Instagram is where the crazy fashion lives: the madder the better, according to likes. But Pinterest is where you're more likely to find out how to build a capsule wardrobe and pull together outfits that work IRL, 24/7. It's also where we often turn for French style inspiration, and it would appear we aren't alone.
In fact, one particular pin of ours over on Who What Wear UK's French Fashion board is proving to be endlessly popular. With 7000 repins, there's something undeniably alluring about it, but what is it? The picture dates back to May when I commissioned Brit girl turned Paris resident Marissa Cox of Rue Rodier. She shared the lessons learnt when she took the leap from London to the City of Lights, using her perfectly pretty imagery to explain each style development.
See the image below, our theory on why it's so loved, plus more outfits and shopping picks to emulate her classic look.
Marissa Cox's Ultimate French Look
Above is Marissa Cox's crowd-pleasing Pinterest look (Sézane jeans, a simple white blouse and pumps from Iris & Ink). Below we pinpoint the reason it's so powerful.
The hair and makeup: Done but not "done," Cox's polished look feels approachable but still a little bit special. Red lipstick is a French-girl favourite, but everyone everywhere feels good in it, right?
The chain necklace: Dainty and personal but noticeable enough to glint away from afar, simple gold pendants are the jewellery gift that keeps on giving these days.
The white blouse: A little bit frou-frou with its frilly collar and blouson sleeves, Marissa's top ticks so many easy-to-wear boxes thanks to its flattering slim-cut silhouette you can easily tuck into jeans.
The jeans: "They have since become the foundation of my wardrobe, and I’ve lost count of how many I have! A high-waisted pair of jeans with a straight leg or slight flair is much more flattering and will balance out wider hips than slimmer styles," Cox told us. These are a perfect example of that. Relaxed but not scruffy or loose, and with a point of difference thanks to the popper waistband, they're the ultimate denim find.
The shoes: Why are the jeans so fabulous? Well, because they even look good with kitten heels. Iconic French women are known for favouring low and flat heels over high ones (such a casual footwear choice always looks like smidgen cooler), and the modern V-neck cut always lengthens the legs.
The flowers: Doesn't get more "living the good life in Paris" than a freshly cut bouquet.
The apartment: The Parisian rooftops, the decorative iron railings, the plants, the voile curtains… Everything about this screams "Sunday morning dreamland."
Shop the Look
Related: 30 Under-£100 Fashion Finds French Girls Told Me About
SHOP MORE OF MARISSA COX'S CHIC OUTFITS
Style Notes: Here's Cox wearing another billowing shirt, only this time with white jeans and black sandals. This formula works no matter what.
Cat-eye sunglasses are a French-girl staple.
Style Notes: White accessories are one of the easiest ways to uplift your day-to-day outfits.
Danse Lente's little white bags are a fashion favourite.
Style Notes: For a more wintry take on the combination, try a roll-neck with a blazer and flat, sensible boots.
Mango may be Spanish, but this jacket is so French.
Style Notes: Thrown on a trench coat and you have a perfectly autumnal Parisian vibe.
It's always clever to buy an expensive trench on sale.
Style Notes: The flowers are back again, but there's a twist or two in Marissa's ensemble. We love her gold pumps and utility-style bomber jacket.
Style Notes: Cropped, high-waisted jeans can also work with ankle boots and a long-line jacket.
Borg jackets are big business right now.
Style Notes: Some more unusual accessories will always bring a classic white top–and-jeans combination into the here and now.
A very sophisticated thing to own.
Style Notes: If there was ever anyone to persuade you into streamlining your wardrobe, it's Marissa. The endless concoctions she creates with the same pieces.
Because the look wouldn't be complete without it.
Next up, the cult buys of fashion month.
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Spotted in Paris: 6 Chic, Trend-Proof Sandals French Women Are Actually WearingNo wonder they all look so stylish right now.
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Sorry, Flats—These Anti-Trend Heels Are Every French Woman's Quiet Go-To for a Night Out in ParisA classic choice.
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When I Saw Parisians Wearing These 5 Trainer Trends, I Knew They Were Here to StaySome of them might surprise you.
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My Colleague Just Got Back From Paris—She Saw This Chic Trouser-and-Shoe Combo on Every StreetNo-brainer elegance.
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Black Heels Are Fine, But in France, Everyone Knows This Shoe Colour Looks Better With White DressesSpotted at Versailles.
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8 Classic Outfits to Try This Summer If You're a French Girl at Heart (Like Me)Chic.
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7 Simple But Chic Summer Trends Stylish Women Across France Are Wearing NowFrom Paris to Provence.
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Hold the Trainers—These Are the Elegant Shoes Parisians Are Wearing With the Jeans of SummerElevated and chic. Period.
