What is it that’s got us all so fixated on French-girl fashion, even from far on the other side of the Atlantic? Maybe it comes from a sense of nostalgia for the era of Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve, or from our profound respect for the refined appeal of designers like Isabel Marant and Simon Porte Jacquemus. It’s an aesthetic that pretty much omits sky-high stilettos and I-can’t-breathe-in-this kinds of silhouettes, allowing for women to still look perfectly put together without compromising comfort. This sartorial super power is what makes French women an excellent resource for travel tips.
With Paris Fashion Week here, we’ve solicited expert advice to improve our own lazy airport style (read: leggings and sneakers) so it’s still comfortable but a bit more elevated. The goal? To be able to walk off the plane and into any fashion capital without looking like you came from a 7th grade sleepover party. According to Laura Gabriele, global head of brand communications at 24 Sèvres (the ultimate destination for Parisian-infused fashion), this starts with picking quality fabrics, keeping it simple, and staying warm.
“Airport temperatures can be unpredictable, so layering is essential,” Gabriele explains. “Anything that can be used as a blanket on the plane is your friend: a soft neutral scarf to wear onboard and upon arrival, or a wrap coat." For trend consultant Véronique Mbida, the secret lies within a long jacket (see Trinity from The Matrix for reference). No matter what you’re wearing underneath or how many hours you’ve suffered through on a plane, a sleek trench will keep your overall look sharp. “I like to wear a hooded tracksuit with a long leather coat and a pair of Doc Martens," Mbida says.
Of course, your outfit is only a small piece of the whole travel story. We also took a peek through their carry-ons and phones for a comprehensive list of must-haves, from beauty products to meditation tools. "There are two apps I can’t live without when I’m on the move," Gabriele says. "Calm for on-the-go meditation (especially on long-haul flights) and Mapstr, which aggregates all the spots I love around the world or want to check out, be it brunch spots, hotel bars, boutiques, or under-the-radar landmarks."
Wherever your next trip may take you, we’ve broken down these suggestions to help get you there in style. Click through to shop the best of French-girl travel products and recommendations.
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According to Mbida, there’s subtle sexiness to a track suit if it’s styled just right. Wear it with a black trench and boots and you’ve got yourself the ultimate airport-ready attire.
Adidas Originals Three Stripe Zip Thru Hoodie, $75, available at ASOS
Adidas Originals Three Stripe Track Pant , $52.5, available at ASOS
Channel your inner Matrix aficionado and go for a black leather trench as a sleek way to top off your entire ensemble. "I am obsessed with long jackets," Mbida admits.
Farrow Vegan Leather Coat, $100.99, available at Need Supply
Dr. Martens are a solid choice for pretty much any occasion, but their supportive rubber soles and versatile style make them the perfect choice for the airport and and a multitude of city sightseeing outfits. Choose a pair with zippers so you can cruise through security.
Dr Martens 2976 Chelsea With Zips, $145, available at Zappos
Feeling calm, comfortable, and in control starts from the base layer. This wireless bra is one of Thirdlove’s top-sellers and perfect for travel because of it’s flexibility and foam-padded hook & eye with tagless printed label that ensures a comfy, scratch-free flight.
ThirdLove 24/7™ Seamless Stripe Wireless Bra, $68, available at ThirdLove
A classic pair of Levi’s is always a good idea, especially if you opt for a stretch denim material. These are an absolute must for Mbida, who’s a fan of this pant in all of its forms: "Black, blue, white, short, long, destroyed… they’re are all my favorite!"
Levi’s 314 Shaping Straight Jeans, $69.5, available at Levi’s
You can’t go wrong with an oversized, neutral scarf that looks great layered over your outerwear but doubles as a blanket when you travel.
Acne Studios Canada Wool Scarf, $180, available at 24 Sevres
Any airy, open weave sweater made with breathable cotton is a nice, elevated alternative to a basic long sleeve tee.
Mango Openwork Knit Sweater, $79.99, available at Mango
The question of weather or not leggings count as pants is a polarizing issue no matter where you are in the world, but French girls overwhelmingly approve of any kind of pant from the label Stouls. "These pants are so comfortable, they feel like sweatpants but are still chic," Gabriele says.
Stouls Plunged Leather Legging, $1560, available at 24 Sevres
In the world of travel, it doesn’t get better than Rimowa. For the trendy and design-obsessed, the sturdy yet polished appeal of this suitcase is the only way to travel in style. "I love Rimowa luggage because it’s both cool and incredibly durable," Gabriele says. "I love my gold carry-on, which is perfect for a weekend away, and there’s a size or color for every taste."
Rimowa Original Cabin Luggage, $1100, available at 24 Sevres
"A quick beauty fix at 40,000 feet is always a good idea, and I carry a few fail-proof products with me," Gabriele says. She recommends a little lip and cheek tint for a quick boost after a long flight.
Tata Harper Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint , $39, available at 24 Sevres
There are a lot of fascinating ways to use witch hazel on your face and skin. This facial mist is Mbida’s top choice to enhance her skin’s natural glow. Make sure to choose the travel size if you’re shopping online!
Thayers Travel Size Witch Hazel Rose Toner, $3.99, available at Ulta Beauty
Mbida suggests opting for a fabric that works as a scarf but can also be used as a turban to protect your locks while you’re mid-flight. Silk is an excellent option to wrap your hair without causing frizz, breakages, and split ends.
Hana Khalil 100% Silk Scarf, $105, available at Hana Khalil
In order for Gabriele to make the best use of her favorite apps, her phone better be able to keep up with a rigorous itinerary. Avoid the unnecessary stress of watching your phone battery die before you’ve even reached your destination. "I don’t go anywhere without one (often two) Mophie portable chargers," she says. "There’s nothing more frustrating than getting stuck without battery when you need it most!"
Mophie Powerstation XXL External Battery, $60.41, available at Amazon
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Source: Refinery29 – Amanda Randone