The Truth About These 11 French Fashion Clichés
Have you ever wondered if all those French fashion clichés are actually true?
Do French women roam Paris's streets in their Breton striped tops, trench coats, silk scarves, berets, and Chanel handbags? Or is this just one of those Paris stereotypes?
If you research the term "French-style clothing," you'll often be met with a list of must-have items that the writer swears all French women have in their five-piece French wardrobe.
So, how do you know what French women actually wear, and what's a French fashion cliché?
French women are renowned worldwide for their effortless, chic, and timeless style. And if you want to perfect French chic, you have to know the difference between a French fashion favorite and a cliché.
Here are 11 items we're reviewing to give you the lowdown on what to add to your wardrobe and what you can cross off from your list.
The beret
The beret is the number one French fashion cliché out there!
When you think of what French people wear, you might automatically envision them with a navy or red beret atop of their head.
Sorry to burst this bubble, but the truth is, most French women do not stroll around wearing a beret! You might see a beret on a trend-focused, stylish woman (if berets happen to be in that season) or on the head of an old man playing Pétanque.
Apart from that, this is an age-old French stereotype that simply isn't that common anymore.
The Breton striped top (marinière)
A Breton striped top is a classic white top with horizontal navy stripes, known as the marinière in France.
Coco Channel popularized the Breton top when she introduced the design in her nautical collection back in 1917. While it's true that most women will own at least one striped top, they're not as popular as you might think.
In fact, tourists tend to wear Breton tops while visiting France more than local French women do! Neutral tees and graphic tees are far more popular today than stripes.
If you're set on rocking a striped top, pair it with a block-colored blazer, a pair of straight-leg jeans, and some white sneakers for a smart-casual daytime look.
Ballerina flats
The French fashion cliché of ballerina flats was initially started by Brigitte Bardot in the '60s. Most French women will own at least one pair of ballerina flats in a neutral color that works with most other things in their wardrobe. However, they don't wear them all the time!
French women also love wearing white sneakers, loafers, slingbacks, and low block heels. It's all about comfort and style.
The silk scarf
The silk scarf is such a versatile item and can add a pop of color or pattern to any look. You'll see images of French women wearing them around their necks, tied on their bags, and also in their hair.
But is this a fashion staple for French women or just a cliché?
French women do wear silk scarves, and a lot of them will own at least one. But they tend to be reserved for special occasions and not worn for a day-to-day look.
Bold red lipstick & voluminous lashes
Do you imagine the streets of Paris filled with women with flawless skin, perfectly tousled hair, and rocking a bold red lip?
Some women will wear red lipstick as an everyday look, especially fashion-savvy women. But others will keep their daytime look a little more toned down and opt for a subtler pink lipstick instead. They'll save a bold red lip for special occasions like a girl's night out, a date, or a party. But every woman will own a classic red lipstick in their makeup collection.
Day or night, French women will always give their lashes a coat of mascara for more length and volume. Good makeup is key to achieving that timeless, French chic look.
The vintage cardigan
Do you imagine Parisian women wearing cute vintage cardigans in an array of colors?
While some women do like the look, many prefer to keep their look more classic. This means sticking to neutral colors and tones and more timeless cardigan shapes.
One thing to note with vintage cardigans is they can quickly make you look dowdy if not worn the right way. To avoid this, opt for a finer-knit cardigan for a modern, chic look perfect for fall and winter.
The Birkin basket bag
Yes, French women do love a basket bag, but they don't use it the way you might think they do!
You'll spot basket bags all around the streets of Paris, but they're usually popular for carrying groceries, running errands, shopping, or packing a picnic during the summer.
Americans have been seen wearing smaller basket styles as handbags, which you'll rarely find French women doing.
The trench coat
The trench coat truly is a French woman's fashion staple. Most women will own a good quality classic style in a neutral color.
Why?
Because the trench coat is the perfect piece of outerwear for that unpredictable French weather!
Plus, it's a great lightweight transition to take you from late summer into fall when it's too warm for a pepper winter coat. Traditional French clothing is all about being practical and chic at the same time.
