Monday, November 8, 2010

How to dress French when you are not. Wear a classic jacket or coat

Trendy lasts a moment and is best left as afashion bonbon to satisfy a craving for something new and sweet without much commitment. Über trendy is what makes you look dated in a photo and provides you with many “what was I thinking” moments, let alone leaving financial bruise on your recessionista thinking.

But dressing classic or classical as ‘they’ say lasts more than a moment.

There is nothing tricky, nothing contrived and classic always looks so fresh.... so modern... so pulled together... so French Chic.

Although the result may appear effortless, there is a very smart amount of calculation behind the look to get it just so that it has become second nature to so many French women. Or to the ones who want to master the elegant ease of French Chic, even if you were born on this side of the Atlantic.
Timeless Style is not about looking like anyone other than who your really are
Dressed in classic styles, each of the women photographed during Paris Fashion Week at theChanel show looks spectacularly timeless and ageless in her own unique way in her clothing choices and her hair and makeup. Simple but striking natural makeup and unfussy hair is what keeps them looking sexy and approachable.
What do Parisians wear that makes them look so chic? A classic jacket or coat, mais oui!
What do Parisians wear that makes them look so chic? A classic jacket or coat, mais oui!
But there is one little thing that they all share to this studied effortless...





It’s the attitude of self-confidence, that’s the one French style tip that’s priceless—plus, the top 3 in classic outerwear styles: the perfect leather jacket, the right structured blazer, and a classic trench.

Here’s how to dress French when you are not...

What do Parisians wear that makes them look so chic? A classic jacket or coat, mais oui! A classic jacket or trench coat will take you from this spring to next fall and many other very stylish seasons to come.


Anna Mouglalis in the perfect biker jacket

Anna Mouglalis in the perfect biker jacket

What she’s wearing: A soft and textured black leather biker jacket with clean, graphic hardware.

How she made it personal:The zippered motorcycle jackets unexpectedly tops a dressier double-breasted silk shirtdress.

Beauty: Bold red lips and fluffy, yet undone hair compliment the understated glam look.

Why it works: Wearing buttons and zippers can be a fashion causality but here the hardware is in the same steely tone and they are in similar crisp, graphic shapes.

The combination is unexpected yet pulled together-- neither formal nor rock star, just right.

Virginie Ledoyen in the right structured blazer
Virginie Ledoyen in the right structured blazer

What she’s wearing: A structured blazer with peaked shoulders that one would expect to be worn with a pencil skirt.

How she made it personal: Jacket cuffs turned up to show the sleeve of a classic and on-trend stripe T-shirt.

Dark skinny jeans, open-toepumps, long chain necklace and chain strap bag all create a very dressed up and polished look so that you almost don’t realize the understated simplicity of jeans.

Beauty: Undone long hair, barely there makeup and soft dusty rose lips.

Why it works: Although there is pairing of more tailored elements there is an ease and unstuffiness when worn with a simple stripe T-shirt that keeps the look young regardless of your age.


Bambou wearing a classic trench

Bambou wearing a classic trench


What she’s wearing: The most classic tan trench coat with a de rigueur scarf to compliment the plaid trenchlining.

A simple loose yet flattering gray sweater- is it hers or her boyfriend’s one wonders.

How she made it personal:Jeans in the weight and wash of classic Levi’s get a city boost when worn with a very refined purse, like this patent Chanel bag.

Beauty: Natural to almost no makeup with a swipe of youthful creamy raison lipstick and undone long brown hair.

Why it works: There’s a natural ease that shows how comfortable she is in her own skin.

It’s fashion that shows the wearer has arrived and is not influenced by the opinions of others, simply her self-confidence in looking gorgeous and in control. That is sexy.

We've pulled together a few items that capture the essence of French Chic Style:

Diane von Furstenberg 'Spy' Crinkled Trench Coat french chic
Brand: Diane Von Furstenberg
Andrew Marc 'Tracy' Taffeta Faille Double Breasted Trench Coat french chic
Brand: Andrew Marc
London Fog Belted Trench Coat french chic
Brand: London Fog
Chris Benz Sunrise Leather Jacket french chic
Brand: Chris Benz
Rag & Bone Short Sleeve Wide Stripe Top french chic
Brand: Rag & Bone
JIL SANDER - STRUCTURED JERSEY INNER SLEEVE JACKET french chic
Brand: Jil Sander
Blu Bijoux Layered Chain Trio Necklace french chic
Elizabeth and James James IX Blazer french chic
Brand: Elizabeth and James
Giles & Brother Mixed Curb Chain Necklace french chic
Brand: Giles & Brother
Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE VOLUPTESilky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15 17 Red Muse french chic
Brand: Yves Saint Laurent
Isadora Soft Touch Lipstick 54 Cha-Cha Red french chic
Brand: Isadora
Gap Petite Always Skinny Mid Rise Jeans (Saturated Dark Wash) french chic
Brand: Gap
Rich & Skinny Sleek Skinny Jeans french chic
Brand: Rich & Skinny
KORS Michael Kors Portland Open Toe Pumps french chic
Brand: Kors Michael Kors
BURBERRY - POPLIN TRENCH COAT french chic
Brand: Burberry
Cindy Says Women's Karley Open Toe Pump french chic
Brand: Cindy Says
WGACA Vintage Vintage Chanel Black Patent Bag french chic
Brand: WGACA Vintage
WGACA Vintage Vintage Chanel Black Horizontal Stitch Bag french chic
Brand: WGACA Vintage

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