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Nov 6, 2020

11 Over-40 French Women Who Only Get Cooler as They Age

by Allyson Payer

French women have a timeless quality that's hard to put into words. It's a combination of not looking like they tried and somehow appearing perfectly put-together. It's not something that can be readily taught, but these 11 women make it look easy. Every one of the French women featured here is as chic as can be and each is all over age 40. Not only that, but they seem to get cooler by the decade and make fashion over 40 look easy.

The women we're calling out include actresses, fashion editors, and former models, but there's nothing flashy about their style. They clearly have the fashion industry at their fingertips, but their classic aesthetics are indicative of French women in every field. Check out their cool confidence ahead and start looking forward to getting older.

Keep scrolling to see which over-40 French women inspire us and to shop pieces that they'd surely love at the end.

Stylish over-40 French women

Photo:

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

Caroline de Maigret is a model and the co-author of How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are.

Follow: @carolinedemaigret

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Getty Images

Carla Bruni is a songwriter, former model, and former French first lady.

Follow: @carlabruniofficial

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Getty Images

Marion Cotillard is an Academy Award–winning actress, a musician, and the face of Lady Dior.

Follow: @marioncotillard

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Emmanuelle Alt is the current editor in chief of Vogue Paris.

Follow: @emmanuellealt

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Collage Vintage

Isabelle Huppert is a veteran actress who was recently nominated for her first Academy Award for her work in Elle.

Follow: @isabelle.huppert

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Getty Images

Vanessa Paradis is a model, singer-songwriter, and actress who is a front-row fixture at every Chanel runway show alongside daughter, Lily-Rose Depp.

Actress Aïssa Maïga

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Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

Aïssa Maïga is a Senegalese-born French actress and producer. Her signature look on the red carpets she frequents is dresses that cinch at the waist.

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Getty Images

Juliette Binoche is an Academy Award–winning actress for The English Patient and perhaps best known for her starring role in Chocolat.

Follow: @juliettebinoche

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Getty Images

Inès de la Fressange is a model, style icon, and author of Parisian Chic City Guide.

Follow: @inesdelafressangeofficial

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Getty Images

Formerly the editor in chief of Vogue Paris, Carine Roitfeld now runs CR Fashion Book and is the global fashion director of Harper's Bazaar.

Follow: @carineroitfeld

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Getty Images

Catherine Deneuve is an actress (having appeared in over 100 films) and one of Saint Laurent's original muses.

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Getty Images

Garance Doré is a photographer, illustrator, blogger, and author of The New York Times best seller Love Style Life.

Follow: @garancedore

Mott & Bow High Rise Skinny Jeans in Orchard

High Rise Skinny Jeans in Orchard

The French are loyal to their skinny jeans.

Mansur Gavriel Lace Up Oxfords

Lace Up Oxfords

Want the Parisian look in an instant? Get a pair of Mansur Gavriel oxfords or ballet flats.

Munthe Lyle Double-Breasted Checked Woven Blazer

Lyle Double-Breasted Checked Woven Blazer

A double-breasted blazer makes every outfit better.

Mango Slim Fit Suit Pants

Slim Fit Suit Pants

This quintessential French print is trending again this season.

Burberry Kensington Long Trench Coat

Kensington Long Trench Coat

Behold the sophisticated French outerwear style of choice.

Madewell Whisper Cotton Rib-Crewneck Long-Sleeve Tee in Canarsie Stripe

Whisper Cotton Rib-Crewneck Long-Sleeve Tee in Canarsie Stripe

A T-shirt as versatile as this is more than a French-style cliché.

Gucci Neck Bow with Poppy Print

Neck Bow with Poppy Print

Do as the French do and casually knot this around your neck.

Equipment Leema Button Up Silk Shirt

Leema Button Up Silk Shirt

Throw this silk shirt on with a pair of jeans and pumps for an instantly polished outfit.

Triarchy Gauchos

Ten out of 10 chic French women have high-waisted wide-leg trousers in their closet.

Frame Les Second Medium Vase Bag

Les Second Medium Vase Bag

An eye-catching carryall is a must.

Soko Capsule Link Bracelet

Capsule Link Bracelet

Something gold will do.

Sandro Cropped Cardi Coat

Cropped Cardi Coat

A cropped cardigan looks very French when paired with high-waisted denim, no?

Le Specs Halfmoon Magic Sunglasses

Halfmoon Magic Sunglasses

Oversize sunglasses have a certain je ne sais quoi.

David Yurman Infinity Earrings With Diamonds

Infinity Earrings With Diamonds

Of course, diamonds are a "oui" in any language.

Rylan Milk Chocolate Small Satchel

Milk Chocolate Small Satchel

An everyday bag that's simple, yet quite chic.

Senso Manu I Chelsea Boots

Manu I Chelsea Boots

Much better than a basic black boot.

Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil

Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil

And a magnificent red lip. Voila!