The Style Olympics: France

French style is legendary. France has been at the heart of the fashion world for longer than some countries have been in existence, but the average French person’s style isn’t flashy or trendy. Instead, they invest in impeccable craftsmanship and choose pieces that fit their personal style and can be worn for years.

French stores have very few sales and the people often vote to restrict the expansion of discount retailers and big box stores, so shopping in France is still a highly specialized experience.  The palette is usually subdued and the silhouettes are classic and versatile, but the quality and beauty of each piece makes for a quietly confident look.

Websites I Love: Le Blog de Betty: Fun, sweet and whimsical Pandora: French boho chic at its finest – and beautiful photography as well Garance Dore: One of the most influential fashion blogs on the planet

A Little Light Reading: Madame Figaro: Art, life, culture and fashion Biba: A colorful, fun fashion and lifestyle magazine for a girl with a downtown edge

Great Shops: Promod: Work-friendly pieces that transition well from day to night Celio: This store stocks trendy gear for guys, but since things run small, I shop here for myself too. They make the best striped sweaters ever. Morgan de Toi: On-trend pieces that look much more expensive than they are. I love the Look Tendance feature, where you can shop by look. I want to buy everything! Etam: Clothing, shoes and accessories, with an emphasis on underthings. Pylones: Colorful gifts and home items that are as quirky as they are useful

Get The Look: Look for beautifully cut, well-made pieces in basic shapes. Invest in something classic that you’ll wear forever: a status bag, the perfect blazer or a great piece of jewelry. And a scarf adds a little flair to even the most basic outfit.

For more style from around the world, check out these entries from Great Britain, Spain and Japan for a little fashion inspiration.

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