Its easy to understand the allure of French culture — I mean they do a lot of things really well, like macarons, or fries…relax, relax, I’m kidding!

But really though, there is something eternally effortless about French style that has many style seekers absolutely enamored, myself included. Never too dressed up, or dressed down and perfectly imperfect (je ne sais quoi anyone?), the Frenchies  manage to be fashion-forward without taking themselves too seriously. Take Ines de la Fressange for example she is known for her hi-low mix and easily navigates trends that don’t suit her, its hard not to want to study,  and master her style savvy!

On my trip to France a few summers ago, the Parisian street style really spoke to me. The narrow alleyways  were littered with perfectly worn in Balenciaga and Chanel bags, casually draped over the arms of these enchanting creatures who were dressed in minimalistic color palettes. Most were adorning everything from beat up chucks to lanvin flats, their hair was all too often haphazardly tossed up in a topknot or pony, or literally hung in unkempt waves, and make-up (if any) was verrry limited, but women always looked ‘put together’, literally like perfecting the art of “5 minute no make-up” make-up, was these girls 9-5.

While I may not be able to figure out how anyone who lives in the same city as Ladurée can stay in svelte enough for skinny jeans…here’s the skinny on some style staples to help give your closet a little joie de vivre!

1. Practical Shoes: You might think French = Christian Louboutin,  but I think you would be surprised – after all have you ever tried walking on cobble stone in heels? Just, non! Opt for a fun ballet flat, smoking slipper or converse and skip the broken ankle.
2. Crisp White Shirts: Button down, tank, T – you can never go wrong – I will even add a breton stripe (like the one I am wearing in this post) to the list.
3. Black Skinny Jeans:  Ankle grazers are perfect to go with your ballet flats, and dress up way easier than traditional denim.
4. Vintage Vibes: Furs, jewelry and handbags inherited from your family add the perfect personal touch – or head out to a second hand store and find your own!
5. A Statement Lip: The perfect lipstick, an even complexion and a swipe of mascara are all you need (the perfect red lipstick coming to the blog soon!).

Remember that you don’t have to own designer anything to pull this look off, so eliminate the “designer label only” mentality from the equation –  in fact one of the cool things about a French woman’s style is her attitude, so whether your vintage scores are Goodwill or Givenchy, c’est magnifique!

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xx,
J

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