Timeless Allure: The Secret of French Women's Chic
French makeup artist, Violette Serrat, founder of beauty brand VIOLETTE_FR
Few figures remain as universally celebrated and effortlessly chic as the French woman. This style icon embodies a certain "je ne sais quoi," an elusive yet unmistakable charm that continues to captivate. But what is it that makes French women so enviably stylish? How do they strike that perfect balance of nonchalance and sophistication, inspiring us all to capture a bit of that Parisian magic?
The French woman's chic becomes all the more apparent after summer. As the season changes, French women embrace la rentrée—the return from summer holidays—with renewed elegance and sophistication. Autumn is an opportunity to refine and refresh their style, integrating new pieces with timeless favourites. Equipped with a good face oil, a signature scent, and an effortless wardrobe, French women transition back to autumn life with a grace and ease that defines their style year-round.
Let’s unveil their secrets for an autumn where we too can approach fashion and beauty with a focus on quality over quantity, subtlety over ostentation, and an overarching sense of ease. Let’s master the art of appearing effortlessly put-together, creating an allure that feels both attainable and tantalisingly out of reach.
Self care Rituals: A Joyful Introduction
French girls are introduced to beauty from a young age as something to enjoy rather than a list of problems to fix. While our culture often emphasises fighting blemishes, hiding redness, and masking skin imperfections, French beauty rituals focus on enhancing natural beauty and cultivating a sense of pleasure in self-care. This positive, celebratory approach to beauty instills confidence and a lifelong appreciation for taking care of oneself.
Skincare: The French Pharmacy Favourites
No discussion of French beauty would be complete without mentioning the revered French pharmacy skincare brands. Mid-priced yet highly effective, brands like Avène, La Roche-Posay, Nuxe, and Caudalie are staples in the French woman’s beauty arsenal. These products are designed not only for results but also for the sheer pleasure of use. From soothing thermal spring water sprays to luxurious serums and hydrating creams, these brands offer a blend of scientific efficacy and sensory delight. It's skincare that treats the senses as much as the skin, making the daily routine a moment of indulgence.
Beauty: The Art of Imperfection
While they take skin care seriously when it comes to beauty, French women excel in the art of the undone. Makeup follows the same philosophy. The famed "no-makeup makeup" look is a staple of the French woman's beauty routine. It’s about enhancing, not concealing, natural features. A touch of concealer, a sweep of mascara, and a subtle smudge of eyeliner are often all it takes to achieve that coveted "did she sleep in it?" smoky eye. A swipe of red lipstick or a dab of blush applied with fingers might add a hint of colour, but the overall effect remains effortlessly natural.
Hair: Effortless Elegance
French woman hair epitomises effortless elegance, often perfectly tousled as if left to air-dry naturally. Embracing the beauty of imperfection, her hair often features soft bed head waves, chic messy buns, and the iconic French fringe. These bangs lightly graze the eyebrows and are often parted in the middle or slightly askew, to frame the face with a casual yet sophisticated allure. The overall look exudes an uncontrived grace, achieved with minimal effort yet profoundly chic, celebrating natural texture and understated beauty.
Fragrance: A Deep-Rooted Passion
The French woman's love of fragrance is legendary, woven into the fabric of her daily life. From Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain's first bottled scents, unveiled on the Rue de Rivoli in 1828, to the game-changing launch of Coco Chanel's iconic No. 5 in the roaring '20s, the French passion for perfume runs deep. Fragrance is not just an accessory but an essential part of a French woman's identity, a signature that leaves a lasting impression.
French women often curate a selection of scents-one for day and one for night, one for the warmer months and another they introduce in autumn. They prefer subtle, sophisticated scents, nothing too overpowering, allowing the fragrance to enhance rather than dominate their presence. This refined approach extends to their homes as well, where scented candles, sticks, and diffusers create a welcoming and fragrant environment that reflects their personal style and love for sensory delights.
