clearly not Parisienne. you wear far too much makeup and shoes that nobody would ever consider you French. Maybe blob about things you know?
I’m not sure if you read this post in its entirety, but after each “they don’t”, I give a suggestion of what they wear instead. Also, it’s possible you missed my note at the beginning where I state that I can’t speak for every specific French woman, but this is the general style philosophy. As far as whether or not you think this is accurate, I consulted with several Parisians (best-selling authors that write about French fashion and currently live in Paris) when compiling this post, as well as spending time in Paris myself. I’m very confident this is something I know. But how cool that we can pick and choose what information we want to read and get inspired by on the internet! Thanks for stopping by.
You are straight rude. She wrote an article, not a textbook. Did you really take time out of your day to ridicule someone’s work who you do not know?! People like you make the world a disgusting place to live.
I did take time from my day to make sure that I replied to your miserable comment. No one needs this negativity give her a break. Also, you are RUDE AND HAVE NO MANNERS.
Have a WONDERFUL DAY !
I really enjoyed the article ! I’m looking to shop wise so as to mix & match everything.Gave me great ideas. Thanks so much!
I’m curious about fashion in other countries as pertains to their customs so I don’t offend, When I travel I don’t care to “fit in” …I dress to please myself. I’m an American and I don’t try to look French, Italian, German? Etc. I’m who I am and have my own style. I enjoyed your article for the information. I’m interested in other cultures.
Agree! Well said!
All well and good – this is an article for people who want to emulate a style that is classic – and Lear from people who are the most stylish: it’s not for Americans that wish to travel and fit in. And, it’s a minimalist and quality style that most Americans could achieve and feel comfortable in performing. Honestly, the glut of American fashion is gross. We could learn a thing or two – hope you did.
Totally agree with you Mousey! If Lavender Fog was so offended by the article than let it pass. You don’t have to berate Carolyn for offering up a “concept” on fashion. Get a life! Wonder what’s in Lavender Fog’s wardrobe that she’s such an expert?
Ripped jeans & bright colors!
You did an incredible job of sharing what French women wear. I’m appalled at the negative comments here. I’ve been all over France from Paris to Marsailles and of course there’s people dressed every way imaginable. But when you see a class act you know it. There’s lots of tourists and then there’s those who don’t care or understand class. I for one, appreciate the simplicity of the way a real French woman who cares to look like class dresses. I always read and watch fashion articles because I’ve always strived to be classy. Same as “why don’t you have a tattoo?” Because you don’t put a bumper sticker on a Rolls Royce!”
I lived outside of Paris in the mid to late 60s. Your article could have been written then because it described the Classic look of French women. My friends and I had maybe two skirts, which we wore with a few blouses, silk or cotton, a pullover sweater or two, also worn with a pair of dress pants or a pair of casual or one pair of jeans. We used scarves or a bit of jewelry to accent. Oh, yes, and a soft wool jacket.
I completely agree with Carolyn’s article French WOMEN know exactly how to dress, they are chic and very stylish and the do it effortlessly! Negative comments are really not necessary! Loved the piece Carolyn thank you x
My mother loved color.
Lovely!
So did I when I was young in the 60s and 70s. I had a red dress, a hot pink dress and 6 black dresses. Now that I am “older”, I have 3 black dresses, a red scarf and a hot pink scarf. Now I only wear neutrals and accessorize.
Beverly McIntyre I don’t know you but I love you. Carolyn I also trust an enjoy your articles.
I have been to France a few times, going back in September and being a friend to a French lady, your assumptions are legitimate. At the base, French women are classic and have been through times.
I would however say that the younger crowd may be a tad different and sport less classical items.
I enjoyed reading your comments and facts.
I wish you many more trips to beautiful France ! Indeed there is a lot to see and taste !
Carole (MTL)
I’ve only been to France once. But that was enough to know that the French women know how to dress. A lot of my friends ask why I don’t wear more “color”. I pretty much stick to the black, white, grey, cream colors. Now I feel validated! I’m also 66 yo and wearing trends is a bit much for me. No matter how much I want to! Thank you for your articl,e. I will still wear my leggings in the winter once in a while after all I am still American.
Thank you for good advice. I worked in France (Paris) for 4 years in the 80’s-90’s and fully agree with you. French women just have a certain “je ne sais quoi” that I would love to have. Maybe it is their self-assurance and comfort in how they look and preferring classic, quality items above fashion fads that come and go.
