Today's Tip
The French treat an overcoat as a second skin, not outerwear. It should fit perfectly through the shoulders and hang without bulk. One coat, worn constantly for an entire season, is more Parisian than three mediocre ones rotated for variety. The coat is always the first and last impression.
Try This
Try on your current winter coat. Look at the shoulder seam: it should sit exactly at the edge of your shoulder, not past it. If it hangs past your shoulder by more than a centimeter, the coat is too large and will always look casual. Fit is the only thing that matters.
French women describe buying a coat as a "une décision" — a decision, singular, with weight. The French approach to a coat is closer to how one thinks about furniture than clothing. Longevity is the metric, not novelty. The fashion industry has convinced consumers to buy new coats every two to three years by making minor silhouette changes "trendy." The French ignore this. An overcoat in 100% wool, properly cared for, lasts 20 years and improves with wear.
One French lifestyle tip, every morning at 7am. Free — always.