Fashion in France: Effortless or an Artful Effort?

One of the first things I noticed walking along the cobblestone streets on Centreville, standing shoulder to shoulder on the metro, or being served at a p’tit resto, is that everyone here is has an effortless sense of style. Perhaps, this is an over-romanticization; however, it is true the French would be considered dressed up compared to Americans. Whether a server, student, elderly adult, business work, or child (yes, even the children are impeccably dressed), they simply wear always look fabulous. But where are they getting their sense of style, and where are they shopping?

At university, the French have a different uniform than college students in the states. In the US, it’s typical for students to dress comfortably, in athleisure, sweatpants, and occasionally pajamas. It’s a “roll-out-of-bed” approach. In France, students dress up for class and opt for more stylish clothing as their day-to-day outfits. These looks can still be simple; I consider them to be closer to a capsule wardrobe; versatile pieces that can be mixed and repeated. This would make sense considering they stretch their laundry days further apart and pin their clothes up to dry. 

You may be familiar with the stereotypical, striped shirt when you consider an image of a French person. La marinière or tricot rayé is a cotton long-sleeved shirt with horizontal blue and white stripes and is not just a stereotype but a true, classic staple in Brittany. They were once characteristically worn by quartermasters and seamen in the French Navy. These uniforms, which sailors claimed made it easier to see men who had fallen into the water, would later inspire Coco Chanel on her seaside holidays. At her second shop in Deauville, she launched the "Navy Style", a short marinière. From there, the style took off. Just today at lunch, I counted at least ten people walking past in les marinières! 

As far as shopping, I have visited some stores here and there when I walk around Centreville. The mall is much like the mall in the US, and the clothes are what you would expect in an American mall, with many locals shopping here. If you are looking for a more unique, local style, there are many boutiques in Centreville with higher priced, higher quality items. There are even vintage sellers, and I even bought my first French clothing item at one this past week, a long black dress. Something to also consider when dressing for Rennes is the weather. It rains. A lot. Essential that should be in everyone’s arsenal are rain jackets, rainboots, and umbrellas. 

I have noticed that I have become increasingly more aware of my own outfits, wanting to fit in with only the clothes that could fit in my suitcase. My wardrobe so far includes brown trousers, relaxed blue jeans, camo capris, black tank top, Cami-tops, and a light sweater. I wear sneakers every day, not concerning myself about nice shoes when doing a lot of walking on cobbled streets. 

I am 16 days into my time here in Rennes, and I remain unsure if French fashion is an effortless style passed down by genetic mutation or the result of an artful effort. It’s possible that there is a truth to both statements. Maybe it is indicative of a cultural emphasis on presentation, paired with wardrobes designed to make getting dressed easier. What strikes me about the French style is that it’s not trendy, it’s intentional. Regardless, style here feels like second nature, and it has made me think about the relationship between clothing, identity, and everyday life. I have also been contemplating how I can apply the minimal chic attitude to other areas of my life. 

Pauline Bailey

Furman University 

CIEE-Rennes : Liberal Arts Fall 2025