The Parisian Women Are (almost) Effortlessly Chic
By rebekahELLE
"Fashion fades, only style remains the same." Coco Chanel
Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange
 | Amazon Price: $16.48 List Price: $29.95 |
It's Not Just the Walk
While walking the streets of Paris one can't help but notice the beautiful women and men, but in this particular article, I'm going to discuss the women. I don't think there's a mistake in calling Paris the fashion capital of the world. New York City may want to claim that distinction, but NYC does not have a Monday, mid-morning, high-fashion runway show in a car dealership on Champs -Elysees. I was walking down the famous boulevard and heard some heart pumping techno music coming from one of the storefronts. I walked over to the huge window and saw that it was a Renault car dealership and there was a runway show taking place inside. So, of course, I walked in and took my place standing along with others who came in off the street.
These models were not so much beautiful as they were alluring. They were not bouncing down the runway. They were walking slowly past the fashion editors, buyers, etc and then made their way to pose in front of the photographers and walk away.
I was amazed at their sensuality, and yet it was not overt, it was a subtle overall confidence. The walk gets your attention and then they give you the time to check them out, and that is what the Parisian woman expects.
A Fashionable Corner
Parisian Chic
 | Amazon Price: $149.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $390.00 |
Parisian Woman at Fouquet's
Earlier that same morning, I had been sitting at the outdoor cafe of Fouquet's (watch the short film for pure Parisian elegance) having a cup of coffee before I began my (long) walk to the Louvre. I wanted to see Paris on foot, so I started at a fashionable corner and took my time people watching. It was probably about 9 A.M. I noticed a few tables in front of me a beautiful French woman reading the newspaper. Her hair was pulled up into a chignon and she had on a dark skirt, pumps, a nice cream colored silk blouse.
When she was done, she got up and walked into the restaurant and I remember thinking, no one walks like that in the U.S. She walked with elegance, one foot in front of the other with a slight saunter, back held straight (but not rigid) and head looking forward. She looked completely natural. I know, you're going to get up and try it, go ahead. You'll feel it if it's right. Go ahead and laugh, and remember, laughter is another CHIC quality.
French Women Style
A Million Bucks Look
About twenty minutes later, I was getting ready to leave and I looked up and she had just come out of the restaurant, looking like a million bucks. Her hair was down, flowing over her shoulders, freshly brushed, a red lipstick finishing off this perfectly applied makeup that must have been done in the powder room of Fouquet's. She was walking down the avenue, most likely to the fashion district in Rue du Faubourg St-Honore where fashion designers such as Christian Lacroix, Sonia Rykiel, Yves St. Laurent have their principal fashion houses. So there was another snapshot of the Parisian chic; a leisurely cup of coffee at a nice cafe, the newspaper to educate the mind, twenty minutes putting on the finishing touches in a classy powder room, classic clothing and confidence and the walk. WOW. Is it that simple?
Ines de la Fressange - The Author of Parisian Chic: A Style Guide
Parisian Chic 101
There was another time that week when I witnessed the effortless chic in grand mode right before my eyes. I was walking with my Parisian friend to the crepes cafe and she had her hair pulled back into a low ponytail. As she was walking and talking, she looked over at me and pulled the hair tie out of her hair, and viola, there it was again. She shook her hair out over her shoulders and I thought, damn, these women don't even try and they are so sexy (and no, I am completely heterosexual!). Their CHICness is in their manner, the way they carry themselves, their nonchalance, their intelligence, their classic attire, their natural allure, expecting to be noticed but not showcasing any one thing. It's the whole package.
My Parisian friend told me that it's all in what French women know, they expect attention from a man, the stares, the wink, a caress or a pat as a sign of affection. If they don't get this attention, they think something is wrong with their appearance, their manner.
