The secrets to dressing like a French woman this summer

There is perhaps no nationality’s style that is more fêted than the French. So when Vogue asked the array of international guests attending a Vogue World fashion show in Paris to dress “à la Française”, it should have, on paper, been the chicest group imaginable.

Yet with homages to Jean Paul Gaultier’s cone dress (worn by British Cara Delevingne) and the Tricolore (on American Diane von Furstenberg) it was clear to see that our idea of what makes something “French” greatly varies to how French people actually dress. Eugénie Trochu, the head of editorial content at French Vogue, wore a white and navy rugby shirt, white mini, black espadrilles and hoop earrings. The former French Vogue editor, Carine Roitfeld, wore a simple black dress by Rick Owens.

“People often ask me, ‘What is the secret to having French style?’ and I always answer that you just need really good basics, which fit well and that are good quality,” shares Morgane Sézalory, the founder of cult French brand Sézane, known for its elevated basics, such as cashmere cardigans with cut-out backs or bow details. “To me, the French woman is characterised by her very natural attitude and style: often no make-up, a fairly ‘wild’ hairstyle, and an outfit that mixes vintage and designer pieces.”

This philosophy is part of the reason why French women age so gracefully. “Being fuss free is very different from not making an effort,” shares French fashion editor, Pénélope Goldstone, who works in London. “My grandma at 92 still dresses up and matches her handbag to her outfit even if she rarely leaves the house.”

With this in mind, it’s no surprise that France has so many style icons above the age of 50 – an obvious starting point being the 71-year-old First Lady, Brigitte Macron. And while she has a wardrobe of Louis Vuitton to lean on, her style rules are in keeping with Sézalory’s theory – she does dress remarkably simply, relying on mini skirts (to show off her slim legs), power suits and a monochrome colour palette.

There’s also the 61-year-old actress Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, of Emily in Paris fame, who much like her on-screen character has a reputation for channelling effortless elegance. While on the red carpet she sticks to a tried-and-tested formula of little black or white dresses by Schiaparelli or Saint Laurent, in her down time she’s got a penchant for nude-coloured knits and great jeans.

In order to avoid looking de trop, it’s essential to do your fashion maths before leaving the house, as Goldstone explains. “I wouldn’t say we consciously apply a rule book to dressing but we generally go by the ‘less is more’ approach – think Coco Chanel ‘take one thing off before you leave the house’ rule.” she shares. “It’s a balancing act, for example if we wear short skirts or dresses we won’t have much cleavage on show, we don’t tend to wear more than 2-3 different colours at the same time, or if wearing print, stick to the one statement piece.”

“It’s all about balance,” agrees Anne-Laure Moreau, creative director of French fashion brand Musier Paris. “During summer, less is more is a real thing. I also like to mix styles. If I wear sporty shorts for example, I will add some feminine ballerinas and pearl earrings, it is all about balance. I think it is more about attitude than actual style. It is the way you wear clothes.”

Goldstone’s tips to anyone wanting to look more ‘French’? “I think French style is generally more pared back than British style, focusing on timeless basics with the odd statement piece, rather than leaning into trends too heavily,” she explains. “So to look more ‘French’, you should invest in a good capsule wardrobe: high waist flared jeans, denim shorts, an oversized white shirt (preferably men’s), a Breton top, a little black dress, a floral slip dress, espadrilles, a basket bag and cat eye sunglasses.”

The latter pieces on Goldstone’s list conjure up the wardrobe of millennial style icon, Jeanne Damas, of the French fashion brand Rouje, who proves Gallic savoir-faire doesn’t simply mean boring or monochrome. Indeed, her best-selling item, the Gabin dress, is a modern take on a 1940s classic, with tie-front, deep V and midi-length skirt. What began in a few colourways and a polka dot print is now available in 17 different versions. It’s all about having an attitude of insouciance.

Gabin dress, £215, Rouje

When all is said and done though, the ultimate French philosophy is put succinctly by Sézalory. “The most important thing above all else is to feel good in what you’re wearing,” she says. “Being able to move freely, and knowing what suits you, makes you feel good in your clothes.”

Five French dressing staples to add to your wardrobe

Jeans, £140, Soeur 

Raffia bag, £245, Balzac 

Embroidered polo shirt, £175, Maje 

Sunglasses, £135, Jimmy Fairly 

Viscose dress, £211.50, Gaala