French Girl Style – May’s Style Not Age

Happy Monday! It’s a Bank Holiday here in the UK, however, I’m working. When you’re freelance Bank Holidays don’t really exist! And as it’s the last Monday of the month it’s time for May’s Style Not Age challenge. It was Gail’s turn to set the theme this time and she chose French Girl Style. Immediately I thought of black, blazers and a general casual chic vibe.

I’m sure styles vary a lot across France, and what most people associate with French Girl Style is more like Parisian style. For example, my dad lives in Brittany in the North West of France and people there dress very differently to Parisians. Bretons tend to dress casually in chinos or jeans, a sweater – and yes – Breton stripes. Waterproof coats are also de rigueur due to the changeable weather blowing in off the sea. However, in Paris it’s a completely different picture. I’ve been to the French capital probably half a dozen times and have tried to refine my style accordingly with each visit.

Parisians tend not to wear bright colours or anything too flamboyant…so that’s a big step change for me!

Parisians tend not to wear bright colours or anything too flamboyant…so that’s a big step change for me! Jeans, a shirt or T-shirt, classic blazer and loafers or smart trainers are a good starting point. I remember being in a café near the Fondation Louis Vuitton (we’d been to Le Jardin d’Acclimatation) and there was a very understated but elegant young lady wearing a black cape coat and fedora. To me she was the epitome of classic Parisian style. I made a mental note to get a hat like hers, which I did, and wore on subsequent trips to the city.

Are skinny jeans classic or dated?

I chose my black and white blazer by The Kooples as the starting point for this outfit as it’s a French brand and also a classic style, albeit with an eye-catching pattern. To keep the look simple I decided on a T-shirt – black but with a funky gold lip motif. I tried blue jeans but these black ones looked sleeker. Skinny jeans may have fallen out of favour but I think when styled with classic pieces they never look dated. For a leg-lengthening effect I wore gingham pointed mules, which roughly mirror the blazer’s pattern.

The red chain handle bag is a subtle nod to the Chanel flap bag. I’ve picked up on the red with a silky scarf which belonged to my stepmother’s mother, who as French. When she died my stepmother gave me a lot of her scarves as she didn’t want them. This is one of my favourites (I’ve also worn it with a red and white waistcoat). Classic gold jewellery finished off the outfit.

The Kooples jacket (eBay) | Soul Sisters T-shirt | Mango jeans | River Island mules | LaBante bag | Jeepers Peepers sunglasses | Big Metal London earrings | Monica Vinader rings (20% off all products using this link)

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Gail has also dressed in the traditional French combination of blazer, jeans and flat shoes, but has incorporated colour into her outfit. Head over to Is This Mutton? to see more.

Hilda had read that cashmere, slingbacks and crossbody bags are very popular in France. She chose red trousers, H&M blazer and slingbacks from Zara. Visit Over the Hilda for all the details.

After doing some research Anna found that cowboy boots and ruffles are popular French fashion influences. Based on that, she put together this rather fabulous outfit made up of mostly preloved pieces. You can read more at Anna’s Island Style.

Jacqui of Mummabstylish has teamed a very Chanel-esque jacket with classic wide leg trousers. Oh so chic!

I hope you enjoyed our French Girl Style outfits! We’ll be back with another fun theme on the last Monday in June! À bientôt!

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliates links. It means I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps towards the running costs of the blog and is very much appreciated. Unauthorized use of text and photos is prohibited.