If I live here, do I become stylish by association?

It seems everyone is head over heels (yes, that is a pun) for French style. Maybe it's the upcoming Autumn, inspiring us to reach into our wardrobes (and most probably our purses), to invest in a shiny new look for the new season? Search for style guides and you'll be bombarded with tips on how to look timeless and elegant. Key guidelines for dressing on the Riviera seem to be "Don't wear shorts!" and "No flip-flops please!". Hmmm... From what I saw I've seen in Cannes, it seems some people along the Croisette aren't abiding to the guidelines. But I'm here for 4 months, not a week. I don't want to stick out as a 'tourist' for four long months!

I searched for inspiration:

Photos: Tumblr via Liz, Alexandra, Everythingfab.com via Shannon

And so whilst living in France, I'd better try and blend in with the locals. The thing is, I've left my skinnies and trench coat at home in the UK; I didn't think I'd need them for a summer on the Riviera to be honest! But I have do have some tailored items, classic accessories and stripes to hand. I'll have to give it a shot with what I'd packed back in May:

The most French looking outfit I can muster with my limited wardrobe (and my first outfit photos...hmmm)

What do you think? To be honest, I don't think I can pull it off 'comme les Francais', but I quite like it! It does feel a little too much like dressing up for me, but while I went out today like this (and saw a lot of French girls in similar outfits), I didn't feel quite so much like a bumbling English girl wearing someone else's clothes, and felt like I got some approving nods. Maybe I'll feel more comfortable with it when I get back to England in the Autumn, with my full wardrobe, or at least when I pass through Paris in September?

So maybe this is one look I'll pass up on for now... Although if a pair of Isabel Marant boots were to appear in my wardrobe, I wouldn't chuck them out...

What to do think? Have you been inspired by French style? Whilst looking up inspiration on French style, I stumbled upon this amazing book club series hosted by Fabulous Florida Mommy, in which she covers topics within Inès de la Fressange's book, Parisian Chic: A Style Guide. Definitely worth a look if you're honing your own French style!

As ever,

Xxx