How to look elegant and well-groomed like them there French women?

[IBlameThatcher]

I've decided that I should stop wearing jeans and baggy tops everyday. I need to lose a couple of stone, so I've started on that. Had my hair trimmed and am trying to keep it in good condition. What I really need is advice on what exactly to wear. I was thinking plain, straight knee-length dresses, lots of black and simple jewellery. Can anyone else advise me as to what I should be wearing? Links to pics of tres stylish French women would be good

I can't imagine going to have it done but I think that is because I have found what suits me already. There are alot of people who just haven't worked it out for whatever reason so if it helps then great. I can't really stand Gok but he does at least get women to understand their body shape and that is the most important thing imo

Has anyone had a look at the tokyo page on that street fashion website linked to earlier? Think I would rather go down that road than the classic french chic look.....

(I.... cannot.... do..... anything....... tan........)

Im far more in favour of Milan and New York style on that site

I love block colours, patent leather (conversly hate plain black leather - can bear a glove butter leather in black but that is it), structured jackets and chiffon skirts/pallazo trousers. I have 2 very definate styles - uber classic and rock star nonchalance.

Avoid laughter lines by never smiling. Parisian women learn that at their mother's knee.

If must smile never let it reach eyes [see laughter lines above]

Nick aforementioned maman's vintage Hermes scarf and accessorise with a Goyard tote and Chanel No 19

Book twice-weekly blow dry

Smoke cigarettes to suppress appetite

Buy louboutins and aigle footwear

Book in for electro convulsive therapy for pelvic floor to avoid post childbirth sag

Burn extra calories by scoffing at foreigners' attempts at French

Jeans? What are these jeans of which you speak?

My staple is a A-line knee length skirt and heels! Very flattering on my c-section "shelf". I used to wear a lot of black but am trying to get more colourful. I find a long beaded necklace instantly makes my outfit look more thought out and complete. I have a black and silver one that goes with everything.

I'm less bitter...Decleor skincare (with abit of elemis now, gatineau in the future) to avoid the lines (but embrace they when they finally win)

Thatcher have you been in my head,this is what I have been thinking,I want to be well groomed like so many european women are.

I have bought some more age appropriate clothes that actually suit me,dresses,skirts,tights,simple tops,cigarette pants,loafers,kitten heels,lots of black as it suits me to a T.Not necesarily french but stylish and chic and not bloody jeans

I have quit smoking but it's still there,in my head and I know it's wrong so no shouty but it looks so chic,smoking.....bad bad bad thoughts

I am doing my nails,not fancy but short,shaped and groomed.

I will be an Audrey Hepburn style ambassador to someone (am mid 40s so all relative)

am off to hide some of my spoils before dh realises I am metemorphisising,if he says anything then the oh have had it for yonks will come into play :o

I quit smoking a year ago and put on ten pounds. I quit because I was developing a cat's bum mouth though. Looks like I'm going to have to choose between being skinny and having prematurely ageing skin.

Scarves, elegantly draped.

Smoke and drink black coffee.
Lunch to consist of a fat free fromage frais and a diet Coke (or another coffee). Or push a bit of lettuce around your plate.
Never smile. (French teeth worse than British ones, and stained from all those fags and coffee.)
Have very thin legs.

If French teenager, wear skinny jeans tucked into Uggs. Canada Goose jacket. Long flicky hair. More fags.

Having spent some time in Paris the best I can offer is -

• eat a croissant but little else all day (apart from leaves)
• drink black coffee
• smoke (these steps ensure whippet thinness) and
• wear a black cashmere roll neck and skinny trousers at all times

it also helps if you have glossy dark brown hair pulled into a low ponytail or up-do (I have fuzzy white/blonde )

By the way, we need Bonsoir on here to give us the real low-down (may not be her current MN name, I haven't been on here regularly of late)

Laughing quite sadly at these descriptions...I don't envy those women.
but fortunately one can still be well-groomed and stylish without living croissants + cigarettes only!

totally agree with sonic. And to those smokers with cat's bum mouths - naughty ladies but we all have a vice (mine is make up and sweeties) - then try gatineau defi lift lip plumping stuff - I got it for MIL and it has worked wonders

Love the idea of avoiding lines by not smiling... but smoking is fine

Great thread - Frisky is right about the smoking.

French women are very groomed and all that but they always look constrained, uniform and rather joyless to me. Much more impressed by louche an inventive London/NY/Danish women's style.

I still hanker after the italian look...I'm classic but classic english...I don't have the cash for italian luxe...got the hair and make up for it at least - I'll get there.

I read somewhere that at age 30, French women decide between their face (stop smoking) or their figure (continue).

DH & I both put on about a stone when we quit, but I did manage to loose most of mine again, and my cats bum mouth is much better these days!

Also I always think the English shire rose look is elegant and underrated, too - sort of tweedy, hearty and modest. Rebecca Hall, for example.

@ smoking comments DH gave up (again) 7 days ago. Reckons he's now over the worst but scoffing mini cheddars like there's no tomorrow...

I think we brit girls can look stylish and chic with just a little attention to detail. I've never had my colours done cos I kind of think that I know what suits. I stick to Navy, blues, beiges and tan which all work well for me. I do wear some black, just not next to my face. My staples are fitted cashmere sweaters, slim fit trousers and jeans, dark tunics or dresses with opaques. I use belts or scarves to add interest. My nails are short and either painted clear or a pretty neutral shade. I wear a splash of chanel no 5. I have also had my hair cut into a style that suits my hair type rather than trying to force it into a style it does not want to be in - if that makes sense.

I see that I have stumbled across this thread rather late (the last post seems to have been in February!!). Nevertheless, I can't resist adding my penn'orth of wisdom as a woman who has lived (and is still living) all my adult life in France.

Don't under-estimate British chic. The French certainly don't! Magazines like Elle and Marie-Claire often devote pages to help their French readers achieve "le style britannique". Having said that, I endorse what other posters have said, it is impossible to be elegant without good grooming. Take care of your skin, hair, nails, and be prepared to make friends with your local cobbler and dry-cleaner. A good haircut, is, as others have said, essential. I have a plunging bob (short at the nape, but plunging at the front to chin-length). It's a cinch to maintain between my monthly visits to the hairdresser.

Contrary to some posters, I definitely believe in a capsular wardrobe and a careful choice of good accessories. Well chosen jewellery (gold or silver if possible, but worn discretely), even with the most casual of outfits. One simple outfit that has brought me countless compliments from French friends is a good pair of jeans, worn with a simple black scoop-necked T-shirt, a well-maintained black blazer, a Hermès silk square, and black patent pumps. Less is DEFINITELY more for the chic French look, but be prepared to buy the best skin products you can, use them conscientiously, then use natural make-up to let the results of your hard work show through. Finally, develop a signature perfume. For me, Guerlain have a great range of intemporal ones to choose from. I wear L'Heure Bleue, which dates to 1912!! How many other perfumes do you know that will stand the test of time like that, and still get you compliments? Good luck, but above all relax and enjoy developing your personal style!

I forgot to say in my post above that French women, just like most of us, are addicted to M & S for quality basics. BUT they accessorize them brilliantly. Good shoes, handbags, high-quality silk squares, and impeccable grooming. Relax, much of it is common sense, achieving this je ne sais quoi!! Enjoy!! :-)