I think we can take some lessons from them, these most beautiful creatures; that it's almost effortless to look fantastic, but some effort is going to pay off well in our confidence and appearance! OOH La LA~~~
copyright. rebekahELLE
French Beauty Secrets
Notable French Women Quotes
"One is not born a woman, one becomes one". Simone de Beauvoir
"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses
only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with
ideas, the way we live, what is happening." Coco Chanel
"And the day came when the risk to become tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." Anais Nin
"I am not afraid; I was born to do this." Joan of Arc
"The artist is nothing without the gift; but the gift is nothing without work." Emilie Zola
"French women have been made beautiful by the French people - they're very aware of their bodies, the way they move and speak, they're very confident of their sexuality. French society's made them like that." Charlotte Rampling
"There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved." George Sand
"When he takes me in his arms and speaks to me softly, I see the world through rose-colored glasses." Edith Piaf
Parisian Chic
 | "Well designed, lavishly illustrated, and conveniently pocket-size, Chic Shopping Paris skips the heavy hitters of the Avenue Montaigne in favor of following in the footsteps of real Parisian shoppers. Amazon Price: $8.91 List Price: $17.95 |
 | This book is previewed in Links above with an interview by author. What French Women Know. Amazon Price: $2.09 List Price: $24.95 |
 | Love French chic? Simple ways to adopt the style, even without the accent. Amazon Price: $9.98 List Price: $30.00 |
 | Beautiful illustration of French interiors. Amazon Price: $16.04 List Price: $29.95 |
What French Women Know
- french essence
My favorite! Delightful blog from France. - French Women's Diet Secret
Easy, portable, and tasty, yogurt may also aid in weight loss - Aging Gracefully, the French Way
If there is a secret to aging well, Frenchwomen must know it.
Thank You for Reading and Please Feel Free to Leave a Comment.
thanks europewalker~ no, I didn't ever see sweat pants or sneakers except I did see Americans in sneakers. I will say I had blisters on my feet after walking all day in shoes not meant for walking all day.... over cobblestones! But~~ it was worth it!
I will be nice when I meet Parisian woman. And I think it is impossible.thanks for share.
prasetio, there are beautiful women everywhere, I'm sure also in your country! I love what you say in your profile, very nice. yes, it is wonderful to be able to communicate with others through hubpages! thank you for sharing with me.
Wow. That's an entertaining read. I like your writing style. It makes your hub extremely interesting and exciting to read. I appreciate your praise of French women who of course have a many admirers over here in Europe.
thank you kindly~ I'm attempting to make this both informative and entertaining, so I appreciate your words.
I'm working now on my next Paris entry, 'my first night in Paris'. what a magnificent city, it's own world. nice to meet you!
What a great intro to French women. I love your style.
thank you for your nice comment. I'm glad you enjoy!
ralwus, you changed your pic??
It's Friday. lol Enjoying a drink right now. go to bed shortly, change my picture again tomorrow.
Hi well ya know can take the Frenchman/woman out of France but not Visa Versa. I am half French and I have a certain style, that seems to prevail.
I hate garish things, I paint bright paintings because they appeal, but I still try and make it tasteful, and I believe we are essentially pedantic. I think this contributes to the Style that and grooming. I run an online Zlio Store, and enjoy choosing clothes that Frenchwoman like.
I really enjoyed reading this Hub
mandybeau
Nice hub -- and so TRUE. I bought my first pair of "sneaker flats" in Paris 8 years ago because I felt so un-chic compared to everyone around me. Now the trend is EVERYWHERE, and since then, I've never gone without having a couple pairs in my wardrobe.
You (or someone) should do a hub on French women and their scarf stylings. It really is an art form.
"...they expect attention from a man, the stares, the wink,..."
What a different way of thinking! I always feel like I am doing something wrong when I attract this kind of attention, especially while grocery shopping. Time for a pyridine shift.
yes, it is true. I sat with my friend Martine and we disussed the cultural differences between American and French men. American women can learn a lot from the French woman.
I loved reading this hub because you write in such a way that I could picture what you had described, thanks.
What an elegant Hub rebekahELLE. Is your moniker any reference to that elegant magazine? As I was reading I kept seeing Audrey Hepburn in my mind's eye (although I don't believe she's French). Anyway, I do think we American girls can take a few lessons from you and the Parisian women. There's something to be said for exuding an air of confidence in our inner beauty. Thanks!
thank you 2uesday and green for your lovely comments.
green, the ELLE in my name is just a creative expression for a pen name. my middle initial is L and I love the French 'oo la la'~~ elle means she/her in French. at one time I did subscribe to ELLE magazine until it took a turn with it's new editor. I liked the original magazines much better... yes, there is a certain something they can teach us! :]
Another wonderful hub! I could take in your hubs on Paris all at a go! Loved them all! Thank you for sharing them!
thank you mow! I have more coming! thank you for reading and leaving a comment. happy to meet you here. :)
This hub is so True. I was astonished when I first walked through the Champs Elysses - there are so many well dressed girls! Very elegant, great color coordination and style.