I enjoyed your article and think French woman has the right idea. It is a way to always have something to wear. Good basics are always a great way to dress.
I think this article was quite correct. It state generalities about style and the women I’ve seen all over France always dress appropriately. I’ve never been to Tje Camargue but I think even there, the women dress to suit the place and region.
I think dressing like a French woman is a concept of dressing in the classic style and should not be literally tied to France. I love the way First Lady Macron dresses and think she is a great role model for looking classy. I’ve only been to France once and was at a disadvantage since my luggage didn’t get to Brussels until after I left for France. I ended up in a pretty much classic style – blue jeans, white sweatshirt, husbands white dress shirt and white tennis shoes. It worked for all occasions but more formal dining venues. I didn’t have the money to go shopping for more that undies, socks and makeup so ate at the more casual bistros.
Well you can Aldo call this article « the parisian girl »! I am french, i live un thé south of France and it is full of « french girl » with lot of color, tidy clothes, fake fabric etc!! Please american peuple! Don’t resumate frenchy with only parisian!!! We are so much more!! 😅
It helps that they seem to have stylists who know how to cut hair and also their bodies are more toned due to lifestyle differences. I’ve been to Paris a few times and agree that Parisians are very stylish, but I was struck by how much denim they were, which I consider to be an American convention.
Denim originated in France and is a fairly universal item of clothing.
Love this article !It resonates with me.I always liked adding to my look instead of buying into new trends..Keep it simple,classic cuts,natural fabrics
Thank you Carolyne, very helpful post and indeed true
Very well written article and spot on the French style. Personally my style is somewhat French inspired and over the years as it has evolved I have noticed that it looks so much more put together with very little time and effort. I own much less pieces but everything goes well (mix and match), neutrals are the way to go.
I guess I’ve been subconciously dressing like a French woman for most of my life, then. 🙂
Dressing for comfort and in quality is better for body, spirit, wallet and the planet as well.
How do you dress classically French or simply elegantly simple if you are heavyset – apple shaped. Struggle of my life. Thanks so much for the article.
Really good nuggets in your article! Thanks. Just returned from Paris with my stepmom and we had both read that we should leave our leggings at home but saw them everywhere. Not tourists and not just young Parisiennes. We stayed in the 2nd where there are fewer tourists. Just interesting to note! And we both wished we had taken them as they are a great travel item.
I’m in the same place — apple body — but there are useful pointers here for even us apple-shaped individuals. It’s just that more care must be taken, especially with tucked-in at the waist clothing.
I see, Parisienne won’t dress anything what American Hip hop women loves.
I think you hit the nail on the head. After living in France for 20 yrs, and taking the citizenship what you write is fairly accurate, especially in cities. Quality over quantity, bling is in poor taste, less is more and really good shoes. You could add French women don’t wear tons of makeup either. Elusive as the chic French style may be, we can always identify the country of origin of passers-by. C’est la vie.
Loved your article, especially loved the part about not waring a logo. Never ever would they.
Classic French style makes perfect sense.
René
Carolyn Arentson your underlying sarcasm in your replies to the rude comments on this article made my day! You are a bigger person than I! 👏
I’m confused. You dislike rude comments, but praise ill mannered replies? How odd.
We dress similarly in Manhattan
TL, declarations such as; “super general” and, “also inaccurate” are hit-and run attacks. If you have expertise in this subject, contribute to the conversation respectfully, or, write your own article, as Carolyn has so adeptly done here. Most importantly thank you Carolyn Arensten for the thoughtful and instructive article! I particularly liked how we women can achieve these looks.
Carolyn,
You are a woman of grace and decency, even while being spoken to in such ridiculing ways, you respond to the other with dignity and patience and even positivity. I loved all that you shared, and at the end of the day, one may dress dignified and stylish outwardly and still have poison on those French red lips.
Thank you so much, Tracy 🙂
Jo, my experience was the same, although I very much enjoyed the article, because I dress in a classic style.
Thank you for the correction, Jo.. I always thought it was the Levi family that originated denim, denim jeans, in particular.
Denim was first produced in Nimes, France, and called serge de Nimes. Denim, get it?
