V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

Edit by: Vicki
Jul 31, 2014

French Women: An Ageless Look

juliette binoche, french actress, french essence, vicki archer


French women, whatever their age, apply a few rules to their fashion routine that ensures an ageless look.

Rules of their own making, not compulsory, but from my observations there are certain key elements of their appearance that remain constant.

They apply whether 80 or 18 years of age.


French women on the whole, dress classically and age appropriate when it comes to their garments.

They wear mostly monochrome with a splash of accessory.



Four keys elements are generally up to date and drive their appearance.


French women, especially in Paris will not only have well groomed hair but also their hair will be cut in the latest style… this has nothing to do with age.

Older women wear their hair very long, younger women wear it very short and vice-versa.

Hair is about the individual.

Hair is important, it frames and flatters the face.



French women wear the latest in sunglasses.

I rarely see a French women wearing glasses that look outdated and the same goes for reading glasses.

It may explain why there are so many optometry shops in France.

Looking chic in glasses is an easy one to get right; a pair of good sunglasses or reading glasses will make all the difference to the appearance.



Shoes, flat soled or high heeled.

French women wear fashionable footwear.

I love seeing an elderly woman sporting her New Balance with her tailored suit or her jeans.

Age appropriate doesn’t enter their lingo, shoes are a fashion statement and age just does not come into it.



The Handbag, whether designer or not, a handbag will be chosen for the elegance of design, the beauty of the material and it’s chic value.

Invariably a shoulder bag or a tote; the handbag will be modern.

Classic but not old fashioned.

Practical, but that won’t drive the overall decision.



Four key elements that are non dependant, on our age and yet can make us feel up to the moment.

French women, they understand a lot about fashion… xv



image, french actress juliette binoche

Edit by: Vicki
In This Post: Fashion