If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Paris Fashion Week, it’s that no one dresses quite like the French. From Coco Chanel to Charlotte Gainsbourg, French women seem to mix a classic elegance with a breezy effortlessness that we dream of re-creating ourselves.
So what is it that provides that je ne sais quois that French women seem to possess? The key is that they keep style simple; after all, it was Coco Chanel herself who stated, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” French women find their signature style and wear it with confidence. Instead of bowing to current trends, the trick is to find a way to incorporate what is new into the wardrobe you love, and it all starts with where you shop.
These nine French brands offer a take on Parisian chic that translates across the pond, too. Yes, there’s a lot of black – but keep your eye out for a mélange of feminine and borrowed-from-the-boys styles, all with an effortless air that makes them easy to mix and match. From the bohemian Isabel Marant to the edgier Iro, these brands will transform your style, French lessons optional.
