There’s something about “French style” that is endlessly intriguing and there are countless magazine articles and books on how to “dress like a Parisian”, “get the French look”, “dress like a French girl” etc.

I’ve lived in France for over a quarter of a century, and when it comes down to it, of course, French women are like all of us mere mortals — they each have their own unique sense of style but the biggest difference is in their attitude. So, here are a few tips to get that effortless chic look and dress like a Parisian.

How to dress like a Parisian

Don’t try too hard (or don’t look as if you’ve tried too hard)

The main tip is “not to try too hard”, or at least not to look like you’ve tried too hard! Parisian style is seemingly effortless, and yet, of course, the reality is that French women do take time to get ready, but they just don’t admit it!

dress like a parisian
Bag by Le Luco Paris (Images courtesy of MVGD  Consulting & Communication )

Although French women like to make their look appear low-maintenance, that’s probably just because they don’t talk about the effort they put into their look.

Parisian stylist Camille Seydoux told InStyle: “I think French girls pretend to be lazy when it comes to style. She’s not going to admit that she spends 50 minutes getting ready. She needs to look effortless, like ‘oh my hair is naturally like this,’ when in fact, she uses hair product and styling tools. She’ll look as though she just kissed her boyfriend, but really, she dabbed her lipstick on with a finger. We love to look like everything is completely natural.”

She goes on to say “In the U.S., it’s acceptable to have a stylist and to spend hours thinking about your dress, but French actresses won’t admit that they have a stylist,” she laughs. “Their attitude is, ‘I’m born with style; I don’t need help.’ That’s the biggest difference between French and Americans—we don’t admit it.”

Dress for your body shape and wear the right size!

Parisian women always look chic (AND slim), because they don’t let the size and/or the shape of their body interfere with their style.

The golden rule that all self-respecting French women adhere to is to dress for their body shape. They know what their shape is, they know what suits them and they know where to find it. They wear clothes that flatter their bodies, regardless of trends!

They also pay careful attention to the way clothes fit, and they will have their clothes altered if they don’t fit correctly rather than just going with it !

dress like a parisian

French women know how to attract attention to their slimmest areas, by using ruffles, detailing, accessories and patterns, and they know how to divert attention away from their ‘problem’ areas.

dress like a parisian

Avoid clothes that are too tight (which will just showcase any lumps and bumps) and similarly avoid clothes that are too big (as shapeless baggy clothes will just make you look bigger!).

Don’t slavishly follow fashion trends but stick to classics

French women are not fashion slaves but they will pay attention to style. They know exactly what they want to wear, and what they don’t want to wear !

So, they will buy clothes that make them feel pretty, that flatter them and they feel good in, but they really don’t care about having the latest thing.

They know how to use ‘classics’ to their advantage and they never underestimate the importance of the perfect fabric and the perfect cut.

That being said, they won’t completely ignore the new season’s trends, but they will carefully review them and select one or two items to update their look, giving their classic basics a makeover/ new twist.

To dress like a Parisian, you could try the simple French ‘uniform’ of a white shirt and jeans, which can easily transform from day to night with a few accessories.

But what makes it really Parisian/French is the way it’s styled. It’s just that little bit ‘imperfect’, maybe unbuttoned or with the cuffs rolled up and if it’s tucked in, it’s just a bit untucked too!

Wear neutral colours  

French women never wear bright colours, or if they do, it will only be one, such as a stunning red dress!

dress like a parisian

In general, they tend to stick to a more neutral palette when it comes to getting dressed, and keep it simple with lots of beige, navy, grey, cream; camel, black, and white.

dress like a parisian
dress by Caroll, coat by Antonelle, shoes by Maje

Combining dark colours such as navy and black, or burgundy and black is also very chic as well as visually slimming.

look 10lbs slimmer

The outfit above from French brand @Comptoir des Cotonniers combines dark high-waisted trousers for a slim waist, a long open coat (with a dark lining) to elongate the body by creating  a vertical line and dark shoes in the same colour as the trousers for longer legs. 

Use accessories wisely and keep it simple

Belted looks are an easy option to transform your look and create a waist.  Make sure to wear the belt at your natural waist (the thinnest part of your body) and also opt for styles that include belts or patterns that draw in your eye at the waist. 

These belted cardi-coats are a ‘must-have’ addition to your wardrobe.

When looking at other accessories, remember that “less is more“; and don’t overdo it! You don’t need statement bags, heels, scarves and jewellery!

“Before leaving the house, a lady should stop, look in the mirror, and remove one piece of jewellery.”

Coco Chanel

And even though I love accessories, I know she’s right. That being said I do love to layer necklaces, but they are all dainty, delicate pieces!

Grooming should be “perfectly imperfect”

Ok, I realise that sounds a bit contradictory so let me explain! A French woman will never have chipped nails, unwashed hair or wrinkled clothes but the principles of “effortless’ and ‘simplicity” also apply to grooming.

So, they wear minimal makeup and as with their clothes, they always look as though they didn’t try to hard!

dress like a parisian

Again, “less is more” with make-up and it’s about highlighting just one feature on your face, such as a gorgeous red lip, or a smokey eye, but never both!

They are also less obsessed with ageing : the focus is on ageing gracefully, enjoying time with family and friends and having a glass of wine without worrying about the occasional wrinkle!

So, I hope these few tips to help you dress like a Parisian help to elucidate the key to their seemingly effortless style, and don’t forget to check last week’s post about the 5 most common styling mistakes women make. But, the key to any style is to wear what feels good on you and what makes you happy