Photo for Kollectin
On Wednesday, I had the great pleasure of going live with The TUNDRA as a guest speaker in participation with their marvelous LA to UK digital style event.
In my 30 minute chat, we discussed some of the keys to achieving that coveted—yet mysterious— French Girl style, and what it means to be a Chic American. A big thank you to everyone who tuned in to ask questions and join me on a virtual journey to ma belle France. In case you missed it—we missed you too!—read on for some style takeaways from the event.
1. Simplicity vs. Glam
When it comes to comparing LA style vs. Parisian style, I like think of Paris as the sophisticated older sister—the one who primarily dresses in sleek, minimalist classics and neutrals—and LA as the trendy younger sister who is drawn to the cutting-edge styles of the season and seeks to set the trends. While both cultures have a distinct essence and celebration of glamour, American style—especially LA style—tends to favor more over-the-top glam.
A typical “LA” look is fully styled with head-to-toe accessories, and a face that often includes false eyelashes, heavy contouring, perfect teeth, a dark tan—and the occasional injectable—while French glamour is more about timeless elegance, and aging gracefully—yet stylishly. On that note…
2. Aging With Dignity
This doesn’t mean that French women don’t take measures to look their absolute best. In fact, to the contrary, les françaises are firm believers in a solid skincare routine—in fact, they arguably invented it—and believe that maintaining a sense of style and glamour is not just for la jeunesse (youth) but is meant to last a lifetime. While Les américaines have a reputation for viewing age as a punishment, and either succumb to it or go to great lengths to prevent it, French women celebrate the aging process, and focus on maintaining and preserving their natural beauty, rather than rewinding the clock.
3. Minimalism
This emphasis on subtlety and enhancing natural features is the trademark of French style. As an American woman of French heritage, I’ve established a personal style that is a hybrid of both cultures. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll notice that I tend not to wear an overly-styled look. I like to emphasize one showpiece at a time with my clothing—like a standout dress or a two-piece suit—and favor beauty that’s generally more toned down and natural in appearance.
I also don’t wear a lot of jewelry or accessories. I prefer a signature look—a pair of classic gold hoops, my diamond solitaire pendant, and the blue topaz ring I wear on my right hand that always reminds me of the Côte d’Azur—so that my features aren’t lost or hidden behind ma tenue—my outfit—or my maquillage—makeup. However, as a California girl, I do enjoy my blonde highlights and beachy waves!
I’d love to know more about your personal style, and how you incorporate French elements into your routine. Please feel free to leave a comment or share with us on Instagram.
Bonne journée mes amours!
