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Two weeks ago I went on a short but oh-so-sweet trip over to Paris with Grey Goose Vodka,  to celebrate the launch of their new signature cocktail, Le Grand Fizz. The cocktail itself an elegant blend of Grey Goose Vodka, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, soda water and fresh lime, and it really did hit he spot on that humid summer day in Paris. Amidst enjoying a few Grand Fizz’s (and a few espresso martinis!) with the Irish crew at the launch, I adored getting the chance to oogle the attendees’ chic Parisian style up-close. Who doesn’t love a bit of people watching, right?

Feeling inspired, I shot this outfit with Yos as soon as I was home. It’s actually the same outfit I wore to the Grey Goose party that night Paris, but I didn’t have my lenses (or my Yoseph) with me to shoot anything then, le sigh.

Like many a fashion-lover, I’ve been obsessing over French style for years, aways trying to decipher what it was that always made them so stylish, so effortless, so chic. There must be some secret to it. Eventually, I came to figure out that it wasn’t the clothes they were wearing, but how they actually put outfits together that made all the difference. They have a few simple style rules that they live by, and that’s why they never go wrong. So in today’s post, I’m going to share them with you. 

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Shop the look:

Tuxedo Blazer: (sold out) Similar here and here | Tousers: Missguided | Clutch: Gigi New York | Flats: (sold out) similar here

Layered necklaces all from Shopbop | Earrings from Shopbop

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1: Embrace Tailoring

The French are never afraid to rock a tailored look, and you shouldn’t be either. Whether it be a perfectly cut blazer, a sleek pair of chinos, or a full on two-piece suit, there’s something so perfectly nonchalant about a smart tailored look worn by a woman with a little attitude. It’s so simple to achieve, just make sure your fit is on point or the look wont work. I’ve had this Karen Millen tuxedo blazer in my wardrobe for over two years now, and it probably one or my most worn items in my closet. The style is based on the iconic Smoking jacket that was invented in the 60s by Yves Saint Laurent, and I firmly believe every girl should have a version of it in their wardrobe.  My particular blazer is long sold out unfortunately, but I found a really great alternative here, which is also fantastic quality, and on sale, too. I teamed it with a simple (and much less expensive) pair of black chino trousers, and hey presto, it looks like a suit bought straight off the rack.

Pro tip: When it comes to finding the perfect fit, don’t be afraid to go one size up and have your item altered at a professional tailors, it’s very affordable and it makes SO much difference to how the clothes will hang on your body. Fit. Is. Everything!

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2: Keep it Simple

When I look back on some of my favourite outfits, the ones that I love most are always the most simple, and this is something every French fashionista lives by. When you’re deciding on outfits, don’t be afraid to go back to your basics because really, your outfit doesn’t have to be attention-grabbing for it to work. They have a saying that goes “with French women you first see the woman and then you see the clothes”. In my opinion, your outfit should always complement you, and not overpower you entirely. Does that make sense?

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3: Make a formula

Another rule every well dress Parisienne lives by is having a fashion formula, which is basically a set of go-to outfits that you can whip up at a minutes notice. This could be your favourite boyfriend blazer + a simple white tee + those jeans that always flatter your figure, or trusty little black dress + your favourite mini clutch + those eye catching heels. These formulas always rely on having some good basics in your wardrobe, so you’ll have to work on that first if you’ve been ignoring them up until now! If you need some inspiration, be sure to check out my wardrobe basics post which talks about it a little more.

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4: Buy less, spend more

The rule that is followed by the French more than any other women in the world, is this buy less, spend more attitude. They typically have smaller wardrobes compiled of great quality basics that they have invested more in, and that’s a big part of why they always look so damn good. The Karen Millen Tuxedo Blazer I’m wearing in the photos above was roughly €180 but I think it looks even more expensive than that, the quality is just fantastic. If you think you can’t afford to spend €200 on one blazer, then maybe think about how many blazers you have bought for €30, €40, or €50 euros over the last six months? Probably quite a few. If you can, try to invest a little more into your basics and I promise you it will save you money in the long run, and you will really LOVE that one blazer you invested in, so much more than the five other ones you picked up on a whim.

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5: Add some attitude

And finally, the last rule in this set is to always, always, add a little attitude to your outfits. When you’re putting together a simple, chic look, you can always add an element of your personality with your jewellery, your shoes, or your bag. Try some jewellery layering, or add an off-beat accessory, or team a pair of trainers with a dress, but either way, there should always be a little something in your look that shows your own personality. Personal style is all about confidence. Whatever the occasion, or whatever you’re wearing, when you have that air of relaxed confidence, it really shines through. Fashion is meant to be fun, after all, so go out there and enjoy it!

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You can shop some of my favourite French style staples below: (they’re all on sale too!)

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This post is in collaboration with Grey Goose, but all words, photography, and opinions are very much my own. Thanks for supporting! 

Love,