The REAL reason French women look impossibly chic

HOW is it that Parisian women seem to be able to throw an outfit together and get it right every single time?

It’s a question top personal stylist and Paris-based fashion blogger Alois Guinut, who studied at the French Institute of Fashion, has been asked again and again by her clients.

Alois says the answer is very simple: Parisian women stick to strict style recipes (she doesn’t like to think of them as rules) governing colour, print, silhouette, fabrics and accessories.

The good news, says Alois, is that anyone can learn the secrets and, rather like developing a personal culinary repertoire, adapt them as they go along.

First of all, there are seven key qualities that define Parisian style: la nonchalance (the ‘I-woke-up-like-this’ effect); l’élégance (well, elegance); la discretion (effortless understatement); la sensualité (sensuality); le plaisir (fun); la singularité (individuality) and la rébellion (breaking the rules). If you asked a Parisian woman, she would say she doesn’t care too much about these style recipes, she is a free spirit.

Truth is, the rules may be so ingrained in her DNA that she doesn’t realise she is following them.

Even if it is full of dos and don’ts, French style always contains a hint of wit and playfulness. Oui to a funky print,

a scarf in the hair, or a vintage brooch. ‘Be light-hearted and don’t overthink it’ would be her everyday dressing mantra — if she were to have one.

Follow this guide and you’ll discover that achieving an everyday Parisian style really is pretty easy.

The effort is made when you’re actually buying the clothes — this is where you need to invest the time to find items that are ideal for you.

Then you simply throw on some perfect basics, stunning accessories and an optional statement piece, don’t overdo your hair, apply bold lipstick and, voilà!