To wonder how French (and Italian) women just know how to look stylish?

[Salmotrutta]

What is it exactly? I think it's the carefully chosen accessories like scarves, jewellery and bags but I'm not entirely sure...

I look okay(ish).

I'm reasonably good with styles that suit me.

But what is that undefinable thing that continental women seem to do that makes them look so elegant.

Simple, not overly made-up but just very well-groomed.

I want to know how to do it!!

I work with an Italian woman who has lived and worked in the UK for years. When she last went home to Italy, her mother looked her up and down and said 'xxx you look so English!'. It was not meant as a compliment! :)

, that might as well have been my mother, chottie. At a big family reunion for which I flew straight from work, she shouted from the other side of the table: we know you come from England, we can see that. don't they have hairdressers anymore?
She marched me to one the very next morning and kept shaking her head.