How to Dress with French Style Over 50 in 2024

I love the way the women in France dress. They always look so put together, classic, and elegant even in a casual environment. My wardrobe was getting frumpy so I wanted to upgrade my look by adapting some of the French style rules I learned from Parisian fashion mavens.

Most of the clothing in my closet was randomly chosen. There were old blouses that no longer fit, leggings, oddball tee shirts, wild Boho tunics, and even clothes I inherited from my mother. She was a fashionista, but they didn’t fit well and weren’t my style.

Another thing I love about the French Style is that it is timeless and always fashionable despite current trends. And just a note! Emily in Paris is a horrid example of how to dress like a French woman. Emily is dressed in wild colors, mixed patterns, and bizarre accessories that are more embarrassing and clownlike than chic. She is cute and can pull it off, but most French women online have been laughing at her.

The only good example of French style on the show is the character of Sylvie, who plays Emily’s boss and is French in real life. Her wardrobe is stunning, classic, and subtle but still sexy. Most French women dress in classic style, do not go to extremes, wear neutral tones, and know how to emphasize their best assets.

Start with a capsule wardrobe

You don’t have to have a huge closet full of clothes to dress in the French style. All you need is a selection of interchangeable and matched items to create what is known as a capsule wardrobe. That is when your pants go well with your tops and can be harmoniously layered with your sweaters or blazers. Pops of your favorite colors can be added to shoes and accessories. You can have the tiniest closet and still look well-dressed and chic.

Start with a neutral color palette

Neutral colors are your friend and should be the foundation of your wardrobe. Choose neutral colors that look best with your complexion, hair, and personality. Basic neutrals include black, white, cream, tan, navy, gray, taupe, and brown.

This Ralph Lauren jersey dress is the epitome of French Style. It’s available at Macy’s in Black and Navy.

A jumpsuit is slimming and sleek. It can be layered with a blazer or cardigan. This travel jumpsuit by Karen Kane is comfortable and flattering.

French style may include the following clothing pieces:

• Pants – Find mid-rise or high-rise neutral-toned trousers that fit your body shape. I am an apple shape so a high-rise looks best on me because it gives me tummy control.
• Cotton, linen, or silk blouses. – Look for natural fabrics as they are the chicest. Choose necklines that suit you. If you are busty, you may look better in a v-neck or scoop neck, rather than a crew neck.
• Dark jeans – French women avoid jeans that are ripped or faded. Dark colors are more slimming. The most attractive cuts are straight-leg, boot-cut, or flared.
• Cotton or silk tee shirts – Purchase high-quality tee shirts without images or logos. The exception might be a tee shirt with a vintage rock band logo or an artsy print as long as it is not overwhelming.
• Stripe Breton shirts. – A Breton is a classic sailor-style horizontal striped shirt. However, if you have a large bust or belly go for vertical stripes instead.
• Silk camisole top. – A cami with a little lace always looks feminine and sexy and can be worn by itself or layered with a cardigan or blazer.
• Tailored blazer – Classic black is a popular blazer color but you can also wear other colors or patterns you love like plaids or herringbone. If you have a large chest stay away from double-breasted blazers and go for single-breasted or no-button instead.
• Trench coat – Find a classic trench in camel or black as they are timeless and quintessentially French.
• Cardigan or pullover sweaters – Look for high quality in cashmere or wool.
• Leather jacket – A cool leather or vegan leather jacket will give you an edgy look and will always look sharp.
• Denim jackets – Denim is popular in France but avoid ripped or distressed jackets.
• Knee-length pencil or A-line skirt – A slimming skirt is figure-flattering. Look for one in an all-natural fabric including leather or denim.
• Knee-length shift or slip dress – A simple dress in a flattering color can be worn day or evening and layered. Layer a denim jacket during the day, or an elegant silk jacket or kimono in the evening. Avoid shapeless dresses. Add a belt or short jacket to give yourself a little curve.
• Structured handbag – Find a bag proportional to your height without a designer name stamped on it. French women disdain flaunting wealth so you do not have to spend a fortune on a handbag as long as it has a classic style.
• Simple gold or silver chains – French women prefer delicate medallions, pearls, analog watches, and small earrings as opposed to bold and overwhelming jewelry pieces.

Colorful accessories add excitement to basic neutral clothing pieces. However, wear no more than 3 colors at a time.

Lose your leggings and mom jeans. They make you stand out as a tourist.

It doesn’t get any more French or classic than this Amalfi Silk Striped Shirt by Lilysilk.

Shoes should be stylish but also practical

French women are often portrayed in 6-inch Louboutins but real French women prefer practical shoes. That’s because they do lots of walking on cobblestones in France. Comfortable shoes should be a priority if you are over 50. A French woman’s wardrobe will almost always include:

• White, tan, or black sneakers – If your shoes match the color of your pants your legs will look longer. Skin-toned shoes are also great for elongating your legs.
• Loafers – Most loafers are easy to walk in. Avoid styles that look granny-like or are too clunky.
• Ballet slippers – think Audrey Hepburn.
• Ankle boots or knee-length boots always look sharp.
• Medium to low heels. Why take a chance of falling?

A good pair of elegant boots is tres chic. These mid-calf faux leather boots are a comfortable height and gorgeous!

What about colors and prints?

French style wardrobe doesn’t mean you have to look film noir. Not everyone looks good in black, gray, or white. Choose one or two of your favorite colors to give yourself some sparkle. You may want to wear navy instead of black as it is flattering on everyone.

Print summer dresses are popular in France and are lovely. However, French women tend to stick with small prints that are geometric, floral, gingham, or polka dot rather than large, bold prints. Petite or plus-size women should avoid large prints which can be overwhelming or make them look larger. Tall and thin women can often pull off large prints.

Quality over quantity

French style is all about quality and attention to detail. French women will spend money on high-quality and well-made clothing that will last for years. Many keep clothing pieces for decades but diligently take care of them.

They also purchase clothes in natural fabrics like linen, silk, and wool rather than man-made items made of polyester or spandex. You can find stunning and affordable pieces in thrift shops, especially if you are shopping in an affluent area. I’ve bought some amazing thrift shop items that were never worn.

Start with your undergarments

Have you ever had someone measure you for a bra? I’m not talking about getting fitted by a newbie at a department store. Experts who know how to fit undergarments can make a huge difference in how you look in your clothes. Wearing quality underwear may even eliminate the need to wear uncomfortable shapewear.

Makeup is minimal

French women embrace their age and don’t try to hide it with too much makeup. They keep it at a minimum. You won’t see them wearing heavy foundations with powder or dark smoky eye colors. They may wear a light foundation or BB cream, bronzer or light cheek color, mascara, possibly a thin line of eye pencil on the upper lid, a light sweep of eyebrow pencil, and lipstick. Although bright red lipstick is popular in France, especially in the evening, nude or subtle tints are the most common.

My favorite French fashion YouTubers are:

Marie Anne Lecoeur, Frederique Bros, and Justine LeConte.

Below are some examples of chic French style

Shoes and Accessories may include:

Are you ready to add a little French style to your life? Please leave a comment below.