La Beauté: The Allure of Classic Parisian Style

Every time I go to Paris, I’m inspired anew. I look at the women with their ruby red lips, their studiously disheveled hair, their outfits that — really – aren’t that exceptional, and yet still scream “cool” because of the way they hang on their frames just so. Or because of the attitude with which they’re worn – and I think: I can do that!

French women make beauty look easy. They’re not all made up, hair sprayed, injected and contoured to perfection. Their nails don’t match their lips. Their shoes don’t match their bags. They’re not overly highlighted, bronzed, or perfected. And yet they’re beautiful.

It all starts with attitude

My friends who date French women assure me they have the same insecurities as anyone else. But you’d never know it looking at them. French women seemingly ooze sex appeal. In the way they walk, the way they talk, and the way they hold their wine glasses. They feel beautiful and it radiates outwards, causing others to look at and admire them which, in turn, makes them feel beautiful—a brilliant cycle if there ever was one.

French Women celebrate their femininity

Rather than dramatic statements, the style is often softer and subtle. There’s an ease to it — skirts, movement, textures — an emphasis on feeling comfortable in their skin.

They’re good with details

French women are famous devotees of beautiful lingerie and expensive perfume. But they’ve got other props up their sleeves, too. Small accessories and personal objects that draw attention to themselves and invite others to look at them. And when people are looking at them, they are sure to look good.

They know how to dress

As Coco Chanel said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”

Clothing matters just as much as hair and makeup when it comes to beauty. French women know this. It’s not just what they wear, but how they wear it. If they wear tight jeans, they offset them with loose blouses. If they wear short skirts, they won’t also give away a lot of cleavage. It’s all about subtlety; French women know there’s nothing more alluring than the power of suggestion.

They like to flirt

The image of a seductive French woman winking at my friend in a crowded bar is forever etched in my mind. If I had done it, it would have been awkward. But the way she delivered that wink—with a blush, a smile, a quick look down and then back up. French women can flirt effortlessly. And that gives them a confidence that is irresistible.

They don’t strive for perfection

Freckles, scars, messy hair—all the things so many of us try to tame and combat are celebrated by French women. They know how to make a freckle or scar sexy (call attention to it! make it a conversation piece!). Imperfect teeth don’t stop them from smiling. Messy hair looks sexy when it’s tossed up confidently. Rather than trying too hard to be perfect French women of just reveling in themselves, their beauty, and what they have to offer.