Whether they’re food shopping on a drizzly Monday morning or catching up with friends at a trendy bistro, our Gallic sisters always seem to look groomed and glamorous. With a heritage encompassing every fashion house worth its salt, it’s no surprise.
Luckily for us, we can recreate the continental look by paring back on accessories and loading up on no-frills tailoring, whilst branding our unique British stamp on French style.
In the words of Coco Chanel: “Fashion fades, only style remains.”
Streamline your wardrobe to include this collection of French cult classics but don’t forget to add in that very British twist of individuality that saves your outfit from becoming bland and boring.
The Lingerie
Unleash your inner 1950s starlet in Gilda & Pearl luxurious lingerie. Named after Swedish actress, Garbo, a vintage-style longline bra will enhance and smooth your silhouette whilst adding a little va-va-voom to your newly-acquired wardrobe.
The Blazer
Start with the basics and choose a well-fitted blazer in a monochromatic colour like The Schoolboy Blazer from J.Crew. This preppy classic can be worn with shorts in summer and teamed with jeans all through the year.
The Trousers
Choose a pair of skinny zip ankle skimmers from Boden. Reaching just above the ankle, these trousers look fabulous teamed with ballet pumps or sexy kitten heels. Better still, choose from a variety of rainbow colours and wear a different pair every day of the week.
The Bag
Who wouldn’t like to be the proud owner of the famous Hermes Birkin Bag? With prices reaching the ridiculous, you can find good quality alternatives in every shape and colour. If you prefer something less dressy and more affordable, why not custom design your very own Le Pliage by Longchamp? A perfect accessory for your shopping hops across The Channel.
Get more handbag inspiration here >>
The Shoes
Rose Repetto created her first ballet shoe way back in 1947. In 1956 she created the “Cendrillon” ballerina at Brigitte Bardot’s request and, ever since, the Repetto shop on Rue de la Paix in Paris has been frequented by prima ballerinas, actresses and purveyors of style. Choose the Repetto Camille in caviar sandstone beige for an effortlessly elegant shoe that will take you from morning till midnight.
The Scarf
No French woman worth her salt will be seen without a scarf tied in a multitude of ways. You can add an unexpected slant to your ensemble with a silk screen-printed scarf by Irish textile designer Aisling Duffy. The earthy, subtle hues embedded in the silk add a soft, feminine touch but look closer and you’ll see elements inspired by the environment all around you.
More fashion tips to help inspire you
The rise and rise of the ballet pump
Discover your lingerie style
Accessorizing tips for fashion newbies
Leave a Comment