Do you suffer from FGO (French Girl Obsession)?  I’m pretty sure I do.  One thing I’ve observed about French girls/women is their minimalistic approach to fashion and beauty.   Not only are their clothes low-key, but also their hair and makeup. And of course…that is exactly why I adore their chic style!

First let’s talk about a French basic…denim.  Have you ever wondered how French women spin denim into something so sophisticated?  One denim look seen on the streets of Paris during fashion week was cropped jeans complemented with kitten heels. We are especially crushing on a pair of frayed jeans shown with a white tee, Chanel suspenders, plaid jacket, Dior kitten heels and a camel beret.  A pair of flared cropped jeans and a trench coat will add a little extra French flavor to your style! So sassy and so French!

Mrs. Twist Flips!  When I saw Holley’s post I had to share that I found these kitten heels at Target.  Don’t they look alot like the Dior inspiration!

 

For me, striped tops are a classic French style, and I have to admit, I love stereotypes.  Soooo…show me a girl wearing a striped tee while riding a bike in Paris, and I’m totally in awe!  I love how an American blogger shares her French style riding a pink bike wearing white skinnies and a green striped top….she even matches her shoes and purse to her pink bike.  French perfection….right?

A French girl must:  Bright red lipstick! Ooh la la!!!  

If I were visiting Paris one of my style goals would be to look so French, tourists would ask me for directions! BTW….does anyone know how to say “y’all” in French? An easy way to accomplish this look is by wearing a monochromatic ensemble.  What shouts “French Cuisine” more than a yummy peach blazer and crops complemented by a straw boater hat? Sounds like the perfect look for the French Riviera….Oui!   

Jeanne Damas, a Parisian “it girl,” exudes that elusive French style. In fact I love her style so much, I dedicated a section to her on my Pinterest board, “Feeling French”!  One of her trademark looks is wearing dresses and skirts that emphasis her long legs. Be sure to check out a few of her Paris Fashion Week front-row looks.   Another French icon and muse, Ines de la Fressange, reveals her long legs and classic style wearing a green floral dress. Don’t you just love their subtle sex appeal?  

Parisian Nostalgia:  Be sure to take a look at two photos I made in Paris over 13 years ago.  Their Parisian style is so classic and timely, you would think the photos were taken this year.

Another thing I adore about French women is they “appear” to live a life that includes consuming lots of croissants and no regular exercise.  Call me crazy, but I’m starting to wonder if my DNA test will prove I’m 100% French! That being said, I will not be talking about French fitness style, because I’m pretty sure there is no such thing.  

And finally…who doesn’t love a beret?  Even though a beret is not exactly considered French…for me, it completes my French fantasy.  The good news is berets are back in style and or not just a cute souvenir. A classic look on our Pinterest board shows wide leg trousers paired with a sweater, YSL handbag, boots, and complemented with a black beret….of course!  And a red beret worn with a plaid jacket is not only classic French but also on-trend.

 

Since it doesn’t look like a trip to Paris is in the near future for me, I think I will just mosey on over to la Madeleine!  Who wants to meet me for a coffee and a croissant…or two?!?!?

Holley Williams is a personal stylist specializing in closet inventory, seasonal shopping, closet organization and wardrobe consultation.  Contact Holley at [email protected].   Be sure to check out Holley’s updated Pinterest board here.