French style observations / How to capture that chic and effortless French look
Last month, I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Paris on my way to Jersey, Channel Islands to visit my husband’s family. Although it wasn’t my first time in France…I actually lived there for a year in college and have been back to Paris a few times since… this trip was all about feeling like a local. Lots of strolling the neighborhoods, checking out my favorite French brands, and of course, hanging out in St. Germain des Prés drinking wine and people watching.
After many hours of cafe life and watching french women of all ages go about their daily lives, here are my observations on what gives French women that ageless “je ne sais quoi”effortless look.
Je ne said quoi “A quality that cannot be described or named easily. “
Timeless pieces
I saw lots of tan leather sandals, classic crossbody bags, midi dresses, easy button down shirts and straight leg denim. Most jewelry was minimal (not oversized). Rarely was anything loud or trendy. Just understated, timeless and chic.
Balance of Masculine/Feminine
French women manage to balance the masculine / feminine vibe perfectly. If they are wearing a button down blouse, it’s often paired with straight leg jeans and a feminine flat shoe or sandal. Dresses are often paired with sneakers (I saw a lot of converse high tops paired with floral midi-length dresses.)
Less is more in the hair and makeup department
French women look like they hardly put any effort in.. you know that “I woke up looking this way” vibe. Hair is just the right amount undone. Natural waves. Loosely pulled up or back. Definitely not blown out. And not a lot of makeup. Just little lip color and classic red polish on the toes. Honestly, most women look like they aren’t wearing any makeup at all and they looked beautiful, no matter their age.
They embrace practicality
Paris is a truly walkable city full of cobblestone streets so most women wore sneakers, flat leather sandals or low heeled espadrilles. Also, the French Veja sneakers were having a big moment.
Almost every Parisian woman was carrying one of those cotton totes along with a small leather crossbody bag. (A combo I happened to do myself by coincidence) It’s very functional, the crossbody holds the essentials - phone, wallet and the tote is for all provisions you pick up … you know, the baguette, cheese, and wine. :)
Fit
This really stood out to me. French women’s clothes fit them beautifully. They weren’t too baggy and definitely not too tight. It’s like their clothes were made for them. And if they bared a little skin, they would balance it with coverage somewhere else.
Confidence
Above all, I really noticed that French women look like they are completely at ease in what they are wearing. You can tell these women feel good in their own skin and it comes from within. I saw this with young women and older women. Age didn’t matter. My favorite thing was when I saw a woman who looked like she was in her 80’s strolling down the street in a floral midi dress and white sneakers. She looked completely comfortable, chic and at home.
xo, Laura
PC: @thisisbarkerland