The French Secret to Get Ce Je Ne Sais Quoi Style

Marjorie Verschueren |

It’s no secret that many women admire French style. But, just what is the secret to dressing like a stylish French woman?
While there is a certain "je ne sais quoi" to their style, there's not much mystery for me and I will share the code with you.

If you break down the closets of stylish Frenchwomen you admire, Sophie Marceau, Marion Cotillard, Clémence Poésy, Vanessa Paradis, Léa Seydoux, Mélanie Laurent... you can see there are a few general rules that they follow. 

1. Don’t Worry About Trends

Paris may be one of the fashion capitals of the world, but that doesn’t mean French women are obsessed with the latest trends. You won’t find quite so many fast fashion stores in the City of Love. But, you will find lots of designer outlets where you can pick up last season’s clothing. French women are more concerned about their own style than following seasonal trends.

2. Invest In Classic Pieces

While it may sound cliché to think about a French woman in a Breton top or a trench coat, clichés are clichés for a reason, and that’s generally because they work.

White & Blue Stripes Top

No wardrobe is complete without a must-have French Blue & White Stripes, the Gaelle Wrap top is anything but basic. It's our twist to the classic Breton French stripes. 

 

The White Tee

Our not too basic kind of tee. THE ultimate tee to have in your wardrobe. 

Slim Leg Black Pants

Wear your slim leg black pants with any of our tops and a pair of flats, platforms to add some height or heels if you feel extra fancy. 

3. Dress To Feel Good

While it’s hard not to take the opinions of others into account when you dress, French women tend to dress for themselves rather than anyone else. That’s probably why they always look so effortless. It’s because they feel comfortable.

4. Less Is More

Another famous quote from Coco Chanel is about accessories. She advised removing the last accessory you put on. French-style is keeping accessories low key, yet quality.

Anaïs Pearl Drop Earrings

5. Fit is everything

For French women, fit is everything. They would rather have fewer pieces that fit perfectly rather than an overflowing wardrobe.

6. Think About Cost Per Wear

When buying something new, don’t necessarily think about what the initial cost is but about how long you will keep it for and how many times you will wear it.

Tayé Dress $189/12 = $15.75 per wear

7. Wear With Confidence

Last, but most definitely not least, wear your outfit with the utmost of confidence. 

What tends to make French women stand out more so than what they are wearing is that certain hard-to-put-your-finger-on swagger that exudes quiet confidence and a sense of self-belief. It’s a take-it-or-leave-it kind of attitude which says I’m not going to wear heels and make myself comfortable just because someone else thinks they look good.

Find your own inner French woman confidence and you’ll have the best accessory possible.


Do you admire French style? What elements do you already have in your closet?