inspired by: French fashion editors
If you follow Fashion Weeks (the usually twice-yearly spectacles where designers show their collections for the upcoming season across multiple cities) you may have noticed that the street style seen during these periods has become a bigger media spectacle than the collections themselves. Often impractical and outlandish, sometimes witty and amusing, these getups are meant to compete for attention. Suzy Menkes in 2013 referred to it as a “circus” which at the time angered many fashion bloggers. But there’s one group that seems immune to that sartorial ante-upping: the French fashion editors. Editor-in-Chief of Paris Vogue Emmanuelle Alt and her cohort (sometimes facetiously referred to as “French Voguettes”), and Virginie Mouzat (Editor-in-Chief of Fashion at French Vanity Fair) always seem to bring a welcome dose of understatement to the scene. They are the masters of Nonchalant Chic, and overall their style inspires me more than any other. Mouzat especially has some elements to her style that I find translate well to my own, and she remains one of my primary style muses.
She sticks mostly to darker neutrals in variations on modern classic styles. She rarely tucks shirts in, and I’ve almost never seen her cinch anything tightly about her waist; there’s always an ease to her tops. She also seems to appreciate a good leopard print. 😉 I had her “French fashion editor” style vibe in mind when I put this outfit together.
The top is from Covered Perfectly; this one is the Pleated V-Neck. I like the detailing on the neckline, which also creates a nice bit of drape in the front. I especially like that the softly curved V-neck isn’t too low, no camisole required. The fabric is that same lovely micromodal as the other Covered Perfectly tops I’ve reviewed, and hits the sweet spot between soft and structured. It’s washable, and is made in the USA. It’s available in black, teal and purple, and in Plus.
Other items shown: jacket (similar) | sunglasses (similar) | bracelet (similar) | watch | bag | jeans (similar) | boots
Covered Perfectly ships free both ways in the US, and worldwide shipping is available. Be sure to use code UF20 to save 20% on up to two items. Top was provided by Covered Perfectly for review.
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I stumbled across your page via Chic at Any Age in the UK and just love it! You seem to have so many more outlets which cater for our age group than in the UK. I love the ‘Covered Perfectly’ top particularly. Come on UK – do a bit more to provide flattering, stylish clothes over here!!
Suzanne, thank you. I’m glad you enjoy it. Covered Perfectly does ship to the UK too… 🙂
I love everything in this outfit, but I just LOVE those boots ! Gorgeous. Are they comfortable, with the pointy toes ?
Agnes, thanks! Frankly I was surprised when I first tried them on because I expected them to be a little snug in the toes, but they aren’t AT ALL. (And my toes are slightly wide.) They are incredibly comfortable.
Love this outfit, Sue. And agree with Suzy Menkes about the “circus.” I always laugh when I see shots that are tagged “street style” and which even if they’re not disclosed as taken outside of a fashion week event, you know they are. Mostly because they’re so over the top that I chortle and think …”Not on any street I’ve ever seen.” Agree as well about the French editors…. their looks are always chic and not just for show.
susan, thank you! I love style that’s both realistic and aspirational.
Susan you did a great job of translating! I love the look you’ve created and I like your muse as well. Comfort is so important for me now so I love the loose tops worn out–not tucked in (let’s face it, I don’t have much of a waist anymore…). I do feel more comfortable in navy, black and grays or subdued colors. This look is very elegant. LOVE!
Sally, thank you very much! Yes, it’s hard to look stylish if we’re not comfortable.
I wish Covered Perfectly would make a petite version of their tops. The product looks great, but far too long and bunchy for a short woman. I do have clothes altered, but I’m not willing to do alterations for a casual shirt.
Hi Joyce, I’m 5’1″. 🙂
You look like you have long legs though ! Love the casual black and denim look!
Susan, what size top in Covered Perfectly did you buy? Thanks!
Hi Sue, I’m wearing a Small.
I love everything about this outfit and have been looking high and low for a boyfriend jacket. Thank you!!!
Amelia, thank you!
I do love to scan the slide shows for a few great ideas (and a few laughs too, I must confess at age 60). You look sleek and fabulous, loving that jacket. xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Patti, thank you! I do enjoy looking at the pictures, even if they aren’t looks I’d try myself.
and thanks for sharing with Vis Mon! -Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
You’ve nailed this look! So simple and chic.
