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Stylish women know it only takes emulating a French woman’s fashion aesthetic to transform their signature look from basic to chic. But what makes French women such fashion icons? Simply put, they know the right classic things to wear and what items to steer clear of that could downgrade their look. Wondering what they are? Keep reading for the things French women don’t wear and what they wear instead!
Fashion the French Way
It only took one visit to France to fall in love with it (and that one visit led me to return time and time again).
From architecture to art to music, France has long been considered one of the world’s capitals of all things style – but especially fashion. As a result, many French fashion brands and styles have become the standard for those who take looking chic seriously.
Of course, France is also known for coining the colloquialism “faux pas,” these are certain things we should avoid in order to not look tacky.
Though fashion standards are always shifting (yes, even in France), there are always some do’s and don’ts that remain.
If you want your style to rival one of Parisian women, there are certain wardrobe philosophies that make up Parisian style.
Classics First: French women know that looking fashionable isn’t always about following the latest trends. They don’t obsess over short-lived styles for too long, and instead, they stick to tried-and-true classics, while picking only a few items out of the season’s trends to try out and add to their wardrobe.
Black pants, Breton stripes, a white t-shirt, tailored blazers, good-fitting jeans, ballet flats, cashmere sweaters, and that trusty trench coat are just some of the styles French women will never abandon for fleeting trends.
To dress like French people, base your wardrobe around timeless wardrobe staples first. Then you can introduce a few trendy and statement pieces to add personality to your style.
Understated Style Reigns: Even though Paris is the epicenter of the best designer fashion houses, French women are not obsessive about wearing flashy designer clothes like most American women are. What’s more, most French women are not fans of adding excessive extras to their looks either.
You don’t have to wear a French brand to have that je ne sais quoi either. At the end of the day, it’s the little things that truly define your look. The way you tie your scarf, the cool way you wear clothes, the red lipstick you use as an accessory – true French-girl style is all about elevating the everyday.
Utilize Style Tricks: A French woman is classic, but she’s not boring! French icons from Charlotte Gainsbourg to Jeanne Damas all utilize style tricks; they just don’t overcomplicate it. Whether a simple tousle or a tucking in of the shirt, the French girl follows a quality-over-quantity approach to putting together a look and doesn’t try too hard.
Keep it Simple: As the legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel once said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” This philosophy of simple yet chic is one that most French women apply to every look.
I credit this French-style philosophy to what makes us so enamored with the French style (myself included), and what makes many women want to nail this effortless French girl style. We can still look chic without trying too hard? Where do I sign up?
Mastering the French girl style comes with trial and error, but the best way a beginner can learn is to know what French women don’t wear.
Of course, every woman is different, but by being aware of this, you will avoid wasting your money and time on clothes and styles that a Parisian chic girl would never wear.
Things French Women Don’t Wear
1. A Large Amount of Logos at Once
One quick scroll through Instagram or a fast flip through a fashion magazine, and you have most likely seen a lot of “It girls” donning head-to-toe logo monogram outfits.
This “logomania” craze does not seem to slow down anytime soon as designers keep splashing their signature monograms on coats, bags, heels, and more.
French women, on the other hand, avoid this logomania trend. They are incredibly subtle about their looks. However, that’s not to say that you will never see a French woman on the streets of Paris wearing anything with a designer logo.
What They Wear Instead:
Instead, they tastefully wear a few designer logos. A little bit goes a long way! A Christian Dior bag, YSL belt buckle, or Chanel bag is used to accessorize their classic outfit, however, they will not add so many logos that can make their outfit look flashy, gaudy, or tacky.
We can all agree that this quiet luxury is way more elegant than the, “Hey, look at how expensive my outfit is!” styling.
2. Fake Designer Pieces
French women don’t attempt to wear fake designer pieces to look stylish. The French philosophy? Having nothing is better than having a fake one!
The pressure of owning something designer is definitely not helped by the surge in the rich woman/mob wife aesthetic, where you have to show your followers just how flashy and luxurious your lifestyle is (whether it really is or not).
French women, on the other hand, are the complete opposite. (Thank goodness.) Former French model Ine de La Fressange told the Guardian in an interview, “You should dress to feel good, not to show off.”
It can take a lifetime to learn that, but once you do, you’ll find a type of peace in your wardrobe.
What They Wear Instead:
French women don’t feel pressured to wear fake designer pieces because they are too focused on spending their money on classic wardrobe staples! They favor timeless clothes that do not shout for attention and instead, complement their overall appearance (instead of being drowned in it).
3. Cheap Fabrics
One of the biggest things French women don’t wear is cheap fabrics. The quality of your clothes plays a big part in the quality of your outfit. So rather than obsess over the logos or names on their bags, dresses, and footwear, they obsess over the quality of clothing instead.
