Trends come and go like a fluttering breeze of wind, but true style never changes—its character springs eternal. Women everywhere have their own stylistic notions and preferences, but the French have earned a notable reputation for being bonafide fashionistas. The foundational characteristics of French fashion revolve around artistic grace, tasteful elegance, and refined sophistication.

We may not all live in France, but we can still experience joie de vivre daily with our choices. Here are a few timeless French style rules for women everywhere. You can observe these cultured etiquette guidelines to your own taste and liking.

Appreciate Subtle Details: Say Goodbye to Trends

Minimalist, timeless capsule wardrobes are integral to French-inspired chic style. This style approach is all about appreciating the small details of an outfit, embracing great cuts and simple lines, and wearing clothes that fit you perfectly. Keep in mind that less is more. Investing in higher-quality staples is a no-brainer if you’ll get continual wear out of well-chosen pieces. Quality always trumps quantity. Outfits with pieces that can adapt to varying occasions are the mainstay of any wardrobe.

Never Compromise on Comfort and Practicality

You may have already heard about one of the leading timeless French style rules. Consider this: it’s not always about what you wear, but how you wear it. For women everywhere, great style often stems from radiating confidence. Your outfit choices may lean towards normcore but can be utterly tres chic with cool-headed confidence as a complement to the ensemble. That said, French fashion doesn’t compromise practicality for the sake of style. The underlying platforms of a beaming composure are ultimately personal comfort and nonchalance.

If Accessorizing, Keep the Clothes Simple

Creating visual interest is still a piece of the chic style puzzle. Adding flair to an everyday look requires the deft use of accessories and styling techniques. The ideal ratio of sass to sensibility applies directly to achieving a cohesive appearance. Eye-catching accessories complete your look—not merely your outfit. Even your hair can benefit from a bit of natural Parisian flair: classic French bob hairstyles look effortlessly radiant and are never out of season in the fashion scene.

When accessorizing, keep your basics, well, basic. Embrace neutrals before adding an extra touch. All in all, the ultimate French fashion rule is to find your own style; know what you like and dislike, and stick to this. Simply live well, dress well, and freely express yourself through fashion.