If you’ve been reading Léonce Chenal for a little while (whether it’s been a few weeks, a few months, or even several years now <3) then I suspect French style no longer holds many secrets for you. A few years ago, it could almost be summed up as a kind of uniform: a handful of well-chosen, well-defined wardrobe essentials. But over the past five years, I’ve watched it evolve, become more nuanced, more layered, more complex.
After years of studying it, observing it in everyday life, on the runways, in boutiques, and on the streets, I’ve come to a conclusion: there isn’t just one French style, but many. It’s multifaceted, like a mille-feuille of aesthetics and influences that coexist, overlap, and continue to unfold. There’s the vintage, feminine, sensual style à la Rouje. The bohemian yet undeniably urban and Parisian look of Isabel Marant. The polished, preppy aesthetic of Céline or Sandro. The bohemian, 70s-inspired romantic silhouette of Chloé. The casual, feminine, and relaxed charm of Sézane. And that’s only a glimpse. I could go on :). What I love most is that there’s no need to emulate one specific look. You can move fluidly across this spectrum, following your mood, the season, or your personal evolution. Or you can craft something uniquely your own by borrowing a little from each.
My own style has shifted quite a bit. I began with a Parisian-preppy and classic sensibility, then moved toward something more relaxed and casual. Today, I find myself embracing a hybrid of French and Scandinavian influences, shaped, no doubt, by my life here in Amsterdam. It’s a mix I deeply connect with: the clean lines, the tailoring, the colors, the minimalist, almost androgynous spirit of Nordic fashion, paired with the effortless elegance, the subtle sophistication, and occasional bohemian softness of French dressing. I like to feel polished yet understated, wherever I go, whatever the setting. I also value comfort: clothes that move with me, that feel good to wear, and that still offer structure, confidence, and quiet allure.
As I reflected on how my own style has evolved (and perhaps yours, too?), I felt compelled to share something a little different today: a more personal reflection on what French, or even Parisian, style means to me now. What I gravitate toward. What I’ve let go of. Think of it as a guide, perhaps, for those of you looking to refresh or modernise your wardrobe, without pretension, and always with humility. Because style is, above all, deeply personal. This article isn’t meant to be a rulebook. If you’ve spent time in Paris, or any French city, you’ve likely noticed the wide range of styles that coexist, and how distinct fashion can be from one region to another.
And even though French style is often called “timeless,” I believe certain pieces, whether in their cut, color, or character, can absolutely be brought up to date. Not out of an obsession with trends, but simply in search of a modern, relevant look that still feels like you. So I’ve gathered a list of pieces from my wardrobe that have evolved with me over the years: those I’ve set aside, and those I’ve embraced. A version of French style without fantasy, without cliché, without costume, just real clothes I wear day to day, that make me feel both confident and chic.
Not long ago, one of you wrote to me asking for a kind of wardrobe reset, a way to revamp your closet from scratch into something more refined. I believe this article may offer a few starting points. Whether you’re in your early 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, or 70s, there’s no age limit to feeling good in your skin and good in your clothes. I hope you enjoy this reflection, and that it sparks a few ideas of your own.
Select links in this article are shared with compensation from Margaux. It is not a sponsored article; the writing and choices remain entirely my own, guided only by independence, curiosity, and discernment. Some links are also affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, always at no cost to you.
Denim
Let’s start at the very beginning, with what is, in my opinion, one of the cornerstones of a French wardrobe and something I personally wear almost every day: jeans. What I’ve definitively let go of in recent years (for both comfort and style reasons): ultra-skinny jeans and also the high-waisted, cropped or straight-leg “mom jeans” that were everywhere a few seasons ago. Instead, I’ve made space in my wardrobe for mid-rise jeans, with a wider, longer leg that drapes beautifully over shoes. I find this silhouette far more flattering, it lengthens the legs and softens the overall look.
One of my current favorites? The Matilda jeans from Mango. They’re just the right length (not too short, not too long, not too wide—for reference, I’m 1m72 and ordered my usual size 38), and they work equally well with sneakers, loafers, or even ballet flats. These jeans are quite similar to The Secret Sauce by AYR, which I adore, and also to this one from Massimo Dutti, with its mid-rise and slightly relaxed cut.
Color
I’m blonde with very fair skin, and while I used to gravitate toward dark, classic shades like black and navy, I’ve realized over time that these tones harden my features and don’t suit me as well anymore. What does work? Lighter, softer shades: camel, beige, ivory, white, pastel hues like pale pink, soft blue, light green and even warm neutrals like cognac and light brown. These shades brighten my complexion and feel much more harmonious with my coloring. Of course, color is deeply personal. I always recommend choosing tones that truly flatter you and make you feel your best.
The Striped Shirt
I haven’t worn a classic marinière in years. While it had a strong comeback a while ago, I now find it can feel a bit cliché. That said, I haven’t abandoned stripes entirely! I just wear them differently now. Think of an light blue shirt with thin white strips like this The Deep End by AYR, it looks beautiful paired with white, wide-leg trousers. Or perhaps an ivory sweater with beige stripes, like this one from Jenni Kayne. Even a navy striped polo tee can work beautifully. But the classic marinière? I’ve quietly let that one go.
