OUR FASCINATION WITH FRENCH GIRL STYLE

French Girl style is frequently mentioned in the fashion and beauty sphere. It is often seen as a secret that only French women know and the rest of us try desperately to achieve. If you have ever been to Paris and fell in love with the city (duh), you have probably tried to emulate it at one time or another. I think I narrowed down the reasons why I, and many others love French Girl style so much and that is: it is uncomplicated, timeless and makes you  romanticize even the smallest moments in life.

It seems like French women can throw on a simple coat or sweater and look chic, yet we will tear our closets apart looking for the perfect outfit. How do they do that? I think the less is more attitude is key here. Even though we can't all be born Parisian, most of their wardrobe is built on basics that are very attainable. You really only need a few key pieces which is music to the ears if you are trying to be minimal or on a budget. It seems like many French women will have a daily uniform that they can build off of. They also seem like the type who can go from the grocery store to dinner in no time at all. Basically, they always look like they didn't give a second thought to their outfit even if they spent hours choosing it (who knows, it could happen).

Certainly the older I get the more I appreciate French girl style and that is because it is timeless. The chances of these staples going out of style is slim to none. Sure, they might change at times, but the end result is the same. French women also value comfort which I think we can all appreciate. That is certainly one of the reasons they look so effortless in everything they do. I also find their views on aging and natural beauty refreshing, especially in today's social media storm. But above all, my favourite thing about French girl style is the mystery. I like the idea of being mysterious and not having everyone know what you are thinking all of the time. They can also be famously contradictory, like wearing smoky eye makeup with a nude lipstick and so on.

You can't have French girl style without the lifestyle. France, like many European countries values slower living. That's not to say they don't have everyday stress like the rest of us, but they also enjoy the little things. That could be as simple as walking to the market or having a glass of wine at a café. I know all of those things seem so much cooler when you are in a city like Paris. But after travelling, I started being more intentional in my days back at home, and I think that can be life-changing. Why shouldn't we romanticize our own lives? I rediscovered my copy of 'How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are' again this summer after reading it and loving it several years ago. In that book they say we should always look like we are gazing at the sunset, even if we are picking up frozen pizza from the supermarket and...I felt that. I think we could all learn something from this way of life.

I challenge you to sprinkle a little French Girl style into your own life and see how you feel.