Look for a trench coat in a neutral color like beige, light grey, or navy. And invest in a coat that is made well and will last you for many years—this is what French fashion is built on.
The floral wrap dress
Floral wrap dresses have become increasingly popular over the past few years and are often associated with French women. But are they a true fashion staple or a cliché?
During the spring/summer season, you will find many French women wearing wrap dresses. They're flattering for all figures, comfortable to wear, and can work well for holidays and weekends.
However, this is a very feminine look, and French women are notorious for mixing and matching feminine and masculine silhouettes. You might want to add a blazer or a pair of sneakers to keep this look fresh and modern.
The white button-down shirt
You'll always find the white button-down shirt making its way onto French fashion must-have lists!
But you won't find many French women wearing white shirts around the city. It tends to be kept for work and in business settings rather than day-to-day social life.
Although it might be a French fashion cliché, it's an incredibly versatile piece that can be dressed up or down and will never go out of style.
The Chanel bag
One of the biggest Paris stereotypes is that all French women own a black Chanel handbag which they never leave the house without.
While this might be all French women's dream handbag, not everyone can afford such a luxurious brand. If it's within your budget, it's a great, timeless piece to invest in that will make any outfit chic.
But there are so many great high street versions of the classic black leather handbag that will suit all budgets. Invest in a piece that is well made and looks expensive, but don't worry about the label. 
And that's the truth about French fashion clichés! The number one rule with French style is to keep things classic, timeless, and effortless. Stick to this, and you'll perfect that French girl style in no time.
If you have a friend or loved one who loves makeup, it only makes sense to buy them a makeup gift. The best gift is one that’ll be used, after all. When buying gifts for makeup lovers, you still have to put a bit of thought into your purchase. Some products, like foundations and concealers, require very precise color matching, so they can’t be bought on a whim. That’s why we’ve put together this gift guide with the best makeup products to give as gifts, whether for small occasions or for bigger celebrations. We’ve put together a range of beauty gift ideas, including simple crowd-pleasers and thoughtful bundles. With the help of our list, we know that your friend will love what you give her! Vivienne Sabó Mascara Mascara is a universal makeup gift that’s always appreciated. It’s an unskippable part of every makeup routine, but it’s also one of those products that have to be replaced frequently, so you know that your gift will serve its purpose. There is zero chance that it will sit in the makeup drawer unused! When choosing the best mascara for your friend, consider her tastes. Is she the kind of person who leads an active life and needs waterproof mascara? Maybe she likes a dramatic look, in which case our Provocation mascara will give her lashes instant volume. On the other hand, if she keeps things subtle but defined, the Cabaret Première is a classic choice that keeps the lashes full yet separated. You can even give her a mascara gift set with a few different options, so she can customize her look based on her needs for any specific day. Matte Constance Lipstick Lipstick is the kind of beauty gift that requires a bit more consideration, but it also means that it can be very thoughtful. If you just pick a color at random, chances are your gift may not land too well. However, if you make sure to select a lipstick that will suit your friend’s personality and aesthetic, nothing could make her happier. If she has a more natural, polished style, then a nude lipstick will work best, while if she’s a classic beauty with a fiery side, opt for a red. If you’re still not sure, check out our guide to the meaning behind different lipstick colors, which will surely point you in the right direction. Feutre Fin Eyeliner Like mascara, eyeliner is another staple that gets used up with some regularity and needs replacing fairly often. Whether liquid liner is one of your friend’s staple looks or it’s something she’s still working to perfect, the Vivienne Sabó Feutre Fin eyeliner is a wonderful makeup gift. It offers the precision that makeup lovers crave but it’s easy to