The French are known for their effortless style. Here are 7 fashion staples that will give you that “je ne sais quoi”.
It’s not for nothing that the Parisian lifestyle is high in demand. Who doesn’t want to experience Paris once in their life? There is nothing more charming and aesthetically pleasing than a Parisian person sitting outside Café de Flore. A popular coffeehouse on the 6e arrondissement, Saint-Germain-des-Prés. They’re sipping espresso, indulging themselves with a warm croissant and next to them is a bouquet of fresh fragrant garden flowers (all the typical clichés). Their life may be filled with complications but for that mere moment or until only the foam is left in the cup, it all seems so effortless. It’s that “je ne sais quoi”.
We are all familiar with the saying and we somewhat desire for people to view us in that same light. I don’t believe that anyone wants to be considered a stressed person or for that matter that they're trying too hard. We all want to seem unbothered and mysterious in the eyes of others. Except the French embody that infamous motto, from mine and many other’s perspective, due to their sense of style. But what is the special ingredient concocting that illusion, you might ask?
For starters, it’s obvious that not all of us have access to that lifestyle. Take me as a prime example, born and raised in Montréal, Canada. A city where there’s pretty much only a few months of good weather and the rest of the year, we are cooped up indoors. Coffee shops aren’t normally found on every corner and the flower market nearest to my apartment is located inside a grocery store. The fashion here has not fully flourished yet and following trends might make you feel a little out of place when everyone around you dresses down more than they dress up.
Most of my life revolves around martial arts and for safety purposes, it’s probably best not to perform any martial technique with heels on. I have an affinity for the lessons that are taught to me at school and wouldn't consider giving up on them. They have kept me grounded and have unlocked doors with much beauty, knowledge and harmony found within. Still, I do believe that our exterior is a result of how we feel and vice versa. If we look good, we feel good.
My thing is, I like to look stylish but not devote myself to fashion.
In my line of work and studies, it’s difficult for me to follow trends and quite honestly, very costly. However, fashion can be fun, light and sometimes it can release us from the seriousness of our daily tasks and duties. Another flaw and I’ve mentioned this in my previous post, is that purchasing items just because they are in, means at some point they will be out. I prefer classic pieces that you can wear as you get older and that aren’t guests but residents that are here to stay. It was challenging for me to balance both worlds until I figured out what those clever Parisians knew and possessed all along.
It’s not only about the experience itself but about the enjoyment of the experience. I’ve indulged myself fanatically into self-help books about living in the now, I hold endless spiritual conceptions and do my best to apply them to my daily life and one of the many wonderful aspects of martial arts is that primarily we should be thinking of enjoyment. Really, how many quotes have we all read about just that? Be present. Enjoy life. Life is short. You only live once…and the list perpetuates. Shopping should fall in that same category. We shouldn't rush to buy something or purchase loads of stuff just because they're on sale. Shopping is to be enjoyed. Going to the store should be for the experience of walking and browsing. Maybe spending time with a family member or friend who share similar interests. Less about checking an item off your wishlist and more about the actual activity.
Funny thing is, by doing so, I end up only buying something that is truly special or that reminds me of good times. And that translates to how I present myself. I have gotten more compliments on an old pair of white sneakers with much wear and tear over prettier things in my closet. I remember, my husband took me to Holt Renfrew located downtown Montréal and surprised me with my very first high end designer bag for my birthday. At the end of our shopping experience, we we’re almost out through the glass revolving doors when we saw that it was raining cats and dogs. We decided to wait it out on a bench next to a wall of sneakers. They we’re identical except for the coloring of the letter imprinted on the side. I asked my husband to choose which sneakers he thought I would like best, putting him through the test that most wives do and see if “you really know me”. Not only did he guess correctly but he also explained as to why I wouldn't buy the other colors. Such a sweet moment and I just love the sneakers so much more for reminding me of that experience. I feel like they offer that “je ne sais quoi” and that they are a fashion staple. In fact, they are staple …
#1. White Sneakers (the muddier, the better)
Not sure how to truly explain this. But dirty white sneakers somehow look more attracting than the crisp white color of when they first come out of the box. I’m thinking that the more lived in they look, the more outgoing we ourselves probably seem. Comfort comes first and practicality second. I wear them with jeans of all shades, mini or midi dresses and skirts.
#2. Knit Cardigan (appropriate for Montréal’s climate)
Another staple that I’ve received numerous flattering remarks on is my knit cardigan that I found in a vintage shop. Not everyone might like the texture of wool for it can make them feel itchy but I personally prefer that material. The quality is durable and it gives off warm and cozy vibes (that term seemed necessary) that draws positive energy towards you.
#3 Floral Print Dress
And I must say, my absolute favorite. If and when I’m having an off day, during these few months of summer, I will resort to a floral dress. A little above the knee or ankle length, it doesn’t really matter. It makes me feel radiant and almost as if whatever was on my mind scattered and blossomed into a floral print. This is a blue print for that “je ne sais quoi”. Flowers remind us of nature. Therefore, we appear natural. We go with the flow and little to no effort was needed.
I hope you are enjoying the experience of reading thus far…
#4. Fine Jewelry
What I believe should be more effortless and usually is the case with French women is the act of accessorizing. They are keys to our most intimate features. We wear them on our ears. The smaller the earrings, the more space there is to listen. Around our necks. Smaller pendants near our hearts, the more open we are to love and on our hands. Finer bracelets or rings, the less crowded it will be to fit another person's hand. Over accessorizing and heavier jewelry projects loudness and can seem like we are forcing our bodies to speak.
#5. Denim Jeans
Leave it to Levi's. I can't describe the effort I use to put into finding the perfect pair of jeans. Not to mention, how much I’ve spent in other brands and then end up either donating them, handing them down to family members or returning them. I now prefer the experience of thrift shopping for several obvious reasons. But before I came into these realizations, I found all my favorite vintage Levi’s on Imparfaite Paris. An online vintage shop with an added Levi’s calculator to find the perfect fit for you. In all transparency, this is where I got all of my jeans from and I feel like they grasp the concept of the enjoyment of shopping, and wouldn't you know it!..they are based in Paris.
#6. Leather Pants
This one may seem contradictory. It’s loud, it’s harsh to the eyes and it just shouts rock & roll. But all that’s really doing is highlighting your vulnerability. It’s honest and attracting to others that might admire your confidence. I own very few pairs but they all remind me of effortless and memorable occasions with compliments included.
#7. White Cotton Blouse
It’s simplicity speaks volumes. I’m not sure if there’s better way to describe it. It is definitely a fashion staple to me. It requires no effort, it’s classic. Pairing it with a long skirt will express elegance and mystery. Grab a book and sit under a tree and I’m sure someone will be intrigued. Straight out of a French romantic novel, I’m certain.
Remember, these 7 staples are my ideas of what I think will give you that “je ne sais quoi”. I hope they will be helpful to you until ultimately, you will discover your fashion staples through your own effortless experiences...