Frances, thank you!
Love those Acne Jensen boots – considering them in the wine. Great look.
KPL, thanks. I’m so glad I splurged on these. They are wonderfully comfortable too.
I love this look. Elegant but ready for business. Black is great for power and jeans for laissez-faire. Together here they are just right.
The shows do have the circus feeling to them but I enjoy the comedy interviews that ask questions about made-up designers. Hahaha. Is that wrong of me?
Melanie, thanks! It’s sometimes a delicate balance to dress for the office without giving up my style. I haven’t seen those interviews, but think I would enjoy them.
I’ll join the chorus – especially with the jacket draped over the shoulders for the photo. And I agree, love the simplicity and understatement of the French fashion editors. Your blonde hair is like an exclamation point!
Pink Azalea, thank you very much!
Oh, my. I do love it when my “look” is in — this is me, almost daily, to a T (literally!). My heels are usually a bit higher & I prefer a plain V-neck tee, I add a few necklaces, big earrings & silver bracelets galore & the jacket will most likely be leather. But this is me. Love the look, love what you’ve done with it. I call it Street Classic.
Hi Janet, thanks so much!
There is something to be said for standing out. Plus sometimes I like a good circus ; P
This outfit is very sexy chic. The clutch really makes it work for me.
bisous
Suzanne
Suzanne, thank you! Yes, this clutch really is a hero piece.
When I think of the word – chic, I often think of an understated elegance, such as yourself and the French editors. They look fashionable, yet ready to do their jobs. I appreciate this look very much. No crazy bells and whistles, just class and sophistication. I’m not sure if you saw my comment regarding the Huntington. The gift shop is enough for an entire visit. The entire front of the museum has been upgraded. They increased the gift shop, added an entire wing, atrium, coffee shop, cafe and a visitor’s center. My husband is a sound engineer and he has the privilege of working many of their events. Including the grand re-opening. You’ve got to go soon!
Glenda, thank you. Yes, I did see the reply and am going to make a point to visit the gardens, perhaps in the Spring.
Great chic look and those jeans are amazing on you!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see your Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Alice, thanks very much!
Great style inspiration!
I really like your outfit! Great clutch!
I love leopard accessories; they are such a great way to make an outfit interest without overdoing it.
Andrea, thanks so much! I do love a little bit of leopard in an outfit.
I always get a laugh out of Paris fashion week in particular, because most of the people outside the shows are wearing things a Parisian wouldn’t be caught dead in. Virginie Mouzat is a great example of how to be fashionable without looking like a victim. I love other Parisian fashionistas, like Elina Halimi, but not many can pull of what she does. You look fabulous in your ensemble.
Stylopedia, thanks! I do see some very stylish people in Paris, but yes, the style is more understated.
Your outfit inspired me to do something I’ve wanted to do for months. I ordered the Clare V. clutch! Every time you wear it I think I should buy it, and I finally did. I’ve been looking for years for animal print shoes that fit, but have yet to find them. The clutch will add so much chic to my basically neutral outfits that I decided I couldn’t live without it any longer. Thank you for the inspiration!
Cathy D., hope you enjoy it!
Well, you nailed it. You have the taste and figure to work it like a French fashion editor. Nonchalant chic …excellent term. Nobody believes Effortless Chic, because it takes so much effort. Duh. Nonchalant implies attention but not exertion. Proof positive that the right leopard snaps an outfit together so fast. Wish I could find another non-animal print that does the same thing as well. Must remember to take my stripes out for a spin again soon.
Jan, thanks so much! I think any accessory with a bit of contrast or a bright pop of color does the same thing. I just happen to be partial to leopard. 😉
Now I’m waiting for a photo of you like this where it really IS the Tuileries in back!
amidprivilege, next summer, if the fates allow!
You look terrific!
Jennifer, thank you!
Lovely quiet chic! My favorite approach to dressing!
http://marymurnane.com
Just found your blog..LOVE IT! The theme is so beautiful and love your leopard clutch! I am a leopard fiend! Had to have the word in my blog name!
Valerie
Chic Fashion and Travel for mid aged gals
Simple and elegant! Love it.
Love the boots you are wearing. I bought a similar pair last year and wearing the heck out of them. They go with everything.
Of course the black sunglasses, lovely, a wardrobe staple.