The French Girl Style Formula
Become fluent in the language of French Girl style with the help of this Liberty Starter Pack
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The French Girl Style Formula
Become fluent in the language of French Girl style with the help of this Liberty Starter Pack
By: George ElliotThe French are often considered the very inventors of chic, counting style icons Françoise Hardy and Brigitte Bardot among their own. So, is there really any wonder why ‘French girl style’ is so widely seen as the benchmark of effortlessness? Granted, a key element of the aesthetic may be down to a generous dose of innate nonchalance, but in truth, French style is more so about having a timeless uniform to rely on, making this kind of elegance more attainable than you might think. If you invest in the five fashion fundamentals, that is. Disregard the cliche beret and Breton stripe and let Liberty help you finally achieve that elusive je nais se quois.
A Trusty Blue Jean
AGOLDE 90s Pinch Waist High-Rise Straight Leg Jeans, £240
Alongside perfectly undone hair and a minimal approach to makeup, a blue straight leg jean has become synonymous with French girl style (although invented by mistake centuries ago, the French city of Nîmes is the proud birthplace of denim, after all). Essential for the smart-casual aesthetic that’s typically Parisian, the perfect pair should fit well, be comfy enough for flitting around the city but should also be stiff enough to hold a flattering shape. Ticking all the boxes, AGOLDE's 90s Pinch Waist High-Rise Straight Leg Jeans, £240 are a trusty pair you can (and will) wear on repeat.
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A Time-Honoured Trench
Totême Signature Trench Coat, £640
Whether you look to Paris’ catwalks or streets, you’ll see that understated classics are central to the ‘French Girl’ look, so next, turn to what’s perhaps the aesthetic’s most iconic and long-standing emblem: the trench. A practical companion in the face of springtime showers, its tailored silhouette, neutral colouring and ability to layer well with almost everything make it ideal for instant outfit elevation. Which to pick? Try Totême’s Signature Trench, £640 on for size; slightly relaxed in fit and fastened via 12 tortoiseshell buttons, it’s a fresh take on a long-standing favourite.
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A Perfectly Plain White Shirt
Liberty White Relaxed Cotton Poplin Shirt £155
While France’s It-girls do enjoy mixing prints every now and then, TikTok proves that it’s a pared-back capsule wardrobe of quality staples that underpins their famed dress sense. So for this next step, adopt a minimalist mindset and invest in the hero of versatility: the white shirt. With day-to-night wearability, it’s the kind of essential that’ll see you from office to bar with just a quick makeup fix. Crafted from crisp cotton poplin, Liberty’s White Shirt, £155 is relaxed in cut (the preferred fit) and comes with a 70s style point collar.
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An Elegant Extra
Chanel Oversized Rectangle Acetate Sunglasses, £350
The less-is-more mantra continues in the accessories department too, where all outfit add-ons - from jewellery to scarves - should be fuss-free and kept to a minimum. As legendary designer and French style muse Coco Chanel put it, "simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.” That’s where sleek black sunglasses come in. Worn for a touch of glamour and always from one of Paris’ famous fashion houses, come blazing sun or overcast skies, every French Girl has a pair like Chanel's Oversized Rectangle Acetate Sunglasses, £350 to hand.
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A Sophisticated Companion
Isabel Marant Botsy Baguette Shoulder Bag, £555
Because French girls never overthink their outfits, their go-to bag has to be the kind they can grab and go without a second thought on styling. It also has to be the kind that’s big enough for their everyday essentials but doesn’t feel cumbersome when on the move. Made from black suede and leather, perfectly sized and as easy to wear on the shoulder as it is to hold, Isabel Marant's Botsy Baguette Shoulder Bag, £555 has all the right hallmarks. Consider French girl style truly mastered.
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