french lesson

What is it about French women? Why do they always get it right?  It seems to me that French women stay loyal to their signature styles and stick to them--in the face of all the neons, pastels, and floral prints out there. Take for instance, the French Vogue editors, who trotted out to every fashion show, from Milan to New York to Paris, in slight variations of the same basic outfit: jeans, high heels, a button-down blouse with a big jacket (leather or puffy) or sweater. (See pics of French Vogue editors above and below.) Perhaps this is what makes their style so distinguishable--so unmistakably, enviably, effortlessly, alluringly chic. The one constant in many French women's wardrobe is the button down blouse. It's obviously a classic, and while it can come across as conservative, the French make it look anything but. Here are some Parisian-polished blouses to consider integrating into your wardrobe: a denim color-blocked (Isabel Marant-inspired) one from Asos, another from Sandro, (a French line that nails Gallic cool, which explains why I also LOVE this one by Sandro too), and a pinstriped classic from J. Crew. 

P.S. Take a cue from the French and wear the blouses unbuttoned, with the sleeves nonchalantly rolled up, half tucked in. 

Photos: Grazia