How to Be More Like a French Woman

Dressing Like a French Woman

Stick to the basics. One of the most easily observable aspects of French fashion is the pared-down aesthetic so common to Parisian streets. Rather than bathing in bright colors, or rushing out to buy the latest fast-fashion trend, French women stick to the basics, both in cut and color. A flattering cut will outshine a trendy item. When purchasing clothing, make sure it fits your frame well. When in doubt, opt for neutrals. Neutrals are universally flattering, pair well with each other, and constitute wardrobe classics.

Curate your wardrobe to include staple items. Although you want to wear basics, you should curate your closet so that each item you own matches or works well with at least two other items. This will make getting dressed in the morning easier and will give you a uniform, of sorts, to work from. Staple items typically include a well-fitting pair of jeans, a classic-cut coat, a pair of black flats, and a well-fitting button-down shirt. Your staple items should reflect your lifestyle. If you need office wear, for instance, tailor your closet to accommodate office wear.

Have a signature piece. Whether you have a ring you wear every day, or you place a pin on your lapel every morning, French women use a single item to draw interest. You could also use color for your signature piece, such as a bright yellow scarf, or a red nail. Your signature piece should be one you love, and that makes you feel great. Use your personality and likes to determine what you’d like your signature to be.

Mix masculine and feminine. One of the greatest ways French women achieve the effortless effect so commonly attributed to France is through pairing feminine and masculine items. A lace cocktail dress can be paired with a pair of moto boots and a leather jacket. A nice blouse could work alongside a pair of men's slacks. The mix of masculine and feminine keeps your outfit interesting. This takes some practice, so don’t be worried if you feel a bit silly at first. Pairing male and female items can have a learning curve. Try pairing an oversized men's tee with a pair of skinny jeans and heels, or some oxford flats with a miniskirt and blazer.

Match your undergarments. Although they’ll likely go unseen, you should never settle for ratty, unmatched undergarments. You can keep it simple, sticking to a color palette of white and black, or you can branch out and get some color into your wardrobe in the form of your lingerie. When your undergarments have become worn, get a new set--no exceptions. Opt for quality over quantity. A quality bra and panty set will boost your confidence and improve the fit of your clothing.

Wearing Your Hair Like a French Woman

Don’t wash your hair every day. Washing your hair every day strips it of its natural oils, which can cause dry, brittle, flyaway hair. Instead, stick to a schedule of once every other day, or even once per week (if your hair permits). Use dry shampoo in the meantime, if necessary. Ideally, your hair should have a smooth shaft. If your hair has a lot of split ends, cut off as much as needed to rid yourself of them.

Embrace your natural texture. Whether your hair is curly, straight, wavy, or somewhere in between, embrace your natural texture. Instead of spending countless hours with curling irons or flat irons, play up your natural texture as much as possible. For curly hair, this might mean foregoing a routine of gel, blow drying with a diffuser, and styling. Straight-haired girls can leave their hair down and let it sit straight, rather than faking waves or curls. For natural hair, embrace your texture by avoiding the blow dryer and allowing your hair to air dry and fall where it naturally prefers.

Don’t look too coiffed. French women are not known for sleek, slicked-back hairstyles. Instead, they are usually associated with hair that looks a bit undone. Although this does not mean you can’t put your hair into a specific style, let some strands fall out of an elegant French twist, or embrace flyaways you might find in a low ponytail.

Wear a messy bun. Parisian cafes are filled with messy buns piled atop the heads of French women. The key to a messy bun is in its structure: rather than opting for a slick, ballerina-style bun, loosely coil your hair in a bun, pin it in place with some bobby pins, and you’re good to go. This particular style can be worn with shoulder-length and longer hair. Shorter hair is not likely to stay in.

Avoid obviously dyed hair. Although many countries boast young people with neon-colored strands, French women opt for either natural hair, or naturally colored hair, sticking in the neighborhood of blacks, browns, reds, and blondes. Highlights and ombre styles do make appearances, but are typically more subdued in appearance.

Eating Like a French Woman

Do not overindulge. French women are known for indulging in the good things: cheese, butter, bread, chocolate, and wine. The difference between French women and women in other countries, however, is the way in which they indulge. Rich foods are eaten in small portions, and accompanied by healthy foods. An indulgence in chocolate, for instance, might be a square of chocolate at the close of each meal. Butter may be used in a vegetable dish to add flavor.

Limit red meats. While French people do not eschew red meat entirely, it is far more common to witness a plate of fish or poultry than a large steak. When tailoring your diet to mimic French women’s diets, trim the red meat, and opt instead for healthier, leaner options. Leaner meats have the added benefit of being associated with lower body fat percentages.

Sip wine with dinner. Red wine has long been discussed for its potential health benefits when accompanied by dinner each night, and French women take heed. Once again, however, an integral part of drinking red wine is making sure you are not bingeing on an entire bottle, but sipping eight or ten ounces with meals. The type of wine matters, as well; a cheap bottle of fruit-flavored wine from the local grocery store is not the same as a good bottle of red wine or rosé.

Choose high-quality food items. Instead of looking for a budget version of your favorite treat, purchase the highest-quality food you can. For some, that will mean all-organic produce and meat products, while for others, that will mean sourcing grass-fed cheese and butter. Not all places will have high-quality foods readily available, but many do have farmer’s markets from which to purchase fresh produce. Take advantage of these offerings.

Sit down for meals. French women do not plop down in front of the television or computer with dinner in hand. Instead, they sit at the table and eat their meals carefully and mindfully. This particular style of eating has also been linked to smaller waist sizes and greater health, while studies have shown that eating while distracted can result in weight gain and overeating.

Implementing Self Care Like a French Woman

Nourish your skin. Because most French women prefer a more natural makeup look, having clear skin is an absolute must. Use only high-quality facial care items, and keep your skin full and supple through the use of skin oils, healthy dietary choices, and getting plenty of rest. To encourage glowing skin, remember to exfoliate once or twice per week, and avoid harsh chemical cleansers.

Put your needs first. French women do not stretch themselves thin, working to please everyone around them. They put themselves first, even with close friends, to make sure their needs are met before moving on to the needs of others. This is true of family relationships, friendships, and even partnerships. Note that putting your needs first is not the same as being selfish. French women are not selfish, but recognize the importance of being strong and healthy first.

Learn to relax. French women do not pressure themselves with a strict, intense workout regimen, nor do they push themselves at work until they are exhausted. French women relax physically and mentally to ensure they are always at their absolute best. This can be a particularly difficult shift, as many countries encourage women to constantly push themselves to achieve greater gains. Practice relaxing for five minute each day, and go from there. Creating a daily routine is a great way to relax. You can set aside a few moments each morning to read the paper, or have a standing afternoon coffee date with yourself.

Work with your body, not against it. Your body has certain angles, quirks, and tendencies that cannot be altered quickly or easily. Instead of constantly trying to suppress your body’s natural tendencies or eliminate your natural shape, work with what you have. If you have a long, lanky frame, play it up with loose cuts and show your legs. If you are curvy, make your curves work for you with cinched waists and feminine cuts.

Make walking a habit. Instead of driving everywhere, make use of your legs. Whenever possible, walk to your destination. Walking is less expensive than virtually any other form of transportation, will keep your body in good working condition, and will give you an air of independence. Not all cities have public transit systems or are easy to walk around in. Do what you can where you are. Walk to your favorite coffee shop, or take a quick walk around the block.