What They Wear Instead:
Natural fabrics are the name of the game for French women. The clothes in their wardrobe are made from materials like organic cotton, cashmere, linen, silk, wool, and leather. They try to avoid cheap fabrics like polyester and acrylic because it’s all about longevity and style, not a cheap thrill.
4. Sweatpants and Leggings
These cozy clothes are fine to wear to the gym, on conference calls, and for lazy weekends, but they’re not a good idea to wear outside of the house when you want to look chic.
Sweatpants and leggings, though popular with the athleisure trend, are generally not thought of as sophisticated and chic. Though they may be your laidback weekend wardrobe staple, it’s hard to style them in a timeless way, and this is why they are just some of the things French women don’t wear.
What They Wear Instead:
When it comes down to it, French style is all about looking polished – even when they are wearing casual outfits! They don’t need a special pair of errand-running sweats, because no matter the occasion, French women will put an effort into how they look. Even for a casual look, you may find them wearing fitted jeans, white sneakers, and a simple yet elegant top. Or perhaps you’ll spot them in pull-on pants with a quality sweater and ballet flats.
5. Ugg Boots
Ugg boots may be cozy and feel perfect for your casual outfit, but they can be more difficult to dress up. Though this style of shoe looks comfortable, they don’t exactly look chic!
What They Wear Instead:
Instead of reaching for Ugg boots when heading outside, French women wear ballet flats, ankle boots, sneakers, oxfords, or loafers. These options are chicer and yes, can still be comfortable. It’s these types of elegant footwear that make an outfit look put together immediately!
Related: 7 Ways to Elevate Your Style (And What You May Be Doing Wrong)
6. Blingy Jeans
Y2K fashion has been making waves in the fashion world again. What goes around comes around, right? However, as you already know, French women do not make following fashion trends their lifestyle.
French model Julia Roitfeld told Vogue, “Please do not ask me about trends. I am only into buying clothes that make me feel pretty and flatter me. I have never cared about having the latest things.”
What They Wear Instead:
French women tend to stick to jeans that do not have busy designs, bedazzling, or lots of rips and distressing. Their go-to jean? Straight-leg silhouettes with a high waist. The most common washes they opt for are neutral or blue. However, this doesn’t mean they only wear that. Crop flare and wide-leg jeans certainly make their way into their closet as well. Usually, they never wear bright-colored jeans!
7. Bold Colors Head to Toe
A French girl will usually never be seen wearing Crayola-hued clothing head to toe. They tend to avoid bright colors because they are harder to mix and match, and don’t usually come across as classic. However, that’s not to say a French woman never wears color.
What They Wear Instead:
They follow a neutral color palette. We’re talking colors such as black, white, beige, grey, and navy; this is what you will typically find in a French girl’s wardrobe. Not only are these colors more classic, but they can be easily mixed and matched with other minimal shades.
When a French woman does wear color, she tends to add a pop of color to her outfit instead of wearing bold colors head to toe. A bright red bag paired with a camel coat can elevate a day of shopping, and a bright mix of orange paired with your black leather jacket can give your edgy outfits even more edge.
8. Ill-fitting Clothes
Whether something is too tight or too big, French women avoid wearing clothes that do not flatter their bodies. Why? Simply put, it looks frumpy. Something to note, an oversized fit is typically okay, as long as it’s balanced out with something form-fitting for a proportional look. And on the topic of clothes that don’t look right, they rarely get dressed up in skin-tight or overly revealing clothing. (There is a subtle way to dress with allure for a special occasion.)
What They Wear Instead:
French fashion can be considered discreet at times because they carefully consider how their outfits fit. For instance, if they wear a dress to a special event, it will usually not be in a bodycon fit and, instead, tastefully elegant and fitted in all the right places. If they wear an oversized blazer, it’s balanced out with straight-leg jeans. It’s all about balance for a chic look!
9. Sky-high Stilettos
If you thought this fashion capital had women walking around in high heels, think again! High heel shoes were actually popular among men in pre-revolutionary France, but have been quickly losing favor with women. Paris is a walking city, and not only is it hard to walk on cobblestone streets in heels, but there are more comfortable (and practical) ways to still look chic.
What They Wear Instead:
Stilettos might not be the French way, but a tasteful small heel is. Pointy-toe kitten heels still give height and allure, without sacrificing style. A block heel is also a great way to add a little style to your outfit – without making walking unattainable (or painful)!
Learning the Things French Women Don’t Wear (and the Things They Do)
As you can see, the rules of French fashion are easier than you think! You don’t have to live in Paris to have Parisian chicness. By emulating a French woman’s wardrobe (higher-quality staples) and adopting an effortless look, you can personalize a French woman’s sense of style while dressing timelessly.
It takes a little practice to dress like a Parisian woman, especially if you up to now believed that a heavily branded bag was “making it”. But with this ultimate guide, you are well on your way to dressing the French way!
You don’t have to dress from French brands to look French. Here are 6 Top Everlane Clothing Items That Will Make You Feel Like a Chic Parisian
