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French Style Inspiration: 8 simple touches to give any outfit a dose of elegance

It’s easy to add a touch of French style to your wardrobe!

All eyes are on Paris right now as we gear up for the Olympic Games. You can’t talk about French culture without hitting on French style and fashion. It’s a distinct style that is recognized as elegant, sophisticated, and timeless.

Madeline Richardson shared some very approachable ways to feather French inspiration into your everyday outfits.

 

Find all the links to these outfits here.

Stick to Neutrals

One of the key principles of French style is the use of a neutral color palette. Madeline said to think creams, whites, black, navy, and beige… with occasional pops of color. This cohesive color scheme makes it easy to mix and match pieces in your wardrobe. Start by hunting through your closet for these basics. You might be surprised at how many pieces you already own that fit this palette!

Lean on Classic Fabrics

French fashion is all about timelessness, and classic fabrics play a huge role. Madeline recommended incorporating linen, cotton, denim, silks, and satins into your wardrobe. These materials not only look sophisticated, but they also last longer. Madeline suggested investing in some quality pieces made from these fabrics.

Effortless Outfits: Mommy and Me

One charming aspect of French fashion is its simplicity. Madeline highlighted the Doen and Gap collaboration, which is coming out with feminine midi dresses with small floral patterns. These pieces are perfect for a “mommy and me” look, blending that high-end look in a more affordable way. The collection is a great way to add a touch of French elegance to your everyday wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Nostalgic and Romantic Pieces

Madeline introduced pieces from Sonderhaus, a local company that captures European nostalgia. For example, a romantic poet blouse transitions effortlessly from a farmer’s market outing to a summer date night. The intricate details, like ruffles and small floral patterns, showcase French-inspired subtle elegance.

The French It Shoe: Espadrilles

Espadrilles are a staple in French footwear. Madeline shared a pair of mesh flat espadrilles that are comfortable and stylish. These shoes are versatile, so you can pair them with lots of different outfits.

Tailored Shorts and Timeless Stripes

When it comes to shorts, the French prefer tailored, longer styles. Madeline recommended linen shorts with gold button details from J. Crew, paired with a collared shirt for a polished look.

Stripes are another French fashion classic. Madeline paired a striped top and skirt in red and white for playful and sophisticated look.

The Market Bag: A Must-Have Accessory

No French-inspired wardrobe is complete without a market bag. Whether it’s a tote or a side bag, this accessory is practical and stylish. Madeline paired a J. Crew market bag with a light, lovely set from Sonderhaus, perfect for a casual, chic look.

Scarves and Fisherman Sandals

Scarves are an iconic part of French fashion. Madeline suggested incorporating a scarf into your outfit for an extra touch of elegance. Pair it with a linen dress and fisherman sandals for a look that’s effortlessly chic.


Find more style advice from Madeline on Instagram, @madmadeline13.

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