You write so artfully that I almost felt as if I was strolling those French streets right along with you seeing what you were viewing. Well done!
thank you greentiecommando. they are beautiful creatures, I agree. such elegance and a naturalness that is real and alive.
thanks Peggy for reading and leaving such a nice comment! I'm glad you were able to stroll along with me through the street of Paris. :]
Rebekah,
I have only had one compliment in my adult life on the way that I walk. It was a guy complimenting me. He didn't go into detail, but he said my walk was similar to the way Cajun women walk in South Louisiana. Yes, if you, as a woman, go about in daily life, expecting to get attention from men, you will get it. But it will definitely help if you wear something that enhances your best physical qualities. It's so much harder to do when you reach the age when your feet hurt. I wouldn't doubt that the pain shows in the tense quality in your face. That's why I had to change the kind of shoes that I wear.
I have never been to Paris, but I understand that French women don't buy clothes in a reckless way. They use careful consideration as to quality, and optimize coordination to the max in their wardrobe. I think we American women have a lot to learn.
Audrey Hepburn looked great. She had a long neck, which is not a bad asset, and you'll notice in My Fair Lady that the costume designer put her in lots of high-necked blouses. Or, she wore a multi-strand necklace to fill everything in. It's hard NOT to be great when you have Hubert de Givenchy designing Paris-inspired couture wear for you.
thanks gracenotes, you know, I lived in New Orleans for a year and the French influence is everywhere. You must have a bit of that sexy French swag in your walk. New Orleans is still my favorite city in the US, there's just something about it. I used to work with a woman who was part French and she walked that way..
The French women, especially the Parisians use their clothing to enhance who they are, not to bring attention to the clothing. I noticed that while there. I would love to go back and spend more time there, I found out after doing some ancestral research, that I have do have ancestors from northern France.
thanks for reading, I loved reading your comment. :]
Wow, French ancestry! I have none in my ethnic background.
No wonder you were interested in writing on this topic. Well, you'll be able to come back and give us some more information in another hub.
hi
i love your blog. thanks for feeding our curiosity & encouragement to be fabulous. I'm stay at home mom & most of the time i wear old clothes. because i don't want to wash good clothes very often. i dress up only in the evening when we go out. i save all my dresses for special occation. my question is what about french stay at home mom do. do they really wear good clothes even when they stay home.if they do how they could do housework you know cooking, laundry etc etc. i know this is crazy question but i don't have any french friend toask. could you share any tips please.i would be very grateful & also what kind of shoes they wear while walking
thank you
suji
Thanks suji for visiting and leaving a comment. to be very honest, I'm not sure what the French stay at home mother wears during the day. I'm sure it's quite different from a Parisian woman and a woman who lives out in the country. Their basic wardrobe is classic and feminine, a bit of allure. Maybe at home you could try dressing up just a little to make yourself feel better. A few basic black and white t's are nice with a pair of dark jeans, the ballet type shoe or a nice pair of Skeecher tennis shoes or whatever you can comfortably afford. They do wear scarves often, tied in different ways. A simple scarf in a nice design will jazz up any plain t-shirt or sweater. Cardigans are cozy and stylish once the weather is cooler. The French woman is all about a simple elegance in the way they dress and the way they live. I know for myself, the days that I take more time to look nice, the better I feel about myself and my day.
There are days when I do wear the 'going out' tops if I'm working at home, because I want to enjoy them now. You might really enjoy a book called Entre-Nous- A Woman's Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl by Debra Olliver. It is a fun read and gives you lots of tips on bringing out that French girl we all love. thanks for reading! enjoy!
I really enjoyed reading this hub. You educated me about the French Women. I felt like I was there in Paris with you. You have also given me some ideas that I will incorporate into my own Chic Style. VOTE UP, Useful!
What a great hub! Since reading your "How to get the French Girl Look" a few days ago, this topic has been on my mind. After reading this hub I am thinking a lot about the idea of women focusing on their individuality, this is such a positive message.
I really love this hub and will share it on twitter.
Thanks for reading! Tracy, I think you've said it well. A woman needs to find her own self, her own style and feel beautiful and comfortable with who she is. Thanks for taking the time to leave and comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and thanks also for the tweet!
French women are supremely confident in their manner and their appearance and I think this is simply how they are brought up. They are told as young girls how beautiful and elegant they are and they believe it.....and self belief is everything! :-) Very nice hub really enjoyed it.
Excellent writing. A wonderful Hub.
Dr. Haddox
Thanks Dr. Haddox. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I had fun writing this hub when I first started writing at HP. :)
You are welcome, rebekahELLE. Keep up you good work. Regards, Dr. Haddox
europewalker 2 years ago
I enjoyed your hub, you are so right. The women there always look so good. They are so chic and it seems so natural for them. I didn't see any in sweat pants and sneakers!