FRENCH LESSONS

Are Frenchwomen inherently stylish? From their seamless ability to blend classic with glam to the way they make everything they wear look effortless and ageless, we can’t help but think so. Here, we share the seven key styling teachings that fashionable Parisians follow.

PRODUCER JULIA MCEWEN

PHOTOGRAPHY ALVARO GOVEIA

SHOT ON LOCATION IN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONT.

LESSON 1 Wear something red

Sure, an LBD would fit right into a Frenchwoman’s wardrobe, but try this unexpected eveningwear recipe instead: Mix one part knit turtleneck with one part vivid midi skirt, then finish the look with a casual yet stylish pair of pointy ballet flats.

SWEATER, $365, paige.com. SKIRT, $149, and RINGS, hm.com/ ca. SHOES, oldnavy.ca.

FASHION FOOTNOTE

This elegant cutout sweater adds a dash of sex appeal without revealing too much.

LESSON 2 Embrace slouchy clothes

(Opposite page) Forget about dowdy jackets, too-tight pants or illfitting dresses, because Frenchwomen obsess over cut and fit. We love this roomy sweater paired with masculine trousers and punctuated with a simple scarf nonchalantly tied around the neck.

SWEATER, $145, anntaylor.com. PANTS, $124, BAG and SHOES, bananarepublic.ca. Vintage SCARF, stylist’s own.

LESSON 3 Less is more

To dress like a Parisian, keep accessories to a minimum, and don’t overload your ensemble with too many details. One French-approved adornment is a pair of oversize sunnies to give any outfit a chic finishing touch.

COAT, $90, gapcanada.ca. DRESS, $425, judithand charles.com. SUNGLASSES, bonlook.com. WATCH, linksoflondon.com. SHOES, anntaylor.com.

steal $90

FASHION FOOTNOTE

Breton stripes go with everything from jeans to a dramatic maxi skirt.

LESSON 4 Forget the trends

(Opposite page) There’s nothing trendy about a trench coat, a striped top and tailored trousers. These pieces are classic wardrobe staples that fulfill the requirements for dressing French: simple, versatile and timeless.

Cape TRENCH COAT, $285, and TOP, $95, bananarepublic.ca. H&M Studio PANTS, $149, hm.com/ ca. NECKLACE, linksoflondon.com. SHOES, prettyballerinas.ca.

LESSON 5 Details matter

Frenchwomen don’t wear anything with creases, flaws or chips; they focus on the finer details. You’ll rarely catch a Parisian in stilettos, but when she wears pumps (usually with a low heel), she’ll pair them with a casual outfit that almost always features jeans.

SHIRT, $135, cosstores.com. JEANS, $124, and BRACELET, bananarepublic.ca. SCARF (on bag), hermes.com. BAG, roots.com. RINGS, swarovski.com. SHOES, hm.com/ca.

steal $40

FASHION FOOTNOTE

If something is already feminine, offset it with a little androgyny. Case in point: This pencil skirt with sneakers.

LESSON 6 Always coordinate, but never match

(Opposite page) French fashion is about restraint and balance. Even when mixing colours, those in the know exercise caution and usually stick to muted hues. Here, we contrast the skirt with a creamy sweater, then ground the look with white sneakers.

H&M Studio SWEATER, $99, hm.com/ca. Suede SKIRT, $250, cosstores.com. SNEAKERS, lacoste.com.

LESSON 7 Borrow something from the boys

In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent invented his Le Smoking tuxedo suit for women. Today, Frenchwomen continue to don the menswearinspired look and have adopted the jacket as daytime attire, pairing it with a simple T-shirt.

JACKET, $569, tigerof sweden.com. T-SHIRT, $68, kitandace.com. Faux-leather PANTS, $80, winners.ca. RING, swarovski.com. SHOES, marc-cain.com.