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Confidence is the key to chic style – no matter where you live or what your body shape may be. If you own your style and embrace how it makes you feel, it will make a world of difference when you step out of the house. French women truly own their personal style, and it’s why they don’t need to pay too much attention to fleeting trends or fads. They embrace a classic look that makes them feel their best. If you want to learn more about how they find confidence in their daily French plus size outfits, read on for 9 tips about how to dress like a French woman for figure-loving style.
1. Prioritize quality over quantity
When it comes to plus-size pieces, French women know that quality is especially important when it comes to their wardrobe. That’s because, unfortunately, some pieces labeled as “plus-size” are not constructed with the best fit in mind for your proportions. Of course, no one piece of clothing is going to work for everyone, but higher-quality items will tend to fit your body better.
It’s not always about price either when it comes to quality! Pay attention to the labels when you’re shopping to look for high percentages of good materials like wool, suede, cotton, linen, etc. These pieces will not only tend to feel better on your skin, but they’ll also tend to last longer over time – so they’re worth paying a little more for upfront.
2. Don’t overdo patterns or color
A pop of color is all you need when it comes to French plus-size outfits. Sticking to a mostly neutral color palette ensures that you can invest in versatile pieces that are easy to mix and match. However, a pop of color is how you can instantly insert your own personality into your look! French women love a pop of color when it comes to their coats, socks, shoes, and sweaters.
The key to preventing color from being too overwhelming is to limit yourself to one, or maybe two, bright tones. Keep the rest of your look neutral, and the highlight of color will really be able to shine. That way, the rest of your outfit doesn’t look like it’s too busy or overwhelming your frame.
3. Try out a tonal look
Tonal looks are a great solution if you want to put together a slimming outfit. French women love monochromatic dressing because it instantly makes them look put together. Choosing coordinating pieces makes getting dressed easy, but it also makes it appear like you put more thought into your ensemble than you actually did!
Add interest to your monochromatic looks by playing around with shape and texture. For instance, take inspiration from the French girl above by pairing a satin midi skirt with an oversized sweater in a similar shade. This gives you a clean, flattering look without being boring. Bonus points: add a pair of pointed-toe boots and tuck in your sweater for an extra slimming look.
4. Have fun with texture
French women love to play around with texture when it comes to creating chic looks. Not only does texture add interest, but it’s also a great way to add structure to your outfit. Structured pieces help to fit your natural body shape in a flattering way, whereas shapeless pieces can look messy if not styled correctly. The goal is usually to find a balance between the two!
Denim is the perfect example of a structured texture. If you’re feeling daring, try to go for an all-denim look. You can play around with tones, and mix and match them. The look above features an a-line denim midi skirt, a denim shirt, and pearl-studded ballet flats. The combination of different textures not only fits her shape nicely, but it creates a more elevated look with the addition of structure. The neck scarf is the perfect Parisian detail and a great way to add a pop of color to your French plus-size outfits.
5. Add a belt
Instantly upgrade your look by adding a belt! A belt can do so much for your outfit – don’t limit yourself to just the belt loops on your jeans. Try styling a belt around your natural waistline to draw attention to the narrowest part of your feature for a flattering look.
Belts can also help to add structure to pieces that lack shape. For instance, a belt can help to make an oversized blazer and skirt look tailored and professional. You could use the same method on an oversized coat, sweater, etc. The goal is to create shape, and a belt is one of the fastest (and least expensive) ways to do this without a professional tailor.
6. Reach for midi-length pieces
Midi-length skirts and dresses are very popular when it comes to French plus-size outfits. French women love a midi length for its practicality, versatility, and flattering effect. To start, let’s talk about practicality. If you’re out and about all day or going into the office, you don’t want to worry about constantly pulling your dress or skirt down. Midi lengths are appropriate for both work and weekend wear and are ideal for any season.
Next, versatility. As I just mentioned, it’s easy to dress midi-length pieces up or down depending on the occasion. Add a pair of sneakers or boots for a more casual look, or reach for your favorite heels when the occasion calls for it.
Finally, the flattering effect. Midi-length pieces hit at one of the narrowest parts of your body, above your ankle. This creates a clean, vertical line going up and down from your waist to your shoes. However, make sure that the dress is long enough that it doesn’t hit you at the widest part of your calf! Measuring the in-seam will help with this.
Then, add a pair of pointed-toe shoes to keep that slimming line going. If you’re adding boots to your look, make sure that there’s no gap between the top of your shoe and the hem of your skirt or dress. If there is, consider adding a pair of tights that is darker than your natural skin tone.
7. Don’t forget to accessorize
Don’t underestimate the power of accessories to really elevate your French-inspired look! Accessories can make or break your outfit. They have the power to detract from the look you spent so much time carefully assembling. Or, they have the power to take your look to a whole new level of chic.
If you’re going for an elegant, elevated look, consider matching your accessories when it comes to color. A suede pair of flats, a woven leather bag, and a classic belt around the waist all in the same color give you a cohesive look. When your look is lacking texture, you can also use your accessories to add interest – suede, woven bags, leather belts, etc. are all great examples of this fashion philosophy. Plus, they’re also a great way to try out new styles in low doses.
skirt | sweater | bag | blazer | belt | shoes
8. Layer with care
Intentional layering is important. If you’re just throwing piece after piece on top of each other, you can add width to your look without meaning to. Plus, that can tend to look disorganized, and a bit chaotic. The clothes start to wear you, instead of the other way around!
If you do want to create a layered look, follow the French girl motto. Don’t stack two thick items on top of each other – choose one, and pair it with a slim-fitting piece instead, or one with thinner material. This will ensure that you don’t add unnecessary bulk to your great outfit.
9. Tuck in your tops
Last, but not least – there’s a pattern that can be found in many of the looks shown above! Did you spot it? If you guessed “a tucked-in top”, you’re correct! Although French women certainly aren’t afraid to experiment with oversized pieces, they know that the key to creating a flattering look with their French plus-size outfits is to highlight their natural waist.
An easy (and free) way to do this? Tuck in your shirt or sweater. You can tuck it in all the way, try a French tuck (tucked in only in the front), or play around with tucking the button-side in if you’re working with a cardigan or button-down shirt. This styling technique ensures that an oversized piece doesn’t overwhelm your frame. Plus, it allows you to show off other details of your look, like a belt!
jeans | sweater | necklace | shoes
How to Get the French Look
Getting the French look doesn’t have to be expensive – or hard! In fact, it might actually save you money. These little tips and tricks will ensure that you can make an outfit work for you, instead of relying on the clothes alone to boost your confidence. Pay attention to quality over quantity when you’re shopping, and you’ll be sure to find pieces that flatter you in all the right places (and also flatter your wallet). Let chic French women be your guide!
Are you ready to start putting these lessons into action? We’ll give you a head start. Up Next: 16 Chic Plus Size Outfits You’ll Want to Wear ASAP
