If you've ever been to France, chances are you made an observation that the French dress quite differently than Americans do. It's not what they're wearing per se -- it seems like sneakers and pink coats are popular everywhere these days -- but how they're wearing the trends.
The French might say it all comes down to a certain indefinable je ne sais quoi. But stare long and hard enough at photos of French women compared to their U.S. counterparts, and you'll realize there are key differences that set France's femmes apart -- and rules we American women can steal.
French women follow Chanel's rule: "Before you leave the house, take a look in the mirror and take one thing off."
Pink Coats: Mia Marionette (Paris) and Lisa Dengler (New York)
French women go sleek with clean lines and streamlined silhouettes. Americans are cool with cuffed shorts and rumpled denim.
Stripes: J'aime tout chez toi Girl (Paris) and Veronica P (Pennsylvania)
French women favor understated makeup that doesn't shout for attention -- even when it comes to red lipstick.
Red Lipstick: Leeloo P and Jackie Gasc
Even when French women choose to wear sneakers, they pick quiet, subtle colors.
White Sneakers: Adenorah M. (Paris) and Hallie S. (California)
All black is France’s specialty: French women play with texture like nobody’s business, while American women pick a focal point.
When a French woman wears fur, it's the loudest part of her outfit. Americans are keen on pairing big furry jackets with, say, ombre tights and sky-high boots.
Fur Coats: Clara Borde (Paris) and Rachel-Marie Iwanyszyn (New York)
French women don't feel the need to flaunt it.
Crop Tops: O.Sarah Mills (Paris) and Bethany Struble (California)
French wear prints in the most low-key ways... while Americans are brave enough to power clash.
Plaid: Jane S. (Paris) and Kendall C. (California)
Subtle sexiness is the name of the game in France... while Americans aren't afraid to be overtly sexy.
Leather Pants: Lydia Marceau (Paris) and Jennifer Grace (California)
French women aren't into flashy accessories -- neutrals reign supreme.
Trench Coats: Jessica D (Paris) and Annabelle Fleur (California)
French blend their bold accessories in, while big necklaces and aggressive graphics are how we roll in America.
Statement Necklace: Anna Gotsyk (Bordeaux) and Diana Pereira (Los Angeles)
French women just get it:
French Style Icons
Some images have been removed for licensing reasons.