What are the mysterious qualities that make French women so stylish? Words like “effortless” and “undone” come to mind, but we suspect it’s partly the things French women don’t do that make them so fashionable. And because French women are truly in a sartorial league of their own, the rest of the world is on a constant quest to emulate them. Knowing the set of guidelines they follow is the first step in achieving that effortless quality that they’re known for. 

To find out what these no-nos are, we went straight to the source and asked our favorite French style bloggers for the fashion rules they follow. From the footwear style they avoid to their philosophy when it comes to accessorizing, these tips are timeless, simple, and relevant to every age group. Read on for your master class in je ne sais quoi.