When I worked in retail, I was around a lot of different types of people (& a lot of foreigners.) I always thought it was interesting how often I got asked, “Are you French?” I’d always laugh and answer, flattered, “No. I am not.” I never knew why I was asked. Was it something I said? How I dressed?There’s something so alluring about the French girl– in fashion, in beauty, in cooking, etc. So what a compliment, right!? As it turns out, according to a 23 and Me* test and stories from grandparents, I actually am a little French; 12% French, in fact. But while I’m just an American, I can definitely appreciate some of the French styling tricks. And today we’re talking about one I’m literally obsessed with.
Once the weather starts to get chilly, I am all about a good sweater. Give me cable knits, cashmere, turtlenecks. Basically give me anything warm. But chunky sweaters can be hard to pull, and I think sweater dressing can go one of two ways. 1) You look a little…puffy. Think Joey in all of Chandler’s clothes puffy. 2) Your look turns into a sweater and jeans, and sometimes that can just look a little boring. Enter the French Girl Way.
When it comes to knitwear, the French make even the thickest of sweaters look sexy, and I’m here for it. Maybe it’s the way it nonchalantly, and very effortlessly, falls off their shoulder or the way they style it. But I’m bound and determined to recreate it. And the tip I’m borrowing from the French this time is pairing your chunky sweaters with mini skirts.
No. 1 | the sweater
Step number one: grab your favorite sweater. Honestly, the warmer and cozier the better. Lately I’ve really been gravitating toward oversized turtlenecks, thick knit cardigans, and the classic cable knit. As for colors, I’m a neutral girl. I love a good cream, gray, ivory, or black colored sweater. But you do you.
No. 2 | the skirt
Don’t get me wrong, I like sweaters paired with jeans, trousers, and midi length skirts. But I love the juxtaposition of pairing them with mini skirts. And if you look at French women, they don’t show too much skin (save for summer and those gorgeous strappy dress numbers.) While I love a good houndstooth tweed or Glen plaid, if the preppy vibe isn’t for you, no big thing. I love this styling trick with leather, denim, or suede, too.
Styling Tip: Tucking your sweater into your skirt will create a very polished and pretty vibe. Leaving your sweater untucked entirely can create a casual and flirty vibe. But my favorite French girl knitwear styling tip for this outfit is by doing a slight tuck off to the side. It still looks casual but in a nonchalant, breezy way.
No. 3 | the boot
Though I feel like ankle boots might be phasing out for the time being, I do still plan on getting a lot of wear from my favorite Chelsea boots. Sure, you could wear ankle boots with this outfit and look autumnal. And I have linked some I like below. However, I’m really partial to a knee high boot for this outfit. Not only will they keep more of your bare leg warm, I feel that knee high boots give off an air of casualness. Ankle boots, on the other hand, look a little too … girly? Preppy? I’m not actually sure where I’m going with this. I’m just all about the knee high boot at the moment.
No. 4 | the layered necklace
I’m not a big jewelry girl. I definitely think the addition of intentional jewelry can make an outfit go from good to great. But I typically stick with minimal pieces. Right now, I’ve been craving layered necklaces — with everything.
No. 5 | the coat
And the finishing touch in the chilly weather is a good coat. And if you saw my coat closet, you’d know I’m all about outwear. My tip on coats and skirts is to try to match your coat length with your skirt hem, or go longer. I find it elongates your whole body and adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit.
While this isn’t a new styling concept, it’s one I really am loving for fall this year. Like I said, French girl knitwear just seems so effortless and sexy. And in all of my French Girl reading, I have found that the finishing touch is the attitude. Be comfortable and confident, and indulge in the world around you, and you can pull off any French styling tricks.
Now, if you need me, I’ll be the one in the mini skirt.
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