Are Ripped Jeans French Chic? Mais Non!

Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning is a wonderful actress and extremely pretty to boot. She and her sister Elle have the world of couture at their feet and usually have effortless chic down to a fine art. However, this photo of Dakota in ripped jeans doesn't past muster for me, I'm 

afraid. Dakota Fanning is of course, not the first nor the only star who can appear less than chic while out on occasion.

In the glam world of The Hollywood of yesteryear, the stars then would never be seen out in public dressed in any way other than immaculate. Why the urge nowadays to be 'casual'? Is it in an effort to appear more approachable to the public, more in tune with today's young or are they just 'off' days? I have no doubt that some people, who can afford to dress better, dress in ragged clothing to appear somehow nonchalant about their wealth. But being in the public eye demands that you maintain high standards, or so I thought. 
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In many cases, the way you dress reflects how you feel about yourself, at least on that particular day. You must have noticed this too: some mornings, you wake up full of the joys of spring so you put on the most colourful top or dress that you own, apply bright lipstick and hop out to have a wonderful day. On other days, you hate what you see in the mirror and dress like it, head to toe in severe black or in the shabbiest clothing in your wardrobe. You step out with all the world's woes on your shoulders and have a dreadful day. How you feel inside is worn like a uniform for all the world to see.

To return to the ripped jeans; in my books, How to Be Chic & Elegant and The Tidy Closet, I pass comment on clothes that need mending. They should be mended bie_n sûr if you want to wear them. Until then, they are to be confined to the darkest recesses of your closet. To my mind, you can't look chic in clothes that are torn. The term 'chic' has been hijacked by all and sundry, without knowing its meaning. In French, 'chic' and ripped jeans do not go in the same sentence. Forget the various fashionistas extolling the virtues of ripped jeans and other clothing. They may be worn by celebrities, but French chic they aren't.

For the rest of us who know better (and followers of this blog certainly will) dressing chic, as in 'French chic', is to always be as well dressed and presented as possible. Taking pride and care in your appearance shouldn't be a dirty word. Yes, it is an effort to do so every day. However, once you get the chic and elegant habit, you will be well on the way to effortless chic. 

So, ditch or mend those ripped jeans, write the following in red lipstick at the top of your full length mirror and take heed every day: "Don't be shabby, be chic!"

A Bientôt
Marie-Anne ♥︎

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French Women and Less is More: Fewer Clothes Mean Better Style