How to Achieve Timeless 'French-Girl' Style
Do you remember the first time you did something you truly loved? For you it may have been the first time you played a certain sport, or picked up a paintbrush, or watched the Office all the way through. It’s a moment that stays with you and changes you forever. For me, it was the first time I wore a killer outfit, and I remember it like it was yesterday.
I was in second grade, and my class was celebrating “Cultural Day” -- a day to honor and share our respective cultures with our classmates. My parents told me that I was French, and we bought baguettes to share with the class. They taught me how to say “bonjour, comment allez vous?” and we spent an evening practicing my pronunciation. And then the day of the event, my mom dressed me in what she told me was the perfect outfit for a little French girl.
I wore a white top with ruffled sleeves, dark blue jeans, red velvet heels, a leopard print silk neck scarf, and a double breasted trench coat that we had found at GAP Kids that I adored. My mom finished the look with the lightest swipe of red lipstick and a sprinkling of blush. I remember looking in the mirror and swelling with pride. I loved my outfit, I loved my makeup, I loved that I was a little French girl. And that was the moment that I fell in love with fashion -- French fashion to be precise.
France is home to some of the most iconic fashion houses of all time (Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Celine -- just to name a few), so it's no wonder that the rest of the world looks to France for guidance on trends. French women have truly mastered the art of layering classic pieces with new and bold elements to create a look that is timeless without being tired, while looking completely effortless and chic. “French Girl Fashion” (as it has come to be called) is so popular that there are countless articles, blog posts, and posts on Pinterest dedicated to achieving the aesthetic.
As I curated my wardrobe in preparation of spring and summer, I noticed that many of my new statement pieces had something in common: they were undeniably French-inspired. They are all fun twists on classic French pieces, and I cannot wait to style them all season long. Here are ten of my French-inspired statement pieces that you need for spring and summer (croyez-moi)!
1.Red beret
Truly an iconic piece of French style is the beret. It is timeless, classic, and can be dressed up or down for any occasion (and is a great way to dress-up/disguise dirty hair). I bought mine at a great price from Amazon, and it comes in several colors.
2. Ultra-feminine blouse
French fashion celebrates femininity, and this blouse emulates that celebration in a way that is accessible enough to wear everyday. This black top is comfortable, flattering, and a wardrobe staple, while the sheer sleeves and polka-dot detail keep it from being anything but ordinary.
3. Distressed jeans
Every woman needs a good pair of tried-and-true jeans. Where the French women do it differently is that they pair their distressed denim with feminine blouses and structured blazers -- creating a look that is sophisticated with an edge. This is a style trick I use frequently to keep my look from being too formal or too casual. That little bit of distressing in the denim is all you need to create a perfectly balanced look. I’m wearing these ones from H&M.
4. Mariniere shirt
Nothing goes better together than France and stripes -- the print has become a signature of French style thanks to France’s rich Naval history. Whether you are throwing your striped shirt on with a pair of jeans and loafers or tucking it into a full-bodied tulle skirt, it is the perfect top to grab when dressing for any occasion. Here is one of my favorite styles of Mariniere shirts — I have it in three colors!
5. Platform Espadrille Wedges
Sticking with our seaside-appropriate pieces, these platform espadrille wedges from Chloe are the perfect shoe for summer and have “French-coast” written all over them. The wedge keeps the wear extremely comfortable, and the ankle strap keeps them from slipping as you walk. Plus, you all know I can’t pass up the opportunity to add a few inches to my height, so don’t judge if you see me wearing these all summer long!
6. Flat-brim straw hat
Nothing says “summer-ready” more than a flat-brim straw hat. When I saw this one from ASOS I didn’t hesitate to press “order now”. It reminds me of Brigitte Bardot in her sea-side films, and who wouldn’t want to emulate that classic beauty? This hat will be the perfect summer accessory and can be worn with anything from bikinis to sundresses.
7. Broderie dress
I have always loved the romantic detail of broderie — an embroidery style popularized in France in the 1950’s that has recently surged back into popularity. From Target to Revolve, broderie is gracing summer dresses everywhere. I particularly love this trapeze style dress from ASOS, but I have a feeling that I will be purchasing a few more styles before the season is out!
8. Cap-toe heels
An iconic shoe that has graced Chanel runways since the founding of the brand, the cap-toe heel continues to be fashion’s go-to style when we need a shoe that is sophisticated yet versatile for everyday wear. Whether you are pairing yours with a tea-length brocade dress, or throwing them on with jeans and a white tee, the cap-toe heel automatically lends an air of elegance to the look. While Chanel continues to introduce new versions of their cap-toe classic, similar looks can be found at a more accessible price, like these ones from ASOS.
9. Tweed workwear
While we are on the subject of styles popularized Chanel, we can’t forget to mention one of my personal favorites: tweed workwear. Now I know that tweed can have a certain connotation (read: dated), but the tweed of today comes in contemporary cuts, styles, and colors that keep the material looking fun and fresh. This tweed skirt from Chicwish is one of my favorite finds for spring and summer, and I can’t wait to style it with nude pumps and an oxford for work, or white platform sneakers and a graphic tee for play.
10. Gold accessories
As a girl who loves yellow gold, I couldn’t be more thrilled that it is making a comeback in 2020 — and in a big way. From dainty gold pendant necklaces to stacks of gold rings, layering your gold accessories is a must this spring and summer. I personally have my eye on this bracelet from Karl Lagerfeld that I can’t wait to mix and match for years to come!
I hope this blog post helped you find some new pieces for spring and summer, as well as put you in touch with your French side! What trends are you loving most for this season? Tell me in the comments below!
Merci d'avoir lu ceci. Au revoir!
