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.

Hi MarieAnneLecoeur - you are welcome . I really enjoy your content on Youtube.

Do you have any recommendations for a tunic length Breton in a classic colourway? I like mine to have a little elastane in them so the don't baggy/out of shape.

As a rectangle with a bit of a tummy- I find tunics skim over and flatter when worn with capri trousers or skinny jeans sort my proportions out.

@PaulHollywoodsLowHangingFruit

Hi MarieAnneLecoeur - you are welcome . I really enjoy your content on Youtube.

Do you have any recommendations for a tunic length Breton in a classic colourway? I like mine to have a little elastane in them so the don't baggy/out of shape.

As a rectangle with a bit of a tummy- I find tunics skim over and flatter when worn with capri trousers or skinny jeans sort my proportions out.

Bonjour @PaulHollywoodsLowHangingFruit et merci beaucoup 🤗

For classic Breton styles actually made in Brittany, I love Saint James - they have great styles and outlets in most countries via their website.

Capri pants can be lovely if well styled and skinnies with a tunic over can, as you say sort your proportions out, and can solve the dreaded funnel look 👍

Thank-you -

I've been really inspired by few of these threads, and found myself going through bins and bins of my old clothes wondering what I actually want to wear, what I'm definitely not going to wear, and what I might wear if only I had the right basics to put it all together with. And wondering why I've hoarded clothes I don't wear for so many years! So after donating a binliner of clothes, and taking another (smaller) one to one of those charity recycling containers, I've put together a list of what's missing. I'm hoping to buy these over time and investing in good quality. Hopefully it'll make me a bit more French too

Suitably slouchy yet fitted v-neck t-shirts (black and maybe olive/khaki green. I have a good white one)
Colourful ballet flats. Something comfy to walk in, but also something which will add a jolt of colour. Most of my shoes are boring.
Warm, shoe-like slippers for my drafty house. I'd love sheepskin birkenstocks.
White blouse. I can't do shirts but I like white, and a floaty but well-fitting blouse would be fabulous.
New bag. Something big enough for all my stuff, slouchy rather than structured. In a neutral colour without visible logos etc in soft leather which will last years and years

Black ankle boots
Long wool or wool-blend coat with a subtle pattern, like herringbone. Not necessarily black, maybe dark grey
Long chunky merino wool scarf to match the coat
(These last 3 can wait till autumn)

Has anyone else been inspired to a wardrobe overhaul? What classic pieces of clothing are you looking for?

And any suggestions of where to look for any of this stuff are greatly welcomed

Should've added - as it was the whole point - that I've been inspired by the classic French look and I'm trying to build a capsule wardrobe around that!

@Pigtailsandall

I've been really inspired by few of these threads, and found myself going through bins and bins of my old clothes wondering what I actually want to wear, what I'm definitely not going to wear, and what I might wear if only I had the right basics to put it all together with. And wondering why I've hoarded clothes I don't wear for so many years! So after donating a binliner of clothes, and taking another (smaller) one to one of those charity recycling containers, I've put together a list of what's missing. I'm hoping to buy these over time and investing in good quality. Hopefully it'll make me a bit more French too

Suitably slouchy yet fitted v-neck t-shirts (black and maybe olive/khaki green. I have a good white one)
Colourful ballet flats. Something comfy to walk in, but also something which will add a jolt of colour. Most of my shoes are boring.
Warm, shoe-like slippers for my drafty house. I'd love sheepskin birkenstocks.
White blouse. I can't do shirts but I like white, and a floaty but well-fitting blouse would be fabulous.
New bag. Something big enough for all my stuff, slouchy rather than structured. In a neutral colour without visible logos etc in soft leather which will last years and years

Black ankle boots
Long wool or wool-blend coat with a subtle pattern, like herringbone. Not necessarily black, maybe dark grey
Long chunky merino wool scarf to match the coat
(These last 3 can wait till autumn)

Has anyone else been inspired to a wardrobe overhaul? What classic pieces of clothing are you looking for?

And any suggestions of where to look for any of this stuff are greatly welcomed

Well done for decluttering @Pigtailsandall - as I tell all my students and clients it is the first step to acquiring a good wardrobe. You will be able to do so much more with less - but "less" that is of good quality and that flatters your figure and complexion. We French women do not do slouchy or floaty so please look for more fitted styles suited to your bodyshape and body shape style objectives ie to balance your silhouette. Ankle boots can be a problem unless you style them right - not to be paired with skirts or dresses for example. You can find quality pieces in many places from thrift shops to boutiques it is more a question of knowing what to look for that flatters you. You are certainly on the right track 👍

I love this look too, but only manage it from the head up 🤣 I’m too overweight at a size 16 to pull off anything else. I think the French look is definitely easier to achieve if you’re slim. In terms of makeup I think Bobbi Brown is great. Nice lightweight bases to choose from, great concealers and lots of wearable neutral matte eyeshadows and blushers without sparkle. Their lipsticks are lovely too. I always think of it as ‘grown-up’ makeup which suits the French no makeup look.

