Parisian
Jessica Wagner
How To Dress Like A French Girl
Sartorial undone perfection goes to the ever-elusive French girl.
So what’s their secret? (Besides wine, champagne, art, food, and the French language…)
Playing it cool in effortless, stripped down, uncomplicated outfits that make the most impact.
First, keep it neutral. This is essential when aiming for a Parisian-chic ensemble (and it’s the perfect way to coordinate with your afternoon latte at a quiet corner café.)
Aside from the classic striped Bréton shirt and maybe a {non-cliché} beret, this look is about embracing one's own individual style. Keep it feeling oh-so-fresh by mixing high and low, classic and trendy, and wearing it with a blasé air of confidence.
Next, aim for the allure of natural beauty, and let go of the search for perfection. This doesn’t mean you have to walk out the door sans make-up (unless you want to.) It means working with what you have, to compliment or accentuate favorite features and celebrate the little imperfections –a gap in a smile, slightly crooked teeth, prominent eyebrows or strong Roman nose. Let yourself be a touch undone. These are signs of certain strength in character. Show off freckles, glasses, or au naturel hair. French women understand you can feel beautiful without being perfect.
Last, think like a muse. To evoke mystery, you need to exude an irreverent, downtown edge, with timeless glamour and old world romance. (I know, right?!) In other words, simple is sexy. Poise and confidence are fundamental to dressing Parisian cool.
For this outfit I paired my Bréton stripe top with a mod high-waist jumper. A tight pencil skirt silhouette plays up curves, and pairs well with blouses, tees and buttons ups. (Bonus if you rock it with geek-chic suspender straps.) Layer on a menswear blazer, rolling up the cuffs, and scrunching it at the elbows for a relaxed effect. Ballerina flats reign supreme in French style, but add a hint of sophistication with a fabulous pair of two-tone Chanel inspired heels. Drape a coat, swipe on a bold lip and if you don’t have a terrible vision (like me!) that requires a script, dark oversize sunnies always make a stylish addition. Add a side-sitting beret and you’ve about cracked the code to French girl fashion. This chapeau can be worn slouchy like a beanie for a boyish look, or slightly tipped for a more feminine feel.
Next trip to the museum, library, coffee house, or romantic night with your amour, pull a few pieces from the French girl wardrobe, and joie de vivre (delight in the joy of living.)
Outfit Details:
Coat: Old (similar here) Top: J. Crew Striped Boatneck Jumper: Old (similar here and here) Blazer: J. Crew (similar here) Beret: Vintage (similar here) Bag: Zara Over-The-Knee Socks: Asos Shoes: Zara Glasses: GANT Rugger GR Gibson Necklace: Stella & Dot Mia Collar Watch: Michael Kors Lips: MAC Sin Nails: Sally Hansen Lavender Cloud
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