The French Bob
I wore the French bob for nearly a decade, sometimes shorter, sometimes longer with subtle layering for movement and volume, or cut clean and blunt for a more structured effect. But over the past year, I’ve been craving change. I’ve let my hair grow long, very long, actually, and I’m loving it. Lately, I’ve been drawn to the aesthetic of Chemena Kamali’s Chloé (as seen in the featured photo of this blog post): long, slightly tousled 1970s-style hair, worn loose and natural, without heavy styling or sharp cutting. I used to get blonde highlights every six months, but now I much prefer balayage on longer hair. The effect is softer, more modern, and far easier to maintain as it grows out.
Ballet Flats
I’m absolutely loving ballet flats at the moment! While last year was very much the year of the Mary Jane, this year I’m gravitating toward ballet flats, but with a touch of personality. Think mesh ballet flats, woven leather styles, or those with a subtle Mary Jane twist, like an adjustable instep strap. My current favorites? The Woven Paz, which the brand kindly sent me to try. I recommend going half a size down, as they run a little large. They’re incredibly comfortable thanks to their 5mm plush foam padding, and perfect if you’re looking for a closed-toe summer shoe that’s breathable, city-appropriate, and very office-friendly.
Fit & Proportions
For a long time, I gravitated toward oversized, highly structured cuts; blazers, shirts, t-shirts, tailored trousers, coats with sharp shoulders. It was comfortable, yes, but also very much in style a few years ago, especially with the rise of that clean, minimalist aesthetic popularized by brands like The Frankie Shop.
But as I began experimenting with softer colors, rounded shoulders, and more balanced shapes, fitted or gently relaxed but not oversized, I realized these silhouettes flattered me far more. Full-on oversized looks tend to make me appear broader than I am (especially since I have hips), and the effect can feel a bit too masculine on my taller frame. And a bonus? These more refined cuts are often much more timeless.
Colorful Sneakers
I’ve recently shifted from being a devoted fan of classic white leather sneakers to falling for colorful sneakers instead. My latest favorite? A lovely lavender suede pair of Nike Cortez that I’ve been wearing on repeat. They’re incredibly comfortable and pair beautifully with the pieces I wear most these days: light-wash or white jeans. I’m already thinking about getting the same pair in a camel, beige, or brown shade for autumn, they’d be perfect for transitioning into cooler weather.
The Trench Coat
I used to wear a very classic trench: long, belted at the waist, timeless in shape. But lately, I’ve been drawn to shorter, A-line trenches, like this one from Tuckernuck or this one from Massimo Dutti. This spring, I bought one from Massimo Dutti with a detachable scarf collar that I really love. I find it much more practical than a long trench, especially as my primary mode of transport here in Amsterdam is the bicycle! I have a feeling this will be the jacket of the season this autumn.
The White T-Shirt
Now, the white tee may seem like the simplest item in a wardrobe, but in truth, it’s one of the trickiest to get right. I have a pear-shaped body, with a small bust, and wider hips. So for years, I struggled to find t-shirts that truly flattered my shape. Many were too loose, too long, or made my shoulders look boxy, especially since I’m tall, which can easily create a more masculine silhouette.
But I’ve finally found the styles that suit me best: fitted, waist-defining tees that complement my figure. Slightly shorter cuts, with sleeves that subtly round the shoulders, and silhouettes that highlight the waist and small bust. Here are a few I love:
- Fitted cropped tees from Mango (I wear a size M)
- Slightly structured short-sleeved tees from Massimo Dutti (I wear a size S)
- Close-fitting styles that work beautifully with wide-leg jeans (I wear a size S)
This combination, a white tee and jeans (more or less wide-leg), has really become my everyday uniform. It’s so practical for those days when nothing feels quite right.
The Raffia Bag
The raffia bag, once our grandmothers’ and mothers’ go-to for market runs, used to carry ripe fruit, cheese, flowers, or beach towels, has become wildly popular in recent years. It’s now worn not just on holidays, but as an everyday city bag. Personally, I still reserve mine for the beach or the market, to me, it still reads as a holiday piece. For the city and everyday wear, I much prefer a minimalist leather bag in soft, light tones, something that feels summery yet polished. Right now, I’m wearing on repeat this one from Cuyana in the color stone, it’s simple, refined, and just perfect.
Conclusion
If there’s one piece of advice I could offer, something I’ve learned over the years, it’s this: finding your style takes curiosity, experimentation, and patience. You can absolutely take inspiration from French style, but the key is to adapt it to your own shape, your lifestyle, and your personal taste. Be adventurous. Try things you normally wouldn’t. It takes time, sometimes months, even years, of trying different silhouettes, styles, and colors before discovering what truly suits you. That also means accepting the occasional mistake along the way ;).
Rather than following trends blindly, take inspiration from what resonates with you, and learn to reinterpret it in a way that works for your complexion, your proportions, and your sensibility. That’s where real elegance lies.
If this topic interests you, I’ll be writing a more detailed guide soon, with a step-by-step process for thoughtfully revamping your wardrobe (something I’ve done myself more than once over the past five years). I hope you enjoyed this reflection, and stay tuned, there’s more to come soon :)!
