The smell of freshly brewed espresso on the side walks, steaming baguettes from the bakery and the seemingly effortless ease of the Parisian lifestyle captivates us all. Surrounded by history, art, culture, great food and wine you cannot help but want to soak in every aspect of the Parisian way of life.
The fashion in France has always been an art form within itself. An art that I could never partake in but could admire from afar. I could not look more English with my pink, pale and freckly complexion and petite curvy frame.
Since my last trip to Paris in the Spring of 2018, I have been rather obsessed with French culture and decided embrace their fashion. As I attempted to master this Parisian ease, I found that by embracing the French culture it became simpler to accomplish the look. In essence, it is incorporating a new way of life. Who wouldn’t want that?
I found many comparisons to French Fashion that demonstrate to us how to get the very best out of life.
1. Keep Things Simple
They don’t overdo their every day looks or wear too many layers. Their look is simple in style.
We can often overcomplicate our lives with clutter, holding on to the very things we should let go of.
The French are known for being passionate lovers and in my research I have discovered that they keep things simple in their relationships too. There is no such thing as “dating,” testing the person out or giving them a trial period. There are no rules, no games. You are into someone or you are not. You don’t have to try and guess “Does he/she really like me?” You’ll know. You don’t stress out if they are not into you, feel hurt or rejected. Your self worth is in tact and you move on. You are strong.
Let go of the things that weigh you down. Release the overthinking and complications in your life and just keep it simple.
2. Make It Effortless
It feels like it takes us forever to try and master this effortlessly chic look but in reality the French women hardly put much thought into it at all. French women do not cake their faces in foundation, do contouring or apply fake eyelashes. They barely wear any make-up at all. This effortless look gives them more time to sit and savour a bold and flavourful coffee outside or enjoy a meaningful dinner with friends.
Did you know that the French will not eat on the go? They sit down for every meal. They also put away their phones. You won’t see them scrolling through facebook or instagram at the table. You see them flirting, laughing, talking about history and politics. One hand of food will reach across the table and feed another. Deep connections will be formed. They are present and in the moment.
So put down the bronzer and the contouring tools, the fake eyelashes, the chicken fillets. Just get up, get dressed and go connect with someone.
3. Accent Delicately — Make It Mean Something
Many French women (and men) will wear jewelry that has a significant meaning attached to it. Whether it is a great, great, great grandmother’s locket handed down from generations or a gift that has sentimental value and purpose, they know how to accent their look and when to strip away.
Why is it that we add too many things to our lives just so that we can appear beautiful or attract attention? The instragram culture of posting one photo after another, of our carefully crafted and perfected lives, creates an illusion of perfection that doesn’t exist. Rather than competing or adorning our lives with sparkling and oftentimes fake beauty let us instead take on what is meaningful and of value.
4. Stay Classy
Elegant and chic is the way of the Parisian woman. While she may be passionate, strong willed and hard working, her look is not without class.
A French woman has no problem standing up for herself. The lesson to learn is to keep our cool.
No matter what you do in life, there will be obstacles to tackle, people to hurt you and things that won’t go your way.
Stay classy. Be you. Make a statement but don’t lose your cool. It’s not worth it.
Re-group, think and attack that challenge with the smoothness of a silk scarf draped across your neck.
5. Understated Confidence
Who wouldn’t want to wear red lipstick and red clothing with this kind of confidence? Understandably, I am sure there are many who would not. However, owning your confidence in whatever shape that takes form is nothing short of living life to the full.
When we carry ourselves with confidence, we open doors we dared not think possible. We attract the right people into our lives and the most important thing — that we don’t take others down in the process.
This understated confidence that French women carry with their fashion can teach us to embrace who we are and not flaunt it or shove it in anyone’s face. It just is and we just are. Which leads me to point #6.
6. Comfortable In Your Own Skin — Clothing Optional
You’ve heard about the women going topless on French beaches. It’s really not a big deal. They grow up loving their bodies and embracing their sexuality. It becomes less about women as objects and more about being comfortable in their own skin.
The expectations social media places on women today to look a certain way is unobtainable for the majority and unnecessary.
Celebrate YOUR Body. Celebrate you!
And while I highly recommend going naked just to enjoy the comfort, if you’re living in North America you might want to think twice before you do it in public. Take a trip to one of the nudist beaches and challenge yourself to be free just as you are. Or close the curtains and roam free in your home, without the peering eyes of others. It doesn’t matter where, just be you.
7. Be Your Own Version Of Yourself
While you can usually spot a French woman due to her style, confidence, simplicity and elegance, they still find a way to keep their own individuality.
Find what suits you in your look but most of all in your life. Be influenced by those around you, if they have a positive impact on your life. BUT be your own version of you.
Embrace what makes you different and own it!
