Jeanne Damas' French Girl Guide To Party Dressing

From ELLE

If you were to think about French style, chances are you’ll imagine the tousled locks and laissez faire style of Parisian model turned designer, Jeanne Damas. Long before we were swiping and double-tapping on Instagram, and well before we became familiar with the tag ‘influencer’, Damas earned a steady following blogging travels through the South of France and Morocco.

It’s her style, however, that’s won her over a million followers on Instagram. Now the creative director of brand Rouje, Damas creates vintage-inspired pieces that make Parisian day-to-night dressing possible for even the most British among us.

Over dinner in Madrid, with Mango and fellow style pin-ups Sofia Sanchez de Betak and Erika Boldrin, Damas shared her tips for nailing day-to-night style. Here’s how to feign that French je ne sais quoi.

How would you describe your personal style when it comes to dressing for a night out with friends?

I think it is quite timeless. Simple, comfortable. It’s a mix between masculine and feminine. I love dresses with big coats or ‘second skin’ jeans. I love a jumpsuit too, it’s easy and you don’t have to think about it.

I don’t really change my style for evening, but during the winter I like a bodysuit. I want to keep comfortable; I love velvet for that, so big velvet pants for instance. Velvet is super good for being comfortable but sexy at the same time.

Is there anything you try to avoid?

I don’t have any rules really. And you can party all night in heels; I can bike, I can walk, I can do everything in heels - boots or more classic styles.

Who is your party style muse?

I have a few. I love Bianca Jagger’s big suits and wide pants, or Jerry Hall; all of the exes of Mick Jagger, haha. I love Chloe Sevigny too. She has such a cool style.

You travel a lot, is there anything you tend to do differently when it comes to dressing for a night at when you are at home in Paris, than say in London? Are you a big suitcase type of girl?

I love to just travel with my handbag. Sometimes I just go to Spain or Italy for one day and just take a handbag - a big one. I keep my makeup brushes in there, and I have my look on me, and that’s it.

Tell us about your style over Christmas and New Year’s? What will you be wearing?

Most of the time, I am with my best friends - ten of us - and sometimes we are in the mood to go and get changed and sometimes we don’t care. Last year we were in my house in Morocco, and we had a big party on New Year’s Eve, so New Year’s Day we stayed in front of the fire and we just played cards. Sometimes the ‘worst’ parties are the best ones! They are the best memories.

We’ve seen so many different eras represented in fashion. Is there one you often reference or feel most affinity with?

I love the 1970s and late 1960s. I love mini knitted dresses during the winter because it is super easy and super comfortable. They’re short, but you are warm. The 1970s at night is great.

What are your go-to cities for great fashion, and which vintages pieces do you tend to buy?

I love London for vintage. It’s expensive, but I love it. It’s really inspiring for the French to go to London and New York for vintage. It’s my obsession to buy vintage slip dresses. I have… maybe 100 of them! I love them long and nude.

Any tips for owning that post-party look, when it’s early in the morning and there is another party beckoning?

I don’t wear much make-up on my skin or on my eyes, like mascara, but I always carry lipstick. I put it on my cheeks, so it’s like a natural blush. I always re-apply lipstick.

('You Might Also Like',)

• Bumble's New Women-Led Business Fund Is The Investment We're All Here For

• Women In Scotland Can Now Take The Abortion Pill At Home

• 11 Of The Best Waterproof Mascaras For Pool-Proof Lashes