Ah, French style—that elusive blend of effortless chic that we all aspire to capture! While Parisian fashion is timeless, some interpretations can actually add years rather than the youthful elegance we’re seeking. I’ve spent decades analyzing what works and what doesn’t for women embracing their fabulous fifties and beyond. Let’s explore which supposedly ‘French’ looks might be aging you, and the styling blunders you’ll want to banish from your wardrobe immediately!
1. Outdated Breton Stripes
Horizontal stripes aren’t the enemy, darling, but those thick navy-and-white Breton tops from 2010? They’re screaming ‘tourist in Paris’ rather than ‘native Parisienne’.
The fix? Opt for thinner stripes or unexpected color combinations. Modern French women wear their stripes with a twist—perhaps vertical on one side, or in muted sage and cream.
2. Boxy Tweed Jackets
Though Coco made them iconic, those shapeless, boxy tweed jackets with oversized buttons can swallow your silhouette whole! Where’s the waist? The structure? The modernity?
Instead, hunt for tweed jackets with subtle tailoring at the waist. The magic lies in finding pieces that acknowledge your curves without squeezing them into submission.
3. Overly Structured Berets
If your beret could double as a frisbee in an emergency, we have a problem! Those stiff, perfectly rounded berets scream ‘I’m trying too hard to look French’ rather than actual French nonchalance.
Genuine Parisian women wear softer berets, casually tilted and slightly slouchy. The goal is ‘I just tossed this on’ not ‘I arranged this for 30 minutes.’
4. Heavy Pearl Necklaces
While pearls themselves are timeless, those chunky multi-strand pearl necklaces sitting heavily against your collarbone? They’re dragging your whole look back to the 1980s, ma chérie!
Modern French women opt for delicate single strands or mix pearls with other materials. Think leather cords with a single pearl pendant or asymmetrical designs that feel fresh.
5. Perfectly Matched Scarves
That scarf that perfectly matches your handbag, shoes, AND blouse? It’s shouting ‘I planned this outfit for days’ when true Parisian style whispers ‘this old thing? I just threw it on.’
Try scarves in complementary (not matching) colors instead. The French master the art of controlled clash—colors that shouldn’t work together but somehow do.
6. Ballet Flats With Everything
Though they whisper ‘Paris,’ wearing the same basic black ballet flats with absolutely everything borders on lazy rather than chic after a certain age. Where’s the creativity, the personality?
Instead, mix in modern loafers, sleek ankle boots, or elegant low block heels. The French woman’s shoe collection is curated, not repetitive.
7. Shapeless Shift Dresses
Ah, the shift dress trap! While seemingly ‘French minimalist,’ those completely straight, shapeless shifts can make anyone look like they’re wearing a stylish potato sack. Where’s the feminine silhouette?
French women understand subtle definition—a belt, a slight A-line, or strategic seaming creates shape without sacrificing comfort or sophistication.
8. Excessive Brooches
Heavens! That collection of vintage brooches clustered on your lapel might feel très Parisienne, but it’s veering into ‘eccentric dowager’ territory faster than you can say ‘Champs-Élysées.’
The modern French approach? One statement brooch, strategically placed. It’s about the power of restraint, not the quantity of sparkle.
9. Monochromatic Navy
Navy is classic, yes, but head-to-toe navy without texture or dimension? You’re one red lipstick away from looking like you’re cosplaying as a flight attendant from the 1960s!
True French style incorporates navy as a base, then adds contrast—perhaps ivory, camel, or unexpected pops of burgundy. It’s about playing with the classic, not becoming it.
10. Stiff Bouclé Suits
While channeling your inner Parisian businesswoman, that matchy-matchy bouclé suit with rigid shoulders and zero movement is aging you faster than unlimited sun exposure!
Modern French women break up these suits—wearing the jacket with jeans or the skirt with a simple tee. The separation creates versatility and prevents that ‘encased in fabric’ look.
11. Fussy Neck Scarves
That perfectly folded silk square tied just-so at your neck? It’s giving more ‘retired flight attendant’ than ‘casual Left Bank dweller.’ The pristine knot betrays hours of arrangement!
True Parisian neck scarves have a certain dishevelment—loosely knotted, slightly asymmetrical, perhaps even a bit wrinkled. The secret is in the imperfection.
12. Boxy Trench Coats
Though the trench is quintessentially French, that shapeless, oversized version hanging from your shoulders is drowning your figure in beige canvas! Where’s the silhouette?
Seek trenches with subtle waist definition or belting options. Even Parisian women understand that a hint of shape transforms a practical garment into a flattering statement piece.
13. Dated Cropped Pants
Those cropped pants hitting at the widest part of your calf? They’re cutting your leg line in the most unflattering spot possible! Even the French wouldn’t commit this particular fashion crime.
Opt instead for crops that end just above the ankle bone—the slimmest part of the leg. This simple adjustment adds visual height and elegance.
14. Overwhelming Red Lipstick
Though red lips scream ‘Paris,’ that harsh, matte, fire-engine shade applied with surgical precision is aging rather than alluring! It’s highlighting every fine line around your mouth.
True French women opt for softer reds with slight sheens or even blotted application. The effect should be ‘I just ate berries’ not ‘I spent 20 minutes with a lip liner.’
15. Rigid Structured Handbags
That perfectly structured, never-slouching handbag with pristine corners and not a scratch in sight? It’s screaming ‘too perfect’ rather than effortlessly chic!
Authentic French style embraces a bit of wear—slightly softened leather, natural patina development, signs that your bag actually lives with you rather than in a display case.
16. ERROR: Overdoing Nautical Themes
Mon dieu! Those outfits combining Breton stripes, navy blazers, red accessories, AND anchor motifs are less ‘casual day in Marseille’ and more ‘themed cruise ship party’!
The French approach to nautical is subtle—one element at a time. A striped top with simple jeans, perhaps, but never the full sailor fantasy at once.
17. ERROR: Excessive Accessorizing
If your outfit includes statement earrings, multiple necklaces, stacked bracelets, AND bold rings, you’ve missed the entire essence of French style! The Parisian approach to accessories is ruthlessly edited.
Remember the Coco Chanel wisdom—before leaving the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory. The French understand that less truly is more.
18. ERROR: Ignoring Proper Fit
The cardinal sin of trying to look French? Wearing clothes that don’t actually fit your current body! Those too-tight pants or too-loose blazers aren’t fooling anyone, ma chérie.
True French style begins with proper tailoring. Parisian women understand that clothes should skim the body—neither clinging desperately nor drowning the figure in excess fabric.