12 Flattering Fashion Rules French Girls Use Every Day

It’s no secret that there’s a certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to French style. It’s polished yet effortless. Classic yet cool. And it always seems to highlight a figure in just the right way. From Jeanne Damas to Anne-Laure Mais of Adenorah, the elegant-meets-badass style that’s unequivocally French has been the source of numerous double-taps and outfit pinnings for years. So who better to illustrate Parisian slimming styling secrets than the French trendsetters themselves? Equip yourself with these need-to-know tricks, and you’ll be perfectly poised at all times.

Keep reading to find out the 12 slimming style rules we've noticed all French girls follow.

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#1: Add a belt.
(Image credit: Camille Over the Rainbow)

Style Notes: Cinch in any waist with a belt to make the most of your proportions. It's the easiest way to give your outfit a feminine, and flattering, twist.

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#2: Vertical stripes elongate.
(Image credit: @kenzasmg )

Style Notes: It makes sense—vertical stripes will make your body look longer, thus making you look slimmer.

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#3: Wear maxi-length outerwear.
(Image credit: @carolinedemaigret)

Style Notes: Take a tip from Caroline de Maigret who wears this light jacket to make her look taller.

Related: Ooh La La: 13 French Girls You Should Look to for Perfect Parisian Style

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#4: Choose well-tailored flares.
(Image credit: @sarah_nait)

Style Note: Trust that well-tailored flares (that aren't too tight or too baggy) can balance out hips and lengthen pins.

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#5: A wrap dress or skirt gives your waist definition.
(Image credit: @adenorah)

Style Notes: Even if you're wearing a plain tee, there are ways to accentuate your waist. 

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#6: Match your trousers to your shoes for endless legs.
(Image credit: @jeannedamas)

Style Notes: Want to appear like you have legs for days? Take a tip from It French girl Jeanne Damas and wear the same colour shoes as your trousers. 

Related: If You're a French Girl, This Wardrobe Rule Is Non-Negotiable

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#7: Accessorise with a long scarf.
(Image credit: @adelinerapon)

Style Notes: Do what Adeline Rapon does to lengthen her torso and add a long scarf or necklace. Olivia Palermo is also a fan of this trend

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#8: Pair high-rise pants with a short top.
(Image credit: @theblab)

Style Notes: If you want your legs to look like they go for miles (and let's face it, who doesn't?), wear a pair of high-waisted trousers with a short top.

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#9: Wear head-to-toe-monochrome.
(Image credit: @dennielias)

Style Notes: This is en vogue right now, and it's insanely flattering.

Related: The New A-List Trick for Looking Taller (It's Not Heels)

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#10: Select classic pointed-toe heels.
(Image credit: @adenorah)

Style Notes: This heel style gives extra lengthening effects.

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#11: Always have a pencil skirt on hand.
(Image credit: @sarah_nait)

Style Notes: Pencil skirts that hit below the knee are the most flattering for all figures.

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#12: Strategically show skin.
(Image credit: @vivicourtin)

Style Notes: Do this via cutout details that emphasise your smallest parts.

Carson Olivares
Assistant Editor
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