6 Items Every French Woman Over 40 Owns
Want to know one thing stylish French women over 40 have in common? Seriously fine-tuned wardrobes that can teach all of us some lessons about how to curate closets brimming with chic pieces. In fact, many of them have the same go-to items that are the building blocks of a cool Parisian wardrobe, or non-Parisian wardrobe for that matter.
I started to notice these similarities when looking through some photos. It occurred to me that, ah yes, the endlessly stylish Charlotte Gainsbourg and Catherine Deneuve both own glossy black jackets. My observations continued when I spotted both Carla Bruni and Vanessa Paradis in perfectly tailored tweed jackets. And it doesn’t end there. Go on to see the six pieces every stylish French woman over 40 owns, and then shop the pieces for yourself if you find their outfits as inspiring as I do.
GLOSSY JACKETS
Sleek and refined, black jackets with a glossy finish are plucked straight from the 1967 French film Belle de Jour. It's no surprise, then, that iconic actress Catherine Deneuve is still wearing the piece, as well as her contemporaries.
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Catherine Deneuve
BOXY BLAZERS
Another outerwear staple that's a must among French women? Oversize, boxy blazers that look like they could have been borrowed from the men's department.
Emmanuelle Alt
Isabelle Huppert
STRAPPY SANDALS
There may not be a more timeless or elegant shoe than the strappy heel—a style secret that French women over 40 are clued into.
Laetitia Casta
Aïssa Maïga
TWEED JACKETS
Perhaps one of the most recognizable pieces from French fashion is the tweed jacket. It instantly elevates a basic top and jeans, as is the case with outfits we've spotted on Carla Bruni and Vanessa Paradis.
Carla Bruni
Vanessa Paradis
WOOL OVERCOATS
French women over 40 clearly know how to dress for the elements in a chic way. The piece they all own? A tailored wool overcoat to layer on top of pants or dresses.
Caroline de Maigret
Juliette Binoche
ANKLE BOOTS
The French are known for their penchant for ankle boots, and the way these women style the footwear makes us think it's a practical necessity for city life.
Marion Cotillard
Inès de la Fressange
Next, see the 13 fashion brands I wear on repeat.
This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
Until It's Warm Enough for Summery White Dresses, This Right-Now Alt Will Be Your Chic Best Friend
The perfect way to ease into cotton and linen.
By Eliza Huber
-
Kate Hudson Talks Rom-Com Beauty, Moon Rituals, and the Good Hair Day Products She Swears By
The actress has partnered with Joico as its first-ever global spokesperson.
By Marie Lodi
-
If a Chic Parisian Shopped the New Nordstrom Spring Sale, These 31 Elevated Items Would Be Their Favorites
Easy and elegant pieces.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
5 Chic Outfits From Parisians and New Yorkers That Are On-Trend for Spring
Next-level looks.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
This French Style Muse Just Effortlessly Pulled Off 4 of the Season's Biggest Trends in One Look
Cool-girl vibes.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
30 Chic Zara Items You'd See in a Parisian's Closet
Effortless staples.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
If a French Woman Shopped the Gap and Banana Republic Sales, These 30 Chic Picks Would Catch Her Eye
Oui, merci!
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Jamie Mizrahi's World: The Celeb Stylist's Favorite Red Carpet Look, Most Worth-It Shoe, and Album She Listens to on Repeat
A modern-day style expert.
By Allyson Payer
-
It's Official: French Women Love This Boot Style for Spring
Here's how they are styling it.
By Michelle Scanga
-
It's Confirmed: French, Scandi, and Italian Women Wear This One Color to Look Rich
Move over, beige.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman