WHY WE ALL NEED SIMPLICITY
With so many fashion and style trends out there, it can be hard sometimes to find a classy, timeless, and simple way of dressing. Well, look no more, if that is what you want, the french style is for you.
Whether it is because of the movies, the music or the food, we all seem to be mesmerized somehow by the amazing and quite unique french culture. After all, one of the most cultural and artistic places in the world is in France: Paris. And one of those french things that have that “je ne sais quoi” is the fashion.
Paris was also one of the first places in the world where fashion became such a big part of the culture; for example in the 19th century France let everybody know about their love for fashion by creating and developing their “haute couture”, which was the clothing fitting for a particular client, this started the opening of the big Couture Houses.
And of course we can’t forget the most famous of the established houses of the 20th century: Coco Chanel. They introduced the first “free-flowing”, comfortable and looser designs over the corset and such garments that made it really difficult to feel good and forced the body to be in a particular shape.
It is well known that “style” is a really important aspect for the french girl. This particular vibe could be described as nonchalant, classic but not over the top. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to be able to dress this way: the french style is about choosing the high quality materials, timeless pieces that work well together, instead of trying to wear the brightest colors or the crazy jewelry. Another key word: simplicity.
The most wonderful thing about fashion is that no matter where we are, we can always incorporate items or details from other cultures and backgrounds into our own, and make it even more unique.
CLOTHING
Here are some of the most basic, everyday items that a french girl would wear:
- Trench coat (mostly worn in the fall and spring)
- Plain T-shirts (white, grey, black, beige and prefer 100% cotton)
- White button-down shirts (well-fitted, or oversize in cotton or silk)
- Silk camisoles (white, beige or white)
- Well fitted blazers (navy blue, grey or black, prefer wool/linen)
- High rise straight jeans (dark blue)
- Oversized jumpers (prefer merino wool, cashmere, angora or mohair)
- A little black dress
- A trench coat (beige)
- A black leather bag (good quality leather handbag, with no logo)
- A pair of chic white sneakers (Stan Smith sneakers is a go-to)
SHOES
Most of the girls in France have to walk a lot to the places they need to get to and they also like to ride bikes or take the public transportation. That’s why they choose to wear mostly comfortable shoes that allow them to do all their activities. Here are the most classic examples:
- Ankle boots
- Ballet flats
- Loafers
- Low block heels
- Slingback
- White sneakers
- Espadrilles
- Evening heels
- Knee-high boots
- Flat sandals
A COUPLE OF NO, NO’S
- Do not wear flashy logos. The most important thing is how you wear your clothes, not the name of the brand.
- Do not over-accesorize. Statement pieces are what matters, no more than three jewelry pieces at once.
- Do not “try to hard” to get the look you want. If you wear something more classy and chic, try to not apply too much make up. If what you’re wearing is more simple, like blue jeans and a plain shirt, the red lipstick does the trick.
BASICS FOR FALL/WINTER
During fall and winter, it gets really cold in Paris; this occurs during January and February. This is why most french girls have specific items to wear during that time of the year, such as:
- Wool blazer
- Faux-fur coat
- Long wool coat
- A puffer coat
- A warm scarf
- Turtleneck
- Cardigan
- Fedora hat
BASICS FOR SPRING/SUMMER
The weather in France can vary a lot during spring and summer; it can be sunny one day, rainy the other, hot another and so on. These are the go-to items for both of these seasons.
- A tweed jacket
- A suede jacket
- Wrap dresses
- Long summer dresses
- Oversized sunglasses
- A linen pant
- A woven bag
- Straw boater hat
The most beautiful thing about fashion is that we can always add our little personal touch to it. There is no such thing as choosing right or wrong when it comes to it (unless we’re talking about “see-through plastic jeans”, then that’s a big mistake). Remember to always have fun, try different things, different styles and acquire the one that expresses the most who you really are. Because after all, what is clothing and fashion if not another form of communication? So pick your language wisely!
Sources:
The Guide To French Style By A Parisian Girl | LEONCE CHENAL
A history of French Fashion | COMPLETE FRANCE
