Why are the French so Chic?

Why are the French so Chic?

Partie # une

Why French chic? Because whether you like it or not – they are probably the best dressed women in the world. Only the Milan style of Italy comes close.

The everyday French woman, has style running through her blood. Walk down any Parisian street, and this is self-evident.

So what do they have that sets them apart from the rest of us?

They are not hung-up about being feminine and expect to be admired by their men. And they expect this admiration all the time. A limp bunch of flowers on their birthday or wedding anniversary doesn't cut it. They take it as a right that men will shower them with compliments.

Generally, French women are thin. A lot thinner than their British and American counterparts. How? It all comes down to cultural differences in diet. That and French women don't ever seem to eat.

A lot of fashion magazines that bang on about French chic expect us to have large bank accounts, this is simply not necessary. On the whole French women are like the rest of us, some are rich, but most are working women on a budget, and can't afford to spend £300 on a designer top. What they do really well, is mix expensive clothes with cheap ones.

Colours rule! Black, navy, white and tonal colours. Have these basics in your wardrobe, and you can mix and match your clothes so that your wardrobe looks a lot bigger than it actually is. One pair of well tailored white pants, put together with an array of simple stylish tops makes one outfit into many.

Black and brown – you think these colours go well together? – They don't.

French women don't follow fashion fads. They stick to classic clothes that are ageless. Not following the high street trend, helps if you are on a budget. Buying one or two expensive pieces, and mixing them with inexpensive pieces, lets you over time have a wardrobe full of expensive clothes. Keeping to a classic well cut look of, snug jeans, blazers, and of course – that little black dress, will in the long run pay huge dividends to your French look.

Don't be fooled into buying what is being pumped on the high-street, it might look cheap at the time, but it will end up being expensive when at the end of the season no one's wearing it any more. Keeping up with high-street fashion is style hell, and to be avoid at all cost – yours.

Adhere to the the pence per wear rule. Buy an expensive dress you are going to wear for years to come – brings the cost down.

Buy a cheap dress you wear for one season – brings the cost up.

If you are French, then you are thin, and can wear leggings. If you are not thin, then for god's sake, throw those ghastly things away, and go for leg coverings that don't show every lump and bump from your bum downwards.

Clothes should fit. Loose clothes make you look fat. So choose clothes that compliment your shape not hide it.

Coco Chanel – 

is and always will be to fashionistas – a goddess. My favourite Coco quote is – Dress shabbily and they remember the dress. Dress impeccably and they remember the woman. - Says it all.

Long talons are out. Short perfectly manicured nails are in.

Long multi-coloured nails with bits stuck on – are naff.

Short nails with a single colour polish. No chips. No flaws. Are tres chic.

Very important to the French woman, is not to over accessorise. That doesn't mean you can't wear bangles on your wrists, and strings of beads around your neck, just don't bung on the whole jewellery shop.

Never let your boobs bulge out of a low cut dress. French women are feminine - not overtly sexy.

Finally – it's all about attitude.

French women dress to please themselves – that's why they look so good. They know what suits them and they dress accordingly.

Next time – # partie deux – Dressing French style on a budget.

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Novelist. Blogger.

Small French woman with an English father. 

 por le moment