“Je ne sais quoi” is French literally translated to “I don’t know what.” In the United States, we use the term to describe something that has an air of uncertainty or something that you can’t quite put your finger on. Ever wondered why we use a French phrase for this? How come we don’t use Italian or Spanish? I’m sure they sound just as beautiful in those languages.
It’s because the French have perfected this idea of “je ne sais quoi” in almost everything; including fashion. Ever seen those wide array of articles and books written trying to define the French woman’s style? Cue “How to Dress like a French Girl” from every major magazine in the country. Yet time after time these articles can’t prove to be up to snuff.
The problem is we can’t reduce their style to words on a page because they will always have the “I don’t know what.” From my time living in Paris, I’ve noticed that French girls have perfected this air of effortlessness. They wear something on top of the “marinère” that gives them this sense of confidence and undeniable style. Consider it the foreigner’s version of “I woke up like this.” Flawless in their execution, this is why so many around the world aspire for their sense of fashion.
Our Fashionista here exhibits the perfect sense of effortlessness that comes with the French style. Remember that labels, while important in their own right, are only names on a tag. Her outfit is a melange of designers and high street brands. Note the Topshop coat paired with Isabel Marant Étoile jeans finished off with Céline sunglasses and an Yves Saint Laurent handbag. Proving that style can come at any price point, the Fashionista creates her point of view with absolute confidence.
The lesson here is that we should feed off this idea of the unknown. Style is a point of view that should be expressed authentically and unapologetically. Having that can instantly read off in your outfit, therefore creating that French “je ne sais quoi.”
But, if worse comes to worse and you’re ever taking a trip to Paris and still can’t figure out how to be somewhat like the French, always wear a scarf (even in the summer!) and never wear any type of beret.
Captured: This Fashionista was located in the heart of the 7th Arrondissement amidst the street markets in Paris, France.
