The terms “French style” and “formulaic” don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand. After all, while French style has a very long history in fashion and brings to mind certain clichés, there’s an ease and relaxed spirit to it that makes the concept quite malleable to whomever adopts it. For influencer Annabelle Fleur, however, she approaches the style inspiration as something that’s effortless, never too polished nor occassion-specific, and yes, can be narrowed down to an outfit equation. Furthermore, her version of French style also comes to life through the new fall collection from H&M.
With a rich mix of textures and neutral tones, these new autumnal arrivals serve as a brillant jumping off point for outfits that are perfectly imperfect. And unlike that intangible je ne sais quoi quality, Fleur’s outfit formulas are straightforward and easy to recreate. For example, contrast is key as she mixes silhouettes in varied lengths and makes sure to add casual pieces with more tailored ones. “What I enjoy about these outfits in particular, is that I can wear them pretty much anywhere,” says Fleur of her three resulting outfit formulas, “from the office to a dinner date with my husband. I really like this idea of a functional, comfortable wardrobe that allows me to live my life and look chic while doing it.”
What’s inspiring your fall wardrobe this season? What trends, outfits, or specific pieces are you most excited about?
“There are so many exciting trends coming in for Fall 2022, like baggy denim, textured knits and mohair, caramel tones, and oversized outerwear. But I think the trend I am excited about the most is punk/prep. I've always been partial to tailored pieces, but this season's prep is particularly appealing because it's a bit less proper and a bit more edgy and punk!”
French style can be a bit of an elusive term. How do you define it for yourself? And which principles of French style are you planning to bring into your wardrobe this fall?
“I think French style is an attitude and it is precisely this nonchalant, effortless kind of attitude that makes French style so appealing. The look is seldom overly polished or precise, and often has this unintentional vibe that reads very chic and elegant. Personally, I love the ease of tailored pieces paired with sneakers, a simple neutral palette, and slightly offbeat accessories.”
With a new season about to start, what are some initial ways you’re starting to transition your wardrobe from balmy summer to cool autumn days?
“I love injecting fall pieces inspired by the punk/prep trend into my summer wardrobe. Right now, I am combining my kilt-inspired or tartan mini skirts with simple white T-shirts and polished loafers or combat boots.”
Fall brings to mind a pretty specific color palette (AKA all shades of fallen leaves). Which colors are you most drawn to this season and why?
“I love neutral shades like caramel, brown, beige, and taupe. Although I tend to wear these colors year-round, I especially love a certain sense of warmth and comfort they add to fall looks.”
We love a mixed-neutrals color palette. Any advice for creative ways to blend neutral pieces into an impactful look?
“The way I typically mix neutral shades is by combining a different spectrum of colors. For this outfit, I paired cream combat boots with a beautiful tan coat, and added a bit of depth with a houndstooth-patterned mini and hat in a darker shade of brown. This light-to-dark styling technique always adds a bit of richness to a look and helps to showcase simple everyday staples in the most flattering light.”
How did you put together this French-style ensemble? And what should we keep in mind when styling together different proportions, as you have here with the mini skirt and long coat?
“For me, proportions are key when it comes to styling a look. This particular outfit began with a pleated mini skirt. Because of the length and the fit, I paired it with a longer, oversized coat and chunky loafers to take away some of the sexiness of the skirt. I wear a lot of mini skirts and almost always pair them with oversized toppers like blazers and coats because I like a slightly more casual approach.”
What's your approach for blending athletic pieces with tailored ones so the effect is effortless and cool? What makes this ensemble French-style inspired?
“I think French style is defined by an effortless kind of elegance, and pairing tailored pieces with sneakers creates a very casually chic combination. My trick to make this combo work is to, first of all, be very conscious of my color palette. Here, I paired a houndstooth-printed mini and blazer in brown with cream-colored sneakers. Secondly, I opted for classic-style sneakers in a solid color. This way, the footwear is not distracting, and does not take away from the outfit but instead adds a casually-cool element to an otherwise rather dressed-up look.”
