As I mentioned, a 2009 goal of mine is to embark on learning French and go to Paris. A subcategory of that goal is to dress more like a French woman. The French have such impeccable, yet laid back, “oh-I-just-threw-this-on” kind of style. I read somewhere that something French women don’t want you to know is hard they try to look so effortless. It made me feel a bit better because when I look “effortless” it usually mean yoga pants and a fleece.
My new guilty pleasure is Garance Dore’s site- now in English, but most of the archives are only in French. Pas de problème (thanks Google translator) I only look at the pictures anyways.
I love the experimental, natural and creative look all these women have… tres jealous.
Can we also please discuss the Frenchwoman’s makeup and skin (see below). How do they do it? It looks like they are wearing none, yet look perfectly flushed and gorgeous! Is the key smoking and red wine???
Some keys to dressing like a French woman in this great article and below, a short list from me!
* lots of black and grey- skinny jeans specifically. You don’t see much blue denim.
* close fitting leather jackets- biker style this season specifically.
* BOOTS- tall flat ones, short booties, tall with killer heels. Just bring on the boots.
* scarves- wrapped oh-so-skillfully!
* Less is more makeup- think lip and cheek stains, glossy lashes, sheer foundation.
* Perfectly cut blazer- in black, of course.
* Slouchier dresses with fantastic belts.
I wish I could dress like this!!
I have always been SO into France, and even tried learning French, although its so hard to teach yourself. =) You should totally read the books by Mireille Guiliano “French Women For All Seasons” and “French Women Don’t Get Fat”. So much fun to read and give you such a fun glimpse into the French women’s lifestyle. My favorite tips of hers were drink lots of water for perfect skin (as we have seen via your pictures) and French women always wear sunglasses, whether its sunny or not.
I have a secert attachment to Florentine women thought I spent a great deal of my fashion career in France and understand your fascination. I read French Women Don’t Get Fat and Found it Largely as I understood it: Gallons of good water, unadulterated and unprocessed fresh foods, walking, limited portions and in truth, very limited amounts of wine, fish, vegetables…
As to the clothes, they buy far less of items that are so much better than our RTW largely shares with the US market. And they are likely to still own quality pieces for a lifetime and know how to translate them as trends come and go.
On the whole, their understanding of fashion is totally different than the US.
So Chic! If I can lose 20 pounds, gain 4″ of height, AND go back to my 20′s or 30′s, well, then just maybe, I could come closer to the look. What to do at 49 and curvy? Wear LOTS of black!!!
Those women do look very chic. However, most Parisian women I know do not dress like that. Husband is Parisian, French and he complains that he thinks everyone dresses in too much black and gray whenever we go back there. He thinks it's depressing & he claims he hates wearing black now lol.
BTW, you do know that many French men just love American women, right? :-)
I found myself recently having the same sentiments while pouring over Garance Dore’s site; effortless, enviable style! I’ve always thought that one of the most attainable and widely flattering looks is the well placed scarf, perhaps that and a glass of red wine and we are on our way?! Best of luck with your linguistic pursuits!!
The funniest french expression I ever learned was “dans le vent,” literally translating to “in the wind” … apparently it means to be chic, or “in the know.” It might be so gauche, however, to still use this term!
My favorite french blogs are:
http://willows95988.typepad.com/
and
http://pampille.over-blog.com/10-index.html
bonne chance !
Hi Erin,
Great Post! Learning french is my rollover resolution for 2009, it didn’t quite get checked off the 2008 list. You should definitely read “French Women for All Seasons.” Her motto is that champagne goes with everything. What could be better!
I love this post!!! The photos are gorgeous! I want the black scarf.
oui dahh ling,
it is SMOKING & DRINKING red wine !
it seems simple enough to me , i will just have to work harder at it.
xx renee
The French do have a flair and a tailor is key to having things fit well is key. I think they also do not have the rushed stress we have in America and eating fresh and smaller quantities. Quality not Quantity is key.
Learn French!
If I could speak French I would leave some cheeky comment, but since I can’t, how adorable! thank you.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how chic the Parisians are!!!! The women don’t own piles of clothing, they are just masters of choosing, mixing and styling it all! loved your post. xo. Julie
stunning ladies. way to start up the new year.
mamacitas bonetas