carine-roitfeld in black top

Styling Tips: How to Dress like a French girl (and a few affordable picks!)

September 4, 2013

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My upcoming trip to France has me thinking about all things French now (that and blogger buddy Kim just did a post on the fascinating Marie Antoinette).

It goes to show that the rest of us have been obsessed with French fashionistas for quite some time!  It may have started with unique French made lace (alencon is of course my favorite since I made my own alencon lace veil!) and famed design houses like Chanel or Lanvin, but French style is something that is not only created by its designers, but cultivated every day by fashionable ladies.  I was looking through a few pictures of a few chic French ladies and noticed that while it is very much about what they wear, it is also about how they wear it.  Yes sometimes, there are a few standout pieces, but for the most part these ladies have built great staples and just know what works!

Here are the styling tips I take from French ladies:

1. Dress with confidence

The first part of dressing well is definitely dressing with confidence.  Know your body and dress for it.  If you can rock a bandage dress, go for it.  If you have great legs, show them off.  I don’t even know what Carine is wearing in the second picture (although the top looks really cool), but she definitely owns the look.

Carine Roitfeld and Julia Restoin Roitfeld carine-roitfeld in black top

2. Be unafraid of a bold piece or two

My funkiest fashion accessory to date is a pair of Maison Martin Margiela shoes.  But I’ve also started branching out as well and over the last few years have decided to be a bit bolder – my closet now has striking geometric prints, brightly colored skirts, and a few dresses with large exaggerated ruffles.  You don’t have to own a closet full of asymmetrically cut, sheer pieces, but it is definitely interesting to bring a touch of texture or color to an outfit.

Carine Roitfeld in black separates

3. Have great basics

Every person needs a few great basic pieces.  Ines de la Fressange even recommended a few staple wardrobe pieces including a cashmere sweater (J.Crew has well priced cashmere sweaters under $200), like the one she sports below.  I would also add that a great pair of skinny jeans and a white t-shirt with a little something extra like lace work well with so many outfits.

Ines de la Fressange in jacket and scarf ines_de_la_fressange in ModeGap 1969 always skinny jeans - saved by Chic n Cheap Living1969 Always Skinny Jeans, Gap, $69.95

Ivory scallop tee from Dorothy Perkins - saved by Chic n Cheap Living

Ivory scallop lace tee, Dorothy Perkins, $25

4. Accessorize as needed

I’m all about a great arm party or a statement necklace.  But you don’t necessarily need to wear your entire jewelry collection at once.  Less can definitely be more (and hey if you have a Chanel or Hermès purse on your arm, do you really need much more?)

Coco Chanel in white jacket

5. Own a great jacket/blazer

I’ve only really started to appreciate a great jacket blazer in the last few years.  Now I am pretty happy with my selection and have pieces from affordable retailers like H&M to designers like Helmut Lang and Rebecca Minkoff.  I believe a great blazer is truly worth the investment, but if you’re lucky, you can definitely find a few at more palatable price points. My staples are a good tuxedo jacket and colored or printed jacket that can be worn over a LBD.

Emanuelle Alt in tuxedo blazerHelmut Lang Gala tuxedo blazer - saved by Chic n Cheap Living

Helmut Helmut Lang knit tuxedo blazer, Nordstrom, $475

Topshop tailored blazer - saved by Chic n Cheap Living

Topshop tailored blazer, Nordstrom, $99.95

Do you have any other styling tips we can learn from French ladies?

little luxury list

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  • The Dainty Dolls House September 4, 2013 at 04:23

    Super. All of these ladies look chic and elegant. I think that’s something many of us ladies could do with from time to time :)) Nt long now doll :)) Would love to be going myself just now, haha. I hope you enjoy. Have a great day xx

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living September 4, 2013 at 21:25

      I bet you and your girls would have so much fun in France! I hope you get there soon!

  • elle sees September 4, 2013 at 07:29

    great tips!! i haven’t been in years to paris!

  • Diana Mieczan September 4, 2013 at 07:52

    Yes to great basics and layers…Oh, I adore this post, darling. xoxo

  • Krysten September 4, 2013 at 08:51

    Oooh thanks for this, I needed some tips going into fall.

  • Cafe Fashionista September 4, 2013 at 09:20

    Parisian dressing is so sexy. Loving these inspiration images!! 🙂

  • Rowena September 4, 2013 at 09:49

    Fab tips! French women do have such enviable style and I think the air of confidence they project is key.

    Rowena @ rolala loves

  • Kim of A Very Sweet Blog September 4, 2013 at 10:51

    I am so happy for you! Pack me in your suitcase and take me! HAHAHA There’s nothing in the world like French Fashion & Style. Even casually dressed French women look chic. They keep it minimal and look like they put hardly any effort into looking great. Have a great time! Thank you so much for the shout out (blush) and I enjoyed reading this post 🙂

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living September 4, 2013 at 21:26

      Kim, I bet we would have so much fun in Paris! There is so much great food, art, and shopping of course! Maybe some day!

  • Akaleistar September 4, 2013 at 10:59

    Confidence is key!

  • Oh to Be a Muse September 4, 2013 at 12:32

    I definitely need to buy more basics. Have fun on your trip to France, luv!

    Oh to Be a Muse
    Shop Layered Muse

  • Heather September 4, 2013 at 12:46

    Great advice! I totally agree that confidence is key and that it’s important to have good quality basics on hand.

  • lyddiegal September 4, 2013 at 15:15

    A well cut blazer should be a staple in every womans closet, and you are right, confidence will get you everywhere!

  • MOSAMUSE September 4, 2013 at 21:54

    the french are amazing with basics!
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    http://www.MOSAMUSE.com

  • Stacey September 4, 2013 at 22:16

    Oh, loved this! I always admire how effortless the French are when it comes to great style. Great inspiration. x

  • Blond Duck September 4, 2013 at 22:51

    I agree with every single one!

  • Aloïs Dress like a parisian September 12, 2013 at 16:52

    I am a french lady!
    If you want styling tips from Paris, have a look at my blog ^^
    My last article is about how to wear heels: http://dresslikeaparisian.com/how-to-wear-heels/
    Bests!

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living September 12, 2013 at 19:52

      Thank you for sharing your site! A trench coat is definitely a great wardrobe staple!

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