I'm stalking French women again
Wardrobe wanderlust is a thing...
My obsession with French style began as a teen on one of my early visits to Paris. I kept spotting the same pair of trainers on cool young Parisiennes and immediately wanted a pair. That's what true 'je ne sais quoi' is - a covetability which tricks you into thinking you can achieve it with the same ingredients. Did those Puma Speedcats look as stylish with my school uniform? Probably not. But they put a spring in my step as I swapped the streets of Montmartre for the maths corridor.
Since my first visit to France aged 12, I've returned again and again, collecting style notes and filing them carefully, where they'll live forever rent-free in my head... The Air BnB host from Toulouse - 60 and faboulous in a white jeans and a silk shirt. The intimidatingly chic PRs on a press trip in perfectly fitted blazers. The goddesses of Nice’s pebbled beach, effortless in simple bikinis and giant sunglasses. Yes, it's a massive stereotype but I remain unapologetic for reaffirming it...French women just do it better.
While I'm positively itching to get back to France as soon as I can, Instagram and Pinterest are doing well to fill the void when it comes to outfit scouting. While our UK influencers peddle hair gummies, their Gallic counterparts zip around Paris drinking coffee and champagne in chic ensembles I can't afford to buy but can definitely attempt to copy.
You see, dressing French is just like French dressing. Both involve mixing simple cupboard (/wardrobe) staples to create something timeless and classic. Without stealing the show, these ingredients make the main dish (you) more delicious with minimal effort. I'll stop now, before this descends into a tedious analogy comparing croutons and shoes.
Here are the French Instagrammers I've been fawning over lately...
Disclaimer: by French, I mean based in France as far as I can tell.
What I enjoy most about Audrey's style is the way she plays with silhouette; an oversized shirt, a perfectly rolled sleeve, a chunky belt…Things I’d overthink and fuss over until they were just right, which she seems to nail effortlessly.
Ellie constantly reminds me that French dressing can be fun too. It's not always about neutrals and basics — she makes acid brights and bold prints look elegant with enviable ease.
Sadly, I have no idea how I came across this woman or what her actual name is. What I do know is that she’s a mum, a surgeon and the owner of an incredibly chic wardrobe. She always has the most beautifully manicured hands and feet too.
Leia is hugely popular so you’ve probably come across her in your feed at some point. She positively reeks of cool — the photos of her hanging around Paris with her adorable kids in tow are #momgoals… if somewhat (/ a lot) unrelatable.
Lolita (her actual name, I think) is based in Marseille, so her wardrobe has more of a Mediterranean vibe, which is great for holiday outfit inspiration. I always end up down a Google hole looking at sunglasses chains after seeing her posts.
Whether or not you’re as devoted to French-girl style as I am, I hope there’s a little bit of fashion food-for-thought here for you. It’s not all berets and Bretons after all…