The French Girl’s Guide To Style and Self-Care
With an unparalleled ability to exude chic, classic, and effortlessly cool vibes, the French have long been style icons. However, it’s not just about what they wear that makes them the muses they are; it’s the intention with how they live their lives in a similarly simplistic and yet still highly sophisticated way. Take the binge-worthy Netflix show “Emily in Paris” for example, the show explores the journey of Emily learning to live in France where she gets a first-hand lesson in how to emulate the impeccable French vibes. Here are a few tips to help add a touch of je ne sais quoi into your everyday life, so that you too can channel your inner Emily and live life like a French girl.
Invest in high quality, classic wardrobe pieces
A core piece of anyone’s style is their wardrobe and a big part of the European mindset is quality over quantity. They are proof that you don’t need a lot of pieces to have a great style.
Rather than chasing fleeting trends, the French prioritize pieces that stand the test of time. Think of well-tailored blazers, perfectly fitted jeans, elegant silk blouses, and versatile trench coats. By investing in these classic, neutral items, the French girl assembles a capsule wardrobe, which is made up of a few core pieces that can be pieced together in a variety of ways to create numerous different looks.
For example, a neutral base layer like black jeans and a black top can go with anything. From here, you can add any kind of accessories to affix your own personal touch to the outfit. Belt or no belt? Sneakers or boots? Oversized knit sweater or crisp blazer? The combination of looks are endless and can be easily mixed and matched for different outfits. Plus, investing in higher quality pieces will contribute to the longevity of your wardrobe because they can be worn for years if well taken care of.
Keep it simple with neutral makeup and manis
Much like their classic fashion sense, French beauty routines are all about simplicity. Instead of bold makeup or brightly colored nails, Parisians opt for a more neutral look and embrace the skin they’re in. They use makeup to enhance their natural features instead of covering them up with contour and heavy foundation, so think “less is more” for a French-inspired makeup look. A tinted moisturizer, groomed brows, a curled lash with a swipe of mascara and a bit of lip gloss can be enough for an effortless and minimal look — but if you’d like a little color, red is a perfect choice. A red lip with a red manicure is chic and classic and will make you look and feel put-together and timeless.
If you’re not going for red nails, a French-inspired manicure is simple and neutral. It’s all about neat cuticles, perfectly shaped short nails, minimal nail art and a neutral color palette. Think nudes, light pinks, and of course, a classic French manicure. These nail trends will never go out of style, since neutral nails look healthy, elegant and well-groomed — which is exactly what French beauty is all about.
Have a signature scent
Another core facet of the French girl’s style is the notion of having a signature scent. Just as they carefully curate their wardrobes and their makeup, they select a signature perfume that becomes an extension of their identity. Whether it’s the soft, romantic notes of a floral fragrance or the alluring, mysterious enticement of a spicy scent, the French girl prioritizes scents that resonate with her unique personality. This signature fragrance becomes an intimate accessory. It’s a practice that encapsulates the French ethos of paying attention to the finer details, transforming an ordinary routine into a luxurious and self-indulgent act, and reminding us that true beauty is found in the subtleties of life. Plus, the beautiful bottles always add an elegant touch to your vanity.
If you don’t have your own signature scent, we recommend being patient and trusting the process. It takes time to sample fragrances and to see how each one lingers on your skin over the course of the day. If you can, ask for samples or select the travel sizes to test out the fragrances before you invest in the full bottle. Embrace the process, experiment with the different notes, and don’t be afraid to change your mind if a particular fragrance doesn’t feel quite right. Your signature scent should be a reflection of your individuality and a source of pleasure in your daily self-care routine.
Don’t be afraid to indulge in moderation
When it comes to fashion and beauty, Parisians aren’t as trend-driven as we are here in the States, and the same goes for wellness and self-care. It’s not about an expensive gym membership or the latest fad diet for French women, it’s more about living with joy and leaning into the routines and rituals that bring them pleasure. They’re not afraid to have a glass of wine with lunch, or enjoy a pastry with their coffee. Simple pleasures can be enjoyed without guilt, and because of this, you’d be hard pressed to find Parisians overindulging.
Take a moment to think about the simple pleasures in your own life, and then see if you can make time for them. We obviously love coffee dates with girlfriends, especially with a croissant or a pastry! Life is meant to be savored and enjoyed, so relish every bite and every moment.
Mani Meets Coffee is a lifestyle brand created by Kristen Garaffo and Sadie Albert. Born from their mutual love of drinking coffee and indulging in self-care, they love exploring coffee shops in the DMV area and romanticizing their experiences. Kristen and Sadie both write on their own, but Mani Meets Coffee gives them a space to use their friendship and shared interests to create something new. When Kristen isn’t sipping on iced coffee, you can usually find her crushing a Crossfit workout, designing her next dream space, and blasting Taylor Swift, while you can find Sadie hitting a new PR at the gym, making different niche playlists on Spotify and learning more about astrology.
