Mode

 - fashion, because French ladies know how to look good.

And they always put their knowledge to good use. Every day, when I'm sitting on the tram, walking to class, or even doing grocery shopping I see that the women around me have dressed to the nines. Their hair is always perfectly in place, their coats the perfect shade to match their shoes; it's like every French woman has stepped out of a magazine. Even within their homes, French women look, well a little more casual, but still fantastic; my host mother, sister, and sister-in-law always look elegant long after I've donned my more comfortable sweatshirt.

But after a couple months of living here, I've discovered the secret to their fashion success. A secret which I shall share with you: my readers. AKA the people in the States that haven't yet forgotten my existence. And so here it is: Miki's Guide to How to Dress Like a French Woman:

Step 1: Pull on some leggings or skinny jeans. Preferably an easily matched color, like black or beige, but they can really be any color. The important part here is that they hug all parts of your leg closely. Add some shorts or a skirt so you're not walking around in only leggings.
Step 2: Put something on on top. This could be anything; a nice blouse, a sweater, a tunic. It doesn't really matter because soon you will...
Step 3: Put on a coat. This must be that type of coat with two rows of buttons in the front. Button it up, so the top two thirds of your body (excluding your head and neck) will be covered by it.
Step 4: Fold a scarf in half, wrap it around your neck, and pull the ends through the loop in the middle. The scarf can be colorful, to brighten your solid-colored coat, but this is not necessary.
Step 5: Add shoes. These can be anything from flats to heeled boots. I've actually spotted a type of laced leather heels that seem to be popular among French women these days, but I don't know what they're called.

Oh, and I apologize for not posting photos of this particular phenomenon, but nobody wants to be that creeper taking pictures of random people she's never met before. I'm sure you understand.