Inès de la Fressange © Uniqlo
In a country synonymous with timeless fashion, it is unsurprising that France boasts a rich heritage of style icons that transcend time and age.
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French women have a seemingly natural gift to look perfectly put together while simultaneously appearing effortless. This quality only gets better with age, as celebrity figures such as Inès de la Fressange and Catherine Deneuve clearly demonstrate. Undeniably, some of the greatest fashion icons from France are over the age of 40 and killing it. The world is their runway, and they take it in stride.
These iconic individuals serve as exemplars of the art of dressing chic and influence the way many stylish French women present in their daily lives. Take a look at some of our favorite fashionable French women over 40 who we take inspiration from both in style and character.
Inès de la Fressange (64)
Inès de la Fressange is a legendary model and fashion designer, known for her timeless, Parisian-chic style. She was the muse of Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel during the 1980s, and her own namesake brand embodies her signature look: effortless, feminine, and always elegant. Inès has been an inspiration to countless women worldwide who aspire to achieve that elusive “French girl” allure, no matter what age.
Carla Bruni (53)
Carla Bruni, a “Jane” of many trades, is the epitome of chic French sophistication. The former supermodel and former First Lady of France has an influence that extends beyond fashion as she is also a talented singer and songwriter. Known for her slender silhouette and impeccable taste, she effortlessly combines classic and contemporary fashion. Carla Bruni’s style encourages women to embrace their elegance and grace as they age.
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu (60)
Renowned for her fierce role as Sylvie Grateau in the hit series “Emily in Paris,” Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu embodies her character’s Parisian chic style that has sparked a global fascination with French fashion. Philippine’s elegance and charisma, both on and off-screen, have made her an ambassador of French style for a new generation.
Camille Cottin (44)
Camille Cottin is a versatile actress who you may recognize from her roles in French cinema and the hit TV series on Netflix, “Call My Agent!”. Her eclectic style effortlessly combines sophistication with a touch of rebellion. Camille’s fashion choices resonate with a younger audience, proving that French elegance is attainable for all ages.
Marion Cotillard (47)
Marion Cotillard is a celebrated actress and fashion muse who has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide in films like Inception, Allied, and Midnight in Paris. Her striking beauty and impeccable red-carpet appearances have solidified her as a style icon. Marion’s ability to flawlessly adapt her style from classic to avant-garde reflects the ever-evolving nature of French fashion while remaining timeless.
Garance Doré (48)
Garance Doré is a prominent fashion blogger, illustrator, and author. Her blog and artwork place an emphasis on democratizing fashion, showcasing that style is personal and should be accessible to all. Garance’s authentic, relatable approach to fashion has broken barriers and redefined the standards of beauty and style.
Catherine Deneuve (78)
The legendary actress and reigning queen of French cinema Catherine Deneuve has graced screens for generations with her timeless beauty and unmatched talent. Her poised, polished style epitomizes classic French elegance. While her style has evolved with the decades, she can always be seen donning simple yet stunning attire.
These seven iconic French women exemplify the enduring allure of French style. Their influence extends far beyond the fashion world, impacting how women perceive beauty through embracing aging and self-expression.