How to Achieve the “Vintage French Girl” Fashion Without Being in Paris

French fashion, long celebrated among Parisians, is a lifestyle associated with iconic figures like Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot. This aesthetic is defined by natural beauty, effortless elegance, a wardrobe stocked with high-quality essentials, and a certain indescribable charm in one’s appearance.

Vintage fashion has been a key part of French style, showcasing unique trends from different eras. French fashion particularly shines in its representation of quality garments such as the dresses of the 1920s and 1940s, the full skirts of the 1950s, and the bold patterns and colors of the clothes worn in the 1970s, contributing to the allure of the Vintage French Girl look.

French queens and empresses established a legacy of opulent fashion, which became a source of inspiration for generations of fashion enthusiasts. As Paris evolved into a global fashion capital, renowned designers such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, and Dior began revolutionizing the industry with their timeless iterations of fashion, the Vintage French way.

Today, the French Girl style is all about all the timeless fashion classics you can think of, simplicity in wearing them, and of course, a commitment to quality.  Achieving the Vintage French Girl look isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about making thoughtful choices and curating a personal style that resonates with you.

While you can draw inspiration from basic guidelines, true mastery comes from living the French girl lifestyle yourself. Think of essentials like striped shirts, tailored trousers, and midi skirts in neutral tones (blacks, whites, nudes, and greys).

There’s a sense of “effortless chic” associated with the Vintage French fashion—an ability to look put-together with minimal effort. This style emphasizes natural beauty, relaxed grooming, especially with your makeup, hair, and accessories, and a carefree approach to fashion.

How to Achieve the “Vintage French Girl” Look

The first step to embracing Vintage French Fashion is to feel confident in your own skin. Minimalism is a cornerstone of French fashion, but it’s essential to add personal touches and lean towards vintage pieces that highlight the aesthetics you want to embody.

Remember, if it’s vintage, it’s likely of great quality; high-quality items don’t always have to be expensive. Shopping at vintage or thrift stores can uncover fantastic deals, including unique and rare designer pieces. Uniqueness will always make you stand out.

Here are some tips to achieve the Vintage French Girl Aesthetic without even being in Paris:

French women have mastered this classic look, whether opting for a clean, striking red lip or a softer, blended wine-stained effect. To achieve this Parisian allure, keep your overall makeup minimal and let your lips take center stage.

While the overall French girl look exudes a polished vibe, your hair is permitted to be somewhat tousled and messy. It’s this bedhead style that spotlights the trend’s carefree aesthetic. To achieve this look, use a texturizing spray for added movement and grip. Fringes or bangs, a hallmark hairstyle of French style, can also be a chic option for you to consider.

It’s fine to follow trends, but if they overshadow your personality, they’ll quickly lose their appeal. Remember, not every trend suits everyone. For example, baggy clothes might not flatter a pear-shaped body as well as a cropped silhouette would.

Also, before making a purchase, carefully consider it! French women avoid impulse buying, regardless of affordability. Investing in quality pieces can last a lifetime and even be passed down through generations, potentially reducing your carbon footprint.

Layering is key to the making of vintage silhouettes, akin to creating a masterpiece. It literally transforms basic wardrobe staples, giving them multiple identities and enhancing their value. So, to achieve the vintage French girl look, always experiment with texture, color, fabric, and style as much as you can and without overdoing it. 

French women prioritize comfort alongside style. It’s ingrained in their nature to exude grace wherever they go. This means that if you get a feeling of discomfort with attire or even footwear, then it’s best to switch to a more comfy one.

Also, appearing disheveled should be the last thing on your mind in Vintage French fashion. If wearing baggy or oversized pieces, then you should counterbalance them with tailored items to maintain a sleek look. 

Like any other fashion choice, wearing color should be done in moderation with a focus on balance. If you want to color block, ensure the colors complement and contrast each other. More often than not, the lesser the brightness of what you’re wearing, the more you are able to select the right shades.

Vintage French fashion typically favors neutral colors due to their versatility, subtlety, and timelessness. Understated neutrals like blue, navy, gray, tan, black, and white are excellent investments, as basic pieces in these colors can be repeated without drawing attention.