Since Paris can definitely be considered one of the forefronts of the fashion world, I’m always interested in what French stylists have to say. Not because I’m trying to be something I’m not (French!), but I’m always on the lookout for a sassy style tip or classy idea to really clinch a look.
And I came across this article that I just love … “French Girls Laugh Every Time Americans Wear These 3 Things.” Just the headline made me laugh! And of course, I couldn’t help but wonder “Yikes, do I actually do one of these three things?!”
The writer, Laura Eggerston, posed her question to several French fashion bloggers, and here’s what they told her (in addition to the style advice, I loved scrolling through the photos of style choices that DO work!):
#1 Don’t OVERdress for a night out
This article calls it the “more is more” look, but it’s also what my English ex-mother-in-law used to call “too too” … as in, “that outfit is just ‘too too’ ” and accompanied by an eyeroll!Whatever you call it, it’s basically just piling on the “bling factor” with overdone hair and makeup, glitter dress and shoes, and too much of everything.
Instead, let one of the elements of your outfit be the “statement,” and the other pieces quietly complement the look. Is it really that simple to be ‘just just’ instead of ‘too too’? According to the article, you can’t go wrong by shooting for an outfit that is “neutral in color and unique in silhouette” – that sounds like fashion poetry to me, girlfriends!
And those accompanying photos — I love the crystal fringe pants! (Note to self, find out where I can get those ASAP …) And the pic of the gal pairing cowboy boots with the sequin skirt! OMG YES! That’s so me — I actually almost wore blinged-out cowboy boots with my wedding dress, ladies. Ultimately, I found a sweetheart pair of Badgley Mischkawedges for the ceremony, but I wore the cowboy boots the next night with a hot blue cocktail dress at our rooftop sunset soiree in Laguna Beach. Sweeeeet!
#2 Don’t wear leggings EVERYWHERE
Now I know this is going to be controversial, ‘cause we all love our cozies. HOWEVER, I think the idea that leggings aren’t formal-wear is a point well taken. But maybe this isn’t going to be as big of a deal in the future – I’m thinking after quarantine ends and the world opens up again, we all might be more excited to get dressed up and go out. Yeah, live again my friend. It’sgonna be time to “up” our fashion game after literally months of pj’s and sweatpants.
So instead of leggings (yes, even our cool black ones that we like to think we can “dress” up and wear out to dinner, but actually not so much), try out these cute pants – those plaid capris, ooh la la!
#3 Sky-high heels aren’t ALWAYS necessary
According to the article, our French girlfriends don’t have a qualm about tossing their heels for a bit of (still fashionable) comfort. Instead of killing their feet for hours on end, they grab a cute pair of sneakers and head out for the day – to work or play! Snazzy and sassy and ohhhh so chic!
I have to say that after this COVID pandemic and stay-at-home situation, I think I’m going to really struggle to walk in my heels again! The price of pizzazz could be TOO high … I’ve been in flip flops and my favorite Ilse Jacobsen kicks for so long, I think my feet might have forgotten how to tiptoe in my high-heeled beauties … I’ll probably look like those girls you see in skyscraper platforms tottering like toddlers in their mama’s shoes! I bet we’ll all be opting for a more moderate heel as we ease back into life in the big off-balance world.
It’s just so sweet and simple sometimes, if we let it be that way.
Here’s some other cool French fashion intel that I came across and found super fun to read … au revoir and happy browsing, girlfriends!
https://www.whowhatwear.com/french-fashion-brands
by Hannah Almassi
https://www.whowhatwear.com/french-style-fashion-rules-2014
by Kat Collings
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