What is it about the French that makes them irresistible to us fashion girls? Is it their propensity to create avant-garde clothing? Their perfectly undone hair and makeup? Their “c’est la vie” attitude towards the world? (Or… is the idea of the chic French girl all in our heads?)

Whatever the reason may be, it’s a universal truth that we Americans look to Paris for the latest in fashion and beauty trends. 

(There’s a reason, after all, why Anna Wintour-substitute Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada calls the Paris couture shows her most important event of the year!)

While the importation of high-street labels from Paris into our wardrobes might be out of the question for most of us, it never hurts to gain inspiration from this legendary birthplace of cool-girl looks.

Without further ado, here are three exceptional films every Francophile should watch — all related to fashion, of course!

Table of Contents

Coco Before Chanel | Official Trailer (2009)

Why is it important? 

After you’ve watched Audrey Tautou star as the whimsical titular character in critically-praised Amélie, you’ll love seeing her quiet strength bubble up to a creative apex in Coco Before Chanel. 

While the film doesn’t adhere strictly to historical accuracy (honestly, what biopic does?), it’s delightful, gorgeous, and every bit as elegant as the oft-quoted legend behind it.

Who’s the fashionable lead? 

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel (played by Audrey Tautou)

How can I copy her style? 

Coco Chanel was defined by her fitted and sophisticated clothing line, which she set apart from others of the era by drawing inspiration from menswear.

While you don’t have to be tomboyish or over-the-top to get the Chanel look, wearing something like a vintage quilted jacket and accessorizing it with classic pearl jewelry will help you to imitate Chanel tastefully.