by There is perhaps no nationality style more fête than the French. So when Vogue The array of international guests who attended the Vogue World fashion show in Paris were asked to dress “à la Française” in what should, on paper, be the chicest group you could imagine.
But with a tribute to Jean Paul Gaultier’s cone dress (worn by the British Cara Delevingne) and the Tricolore (on the American Diane von Furstenberg) it was clear that our idea of what makes something “French” in the way people dress differed greatly. French really. Eugénie Trochu, head of editorial content at French Vogue, wearing a white and navy rugby shirt, white mini, black espadrilles and hoop earrings. The former French Vogue The editor, Carine Roitfeld, wore a simple black dress by Rick Owens.
“People often ask me, ‘What’s the secret to having a French style?’ and I always answer that you just need really good basics, that fit well and are of good quality,” shares Morgane Sézalory, founder of French culture brand Sézane, known for its elevated basics such as cashmere cardigans with cut-out spines or bow details. “For me, it characterizes the natural attitude and style of the French woman: often no make-up, a fairly ‘wild’ hairstyle, and an outfit that mixes vintage and designer pieces.”
This philosophy is part of the reason French women age so gracefully. “There’s a big difference between being effortless and not trying,” says Pénélope Goldstone, a French fashion editor who works in London. “My grandmother at the age of 92 still dresses up and matches her handbag to her outfit even if she rarely leaves the house.”
With this in mind, it’s no surprise that France has so many style icons over the age of 50 – an obvious starting point being 71-year-old First Lady Brigitte Macron. And although she has a Louis Vuitton outfit to follow, her style rules are in line with Sézalory’s theory – she dresses very simply, relying on miniskirts (to show off her slender legs), power suits and a monochrome color palette.
Philippine actress Leroy-Beaulieu, 61 years old, from Emily in Paris Her on-screen character is known for channeling her effortless beauty. While on the red carpet she sticks to a tried and tested formula of little black or white dresses by Schiaparelli or St. Laurent, while in her free time she has a penchant for nude-colored knits and great jeans.
In order to avoid looking of trope, it’s essential to do your fashion math before you leave the house, as Goldstone explains. “I wouldn’t say we consciously apply a rulebook to dressing but we tend to go for the ‘less is more’ approach – think Coco Chanel ‘take one thing off before you leave the house’.” she shares. “It’s a balancing act, for example if we wear skirts or short dresses we won’t show much cleavage, we don’t tend to wear more than 2-3 different colors at the same time, or if we’re wearing a print, stick. to the statement piece alone.”
“It’s about balance,” says Anne-Laure Moreau, creative director of French fashion brand Musier Paris. “During the summer, less is a real thing. I also like to mix styles. If I wear sporty shorts for example, I’ll add some feminine ballerinas and pearl earrings, it’s all about balance. I think it’s more about attitude than actual style. That’s how you wear clothes.”
Goldstone tips for anyone wanting to look more ‘French’? “I think French style is generally more laid back than British style, focusing on timeless basics with the occasional statement piece, instead of pushing too hard on trends,” she explains. “So to look more ‘French’, you should invest in a good capsule wardrobe: high waist flared jeans, denim shorts, an oversized white shirt (preferably for men), a Breton top, a little black dress, a dress floral slip, espadrilles , basket bag and cat eye sunglasses.”
The final pieces on Goldstone’s list conjure up the wardrobe of millennial style icon Jeanne Damas of French fashion brand Rouje, who creates Gallic savoir-faire that doesn’t simply mean boring or monochrome. In fact, her best-selling item, the Gabin dress, is a modern interpretation of the 1940s classic, with a tie front, deep V and mid-length skirt. What started in a few color ways and a polka dot print is now available in 17 different variations. It’s about having an attitude of uncertainty.
Gabin dress, £215, Red
When all is said and done, however, Sézalory sums up the ultimate French philosophy. “The most important thing is to feel good in what you’re wearing,” she says. “Being able to move freely, and knowing what fits you, makes you feel good in your clothes.”
Five French dressing staples to add to your wardrobe
Jumper, £140, Sister
Raffia bag, £245, Balzac
Embroidered polo shirt, £175, Maje
sunglasses, £135, Jimmy is fair
Viscose dress, £211.50, Gala