use so even those new to makeup will quickly get the hang of it. Brow Arcade Eyebrow Pencil Eyebrow pencils might not be as glamorous as mascara or lipstick, but they’re still an important part of the makeup routine. For that very reason, the Brow Arcade certainly deserves a spot on our list of makeup gifts for her. We think it works best as a gift for a friend that is very pragmatic and doesn’t care about sentimentality as much. It’s a good makeup gift that she’ll be sure to use. Just make sure to select a shade that’s a touch lighter than her hair color but with the same undertone. Le Grand Volume Lip Gloss Lip gloss is perfect for days out with its fun and playful look, making it an excellent summertime gift! And if you have a younger friend or family member with a playful style or who’s a little newer to makeup, lip gloss makes for the best makeup gift. It doesn’t have the intensity or maturity of lipstick. Instead, it gives the lips a youthful sheen without much color, so it’s the kind of makeup product that parents will also approve of easily. Cabaret Première Mascara Primer What do you give to makeup lovers that seem to own everything already? We think the Cabaret Première primer is a great choice, especially for lash enthusiasts. A lash primer helps to build a base layer of length and volume, so the lashes look extra dramatic. Most importantly, it’s the one product your friend probably doesn’t have in her arsenal yet! Makeup gift bundle Individual items work well as “just because” gifts for makeup lovers. However, when there’s a special occasion and you need to impress, a large, customized makeup gift set can be a wonderful gift. The key to creating a gorgeous beauty bundle is to pair products that make sense together. For an eye-focus, put together a set of eyeliner, mascara, mascara primer, and maybe even an eyebrow pencil. For a lip set, give your dear friend lipstick, gloss, and lip liner. You can also customize a French beauty set with beloved staples, like red lipstick, a liquid eyeliner, and volumizing mascara. Make sure to package everything nicely, and even consider putting it all in a makeup bag, which will become another part of the gift. Makeup subscription A makeup subscription is one of the best makeup gifts we can think of, which is why we’ve saved it for last. It’s particularly useful if you’d like to give something to a friend who lives far away and that you don’t get to see often. Pick a product that you know is a staple for them, like mascara, eyeliner, or brow pencil. Then, set up a subscription where they can receive a new package every few months, depending on how often they go through the specific item. A subscription beauty gift will remind them of you periodically and cheer them up if they’re going through a hard time. That’s one of the reasons why we have this option available for all Vivienne Sabó products. L'art de faire un cadeau In France, l'art de faire un cadeau (the art of giving a gift) is cherished. The best gifts are personal and thoughtful. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to give something meaningful—you just need to consider the person to whom you’re giving a gift. For that friend who loves makeup, a thoughtful beauty gift is an easy choice that will show them that you know and love them.
This article is dedicated to women’s spring hats, and we’ve got some beautiful types of hats for you to try out this spring! Hats can be challenging to coordinate, but not when you know what you’re doing. By the end of this article, you’ll be a pro on the types and names of hats and ready to find the perfect one to add to your spring wardrobe. Whether you’re soaking up the sun in your garden, taking a sunset walk on the beach, spending a weekend on a yacht, or jetting off for a summer vacation, a stylish hat is a must. Not only will it complete your look, but it’ll also protect your skin from those damaging rays. No matter what your personal style is, we have a hat on this list to suit you. Here are our favorite springtime hats for women. Brimmed Classics To kick things off on our list of women’s spring hats, we’ve got brimmed classics. Think fedoras, boaters, and Panama styles. Anything with a classic, structured, brimmed silhouette. This shape is timeless and will instantly get you feeling like you’re on vacation! This is the perfect hat to invest in if you’re new to hats and looking for something simple yet elegant that will work with multiple outfits. How to Style It: A classic wide-brimmed hat can be paired with pretty much anything. If you’re heading