Instagram is where the crazy fashion lives: the madder the better, according to likes. But Pinterest, well, 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. One particular pin of ours over on Who What Wear UK's French Fashion board is proving to be endlessly popular. With 7K re-pins, there's something undeniably alluring about it—but what?
The picture dates back to May, when I commissioned Brit girl–turned–Paris resident Marissa Cox of Rue Rodier. She shared the lessons learned when she took the leap from London to the City of Light, 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'S ULTIMATE FRENCH LOOK
Above is Marissa's crowd-pleasing Pinterest look (Sézane jeans, a simple white blouse, and pumps from Iris & Ink), and below we pinpoint the reason it's so powerful.
THE HAIR AND MAKEUP: Done but not "done," Marissa's polished look feels approachable but still a little bit special. Red lipstick is a French-girl favorite, 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 jewelry gift that keeps on giving these days.
THE 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 tuck into jeans without bulk.
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," Marissa 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 are the ultimate denim find.
THE SHOES: Why are the jeans so fabulous? Well, they even look good with kitten heels. Iconic French women are known for favoring low and flat heels over high (such a casual footwear choice always looks like smidgen cooler), and the modern V-neck cut always lengthens 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 cheese plant, the voile curtains—everything about this screams Sunday morning dreamland.
SHOP MARISSA'S LOOK
MORE OF MARISSA'S CHIC OUTFITS
Style Notes: Wearing another billowing shirt, only this time with white jeans and black sandals, Marissa's 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 favorite.
Style Notes: For a wintrier 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: Throw 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 the ensemble, with Marissa's gold pumps and utility-style bomber jacket.
Style Notes: Cropped, high-waisted jeans can also work with ankle boots and a longer-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 and 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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