French chic……..can you create it?

My sil, British but born in warmer climes, is 'plump' but definitely got it. In her 80s, she still turns heads and commands respect.

RichmondPark1

Slightly off piste, but in a similar vein, I have just finished rereading a book called Bella Figura by Kamin Mohammadi. It's a wonderful insight into how Italian women live simply, look so wonderful and make the most of every moment of every day. Lots of recipes and good advice all beautifully woven through the diary of a year in Florence.

Thanks for that info. I'm off to have alook. I love all things Italian!

Fleurpepper

You just can't buy it- it is passed down from generation- you got it, or you haven't. Most French women do not have it btw.

I think it's innate, too.
I don't have it, my cousin did.

And I agree, not all French women have it, many are comfortably plump and not at all chic.

Fleurpepper
Thank you for putting that up. Very true. There are many areas in Paris where they are not all so chic.

I prefer the Brighton hippy look, or ageing rock chick - easier to achieve ?

Slightly off piste, but in a similar vein, I have just finished rereading a book called Bella Figura by Kamin Mohammadi. It's a wonderful insight into how Italian women live simply, look so wonderful and make the most of every moment of every day. Lots of recipes and good advice all beautifully woven through the diary of a year in Florence.

I do wonder if having money (a good disposable income) adds to the ‘je ne sais pas’? A somewhat carefree attitude to the cost of things in life. I think money gives a person extra confidence and it shows, in my opinion.

Ps I haven’t got much!
Never mind, I’m never envious as my riches in life lie elsewhere and I’m genuinely grateful for them.
?

Ha ha. Undoubtedly true of the posh bits, but not rural France. I do notice nice clothes when I go to Spain or Italy, but I find everyday clothes here very dull. There still seems to be a lot of crimplene type fabrics, too many patterns in bizarre colours and an overall fussiness to the design. I would happily buy clothes in Sainsbury's but if I buy them in supermarkets here they shrink, go out of shape or have holes after a few washes.
?

You just can't buy it- it is passed down from generation- you got it, or you haven't. Most French women do not have it btw.

Sadly I think I’ve been too greedy over the years so ‘chic’ will have to pass me by. I do try to dress well, apply make up (well, plenty of mascara and a pop of geranium colour lippy in this heat!) and my fuschia sandals set off my pedicure. I like colour!

I think ‘chic’ is more about ‘understatement’ really as in clothes cut from beautiful fabrics, short manicured nails, not much jewellery (but maybe expensive), a light tan only - a healthy sun kissed ‘glow’ rather than mahogany wrinkled skin and an expensive coiffure. Large sunglasses for a bit of ‘chic mystery’, a silk scarf (natch darling) and a leather handbag would complete ‘the look’ I think.

Hmm. I must try harder....
?

It is partly the clothes. A french friend appeared on one of the hottest days recently wearing a loosely fitting, understated patterned dress and a sun hat, neither overpowering but just right, not overly expensive but purchased in Paris, where her son lives. We were all wearing creased linen.
Effortlessly chic.

Born and brought up with it but I have to say mostly those with a decent income !

It’s things like good quality, a really good dark navy, less is more etc

A good figure due to good home diet

I hope this thread continues.
I once bought a book by Inès Frèsange on how to look chic. I'm still trying!!
There are lots of YouTube videos on this. (I have watched many! ?)

PS, Sago, I misread your post and thought you were in Peru, not Pau! ?

Sago this thread is just up my street and I am sure will be of interest to other GNs.
I've ate, drank (lots!), slept (loved) like a French lady but never achieved that certain look you speak of.
Maybe it's my British shape, my fair colouring, my deportment? I'm off to give this thought and look forward to a lovely thread.