French Fashion Style Tips

"Key Elements of How to Achieve a Chic French Fashion Style!"

Courtesy of French Connection

Aaaah, yes, French fashion style. Whether you're fascinated by their style or need ideas on how to avoid looking like a tourist when traveling in France, these key tips to French fashion and French clothing will steer you in the right direction.

Two key elements of sleek French style are: Tailored at day and alluring feminine at night.

They often wear basics and sometimes add a trendy detail or splashy color for that extra *ooomph* in their outfit.

Neutral colors are a must in their everyday style, but to keep their outfits up to date, they might add bold colors like red, purple and mustard yellow in a form for accessory (ex. red handbag or maybe lipstick).

Note: Like I mentioned in the main guide, not all French women dress like this. I'm just informing you on what's typical.

Let's take a closer look at their style!

Less is More

French women often swap glam and glitter with self-confidence!

That means, stand up tall and flaunt what you've got (and worry less about your "flaws").

Image credit: Street Peeper , Easy Fashion, the Sartorialist

And the trick is?

Highlight your best features. Like say, if you have nice curves, enhance that with a perfect-fitted high waist skirt. Or if you have a pretty face, wear something that draw attention to your upper half with a beautiful necklace or a pair of earrings that flatter your skin tone. That's a part of chic fashion!

Here are the primers on looking your ultimate best:

How to Dress Your Body Shape

How to Flatter Your Face Shape

How to Find Your Perfect Colors

Remember to keep it simple. Draw attention to one part - and keep it there... and only there.

So avoid adding bold colors and patterns all over the place (eg. red shoes, red jacket) - anything that might overcrowd your overall look. Keep it at one place.

A thing I find fascinatingly stylish is wearing different nuances of splashy colors. Like for example a burgundy red dress topped with a fiery red jacket. I've seen French women wearing this color combo perfectly, but there are few women who can pull this off without looking like a clown, and that's women who are self-conscious about how they are being perceived by others.

There are just some things that look too much on a specific personal clothing personality because they usually aren't used to wearing it and it'll show. With me, I feel slightly self-conscious wearing a fitted, red mini dress because it crosses my fashion limits. So self-confidence is the key. Or at least start slowly and build up your confidence :)

When it comes to bright and bold colors, the trick here is to keep the red colors on one part of your body. Like the jacket and dress, and tone it down with neutral colored tights, bag and jewelry.

French Clothing Colors Palette: Earthy and Neutral Colors

If you want to embrace French fashion wear neutral and earthy colors such brown, black, beige and white. Muted greens, reds and purple are also a part of their main color palette - either monochromatic or in small drizzles.

Neutral fashion color outfits

Image credit: Street Peeper, Fashiontalk.nl
Bright red is also seen on French women, but it's kept at a minimum with for example (only) red lipstick or a red dress or jacket on a black monochromatic outfit.

red French color outfits

Image credit: Easy Fashion, Fashiontalk.nl

Note: In today's modern society, French women have become more daring in the way they dress. Not necessarily in showing off their physical assets, but more in colors and patterns. But they still keep it chic by balancing their outfit with basic clothing and colors.

Timeless Pieces

French women focus on simple clothing, and know that they don't need the flashiest clothes to look good.

tailored french fashion

Image credit: Easy Fashion, Street Peeper
I'm sure you've noticed how they mix timeless and tailored with something trendy? So put together an outfit with a 50/50 basics and trends. French women like classic, high quality fashion with a tiny pinch of an unexpected twist!

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It's a Scarf Thing

A scarf is a fabulous finishing touch to an outfit. Very French.

Wear it around your neck, let it hang loose or wrap it around the handle of your bag. The choice is yours!

Image credit: Street Peeper, Easy Fashion

Make sure to select scarves in colors that flatter your skin tone. It'll brighten up your face!

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Learn more about Buying & Wearing Fashion Scarves

Caps and Hats

When fall is around the corner, most French women pull out their famous winter cap. It adds a cute and quirky vibe to their outfit.

French women wearing hats

Image credit: Easy Fashion

Berets and knitted caps are typical French and a must-own during colder months. For a fashion statement try a hat in a typical Fall color - such as plum and red.

Shop more womens beret hats at Bizrate

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Learn more about Buying & Wearing Hats & Caps

Sunglasses

Oversized sunglasses in either black or brown are a must! Black and brown go with everything. These dark neutrals also exude an alluring look that go hand in hand with French style.

French women wearing oversized sunglasses

Image credit: Easy Fashion

If oversized doesn't suit you try simple aviator sunglasses or square shaped frames.

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Learn more about Buying & Wearing Sunglasses

Handbags

For French women, a bag should balance with the rest of their outfit. Select simple bags preferably in versatile colors like black, brown or white/cream. Look for handbags with a touch of luxury and elegance, such as gold hardware and croc texture material.

French women carrying handbags

Image credit: Easy Fashion, Street Peeper

But of course, if you can also carry a bag that creates a statement or adds an unexpected zest to a simple outfit. Just make sure that your clothes are simple and solid colored to help highlight the bag.

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