French Obsession: Lingerie
French women are renowned for their impeccable style and attention to detail, and nowhere is this more evident than in their choice of undergarments. Studies indicate that French women allocate a significant portion of their clothing budget, approximately 30%, towards investing in high-quality undergarments. This emphasis on lingerie underscores the French commitment to both fashion and self-care. Underwear serves as the foundation for every outfit, and French women understand the importance of selecting pieces that not only provide comfort but also exude elegance and sophistication. From delicate lace bras to silk panties, French lingerie reflects a sense of refinement and luxury. Beyond mere aesthetics, the French approach to underwear encompasses a philosophy of self-confidence and empowerment. By prioritising undergarments as a form of self-expression, French women embrace their femininity and cultivate a sense of sensuality that extends beyond the surface. In French culture, lingerie is not merely functional; it is an essential element of personal style and identity. Whether hidden beneath layers of clothing or showcased as a statement piece, undergarments are treated with the same level of care and consideration as outerwear.
Fashion: Classic Pieces
French women typically invest in a curated wardrobe of high-quality staples rather than chasing every fleeting trend. This approach ensures that each piece not only fits perfectly but also transcends seasons. A tailored black blazer, cashmere knitwear, well-cut denim, and classic button-down shirts—often with a borrowed-from-the-boys vibe—are hallmarks of French style. These items form the foundation of a versatile wardrobe, allowing for endless combinations that always look polished.
Footwear follows the same philosophy. French women favour booties, strappy sandals, and heels that are both classic and cool. They understand that a well-chosen pair of shoes can elevate any outfit and prefer styles that stand the test of time. Importantly, they choose footwear they can actually walk in, balancing comfort, practicality, and style. This ensures they can navigate both the cobblestones of Paris and the demands of a busy life with effortless grace. We always turn to Bobbies, a brand known and loved for their Parisian design, for a perfect blend of elegance and functionality. If you’ve been on the lookout for the perfect stiletto heel, look no further.
The Best Kept Secret
A significant aspect of achieving the French woman look is the emphasis on fit. French women know that even the most expensive garment can look unremarkable if it doesn’t fit perfectly. This is where their secret weapon comes into play: the tailor. Making best friends with a tailor is essential. Custom alterations ensure that every piece fits like a glove, enhancing the wearer’s natural silhouette and adding an air of bespoke sophistication. It’s this attention to fit that sets their style apart, making even simple pieces look effortlessly chic.
Brands: Timeless Icons
The essence of French style is encapsulated in certain wardrobe staples: Breton stripes, a sleek black dress, and a killer pair of jeans. Brands like Sézane, with its chunky gold jewellery, fluffy knits, and vintage-inspired bags, embody this insouciant elegance. Ba&sh, Rouje, and Claudie Pierlot offer quality staples that transcend trends, while Musier, Maje, and Zadig & Voltaire are the go-tos for evening wear.
For a twist on the classic French look, Soeur offers oversized workwear and sculptural separates, while The Kooples channels an edgy, androgynous vibe.
We love Balzac Paris and as the brand’s second biggest market outside of France is the UK, it was a natural progression for them to launch a UK facing website where customers can shop effortlessly (and directly) using the UK platform. The website will launch in this autumn and prices start from £45 for their basics collection featuring classic wardrobe essentials, going up to £290 for their more premium styles and leather goods.
The Philosophy: Confidence and Intentionality
The true secret behind the French woman’s allure lies in how she wears her clothes. It’s not just about the pieces themselves but the confidence and intentionality with which they are worn. French women know what suits them, and they stick to it, creating a personal style that feels both timeless and individual.
The allure of the French woman is timeless, rooted in a sophisticated yet relaxed approach to fashion and beauty. It’s about knowing yourself, embracing imperfections, and choosing quality over quantity. By adopting these principles—and enlisting the skill of a trusted tailor— we too can capture a bit of that effortless French chic, proving that the elusive je ne sais quoi is, perhaps, not so elusive after all.