HOW TO CREATE A CLASSIC FRENCH WARDROBE

OPT FOR CLASSIC CLOTHES THAT WON’T GO OUT OF FASHION

Generally speaking, French people dress more “classic” or conservatively than Americans. For example, neutral colors like gray, black, and navy blue are abundant in Paris. Additionally, there won’t be as many “eccentric” or garishly colored clothes as there would be in New York or London. The French do, however, enjoy adding a statement piece to their ensembles.

The maxim tout est dans la mesure is a wise one to abide by. Basically, you don’t have to dress too extravagantly to look French: wear your hair naturally, avoid wearing too much makeup, and don’t wear too many accessories. It’s uncommon to see someone with straight or curly hair in France.

DRAW INSPIRATION FROM FRENCH FASHION BLOGS AND INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS

Invest in basic white sneakers, a well-fitting trench coat, a striped blouse or the always-trendy marinière, and a fantastic pair of black jeans to create a classic French wardrobe.

HERE ARE SOME CONTEMPORARY FRENCH FASHION BLOGS AND INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW AS YOU BUILD YOUR CLASSIC WARDROBE:

• Jeanne Damas: She’s the founder of Rouje and mastered an effortlessly chic silhouette.
• Camille Rowe: The French-American model is the person to follow for fashion inspiration (@fingermonkey on Instagram).
• Camille Yolaine: Fashion and makeup influencer with a fresh and feminine style, with a 60’s influence. Follow her @camilleyolaine on Instagram.
• Le Dressing Idéal: This blog is great for helping you identify les basiques that you require.

• Anne-Laure Mais: She’s the founder of Musier and the quintessential Parisian fashion blogger.
• Camille Charriere: French-English fashion influencer.
• Julia Restoin Roitfeld: The daughter of infamous fashion editor Carine Roitfeld and designer Christian Restoin has great taste.

HAVE THE PERFECT SCARF FOR EVERY OCCASION

In France, scarves are worn year-round by both sexes. Every kind of scarf has a specific term. Winter clothing, or l’écharpe, is typically composed of wool or another warm material. Le foulard is a spring and summertime garment that is made of a lighter material, such as cotton or silk. In addition, there are the pashmina, étole, châle, and carré de soie, which are square-shaped scarves made of silk that are worn around the neck or to cover your hair.

TIPS FOR BUYING THE PERFECT SCARF:

• Make sure the scarf is made of 100% natural materials like cotton, linen, silk, etc. Synthetic fibers do not breathe well and your foulard will make you feel overheated in the summer. In the winter, a synthetic écharpe also won’t keep you warm enough. Opt for fabrics like wool, cashmere, or alpaca.
• Make sure your scarf’s big enough (long and wide) to tie it in different ways. Smaller scarves are harder to pull off, especially for men. 
• Believe it or not, there’s a whole set of rules for how to best tie or wrap a scarf.

WEAR SOMETHING CHIC UNDERNEATH

In France, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to purchasing underwear! Not only do French women wear cozy underwear on special occasions, but they also frequently don what Americans would refer to as “sexy” underwear. French women typically don’t wear padded bras, or rémbourrage.

THESE THREE LINGERIE BRANDS, WHICH USE NATURAL MATERIALS IN THE MAKING OF THEIR PRODUCTS, ARE RECOMMENDED:

Esquisse: Brightly colored swimwear and underwear for people of all sizes and shapes!
Nénés Paris: Recycled fiber lace patterns that are really lovely.
Simplement: Natural materials are used to create minimalist lingerie that is made in France.
Additional iconic brands include Simone Perele, Aubade, Eres, Chantale Thomass, Agent Provocateur, and Princesse Tam Tam.

CHOOSE FLATTERING TIGHTS RATHER THAN GO BARE-LEGGED

The French wear tights as soon as the weather turns chilly. The French always wear tights with their skirts and dresses, unlike Americans who might be seen wearing a miniskirt and boots with bare legs. Additionally, don’t be afraid to switch up your booties for a skirt and tights and sneakers—this is a look that’s very popular in Paris!

Wear opaque tights if you’re wearing high boots to prevent runs in them. Before purchasing stockings, the French check the denier to determine how thick they are. Purchase tights with at least 40 deniers if you’re concerned about them snagging. Put an opaque knee-high sock over your thin tights—it will be covered by the boot and keep the tights safe—if you must wear them at all!
Purchase a minimum of five pairs of tights for your winter attire: a pair that is thin and transparent in black, a pair that is semi-opaque in black, an opaque pair in black, a pair made of wool, and a pair featuring an elaborate pattern!
Put away your pantyhose.

PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO YOUR SHOES, GLASSES, AND ACCESSORIES

We always give students the same advice at our fashion workshops: “The right sneakers go a long way!” Nowadays, tennis shoes or sneakers are known as les baskets and are worn on all occasions by the French. On New Year’s Eve in Paris, you can see ladies dressed in stylish black dresses and sneakers. Take a peek. Contrary to popular belief, French women rarely wear high heels, and when they do, they typically wear heels no higher than three inches. Thus, the first piece of advice we have is to make sure you invest in some stylish sneakers that go well with a variety of looks! Great French sneaker companies include Pairs in Paris, Pied de biche, National Standard, and Veja.

RESERVE YOUR ATHLETIC WEAR FOR WORKING OUT

One thing that surprises French people when they visit the US is the sports apparel that’s, well… everywhere. In restaurants, at the supermarket, at a movie theater: Americans wear gym clothes wherever and whenever they feel like it. Most French people can’t bear the thought of wearing their pajamas anywhere but in bed, so you can imagine that they also only wear sportswear when they’re working out. You’ll also rarely see a French person on the street wearing leggings (unless he or she’s going to ballet practice) or flip-flops (mais oui, évidemment, these are strictly for the beach!). 

Want some tips on how to choose the perfect athletic wear? Just kidding! Our American students clearly know more about athletic fashion than we do. If there’s one area the French don’t excel in when it comes to fashion, it’s definitely got to be gym clothes.