on a trip somewhere and only have space for one hat, make it this one. It’ll look effortlessly chic paired with a white suit, a floral wrap dress, or even a pair of tailored Bermuda shorts. For a vacation look, pair with swimwear and coverups as you please, and some lace-up leather sandals or embellished mules. Throw on some oversized shades and a woven handbag on your shoulder, and you’re ready to go. The Bucket Hat The bucket hat is a super casual boho-style hat that has an inherently sporty and nostalgic vibe. But don’t let that put you off. High-end fashion houses like Dior and Prada have consistently shown that the bucket hat can be sexy and feminine for a perfect spring/summer look. You’ll find bucket styles in an array of fabrics, including raffia, satin, and embroidered styles. The key here is to keep things simple and minimal. How to Style It: To keep this look chic, stick to a neutral color palette when it comes to the rest of your outfit. And if you want to go all-out ‘90s throwback, add a choker necklace and some platform sandals. Think TLC in their “Waterfalls” video. Oversized Straw Hat If you’re looking for a springtime hat that makes a statement, opt for an oversized straw hat. You’ll likely have seen this accessory completing many looks of Instagram influencers as they pose by the pool or the beach. The brim is both dramatic, chic, and oh-so-glamorous. When it comes to the size of the brim, you can go as large as you please. Many will extend past your shoulders, providing welcomed extra protection from the sun. Choose a floppy or woven brim depending on the look you prefer. How to Style It: The oversized straw hat was made to accompany swimwear. Pair it with a classic black one-piece or high waist bikini, some designer sunnies, and one piece of your favorite gold jewelry. The Garden Hat The Garden hat can be found in many different shapes and sizes, with wide brims, taller crowns, scalloped edges, and divine neck-tie details. Perfect for lounging in your back yard on a sunny spring day. Go for a classic neutral color or a black/white version for a more modern look. How to Style It: This hat is perfect for creating a flirty, feminine look. Pair with your most fabulous floral dress or sarong. Add a pair of heeled sandals, and you’re ready for dinner and drinks in a flash! The Garden hat also lends itself well to city-style linen separates for a chic springtime outfit. The Baseball Cap Baseball caps don’t have to be kept for running and working out. They’re part of every model & influencer’s off-duty look, and we can see why. They’re easy to throw on, work particularly well if you’re having a bad hair day, and add a sporty vibe to any look. To elevate this look, opt for a designer version or a style that mixes fabrics or embroidery for extra detail. How to Style It: Baseball caps are so versatile. Wear them on a walk, at the beach, while running errands, or even for lounging in your garden. Pair with your favorite leggings or trainers for an extra sporty vibe. Grosgrain Band Panama Hat Meghan Markle is renowned for loving the Panama-style hat because it’s both stylish and functional. Not too big, but large enough that it shields you from the sun. Plus, it’s classic and elegant, and simple to throw on to complete your outfit. How to Style It: Pair with denim shorts or a printed jumpsuit for a chic summer look. Lamé Papier Hat This chic French straw hat is famous for having a black grosgrain ribbon around the brim and a metal bee detail on the side. It’s one of the trickier hat styles to pull-off, but nothing to be afraid of. How to Style It: There’s no better time to wear this hat than at a spring or summertime garden party. Pair with your favorite babydoll dress, a lightweight blazer loosely thrown around your shoulders, your favorite heeled sandals, and you have perfected this look! The Frayed Hat Our final hat on this list is the frayed hat. It has a lovely boho, artisanal feel that will add texture and detail to any look. Go for a floppy style for a laid-back beach look or a structured shape for a downtown vibe. You’ll find so many variations to choose from with different sizes, shapes, textures, and colors. If you’re looking to add just one hat to your wardrobe, choose something that will go with lots of outfits. How to Style It: The frayed hat is the perfect companion for any vacation. Wear it with a monochrome swimsuit, some gold sandals, and some delicate jewelry. Looking fabulous! Are you ready to add one of these hats to your spring wardrobe? Here comes the sun, and we can’t wait!
