with Charlotte Halpin rance

When packing my suitcase for 5 months abroad I had no idea what to french fashion. Whatever seemed to fit the image I had in my head went into the bag, but immediately upon my arrival I hit the shops. The truth of french fashion is its extremely similar to the style of the US, specifically the streetwear and y2k aesthetics. The American idea of the “french girl” seems to be from another reality, so let's break down what actually french girls are like, from an American girl in France.

Let's start with beauty. There's a basic formula girls here seem to live by; slick back bun or ponytail with curtain bangs, winged eyeliner, thick mascara, blush, and rosy lip and you’re good to go. The style is very reminiscent of the “clean girl” aesthetic that's taken over social media in the US with some Euphoriaesque influence (a super popular show here too).

After about a week in France I traded my backpack out for a tote bag. Backpacks are for middle schoolers (apparently), instead bags like the Balenciaga City, Stella Mccartney Falabella, Longchamp or any other tote are in style. Not only are they chic, tote bags are also super practical and comfortable.

French Style is built around its basics. A white tshirt, black pants, puffer and gray sweatshirt is the starter pack, with small pops of color. A zadig and voltaire bag is extremely in trend (almost overdone) as are Vanessa Bruno sparkle totes. For high quality basics American Vintage is my go to, while Belair, Maje, Sandro, and vintage stores like Kilo Shop are great to add some spice to your closet. Nike dunks are absolutely everywhere, as are adidas forums, lugged-style boots, Converse x CDG hightops and Jordans. The aesthetique is very similar to that of NYC, with street style hoodies, baggy pants, little tops and chunky sweaters.

There were a few culture shocks coming to France from the US. Leggings are not socially acceptable unless at home or the gym, and the same goes with sweatpants. People will wear full suits and heels to school, even on a regular Tuesday. The French buy less and wear what they have a lot more, despite the popularity of fast fashion chains. You don’t see people going on massive sprees in the malls, partly because of high taxes but also the culture. The girls of Rennes are some of the coolest, most well dressed people I’ve met, and I hope to bring some of their chicness across the Pond to DA.