True. I was born in Nîmes and Denim means “from (de) Nîmes (nim)”, literally. However, jeans per se are very much American, originally at least 😉 Otherwise, the article was pretty accurate, and timeless (the description is also true to how things were in the nineties when I was a teenager and formed my style). Regarding colours, it must be said that we also love dark red (bordeaux), green, and yellow, and use touches of those to add life to otherwise neutral background colours. Importantly we use very little make-up (some lipstick and a touch of mascara or eyeliner just at the corner of the eyes, but not even every day). Perfume is used regularly, but in small amounts (make a light cloud of perfume before walking into it). Underwear is sexy but not vulgar. We l.o.v.e scarves, a lot of them, and earrings (often oriental looking). Natural hair, no colours/bleach, etc. And a pack of clopes in the bra (oups, that was the seventies, sorry… (very true though!)). Usually, no nail varnish. Skin is very well taken care of, never ever any foundation on it, etc. Just clean and moisturized skin. We often handwash our clothes and never dry them in the dryer. As for colors: we do wear them a lot in the summer. Logo, all that = vulgarity which we are taught to abhor from very early on. The unspoken motto seems to be: less (junk) is more (class). There you go!
This said, Italians have the best taste out there. Let’s be real!
I have always worn subtle clothing in neutrals, I believe less is more and if I want a pop of color I match COLE with shoes and purse! e.g., red, blue, green, pink etc…
Her article is spot on. You see some trends but mostly those are ex-pats. Or students from elsewhere.
« French girl » chic is a myth. This chic is basically on its last leg. Perhaps older and nearly retired women in wealthy Paris districts dress up this way. Turn on YouTube and look at the videos there. French women are average and dress average. They probably don’t wear athletic clothes outside but other than that almost anything go.
While wandering around Paris, as an American tourist, other tourists kept approaching me asking for directions. My normal wardrobe, especially when traveling, is mostly black, white, gray and blue. It took me a few days to realize why I kept being mistaken for a Parisian. I was very proud of my Northeast urban wardrobe.
Somehow it’s true.
Totally agree I used to work for a French skin care company years ago and French women are the most elegant women. They look at grooming a necessity not a luxury!
This is just an impression of a very m small part of the population in Paris ! The most french are not wearing any of this. Sweaters, leggings and cheap looking comfy clothing is what I see a lot in Paris and other places in France. The nice dressed ones are mostly tourists. For example: two friends (one french, other spanish) dining in a nice restaurant. The french girl with a white old tee and ripped jeans and fake nike sneakers. The Spanish girl in a gorgeous maxi summer dress and fine leather sandals. The elegant french woman is a myth now, it used to be, but that was a while ago. Although these woman in this article excist, but they live everywhere: in Berlin, Amsterdam, Madrid and even around the corner. It’s the person who is stylish in its own way, not the nationality. And yes, it were the french designers who brought fashion into the world.
Love your article but have to quarrel with your put-down of Uggs. In rural Newfoundland where I live a Parka and Uggs or Sorels or similar sturdy boots are de rigeur, and I feel are in the spirit of Parisian style,of dressing appropriately. They are as much the right thing to wear here as a trench coat and loafers are on the streets of Paris in the winter!
Going to Paris to Switzerland via Viking river cruise in May and this is helpful for downsizing my American wardrobe. I LOVE pinks and teals but for the most part, will leave it home and travel with light nylon pants in black, simple tops, a good jacket, comfy shoes….and yes, maybe one perfect dress.
Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out. Enjoy your cruise!
It was mentioned Navy, Black, Beige, white and grey!!
I lived in Paris for three years and I haven’t seen this kind of dress code, even in the most fashionable areas. Maybe most women used to dress like that, but at least it’s not the case now. There are a lot of Uggs, leggings and tracksuits, huge logos, oversized jackets… There are a lot of clichés that brands (and Paris made a brand out of itself a long time ago) make a lot of money on. I love cashmere, but do you think most people there can afford cashmere?
I am an older woman in America with roots to France. My question is everybody in America wears the smart watches and yes I bought into it but I just don’t know if they look classy. I’m not sure if they’re working since America has so many fat people I mean I am a little overweight, but what about smart watches, classy, or classy or no?
Personally, they are not my favorite, but now they have custom bands that can elevate it a lot!
I’m a newly widowed woman of 67 years. I would like to put some polish on my wardrobe, in the French style. I am petite: 5’4” and 135 lbs. I am in excellent health but I feel dowdy. Please help.
Diane
I’m a newly widowed woman of 67 years. I would like to put some polish on my wardrobe, in the French style. I am petite: 5’4” and 135 lbs. I am in excellent health but I feel dowdy. Please help.
Diane