Learning the Way of the French Girl Style
Four months ago, I transfered to Paris to finish my degree after spending two years at Baylor. Before I left, I was fascinated by the elegance and timelessness of the iconic “French girl” lifestyle - a slower pace to stop and enjoy all the good in life, whether it’s having lunch with friends at a café or going for a walk along the Seine; constantly learning and experiencing cultures, art, and history, all while looking casual and sophisticated. So, what does it mean to dress like a French girl? From my eyes to yours, here are some of the lessons I have learned while living in Paris.
Stick to the basics
The most well-known French outfit is blue jeans and a T-shirt. It doesn’t sound like anything special, but with the right pieces, it looks très chic! The simplistic French lifestyle is reflected through their small wardrobes - the “less is more” mentality. Starting with basics that are tailored to you is the perfect base to build any outfit off of. A few must-have pieces you will find in every French girl’s closet are…
Tan trench
Long warm coat
Blazer
Scarves for your neck, hair, bags, anywhere!
Black boots
Casual sneakers
Plain sweater & t-shirt
White button-down
The perfect pair of blue jeans
Slacks
Bucket, basket, or crossbody bag
Quality ALWAYS
France, being the fashion capital of the world and a major export of luxury goods, pays close attention to quality. It is better to buy a well-made piece that fits you perfectly and will last a lifetime than to swap out your closet each season. Minimalist, classic pieces will carry you through each season. No need to refresh your color palette or hem line as trends change. Knowing and dressing your body type ensures you’ll always look your best. A real French Girl can look back at old pictures without finding themselves in an outdated outfit.
Let’s be practical
Well-made, comfortable shoes are worth every penny. Take it from me, by the end of my first week here I had somehow managed to break three pairs of shoes! While there is good public transportation in Paris (unless they’re on strike, which happens quite often), you are walking a lot (perfect way to burn off baguettes). Don’t worry, comfortable shoes are a part of the “French Girl” look. You won’t find locals wearing stilettos or uncomfortable heels. You're more likely to see them wearing sneakers with a skirt or dress.
The way you style your pieces makes or breaks an outfit
In Paris, you don’t find yourself turning your head for any outlandish colors, patterns, or garments, like you would in New York. While styling neutral basics with a few pops of color is timeless, it wouldn’t necessarily stop Bill Cunningham to take a picture. How you wear an outfit matters as much as what you wear. Jeans and a t-shirt, when properly styled, can create the effortless yet put-together look. It matters how your pieces fit, how they’re styled, and what accessories are worn. Silhouettes for your body type, colors that best match your skin tone, and simple accessories make or break an outfit. While the French try not to chase trends and keep their looks timeless, accessories give you freedom to try out new styles without having to buy new clothes each season.
Modesty isn’t a bad thing
A French style must, which I have to say is not my favorite, is black tights. Overall, the French are very private, about themselves, their lives, and the same with their clothes. While this mainly applies to women, rather than younger girls, it is rare to see someone without tights under their skirt, dress, or shorts. Although, once summer is in full swing, the tights are tossed.
Dress for the season, not for the weather
Keeping with the seasons is important, not just the season for the time of year, but also the trends for that season. Even if it’s 70 degrees in November, it’s better to wear a light trench coat or duster over your skirt or dress (with tights of course) than to pull out your spring wardrobe. With the weather in Paris, like Texas, temperatures can change in the blink of an eye. It’s better to be prepared, because chances are you're not around the corner from your flat to grab a coat.
Keep it natural
The final touch to fully pull off the French look is your attitude - to carry yourself like you are too busy for anyone or anything (because who isn’t). Even if you spent hours getting ready, a French girl would get a bit un-ready to not look like they tried too hard; natural makeup and messy hair, to make sure you don’t look perfect, because who has time to do their hair and makeup everyday when you have all of Paris waiting outside?
While Paris has taught me the secrets to great style and graced me with delicious food, the kind people and welcoming community at Baylor is unlike any place else and holds a special place in my heart.
Written by: Kaitlyn Cameron
Edited by: Josie Gruber