What's the Deal with "French Chic"?
Fresh off my recent trip to Paris, I share my observations on the American fascination with French style—and why I don’t believe “French chic” is a defined style—but rather how environment, outlooks, history, and habits are manifested through a collective population’s style and presence.
We’re selling ourselves and other populations short by trying to pigeonhole styles into a narrowly defined, caricatured definition.
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Full Transcript:
Welcome to "Where Who You Are," a podcast that takes the fear out of fashion and creates a safe space for everyone to explore how to connect their authenticity with their personal style. I'm your host, Natalie Tincher, founder of BU Style, an expert style strategist, and your enthusiastic friend in this supportive environment. I firmly believe that every person has a unique style that deserves recognition. With over a decade of experience working with hundreds of personal clients, I've learned valuable insights on helping others adopt a healthy and holistic approach to building a wardrobe that truly reflects who they are. So, pull up a seat, and let's get started.
Hello, and thank you for joining us for another "Where Who You Are Wednesday." As I mentioned in a previous episode, I recently spent some time in Europe, with Paris being one of my stops.
Today, I want to share my observations of French fashion and what I carefully noticed during my travels, meeting various brands and people. I managed to pack for my entire 10-day trip in just one carry-on. I prefer not to trust airlines with my luggage when it's avoidable. Many people have been interested in packing lighter after experiencing airline baggage loss, especially last summer. So, I recommend thoughtful packing and planning for trips instead of buying new items just for a specific journey. Understanding your wardrobe and integrating new pieces strategically is the key.
When it comes to packing, start with choosing two to three pairs of shoes wisely—one for the day and one for the evening—ensuring your outfits build around them. No last-minute throw-ins that would require a larger suitcase. For more details on my packing tips, check out my website resources page at www.bustyle. You can also find it in today's episode notes.
Now, let's delve into my observations on French fashion during my time in Paris.
Observation One: The French aren't big on overconsumption. Despite some of the world's most prestigious fashion houses originating in France, the data shows that the French don't necessarily represent the largest consumer market for these brands. In comparison, the United States and China have much larger apparel and footwear markets. Americans, on average, purchase 53 apparel items per year, spending close to $1,000 annually on clothing. In contrast, the French spend an average of 430 euros annually, which is less than $500 in conversion. This cultural difference contributes to their approach to fashion.
Observation Two: Parisians buy less but wear and re-wear their pieces. I noticed that in Paris, people weren't clad in shiny new head-to-toe outfits. They seemed to prefer mixing and matching their existing wardrobe items creatively. By wearing their clothes longer and in different ways, they build a natural relationship with their wardrobe. This familiarity helps them effortlessly put together outfits without overthinking.
Observation Three: French people don't rely on external compliments. Compliments aren't a common occurrence in French culture, which means the French develop internal acceptance and confidence regarding their style choices. Unlike in the United States, where compliments are more common, this self-reliance fosters a unique relationship with one's wardrobe, with less emphasis on constantly chasing trends or seeking validation through external feedback.
Observation Four: Wardrobe choices align with the environment. I noticed that Parisians dress to align with the environment they're in rather than dressing to shout out their individuality. They adapt their style to suit the setting and occasion, maintaining a sense of classic polished style.
Observation Five: French chic isn't a specific style. Like people from any culture, the French have individual styles influenced by their cultural attitudes and surroundings. While some may think of "French chic" as a defined style, it's actually a representation of their intentional approach to fashion, pleasure, and connection with the world around them.
In conclusion, I encourage you to embrace your personal style and develop a deeper connection with your wardrobe, much like the French. By understanding your clothing preferences and creating outfits that align with your personality, you can achieve an effortless and confident style that truly represents who you are. Remember, it's not about emulating another culture's style, but about embracing your own unique identity. Have a great week, and I'll see you next time on "Where Who You Are," wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thank you again, and take care!
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