It looks as though face masks won’t be disappearing anytime soon thanks to Covid, which means applying lipstick falls a bit on our daily makeup list. When you’re wearing a mask, your eyes naturally take center stage. And since half of your face is covered, it’s important to make the most of what’s on show. Fashionable masks are great, but they don’t quite measure up to the magic of makeup. Whether you’re working from home, heading to the office, or taking care of those everyday tasks, you still want to look and feel your best. What better way to reclaim your beauty ritual than to have fun with your eye makeup when wearing a mask? Forget about putting makeup on under your mask — what you need is a killer look for your eyes. Here are our favorite eye makeup looks when wearing a mask. Voluminous lashes Take a minimalist approach to your eye makeup with voluminous lashes. Full, fluttery, and fabulous is the name of the game here. And the great news? You don’t need lash extensions or falsies to amp up the volume. Check out our instant volume mascara — definition and volume in just one coat! Add a few extra for even more drama, depending on the look you’re going for. Mask & match There’s a fun new mask makeup look trending right now that is all about matching your makeup to your mask. Pick a colorful, patterned mask of your choice, then experiment with creating an eye makeup look around it. For example, if you’re wearing a rainbow-colored mask, why not go for a rainbow-inspired eyeshadow theme? There are no rules here, apart from breaking them! A neutral smokey eye An all-out smokey eye might be a little too much for a daytime look. The next best thing? A neutral smokey eye! Use a natural eyeshadow 2-3 shades lighter than your skin tone that has a bit of a shimmer to it. Apply the eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes to brighten your eyes and contrast with your mask. This should work with most masks as they tend to be muted in color. Finish your look with some mascara for extra pop, and you’re good to go. Rose gold eyeliner Who says shimmer and sparkle are just for celebrations? Rose gold eyeliner is so on-trend right now and will add a dash of glamour and glitter to any look. There are plenty of options to choose from right now. Apply it as liberally as you like, and add some flicks to the outer edges of your eye for extra pizzazz. This mask makeup look is definitely one of our favorites! A pop of pastel If you’re a fan of playing with color and looking for something to brighten up your face, try a wash of color on your lids. All colors work with this look, but pastels are oh-so-pretty — especially during spring/summer. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal, and allow your eyes to steal the show. If you’re not sure what color to go for, blue is a safe bet for all skin tones. Use one solid color, a shimmery shadow, or add some depth at the crease line with a darker shade. Cat eye When you’re wearing a mask, people’s eyes will be drawn to the center of your face. A sassy cat eye is the perfect detail to draw that attention outward and create a sexy, striking look. Have fun with your cat eye and experiment with colors and patterns. Keep it as subtle or dramatic as you like. Periwinkle flicks Without a doubt, eye makeup when wearing a mask is a must to prevent your face from totally disappearing! But if you’re not used to braving bold eye makeup looks, a dash of colored eyeliner is a great way to ease yourself in. Don’t worry, lipstick will be back in play soon enough! But until then, why not experiment with color around your eyes? Match your eyeliner to your mask, or clash on purpose. This mask makeup look is guaranteed to play up your eyes in a big way. Metallic magic If you want to take the rose gold eyeliner look to the next level, how about an all-out metallic eye? This makeup look is super feminine, sexy, and flattering. It’ll give your eyes that extra boost and help them pop against your mask while highlighting their natural, gorgeous shape. Just sweep it lightly across your upper lids. Add some classic French mascara for volume, and voila! Winged eyeliner Sometimes all you need is your favorite eyeliner to create a killer eye makeup statement. The winged eyeliner look is classic and flirty. It will flatter the natural shape of your eyes without any need for eyeshadow. Magic, right? You’ll be ready to leave the house in five minutes! Perfect for those days when you’re short on time, or you snooze your alarm. If you have a shaky hand, try using a template or using a dot-to-dot method to keep your eyeliner symmetrical. Sunset shadow There’s another popular eye makeup mask trend all over social media right now known as “sunset” shadow. This is all you need to jazz up a plain old mask and bring some color and adventure into your life! Pick a handful of different sunset colors, like oranges, pinks, purples, blues, yellows, golds, etc. Start with one color as a base on the lids, then layer on top to create that stunning sunset vibe. Play around with different colors and arrangements. This look will be slightly different every time, and that’s the beauty of it. And that’s how to wear makeup with a face mask! Just because you have to wear a mask, it doesn’t mean your makeup game has to take a hit. Give these eye makeup looks a try and watch as they transform your face.
