European style personality - City chic!

Your look

City chic! Expertly and expensively groomed and under-stated. A cool elegance.

The impression you give

A well-traveled and sophisticated woman of the world equally at home in London, Paris and Milan.

You exude an air of success and can appear slightly aloof as your carriage creates an authoritative presence which commands respect.

You are a lady in control of the way you look, confident and assured with effortless style.

European style personality #European style #Catherine Deneuve https://www.style-yourself-confident.com/european-style-personality.html

Your priorities

Although aware of current trends, you're not interested in high fashion but invest in quality garments with the emphasis on 'Cut'.

Neutral colors are your first choice for simplicity.

Think Giorgio Armani style with clean sleek lines which depends on cut and fabric rather than color.

Your look is always understated

You certainly may shop 'designer' but you choose not to advertise the brands - preferring simplicity and quality as the keynotes.

You have the confidence to be yourself and always appear stylish but modestly dressed without the need for high fashion trends or gimmicks.

European style personality #European style #Carla Bruni https://www.style-yourself-confident.com/european-style-personality.html

Quality over Quantity

A European woman, particularly a French woman (Carla Sargozy) will always place quality above quantity. These are the basic essentials which prove investment pieces for all seasons.

a navy cashmere sweater

a white silk shirt

a coverall trench coat

quality jeans - skinny for the young, bootcut for the over-40's

quality tailored trousers

leather boots

leather handbag and a couple of belts

European style personality #European style #Joanna Lumley https://www.style-yourself-confident.com/european-style-personality.html

A limited range of tones...

You've probably experimented with various styles in the past, but now have enough confidence to know what suits you and your lifestyle.

Occasionally, stunning one-off pieces will creep in to lift the neutral backdrop.You never panic buy and the simplicity of style and color in your wardrobe allows you to easily purchase beautifully co-ordinated pieces to freshen and update your look.

Accessories are your extravagance! One single accessory can turn a simple outfit into a chic statement.

A European style personality like Joanna Lumley (left) will choose a monochromatic or blended look with a limited range of tones which produces a look that is never overdone. This is a look that will see you stylishly through any occasion at any time of the day.

European style personality #European style #Sharon Stone https://www.style-yourself-confident.com/european-style-personality.html

Your shopping priorities

This look is quite easy to achieve - or perhaps I should say - easy to copy. But unless you can afford the real thing, you should shop very carefully to achieve the best quality you can.

At all times avoid

Modern classic lines

unfussy and well cut

usually plain colors

must co-ordinate with other pieces

quality accessories never gaudy

quality fabrics: wool or linen

At all times avoid anything branded, gaudy or tacky!

Light blue jeans, sweatshirts, flip flops and sneakers - all a no-no!

How to achieve the look

Simple classic styles in quality fabric - good cut says quality

Choose quality over quantity for your closet every time

Use mainly plain fabrics - limit yourself to two colors if possible

Closely match 2 main items: jacket and pants or skirt; top and bottom with different jacket

If you need to make a sharper statement, introduce a scarf or brighter jacket

A quality trench tops it off with sunglasses even if they sit on top of your head!

Wear jeans in the darker tones, straight legs are best

Smart shoes or pumps, loafers are good

cardigans look good with plain shirts or a camisole

Quality statement handbag to accessorize

Shop to expand your basics...

with the essential trench coat and stylish accessories.

By keeping to predominantly neutral tones, you gain the maximum mileage with co-ordination and retain the classy and classic effect of tone on tone.

European style personality #European style #french fashion style https://www.style-yourself-confident.com/european-style-personality.html

But Grooming always comes first...

Taking care of yourself and excellent grooming are priorities for a European style personality.

Your clothes must fit well; they are to enhance your body rather than take over.

An abundance of clothes is never a necessity for a French or Italian woman. Quality always takes precedence over quantity!

Your style icons

Catherine Deneuve, Isabella Rossellini, Barbra Streisand, Joanna Lumley, Sharon Stone

Your holiday look

Italian or French holiday style is like no other. Cool, clean, fresh linen separates, smart shoes, never sneakers and just the right amount of jewelry to complement.

So simple, so under-stated, the merest touch of color, but so Wow!