French Style
May 28, 2018

Further Proof That Older French Women Are the Most Stylish Around

by Allyson Payer

French women have a timeless quality that's hard to put into words. It's a combination of not looking like they tried and somehow appearing perfectly put-together. It's not something that can be readily taught, but these 11 women make it look easy. Every one of the French women featured here is as chic as can be and over the age of 40. Not only that, but they also seem to get cooler by the decade.

The women we're calling out include actresses, fashion editors and former models, but there's nothing flashy about their style. They clearly have the fashion industry at their fingertips, but their classic aesthetics are indicative of French women in every field. Check out their cool confidence ahead and start looking forward to getting older.

Keep scrolling to see which over-40 French women inspire us, then shop pieces they'd surely love.

11 Over-40 French Women Who Only Get Cooler as They Age: Caroline de Maigret

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Collage Vintage

Caroline de Maigret is a model and the co-author of How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are.

Follow: @carolinedemaigret

11 Over-40 French Women Who Only Get Cooler as They Age: Carla Bruni

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Carla Bruni is a songwriter, former model and former French first lady.

Follow: @carlabruniofficial

11 Over-40 French Women Who Only Get Cooler as They Age: Marion Cotillard

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Getty Images

Marion Cotillard is an Academy Award–winning actress, a musician and the face of Lady Dior.

Follow: @marioncotillard

11 Over-40 French Women Who Only Get Cooler as They Age: Emmanuele Alt

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Emmanuelle Alt is the current editor in chief of Vogue Paris.

Follow: @emmanuellealt

11 Over-40 French Women Who Only Get Cooler as They Age: Isabelle Huppert

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Collage Vintage

Isabelle Huppert is a veteran actress who was recently nominated for her first Academy Award for her work in Elle.

Follow: @isabelle.huppert

11 Over-40 French Women Who Only Get Cooler as They Age: Vanessa Paradis

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Vanessa Paradis is a model, singer-songwriter and actress who is a front-row fixture at every Chanel runway show alongside daughter Lily-Rose Depp.

11 Over-40 French Women Who Only Get Cooler as They Age: Juliette Binoche

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Juliette Binoche is an Academy Award–winning actress for The English Patient and perhaps best known for her starring role in Chocolat.

Follow: @juliettebinoche

11 Over-40 French Women Who Only Get Cooler as They Age: Inès de la Fressange

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Inès de la Fressange is a model, style icon and author of the Parisian Chic City Guide.

Follow: @inesdelafressangeofficial

11 Over-40 French Women Who Only Get Cooler as They Age: Carine Roitfeld

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Formerly the editor in chief of Vogue Paris, Carine Roitfeld now runs CR Fashion Book and is the global fashion director of Harper's Bazaar.

Follow: @carineroitfeld

11 Over-40 French Women Who Only Get Cooler as They Age: Catherine Deneuve

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Catherine Deneuve is an actress (having appeared in over 100 films) and one of Saint Laurent's original muses.

11 Over-40 French Women Who Only Get Cooler as They Age: Garance Doré

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Garance Doré is a photographer, illustrator, blogger and author of New York Times best seller Love Style Life.

Follow: @garancedore

Isabel Marant Double-Breasted Blazer

Isabel Marant Double-Breasted Blazer (£545)

Is there anything more quintessentially French than a double-breasted blazer from Parisian brand Isabel Marant? We think not.

Petit Bateau Iconic Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Petit Bateau Iconic Long Sleeve T-Shirt (£24)

No-one does a cotton tee quite like Petit Bateau.

Hermes Bandana Twilly Scarf

Hermes Bandana Twilly Scarf (£135)

Hermes for £135? Yes, really! Do as the French do and knot this little scarf around your neck.

Topshop Black Let Hem Joni Jeans

Topshop Let Hem Joni Jeans (£40)

The French are loyal to their skinny jeans.

Repetto Camille Chunky Heel Flats

Repetto Camille Chunky Heel Flats (£232)

Want the Parisian look in an instant? Get a pair of Repetto ballet flats.

A.P.C. Pauline Trench Coat

A.P.C. Pauline Trench Coat (£525)

Behold the sophisticated French outerwear style of choice—from A.P.C., no less.

Sonia Rykiel Gingham Wide-Leg Trousers

Sonia Rykiel Gingham Wide-Leg Trousers (£490)

This quintessential French print is trending again this season.

Kate Moss x Equipment Striped Silk Top

Kate Moss x Equipment Striped Silk Top ($228)

Technically pyjamas, but is anything chicer than going outside in sleepwear that looks like this?

Raey Stripe T-Shirt

Raey Stripe T-Shirt (£85)

It doesn't get more classic French than a striped top.

Topshop Pleat Trousers

Topshop Pleat Trousers (£30)

10 out of 10 chic French women have high-waisted wide-leg trousers in their closet.

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