French & Parisian Style - Ooh La Lovely

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The French are just so damn stylish, and I really want to get on board. They are all thin, I am not, but I love looking at websites like L'Exception and Agnes B.

Does anyone by from these sites? I'm wondering what sizing they use. Also, are there any French style UK websites I should know about (ideally a bit cheaper than the two above...)?

It is pretty easy to get a French feel into your style no matter what size you are. Some things I think work-

Ballerinas- Next Suede ones this year are gorgeous. I have red and tan.

Boden - Bretons and light weight boat neck t- shirts

Wide leg trousers or capris.

Cashmere v-neck jumper.

I wear black jersey vest style maxi dresses and layer over them. I bought a trapeze striped top in black/grey from Next (they are HUGE so I bought a size 8 and it is the right level of slouchy on my 14-16 frame) which works well.

Nice perfume

Nails worn shortish with clear nail varnish.

Stick to a black,white,stone,navy,grey and red palette. Basically buy really good quality basics,limit jewellery,red lipstick and hair in a messy long layered style or a chic pixie. No more than three colours, wear black and navy together and make sure clothes aren't tight.

Re Agnes b- it is very small. I bought some great boots from there though. I tend to look at French sites for inspiration and then find similar.

Thanks, Kissy. I had a Very Small feeling about Agnes B.

I suppose I want to make sure that i tread the Parisian side of the line, and not the home counties side (they walk so close and yet so far). I do have a lot of navy in my wardrobe.

Think I might need a fringe.

How about Laredoute.co.uk?

I find Laredoute a bit hit and miss. The stuff from there is a bit 100% polyester and looks good for one wash only.

Ideally, I'd like to find the equivalent of Jigsaw but Parisian.

Uniqlo does a line by Inès de la Fressange which is really boring traditional French.

The Breton top + cropped trousers + flats ,is just stereotypical and from what I know is almost non existent nowadays, I hardly see anyone wears it in Paris and I'm half french, yes people wear striped top, but not in the nautical sense that its usually associated with "Parisian chic"
If you want a French feel to your clothes , then observe the likes of Capucine safyurtlu, she is a good example of how thr majority of young french women like to dress, all about oversized shirt, good quality jackets that are a tiny bit oversized, and good fitting trousers, no makeup makeup, and good hair.

There's not one style that's french IMHO (lived in Paris and Lyon for years). It's attitude, good quality clothes that fit well (french friends will shop for hours for the right shape tshirt), a hairstyle that suits you, grooming (good skin and nails, non scuffed bag and shoes, well pressed clothes), something a bit quirky and self confidence. That's all. French women wear anything from boho to city tailoring, you just need to be able to carry it off.

I think santa has it right - my SIL is Parisian, and works in fashion (she's a buyer) and Capucine Safyurtlu is completely her look.

Very fitted trousers/jeans (never skin tight though!), loose silk shirt, slightly quirky but still understated jewellery, great hair/skin, natural make up (unless on a night out then smokey eye/red lip), expensive coat/jacket and large silk or wool scarf arranged perfectly. If she wears something tight, short, low cut etc then it's paired with thick black tights, a slouchy cardigan and flats. It's a combination of being elegant and groomed to the hilt but not looking like any effort has been made whatsoever.

Helps that she's pushing 6 foot, slim and gorgeous though!

It's mainly about being thin, isn't it? Damn, damn.

Looked at the Uniqlo and am now wondering if these will look stylish or PJish on me stripey trousers

Rules me out then

I did google Capucine safyurtlu, she's very stylish (and thin!).

Not from Bradford

Not from Nottingham either

My legs would never fit into those trousers!

dont like the one on the left - those shoes are tarty. But the other two look nice!

Very... black Maybe that's the key, lots of black clothes!!

I think Emma Willis has a kind of French style - (for someone non-French) -ask her where she shops and has her hair done!

I wasn't saying wear Breton,capris and ballerinas together but rather have them in your wardrobe.

Personally I like the Jean Seberg Breathless Parisian retro chic look rather than the messy rock chick one which is all skinnies,heels and rolled up sleeved blazers. Each to their own and all that.

There is a French fashion editor look for which you need to be super slim and super groomed and earn a lot. Here is Emmanuel Alt's list of essentials: www.iwanttobeanalt.com/journal/2011/3/18/emmanuelle-alt-in-self-service.html

You could also check out Carine Roitfeld, the ex Vogue editor...

I buy a lot from Agnes B and Joseph which is the other really good French store.

To get French chic for less fric - try Morgan de Toi and Kookai (available on Zalando.co.uk) and Zara - (although Spanish it has a general European vibe).

For shoes try www.sarenza.co.uk and www.spartoo.co.uk

Well, thanks Santa, for giving me someone new to obsess about, sartorially speaking of course.

Oh god,just found Capucine on pinterest and I want her wardrobe
I love that look and want to channel it for spring summer.

So that's the look, where do you buy the clothes from?

Look at Garance Dore's blog she has amazing style