TRÈS SIMPLE, TRÈS CHIC, TRÈS FRANÇAISE.

Thirteen tricks that make French women look so... French. 

Hello guys! It feels like an easy catchall, but it's hard to deny that French women do, in fact, just have an air of impending success around them, and we, women from other countries than France, are all in the same boat: lusting after dream lives in Paris and Provence, and striving for that “ je ne sais quois”, i.e. the inexplicable quintessence of French girl style. 
After years of travelling to France, during which I had the opportunity of “systematically” observe French women, I tried to sum up some key makeup and styling advice for successfully faking French in thirteen tricks. 

1. Don’t be perfect

The overarching rule to looking French: something should be a little mussed, rumpled or lived in. A French woman is not so perfectly put together, but seems to have more depth to her, as if there was something more important to her than her appearance. 
In this age, we put such an importance on perfection about our hair and teeth and skin, while in France, imperfection is really what you love about it. It’s the nonchalance and self-assurance that count for real charm. 

2. "Au Natural" makeup for day

Looking fresh is a priority, and that comes from wearing more minimal makeup with a bit of concealer for dark circles or small blemishes. And instead of fretting about wrinkles, just think how women in France age gracefully without trying too hard. As for makeup, there’s a certain messy component to it that’s aspirational and relatable. That’s the sexy nature, like you’ve  just rolled out of bed or got off a moto. 

3. Tote around your red lip for night

If you’re getting dressed up, it’s about highlighting one feature on your face, like gorgeous red lips, when you’re going out at night, with just a bit of eyeliner for French-style winged eyes. 
Also the accessories are kept minimal, just the essentials, to avoid overwhelming the outfit. "Less is more": you never see a French woman overladen with accessories. 

4. Breton stripes

The designers have a particular affinity for breton stripes, as they remind them of Coco Chanel and maybe the French Navy and all those fishing towns, like Saint-Tropez, Honfleur, or Quimper. Moreover, there something very neutral about stripes. You can pair them with florals or an animal print and still feel put together. 
A curiosity about this evergreen: this garment, created as a seaman's go-to, rose to popularity thanks to the likes of Coco Chanel, Brigitte Bardot, and even Pablo Picasso (the artist often wore it while working on the French seaside). And while a true "marinière" must feature 20 navy blue stripes 10 mm wide spaced 20 mm apart, we are fans of just about any sailor-style striped t-shirt for its wear-now, wear-forever appeal.

5. Personal or monogram jewelry

When the French do wear accessories, they choose simple, pretty, and personal items: mementos from their boyfriends, a best-friend pendant necklace, or an heirloom-style jewel that speaks to the other areas of your life and adds a touch of sparkle, without stealing the show.

6. A white button down 

Once I met a girl in Paris wearing a white blouse and jean and still remember her style. She was cycling and completely perfect-looking, so chic and put together, but so functional at the same time. Actually what makes a white shirt look French is really in the way it is styled: a little more undone with it unbuttoned or undoing cuffs and rolling it up, a sort of borrowed-from-him appeal when it's worn a bit oversized. Is there a French way to tuck in your shirt? Just lightly untucked. Always, if it looks so perfect, something's got to give.
7. A harp-shouldered blazer
Like French women, I have always thought that a tailored blazer is the easiest way to look pulled together, even when you're wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

8. Bold sunnies.
The famous French muse Françoise Hardy approached fashion somewhat systematically, her style starting during the day with oversized sunnies for mysterious charm, and model French women do the same.
So, the next time you decide to add some glamour to your own look, channel your inner Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot.





9. A compact cross-body bag.
A hands-free, trend-proof version is always the way to go, especially with a bit of texture such as suède, and subtle hardware such as tiny golden studs, that will elevate jeans without feeling too fussy. 
Needless to say, my favourite designer's cross-body bags are by French brands, for either their boho-chic touch that I love, or timeless classic feel that is always appreciated.







10. Stacked-heel boots
Stacked-heels are comfy, especially when you are running around all day and don't want to give up glamour. And boots are seriously sexy when worn over a pair of skinny jeans.








11. Year-round white denim
Really, one-half of the French-girl-styling equation involves year-round white denim. the other half involves stripes (see 4. above).

12. Pointy heels.
In spite of their being labelled "Auntie's shoes", pointy heels are always chic.
and you will have never to worry about looking overdressed, when you team a kitten-heel with your favourite jean or cigarette pant.







13. A Little Black Dress
The ultimate closet workhorse: "La petite robe noire". The Parisian's LBD is demure, but hits all the right notes, particularly when it is cinched at the waist and falls below the knee. And, once again, the motto is: skip accessories in favour of a swipe of red lipstick.




I hope these "key rules" I've written down for you to follow will be useful to get the job done of channeling out your inner Francophile's allure...
XOXO.💋💋