Returning from a recent holiday in France, I've found myself inspired in more ways than one. Beyond the picturesque landscapes and delectable cuisine and wine, what truly caught my eye was the effortless elegance of French fashion. Both men and women in France seem to possess an innate sense of style that is simple, yet sophisticated and completely timeless and ageless — a refreshing contrast to the often chaotic mix of trends we see elsewhere. (Photos in the rows, as you might guess, were clandestinely taken by myself)
The Beauty of Simplicity
One of the first things I noticed was how French men and women adhere to a style that is minimalistic yet striking. They embrace simplicity, opting for classic, clean lines and high-quality fabrics. There’s an almost tangible appreciation for the “less is more” philosophy. Patterns, when present, are subtle and used sparingly. Instead, the French wardrobe relies heavily on solid colors—particularly in hues of blue, navy, white, beige, and soft pastels. These colors dominate the streets, exuding a calm, cohesive aesthetic that’s both timeless and modern.
What struck me most was the scarcity of bright pinks or overly bold patterns. The fashion I observed was understated, yet it made a statement through its elegance and intentionality. The outfits weren’t loud, they did not want to be noticed, but they spoke volumes about the wearer's confidence and appreciation for refined simplicity. This is the essence of WEARWITH Cashmere and our founding philosophy, that the wearer feels great about the Cashmere they are wearing, they know it elevates their style, yet no one will notice the piece, their overall look will say refined, classic and understated. The WEARWITH customer does not look for attention, they are confident with their style choice.
The Subtle Art of French Dressing
I loved how many of the women I observed paired flowing skirts or high-waisted trousers with simple tops or cashmere jumpers. The occasional pop of color came through in accessories—a chic scarf, a statement bag—but never in a way that overwhelmed the outfit.
Interestingly, I also noticed how much the French avoid synthetic materials. Polyester and other synthetic fabrics were rare. Instead, the focus was on natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, wool and cashmere. This choice not only aligns with their minimalist aesthetic but also speaks to their preference for comfort and sustainability, they invest in long lasting pieces and not always very expensive, just well chosen natural fabrics.
Children Following in Their Parents' Footsteps
What was even more charming was how this sense of style trickles down to the children. Young French boys and girls seemed to mirror their parents' fashion choices, dressed in simple, comfortable clothing. I rarely saw children in soccer jerseys or other flashy, branded attire (like my 12 yr old!). Instead, they wore cotton shorts, soft tees, and classic sandals—usually in shades of blue and white, much like their parents. It was clear that, in France, style is something instilled from a young age, and the result is a generation growing up with an appreciation for the same timeless elegance.
Bringing French Style Home
After observing the French approach to fashion, I couldn’t help but feel inspired to consolidate some of these elements into my own wardrobe. I've finally learnt that no matter how much I love a pattern, I don't wear it, at least in a top, maybe a skirt. There’s something refreshing about simplifying your clothing choice - focusing on quality over quantity, embracing neutral colors that will look good forever and give you confidence when you wear them, and choosing pieces that can be mixed and matched effortlessly. It’s about finding beauty in the basics and understanding that true style doesn’t have to be complicated.
As I unpack my suitcase and settle back into everyday life, I am more confident that my own sense of style is not boring and I should embrace it and stick with it, knowing that each simple piece is well considered and great quality and fit. The French have reminded me that style isn’t about following trends—it’s about curating a wardrobe that reflects who you are, one timeless piece at a time.
My navy Cashmere sweater is my most worn piece and I try not to wear it too much for fear of being boring or having a "uniform" but after France, I will wear it, on repeat and shake it up with accessories. I just love navy Cashmere!
