French look

[nuitdesetoiles]

Always wanted to do the French look, have dabbled a bit and spent a lot of time in France but need more tips in terms of what to buy and where to buy it websites etc. My current boho style feels a bit "cluttered" now I'm getting older and a lot of my stuff is cheap and poor quality. Thinking of buying one key decent item a month. Places to buy decent make up also welcome.

Maybe start by taking a look at some of the French online shops - Sandro, Maje, Sezane & it will give you an idea of what sort of look you'd like

Les-Parisiennes-des-Mamansnet

There seems to be two distinct tribes on here in how French chic is interpreted. One is more Marie-Anne Lecoeur/Chanel inspired capsule and the other is the French editor vibe /Sezanne- which is less classic to my mind.

Which one do you favour?

Re make- up- I don't think you need to spend loads- just get the right colours and formulations for you.

OP, I like the classic French look too, although naturally I always veer towards the boho look.

Does anyone have any Instagram recommendations? I like Leia Sfez's look a lot (well, maybe with just a touch more colour - light blue denim she favours doesn't suit me)

Personally I think The White Company double jersey cropped trousers are an excellent staple- they hang really well and are flattering to lumps and bumps. They look good with Converse or ballerinas.

I also love (don't laugh) Roman Originals cropped capri trousers. These are brilliant in that they are so stretchy and comfortable, they don't fall down and keep their shape all day. These look lovely with a plain tunic style top and make legs look slimmer if you go for them in black/navy.

I also rate Simply Be jersey wide leg trousers for flattering, comfortable trousers. They last forever, keep their shape and drape nicely-but go down a size. Simply Be side pocket tunic in black is another cracking buy for me and very flattering.

Next sculpt leggings are fantastic as are New Look Emilee Jeggings.

I should add that I am an apple/rectangle shape so wear things to balance that out.

A good quality tube maxi is also a great staple and looks great layered over with a slouchy knit. I tend to wear trainers or chunky boots with this.

ok- I'll stop whiffling now...

Leia Szef looks cool, but to paraphrase a poster on another thread the photos need a 'and this is what it would look like on you, Kirsten'.

OMG just looked on the sezanne website and I'm in love! Why didn't I know about this before??
Best ballet pumps anyone? My new look ones just aren't cutting it anymore..

Blue Velvet for ballet pumps.

@KirstenBlest

Leia Szef looks cool, but to paraphrase a poster on another thread the photos need a 'and this is what it would look like on you, Kirsten'.

of course. But one can aspire... when I was that pregnant I was a sweaty, frumpy heap of pulp so that look is way out of my league

In my mind's eye I look like Ines de la Fressange's much younger sister.

I like clothes that look long and lean, and I prefer darker colours, lots of black, navy and denim.

Justine Leconte on youtube is worth a watch.

Most of my favourite clothes are from Sézane, and I also love The Kooples, Rouje, Maje and Sandro. Depending on your style. I dress quite casually - jeans or trousers and a jumper in winter, but with a really pretty Sézane or Rouje jumper/cardigan I feel a bit more dressed up than a more plain jumper. I have a few Sézane shirts/blouses - with jeans and sandals in summer it’s a great day to day look for me.

Sézane have an early spring collection out on Sunday so worth having a look - from the preview look book there are some pretty spring pastels in there. Thing sell out quite quickly though so worth noting if you’ve got your eye on something!

Also eBay is a good source for barely used Sézane clothes, and Sézane do Archive sales (I think twice a year).

In terms of Instagrammers have a look at Jeanne Damas (of Rouje) Morgane Sezalory (Sézane) Leia Sfez, Tamara Mory, Anne Laure Mais (Musier Paris).

I want the French look! I love the ankle skimming trouser, ballet pump or loafer, a longer line open or cropped cardigan. I do love a cardigan. And other stories has some pretty ones.

I've ordered a top from Rouje have had my eye on that website for a while coveting things!

Also like the look of the sezane and rouje jeans.... Has anyone bought them... Do they look as good as online? I'm very very particular about jeans as they are my uniform... I'm 5'8" size 8 skinny hipped. No curves to speak of...

Comptoir de cotonniers and Isabel Marant are good. I also like Agnes B

Merci for the mention @PaulHollywoodsLowHangingFruit I appreciate it very much x

When trying to get the French Look it is most important to remember that the French "Look" is a process in making decisions that are right for you, your body and your style. It isn't so much about wearing a "uniform" or certain clothes. The French Look is one that can be very different for each person. Authentic French Chic applies to and is achievable by everyone 😃

The Rouje beauty section is hilarious - not a face product in sight, just incredible natural skin.

@nuitdesetoiles

Always wanted to do the French look, have dabbled a bit and spent a lot of time in France but need more tips in terms of what to buy and where to buy it websites etc. My current boho style feels a bit "cluttered" now I'm getting older and a lot of my stuff is cheap and poor quality. Thinking of buying one key decent item a month. Places to buy decent make up also welcome.

Bonjour @nuitdesetoiles Buying quality over quantity is one thing we French Women do above all else so your decision is very French Chic 😃.

Dress for your body shape above all else and keep your outfits simple.

There have been some very good suggestions on where to buy here but you don't have to buy French to look French Chic - the French Look is a process not a "look" per se. Put a French woman anywhere and she will look French not because of what she buys but why she buys what she does.

In terms of makeup - we favour the no makeup makeup look. I hope this helps 👍

If anyone has any more questions on French Chic and want answers from the view of a French Woman living in France I would be happy to try to give more help and guidance here 😘

@MarieAnneLecoeur thank you for your tips.

I really want to break out of the rut I'm in with skinny jeans, I wear them constantly and have done for 15 years!! They do suit me but I'd love to try a different style, some of the flared ones on the rouje or sezane websites. Just worried they won't suit, I'm skinny with no bum to speak of...

[quote nuitdesetoiles]@MarieAnneLecoeur thank you for your tips.

I really want to break out of the rut I'm in with skinny jeans, I wear them constantly and have done for 15 years!! They do suit me but I'd love to try a different style, some of the flared ones on the rouje or sezane websites. Just worried they won't suit, I'm skinny with no bum to speak of...[/quote]
Bonjour @nuitdesetoiles well done for wanting to push your style journey along and get out of the rut you feel you are in 😃it takes courage to want top change - well done 😘

My usual advice to clients in your situation is that for most body shapes boot cut jeans are the very best for many reasons. If you are worried they will not suit you, you can try boot cut in stores before you buy (I always hesitate to suggest this as it is rather unfair on shop sellers - but you never know, you may find the perfect pair in store and buy them then and there).

If you are a slim rectangle with no bum (welcome to my world) then I can almost guarantee boot cut will look great on you. They do on me.

I hope this helps x