@Volcanoexplorer

I love this look too, but only manage it from the head up 🤣 I’m too overweight at a size 16 to pull off anything else. I think the French look is definitely easier to achieve if you’re slim. In terms of makeup I think Bobbi Brown is great. Nice lightweight bases to choose from, great concealers and lots of wearable neutral matte eyeshadows and blushers without sparkle. Their lipsticks are lovely too. I always think of it as ‘grown-up’ makeup which suits the French no makeup look.

Bonjour @Volcanoexplorer The French Look can be achieved by everyone I assure you. French Chic Style applies to real women, wearing real clothes in the real world and is based on sound design principles and so is applicable to all 😘

I aspire to a slouchy version of French chic, in quite a casual dresser. But sadly at a size 16/18 I can't really pull it off 😂😪

Hi MarieAnneLecoeur - I am embracingly natural salt and pepper hair and feel that some of the colours I used to wear may need to be revised.

It would be great if you could do a video for those with silver hair who've transitioned from dark sometime

Waves to pigtails from our ongoing search for the “perfect bag”

We are looking for different things, so this Aussie brand recommendation isn’t quite right for me, but you may like it: oroton.com/margot-hobo-sahara-osfa

Treat yourself to a watch of all four series of Call My Agent on Netflix. You will get lots of inspo!

Beret, stripy top

Mumsnut

Yes CMA is brilliant - more so seasons 1-3 when the amazingly stylish Catherine was in it. She could rock a blazer/silk shirt/jeans/heels look like no other!

@PaulHollywoodsLowHangingFruit

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...

@PaulHollywoodsLowHangingFruit - could you tell me which simply be jersey trousers you rate?! I can see a few on the site. I am also an apple and am DESPERATE for some w leg jersey trousers... much thanks if you can

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/wide-leg-stretch-jersey-trousers-short/yf414/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=4014&optionColour=Black&pdpClick=true&optionSize=12

These ones party

@PaulHollywoodsLowHangingFruit

Hi MarieAnneLecoeur - I am embracingly natural salt and pepper hair and feel that some of the colours I used to wear may need to be revised.

It would be great if you could do a video for those with silver hair who've transitioned from dark sometime

Bonjour @PaulHollywoodsLowHangingFruit I could certainly do that for you 😃I did a video sometime ago about wearing bright colours - you can watch that to discover the simple, foolproof test for seeing if colours suit you 😘

[quote ShangPie]Waves to pigtails from our ongoing search for the “perfect bag”

We are looking for different things, so this Aussie brand recommendation isn’t quite right for me, but you may like it: oroton.com/margot-hobo-sahara-osfa[/quote]
@ShangPie ooh thanks, I like this one... I'd prefer one with a short strap in addition to a shoulder strap but something might need to give..!

Honestly it was easier to find the perfect husband than the perfect bag!

This thread is so lovely.

[heart eyes]

I've been trying to channel my inner French chic since discovering CMA.

I shall follow all the tips on this lovely, lovely thread

Watch out for import charges if ordering from French sites 😳🙈

I live in France and would summarise the local fashion as nylon housecoat and very short hair!

Paris is another matter, it's all about less is more. Hair is healthy, shiny, well cut but not over-styled, clothes fit well, scarves, footwear and jewellery seem to be as important as the clothes.

@keeponkeepinon same shape as me and I get what you mean about matronly. Everything just hangs off my boobs and makes me look bigger than I am. I suspect ideally I should dress like Nigella but it doesn't suit my lifestyle ☹️. I love the tea dress and white plimsolls look but I just can't get away with it.

I'm constantly hankering after stuff in Massimo Dutti, but neither does that!

@keeponkeepinon @NomadNoMore
I'm a pear shape, and I'm tall with big boobs. I also have very broad shoulders which makes shirts etc almost impossible. But I think a more chic French look is possible! I think a lot of it is about a neutral palette with pops of colour, well-tailored clothes and nice materials. And then actually wearing those clothes!

I'd also really encourage you to try stuff which you've written off as "won't suit me". I was SO surprised when I tried a waistcoat- and it suited me! Also worth trying different necklines. I was also surprised that a slash/boat neck looked good, and those mock neck tops which aren't as high or tight as turtleneck. Crew necks and turtlenecks don't work for me at all. But I hadn't thought of mock neck till my friend suggested it and I was pleasantly surprised!

@Pigtailsandall I found this designer in my ongoing bag search and think it -might- just fit all your requirements
www.harveynichols.com/en-hk/brand/aesther-ekme/