Over the years, the French girl has become synonymous with a frankly quite offensive (and irritating) cliché: tall, slim, and always put together with a touch of red lipstick and perfectly done-but-undone hair. Sure, some women do fall into this specific category, but as POPSUGAR's resident French girl, I can tell you that my home country is, thankfully, way more diverse than what you see on the glossy pages of fancy magazines — and I wouldn't want it any other way.
Truth is, the French girl that brands are trying to sell doesn't exist. We're not all coffee-drinking, cigarette-smoking, sexually liberated women who eat salads at every lunch and shop at Maje. What is regarded as chic in Paris probably won't be in Nice, and what is regarded as stylish in Nice might not be regarded as very classy in Lyon. Oh, and that "je ne sais quoi" everyone's talking about? It's a myth.
So, now that we've established that the French girl portrayed in the media is a mythical creature, it's time you forgot about her. To me, French style is eclectic and diverse, colourful and monochrome, funky and girly, minimalist and bold. Above all, however, French style is all about feeling good in your own clothes, having fun, and forgetting about the rules. Ahead, take a look at 18 real French fashionistas who'll inspire you to dress on your own terms, whether you like all-black outfits [1] or cute little dresses [2].
Kenza Sadoun el Glaoui | La Revue de Kenza
Her Instagram: @kenzasmg [4]
Her blog: La Revue de Kenza [5]
What to expect: Sexy and feminine outfits. Kenza will show you easy ways to style the latest trends.
Stéphanie Zwicky | Le Blog de Big Beauty
Her Instagram: @stephaniezwicky [6]
Her blog: Le Blog de Big Beauty [7]
What to expect: Beautifully put-together outfits and incredibly empowering captions.
Adeline Rapon
Her Instagram: @adelinerapon [8]
What to expect: The perfect mix between fashion and art, and beautiful views of Paris.
Emilie Brunette | The Brunette
Her Instagram: @emiliebrunette [9]
Her blog: The Brunette [10]
What to expect: Gorgeous dresses, pretty prints, and a whole lot of red lipstick.
Federica L. | June Sixty Five
Her Instagram: @junesixtyfive [11]
Her blog: June Sixty Five [12]
What to expect: Her own take on Californian style.
Lalaa Misaki
Her Instagram: @lalaamisaki [13]
Her blog: Lalaa Misaki [14]
What to expect: Proof that being incredibly stylish on a tight budget isn't that difficult.
Betty Autier
Her Instagram: @bettyautier [15]
Her blog: Betty Autier [16]
What to expect: Her personal take on the latest trends.
Caroline | The Caroo
Her Instagram: @the_caroo [17]
Her blog: Pardon My Obsession [18]
What to expect: Her glamorous life in Paris, travels, and favourite outfits.
Audrey Lombard
Her Instagram: @audreylombard [19]
Her blog: Audrey Lombard [20]
What to expect: The most perfect #OOTDs and a knitwear collection that'll make you forget all about your bikinis.
Pauline Privez | Pauline Fashion Blog
Her Instagram: @paulineprivez [21]
Her blog: Pauline Fashion Blog [22]
What to expect: Ultrafeminine looks and stunning travel content.
Fatou N'diaye | Black Beauty Bag
Her Instagram: @blackbeautybag [23]
Her blog: Black Beauty Bag [24]
What to expect: Her fashion, beauty, and food favourites.
AnneLaure Mais | Adenorah
Her Instagram: @adenorah [25]
What to expect: A sexy take on your favourite basics.
Clémentine Desseaux | Bonjour Clem
Her Instagram: @bonjourclem [26]
Her blog: Bonjour Clem [27]
What to expect: Gorgeous modelling shots and comfortable yet incredibly stylish outfit ideas.
Daphné Moreau | Mode and the City
Her Instagram: @daphnemodeandthecity [28]
Her blog: Mode and the City [29]
What to expect: Pretty, feminine outfits and a dreamy pastel-pink feed.
Marta Cygan | Life of Boheme
Her Instagram: @lifeofboheme [30]
What to expect: A minimalist take on fashion.
Victoria G. | Laugh of Artist
Her Instagram: @laugh_of_artist [31]
Her blog: Laugh of Artist [32]
What to expect: Gorgeous street style shots and lessons on how to wear the baker boy hat.
Gaëlle Prudencio
Her Instagram: @gaelleprudencio [33]
What to expect: A colourful feed with day-to-day outfit inspiration.
Fadela Mecheri
Her Instagram: @fadela [34]
What to expect: Monochrome outfits and insider access to the most beautiful French hotels.
