When it comes to fashion, French girls are the epitome of effortless class and simple elegance. We know that the fashion world and what’s “in” seems to change every day, so keeping up with each seasons’ trends can be exhausting. But you can pretty much always count on classic, French style to keep you looking chic.
But what does dressing like a French girl really mean? You may think that throwing on a beret and a striped shirt will have you set, but chances are that it’ll actually leave you looking like a clueless French tourist. There are so many nuances and facets of French style, so we’ve pulled together a list of some dos and don’ts for channeling your inner French girl. Bonne chance!
Statement sunglasses
Sunglasses are a great way to add some flair and personal style to a simpler outfit, and there are tons of different shapes and sizes to try out. Oversized statement sunglasses are flattering on any face shape because they usually make your face and head look smaller, which explains why French style bloggers are absolutely loving them lately. Take a look at any French influencer’s Instagram and see that every outfit is paired with the perfect pair of sunnies.
Whether you go bold with a pair of cat-eye sunglasses or stick to some classic oversized frames, putting on a great pair of sunnies will add a layer of effortless elegance to your look.
Tip: Before splurging on a nice pair of glasses, play around with some cheaper pairs in new styles to find what works best for you.
Skip the activewear
Sure, we all love our leggings and sweatshirts, and in many places athletic wear has become acceptable to wear on an everyday basis. But a put-together French girl would never be caught dead in her gym clothes, so you’ve got to find some other comfy options for the days where putting together an outfit just feels like too much.
You can never go wrong with jeans and a classic tee or sweater, and simple swing dress is always a comfy option. But if you absolutely have to wear leggings (because let’s face it, sometimes pants are just too uncomfortable), try to dress your outfit up with a pair of leather ones to add some edginess, or go with an oversized blouse that coversthe tops of your thighes.
High-waisted pants
One of the cornerstones of French style are putting emphasis on certain parts of the body, or flattering the figure, and that usually means accentuating your waist or hips. To do that, many French styles are high-waisted and designed to hit right around the middle of your stomach. This style looks great on most body types, highlighting one of the naturally smallest parts of your body.
There are all different kinds of high-waisted styles to try—from your classic skinny jean to a daring wide-legged flare, a midi-skirt or a tailored pair of trousers—so step outside your comfort zone and try something new to upgrade your look.
Tip: Try to find pieces that have clean lines and fabrics, and avoid jeans with rips or holes in them if you want to achieve that classic French look.
Related: How To Style A Silk Scarf & Look Instantly French Girl-Chic
Simple colors
Buying clothes in basic colors helps to ensure that the pieces you invest in have a timeless quality about them, not to mention that the traditional black-and-white combo is always effortlessly chic.
But, black and white aren’t your only options for dressing in simple colors. Play around with neutrals like creams and tans, especially in the summer months. Light blue is a staple of French style, and it’s a great way to add some subtle color to your look. If you get bored with the neutrals and black and white, look for pieces made with more muted colors or pastels. Stick with one color in an outfit, and don’t go too crazy with bright patterns.
Try a hat
Yes, wearing a beret is a little cliché, and it’s not the kind of accessory you should just throw on with any outfit. But they really are a classic staple of French style, along with hats in general. A hat can really pull an outfit together, and if you feel like you can’t pull off a beret experiment with some other styles to find what works for you.
A knit cap in the winter is chic and uber-functional, and there are some really cute styles with different poms and embellishments. In the warmer months, a wide-brimmed straw hat can add some drama to a simpler outfit, or you could go with something smaller, like a chic fedora.
Your personal style is going to constantly evolve and change just like the trends of the fashion world, and that’s okay. Don’t stress about trying to keep up with what celebrities are rocking or magazines are saying you should wear. Focus on investing in classic pieces that make you feel beautiful and confident, and put your personal spin on those pieces—which is something that French women definitely have a knack for.
Chic and elegant never goes out of style, so if you’re feeling stuck go back to the basics and see where it takes you. In the age of social media it’s so easy to find fashionable people from all over the world, so check out Instagram bloggers who have similar style to you. Inspiration can come from anywhere, and you never know what new ideas you may come up with.