The Difference Between French and American Style

There’s no denying the fact that Americans are obsessed with French style. As we’ve discussed pretty tirelessly, Parisians dress in a way that, for whatever reason, Americans aspire to achieve. Normally, we ask our favorite French women all about the items they’re buying, wearing, loving, etc., so that we can all go off and make our purchases accordingly, but this time, we wanted to switch it up. Intrigued yet?

We reached out to a handful of our favorite French women and asked them what, if anything, it is about American style that makes them laugh. I tried guessing before I asked them the daunting question, but my answers were nowhere close to what they had to say. When it comes to the differences between American and French style, these Parisians have quite a few things to say. Ahead, find out what these French women said they find funny about American style. 

1. Over-the-Top Party Dressing

“Sometimes I am a bit surprised by the ‘more is more’ party dress code, for example. I mean shiny makeup, hair done, glitter dress, high heels. I think it’s silly—just not at all what I used to do.” — Chloé Harrouche

Style Tip: If your dress has a festive adornment like feathers or crystals, opt for some more subdued shoes to let the real party pieces shine. 

Style Tip: However, if you want to go all out the French way, make sure to choose pieces that are neutral in color and unique in silhouette, like these crystal-fringe pants.

Style Tip: Make an all-black party look pop with sparkly accessories.

Shop perfect party pieces:

“From my years living in New York, I remember lots of girls wearing at night super-mini and tight dresses with high platform shoes. [It was] a little over the top.” — Géraldine Boublil

Style Tip: Even the simplest of black dresses can be made more interesting with the addition of statement shoes.

Style Tip: Tone down a skirt that’s really “extra” with unusual counterparts like cowboy boots and slim sunnies.

Style Tip: Instead of a minidress and platforms, try a velvet matching and manageable pumps.

Shop low-maintenance party pieces:

2. Leggings

“I definitely would say leggings. In L.A., it looks like all the girls are going to the sports hall.” — AnneLaure Mais Moreau

Style Tip: Pair a bold-colored top with leopard pants for a truly trendy look. You’ll look cool with minimal effort.

Style Tip: Wearing plaid pants? Opt for a contrasting plaid accessory to make your look feel more forward.

Style Tip: Toughen up preppy plaid trousers with a graphic T-shirt.

Shop printed pants:

3. Super-High Heels

“Something that I’ve seen a lot on American girls is heels! They wear heels every day, everywhere, while in France, we wear sneakers—even at the office.” — Kenza Sadoun-el Glaoui

Style Tip: Make your timeless wardrobe staples feel fresh by way of chunkier sneakers.

Style Tip: Even your work trousers can feel more exciting with quirky last-minute additions like colorful sneakers and a shiny puffer.

Style Tip: Instead of reaching for your tried-and-true pumps when rushing to get to the office, slip into a sleek pair of sneakers.

Shop sneakers:

“I actually find that most Americans are now trying to dress more European. But I do think super-high heels are silly. Less is always more in my opinion.” — Christina Caradona

Style Tip: It’s not the heel height that will make your outfit a knockout; it’s the heel shape. This season, opt for square toes and low block heels.

Style Tip: White shoes will always make you look polished, no matter how low the heel.

Style Tip: And if heels aren’t your thing, this photo is proof that you can still look sleek sans heels, even while wearing sneakers. 

Shop low heels:

Next, We Already Know These 6 Boot Trends Will Be Huge in 2023

This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.