How to Achieve the Effortless French Girl Look

By: Jordyn Cummings

French women have been style inspirations for decades, with their emphasis on natural beauty, effortless chic, and timeless elegance. This “French Girl” look comes effortlessly to French women but can be a challenge for those who are not born and raised in Paris.

In this article, we will explore the key elements of the French girl style and provide tips and tricks to help you achieve this effortless look. From hair and makeup to clothing and accessories, we’ll break down the essentials of French girl style and help you incorporate them into your own wardrobe and beauty routine. So, get ready to channel your inner Parisian and master the art of the French girl look.

What is the French Girl aesthetic?

The French girl aesthetic has transcended Parisian spaces into the wardrobes of women across the globe. The French woman is confident but not arrogant and keeps things simple but not austere. Her hair is always perfectly out of place—just the right amount of mess. She orders cappuccinos at coffee shops, and when she walks, her perfume leaves a trail that seems to announce her presence before she does.

This is all a curation, of course. Most people are not real-life leading ladies in James Bond movies, but we all know someone like this French girl. More than that, we can all learn something from her about the power of style and essence.

5 Ways to Achieve the Effortless French Girl Look

Invest in your skincare

French women are known to invest in quality skin care. Familiarize yourself with the ingredients in your products to determine what works best for your skin and what you should avoid. French skincare brands like Caudalie and La Roche Posay are beloved for their simple yet effective ingredients.

Keep your hair and makeup simple

The secret to achieving the effortless French girl look is to actually make an effort. By taking care of your skin and hair, you can spend less time getting ready and forgo products like foundation and hairspray. A few essentials to keep on hand include dry shampoo to zhuzh up your locks and minimal makeup such as light concealer, mascara, and a cheek/lip stain.

Choose classic nail colors

Keep your nails on point with classic nail colors that make you look expensive. We recommend a clear coat, classic red, dark navy blue, or black. These colors will enhance your outfits, not draw away from them. Style details are critical as your look should exude quiet luxury, not ostentation.

Create a practical, yet chic wardrobe

Minimal makeup, classical nails, and an emphasis on skincare are crucial to the Parisian routine. However, it is the fashion that makes the look explicitly French. To build a French girl wardrobe, focus on quality basics like jeans, button-down blouses, blazers, and wrap dresses. Staple shoes include sneakers, ballet flats, and kitten heels. The power is in balancing feminine and masculine, delicate and bold.

Be confident

Achieving the French girl look doesn’t come from wearing the right clothes, using the best skincare, or having a sophisticated coffee order. The essence of this look is the energy and confidence you bring with you. People can see when you feel good about yourself, and at the end of the day, confidence is your most powerful accessory. When investigating the age-old question of what makes French women so “je ne sais quoi,” it can be boiled down to a cultural sense of self-assuredness.

The French girl look is all about embracing natural beauty and effortless style. By incorporating key elements such as minimalist makeup and classic wardrobe staples, you can channel your inner Parisian and achieve this timeless aesthetic.

Remember, the key is to keep it simple, embrace your unique features, and exude confidence in your own skin. With these tips and tricks, you can effortlessly embody the French girl look and feel chic and stylish every day.