what would Emmanuelle Alt do?
Emmanuelle Alt has been one of my style “crushes” and inspiration for a few years now. I really enjoyed watching this interview of her by Garance Doré, and found myself nodding my head in agreement with just about everything she said. (Though I think in the case of Jane Birkin, it was as much her free-spirited attitude as her body that made her style work.)
“I wear what makes me feel good.” And isn’t that a perfect definition of personal style?
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
Thank you so much for sharing this. You made my day! I adore both women and their simple comfortable style that always seems just right. Have a lovely day my friend!
It’s all about being comfortable in the clothes you wear…effortless and YOU vs. creating a costume. Loved her honest approach.
This was just wonderful! Both women have such style. I love the outfit Garance is wearing, the way her sleeves are pushed up, the beautiful camel jacket, the wide pants. I also love the fact that both women looked so natural, and Emanuelle’s skin was absolutely glowing. Thank you so much for posting this! I am going to share it!
Great interview! Thanks for sharing!
Wow- ditto on that made my day! I took to heart the comments about how in America women are so “done”, nails, hair, pedicures, bags, etc… on and on. Even women in their yoga outfits and gymwear have a “look”! for crying out loud. Both of these women in this interview have nailed it on the head. Both are completely lovely, beautiful, relaxed and at home in their own “looks” which is so natural and seemingly real. Vive La France!
Wonderful, confident and relaxed looks. I’ve always thought if I had thick, long wavy hair I could pull off the French chic look much better : >
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
That was great, Sue! I haven’t bothered to click through when I’ve seen this elsewhere, but your posting convinced me to take 11 minutes and what a treat! Thank you!
They’ve just got it! I was standing in line at Framer’s Market in L.A. I saw this woman and her husband standing in line ahead of me. Took one look and thought they must be French. It was the style. They just exuded style. The cut of the clothes, the tie of the scarf, just style. And i was right when they ordered the food, they were French. I think it’s in the DNA! You can spot them a mile away, even in Farmers Market.
Loved this! Love both of their styles. Fun to hear what the French think about the French! xo Kim
If you took a screen shot of Alt in this video, and didn’t know what she does for a living, you might guess she’s a high school teacher or graphic artist. However, a French woman bank executive will be somewhat more “done”; it’s partly a matter of role. I’ve also seen plenty of French women dressed definitely younger than their age- Carine Roitfeld, for example. Alt is a perfect example of the easy, unfluffed look that I personally love.
Had to chime in again when I read Sandras comment. Style in the DNA…….My maternal grandfather was half french (Louisiana) and poor as could have been. BUT…… he was a very striking and dramatic looking man, and even though he had but the bottom of the clothes barrell, it was said in our family he could wear a feedsack and make it look like a million dollars. It was all in the way he walked, tucked in his raggedy shirts and rolled the cuffs, I can see him now. He wore his hair dampened and combed back, always neatly barbered. Brushed his teeth once a month with comet. Yes. White teeth……… Even the way he held his cigarette and coke bottles were elegant as he worked cotton fields.
I am going to play devil’s advocate here, and hope my comment does not offend. I think Emanuelle Alt looks good; she has a style that looks effortless, is attainable by many women, and could probably be managed somewhat affordably. I have a couple of friends who dress in a similar way and look elegant and tasteful. I can see why you would strive for her look. But something also bothers me a little – my friends who dress in that vein are just ordinary professional women who would laugh if they were referred to as style icons. I just think that Emanuelle Alt looks safe and a little boring for someone in her position. There – I said it. Healthy, modern, fit, simple…this is all fine but I just wish there was a little more to her.
And last night as I battled insomnia I thought, “Would I wear a •coat• all through an indoor meeting, like Doré?” No; I kept wanting to ask her if I could hang it up. But that’s fashion for you!
Thanks for sharing. I think Garance Dore is my new style icon!
Hi Jennifer, I am glad you said it…. I have seen Emanuelle on many blogs as an icon. I do agree she has an effortless style, meaning not frivolous or done, but it is always, always the same look, in almost every photo same worn black jeans and some kind of pointy black shoe, t-shirt under a blazer.
I know we are drilling our heads to make our style is effortless and not have to think about our clothes they should just happen and be a part of us, that closets should be organized and have go to pieces. I get all that. But effortless shouldn’t mean we look like we don’t put any effort into the way we look. That seems to be the feeling I get when I look at her style, where is the effort?
I know many may want to beat me right now, I respect that others like her style, and it is definitely an achievable style for all of us.
I don’t want to offend with my opinion, but it is just that. Now Ines….. Her style is effortless, but I guess is more to what I would look for in an effortless achievable style. Yes she is also all over the blogs as an icon, but I guess they both are for a reason, many like their looks. I do also agree with some here about how some of the French have it.
The one thing I noticed among the youth here is that they can have their own style here and it isn’t about name brand or dressing like everyone else to fit in. That I would find the biggest difference from living in the US among the youth, they don’t seem to be teased as much for not conforming to a certain style like all the rest.
That being said what I miss most about the shopping in the US is being able to find really well made clothes for a much better price than in Europe. To get something of equal quality here in NL you have to spend a lot more.
I did find the grooming standards are usually higher in the US, (I won’t go in detail, but lets just say it isn’t such a bad thing to take extra care of yourself.) So each country has it’s plus and minus points, I try to take what I like from each culture and make my own way.
When I was in Spain I like the city style of women in our age group, they also had that “something,” about their style, very elegant. After my trip there and to Poland this past summer, I definitely came back with a more feminine style.
No worries, Melissa or Jennifer. I enjoy and encourage lively, respectful discussion. I often say what a boring world it would be if we all liked the same things! 🙂
Thanks for your response, I do feel reassured. I was afraid to go against the grain a bit. It makes me like your blog all the more:).
10 years speaking Dutch now, and I notice how my English has become Dunglish. Grammer was never my strong subject I write like I talk…. on and on with a breath:( But when I read back I see how I no longer express myself as a native speaker, not to mention what happened to my spelling. So apologies in advance:)
It’s really hard to beat North American dentistry.
Actually speaking of dentistry….I used to get compliments on my teeth/smile in the US, once even by a dentist. But after 10 years in NL they just aren’t as white, it isn’t just to do with the dentistry, but their water here isn’t injected with flouride. It may also be the wine habit I have adopted since moving to NL:(
But you are absolutely correct, Americans are very lucky when it comes to teeth and one way to spot them before they even speak is the teeth. (I notice all details what can I say, a bit crazy but also with buildings, clothes, you name it, I like to watch things around me)
I saw this a few days ago on the Garance Dore website–and thought of you, as you’ve mentioned Alt frequently. As for the interview itself, it’s a pleasure to watch. But the main thing that grabbed my attention, more than her thoughts on style, was her incredible glowing skin! I left a comment on the GD site begging them to ask Alt about her skin-radiance secrets. Fingers crossed they do so. I need some of that! 🙂
I read an article in the WSJ once about how fashion designers and people in the fashion press often dress very simply as opposed to the “look of the moment” and actually avoid following trends. They tend to wear more of a uniform, quality pieces that flatter and are comfortable. I love Emanuelle Alt’s mix of skinny jeans paired with a feminine shoe. Her photo inspired me to do the same thing, but the other parts of the outfit and styling were my own. She and Garance are both wonderful.
I love the unglopped hair and relative lack of makeup, and the simple clothes. I loathe the over made-up and coiffed look. But this particular look requires a body that is not only slim, but also unencumbered by boobage and child-bearing hips. The only trousers I wear are dark jeans, but I still feel prettier in a skirt.
When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you usually look good! Funny how that works out 🙂